New Years Bahamian Style

Leaving Twin Beaches we motored through another smooth cut and out into the sound to sail for a while heading for Georgetown on Great Exuma island.  The closer we got, the more the wind was on our nose, so we ended up motoring into Elizabeth Harbor where Georgetown is located.  It was great to be back in the area we spent so much time the last trip.  We were almost two weeks earlier than last trip and it did not seem like many boats were here.  We don’t know if it was because we were earlier or as mentioned before, if there just are not as many cruisers this year.  

Monument Beach

We went past Hamburger Beach, Monument Beach, Volleyball Beach and over to Kidd Cove so we were close to town.  Carl and Marilyn from Discovery greeted us on our way in and made us feel welcomed. We went in for groceries and got a few (because the store was pretty bare, the boat had come in, but had not been unloaded yet) and internet.

Carl and Marilyn, our greeters!

The next day we went into town to make a few necessary phone calls, to get more groceries now that the store was better stocked, internet and to do laundry, the necessary things in life!  We also got to watch the Bahamians sailing their class C boats practicing for the race on New Year’s day.  You can see how they sit way out on the boards to counter balance the sail.

Bahamian Class C boats

I would not do that!

That night we had another beautiful sunset which set the mood for the local Bahamians Junkanoo celebration.   

Georgetown at sunset.

In Nassau they do this New Year’s Eve from 2-6AM, but thankfully in Georgetown they start at 9:30PM. 

The float that started the parade.

 The streets filled with locals and cruisers waiting for the colorful costumed bands to strut down the street. They had one float which was a doctor and a nurse promoting the new hospital they are building here.  

Children in costumes.

Even the children get involved. It is similar to a small version of the Mummer’s Parade in Philadelphia but with a totally different kind of beat. 

Can you imagine walking in this!

The colorful Junkanoo parader.

  We enjoyed the festivities and were back on the boat by 11:00PM.  That is pretty good considering cruiser’s midnight is 9PM.

The next day a front was supposed to move in, and it did while I was at church.  Luckily it came with no rain, but the wind and the waves picked up dramatically.  After a wet ride back to Blue Heaven we weighed anchor and headed across to the lee shore off Volleyball Beach.  We were one of about 4 boats still in Kidd Cove.  All the rest had already moved.  It was still a very rocky, “rolly,” uncomfortable night.

Peter, Lynn, Marilyn and Carl enjoying New Year's Eve

New Year’s Eve day we got ashore for a walk on the beach although the winds were blowing 18-25 knots.  Then we readied for our celebration on Discovery.  Four boats, First Edition, Sea Biscuit with Michael and Robin, Blue Heaven and of course Discovery came together to bring in the New Year although 5-6 hours earlier than most.  (We missed our friends on Synergy who unfortunately had the flu.) 

Us and Robin and Michael on Sea Biscuit

What a New Years spread.  We eat very well!

We had a wonderful array of hors d’oeuvres and German chocolate cake for dessert.  It was a feast as usual.  We were back on our boat by cruiser’s midnight after enjoying a great evening. (Isn’t it tough getting older?)