A Different Kind of Christmas

The first night in Pipe Creek we had happy hour and played Mexican Train Dominoes on First Edition.  It was my night to be the big loser.

The next morning was bright and sunny to have Lynn and Peter show us where to hunt for sand dollars.  As I was getting out of the dinghy on the sand flat my sandal caught the handle of the dinghy and I went down in the shallow water.  I had my small camera in my left pocket so I twisted to keep it out of the water to which I was successful but not without twisting my knee.  It hurt but it did not deter me from my sand dollar search. 

Looking for Sand dollars on the flats.

Lynn holding up her bag of sand dollars  and telling Peter he did too much talking with Al!

Pipe Creek Yacht Club

 We then went over to Pipe Creek Yacht Club beach.  You can see that the yacht club consists of what ever floats up on the beach, including a table with a vase with a green arrangement.  It is quite fancy as you can see! 

My prize finds!

 We walked the trail around to the sound side in search of sea glass and shells.  We found both as well as sea urchins.  You can see my stash for the day.  Quite a haul!  How many will get back home in one piece is the question?

We shared dinner on board Blue Heaven with Lynn and Peter and then called it a night with both of us planning to leave to head to Black Point to do laundry and internet and ride out a front that is to come through tomorrow.We headed out into the sound and motor-sailed to Black Point.  Here we went in to do laundry at the best laundromat in the Exumas and to get internet at Lorraine’s Café.   While I did that, Al got rid of garbage and hauled water to the boat from a spigot which is next to the road.  Both were done for a small contribution you put in a box on the trash trailer.  We also got two loaves of bread from Lorraine’s mother, one being her famous coconut bread.   We were glad we got back to the boat when we did because we saw the front coming in, as you can see in the photo.

Front coming in.

When the rain and wind finally reached us, it wasn’t terrible but that night rollers were coming in making us rock and roll uncomfortably.  It was one of the worst nights I had spent on the boat.  I finally moved to the main cabin which is closer to the center of the boat to get a few hours of sleep. 

Black Point- a beautiful spot.

The next morning it quieted down just barely to go by dinghy to get off and walk to the sound side of the island to beach comb.  When we got to the dock we met another “crazy” couple who fought the waves to land and they came from a powerboat named Utopia.  We commiserated over the miserable night and said we were moving to Little Bay about two miles on the bank side of the island which we did and they followed.  It was the best move, because we had a super peaceful night.

Little Bay where we spent Christmas

The next day I baked cookies for Christmas and later we got off on the gorgeous white sand beach to walk over to the sound side to look again for shells, sea glass and sea urchins.  There was a pink structure on shore which had been the start of resort that once again did not get completed, but someone lives on the first floor.  We don’t know if they are caretakers or renters.  There was another structure that looked like a castle.  It was a private home built by a couple from California. Al and Peter met the husband on their walk and Lynn and I met the wife on the beach the next day.  They call their home “Sand Castle” which was so appropriate.  

Unfortunate plastic and trash on beach.

 Although the beach was beautiful on the bank side, you can see the plastic and trash on the sound side beach.  It is not a pretty site and this are how most of the beaches are on the sound.   If more people saw this, perhaps they would reconsider using so much plastic which isn’t biodegradable!

Us, Linda, Herb and Lynn having fun!

Later we had happy hour on First Edition with Herb and Linda from Utopia.  He was originally from Austria and has had a very interesting life and has been with Linda for two years, so they had many stories to tell.  They invited us for Christmas Dinner which we gladly accepted to sample his Austrian cuisine.

Christmas eve on Blue Heaven

We beach combed early in the day Christmas Eve, but then came back to prepare dinner for First Edition and Utopia on Blue Heaven.  Everyone contributed something and had a delicious smoked turkey breast, stuffing, green beans, jello salad and coconut cream pie for dessert while listening to Christmas carols.  Afterwards everyone on their own boats, opened presents that Santa brought.  Yes, he finds you wherever you are!

Unfortunately you can not see the blinking Christmas wish on the hat.

Corn in the Bahamas???

Our big Christmas morning was walking our trash to the dump with Lynn and Peter!  It is amazing the things cruisers do to amuse themselves!  We did not have the cooking to worry about, so why not.  It was about 1 ½ miles so it gave us exercise we needed after our large meal last night.  One unusual sight we saw was corn growing next to the road. It was definitely planted by someone and we wondered how it fared in this dry climate and sandy soil.  We also delivered some Christmas goodies to the two other boats in the anchorage while we sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and had our Christmas hats on!

  I also went to the beautiful beach seen from our boat to relax, read and walk the shallow waters where I spotted this starfish.   Being near a cell tower, we were able to call my sister’s where our kids were having their Christmas celebration.  It was great talking to them all.

We went to Utopia at three o’clock to have our Christmas celebration.  Being on a powerboat was a different experience being up high on the bridge looking down.  Herb and Linda sang and played the guitar to entertain us, playing some great original songs.  I also tried out their hammock.  I just could not pass it up! 

And my kids wonder what I do all day?!!!

Our Austrian Christmas Meal

Herb prepared a wonderful meal of “Chickensnitzel” (like wienersnitzel (spelling?) made with chicken instead of veal) German potato salad (the best!), a pea salad, Lynn’s Caesar salad, a type of fried bread, and my cookies for dessert.  We were stuffed to say the least!   

Herb and Linda entertaining us.

Our Christmas sunset.

After dinner we retreated to the bridge and had a conch blowing contest at sunset.  I am not really sure who won but they had fun doing it.  While we experienced another beautiful sunset, we sang while Herb played his guitar.  It was a very different but most fun Christmas shared with new friends!