Winding down a Windy Week of Regatta

The second week of regatta wasn’t quite as busy as the first, because we just did not get to as many activities because the winds were blowing fairly strong.  We have had many more fronts come through this year than on our last trip.  However, we were expecting that because people told us that two years ago was the best weather they had had in George Town in 15 years.  We have actually had some cool temps for the Bahamas.  I know you people up north won’t feel sorry for us, but we actually pulled out socks and fleece vests at times this past week.  The nights were in the sixties which made for great sleeping but late afternoons and early mornings were sock weather.  Socks?  What are socks?  I hope we can put them away for a while!

Not very pretty when the front comes in.

A front came through just as the last boat reached the finish line of the around the island race with a gust up to 30 knots.  Al was not on any boat for the race but we did listen to the well done commentary.  Then the winds blew 25 – 32 knots for several hours, once again making us cancel a “sundowners” happy hour. That darn wind!

The next day we did the scavenger hunt with Suncat and Living Well.  After running around in our dinghies for three hours trying to find such things as feathered boa, a bouquet of purple flowers, the first phrase of the Bahamian national anthem, a picture of the base of the monument and 28 other things we did not even place.  We tried and it was fun trying.  It was hard competing with 42 other dinghies.

Later we visited with our friends on Escapaid to have "sundowners" and to say our goodbyes.  They were leaving the next day to head back to Florida.

Other people's basketry.

Some lovely jewelry.

Several days we just laid low on the boat because the wind was up so much.  Midweek I participated in the Art Show, displaying my crafts.  I had my rugs, baskets and jewelry.  I probably explained my rugs more than anything.  It was neat to see other people’s talents.  Jewelry and baskets were displayed the most.   

Explaining and demonstrating rug hooking to interested people at the Regatta Art Show.

Later that afternoon  I had wanted to go back and see the small boat races but due to the strong winds, we did not get back to see them.  They were a lot of fun to watch last time.

Tourest Tree

The next day while Al zoomed across the wavy harbor to locate a part needed for the engine, he dropped me off on Stocking Island so I could walk the nature trail and go over and look for shells on the beach.  We had not done the Nature Trail which had many of the trees and plant life labeled.  One interesting tree had red peeling bark and they called it the Tourest Tree because of the red pealing skin!

How appropriate!  We see the tourist get sunburn a lot!

The termite mound was as tall as me!

 I also came across the largest termite mound I have seen on the island.  I placed my navy blue knapsack on the ground near it to give you an idea of how large it is!  You can see wood structures would not last very long around here!     

Ted whom we enjoyed in Hog Cay and now George Town

That night was the closing ceremony and dance at Chat ‘n Chill on Volleyball Beach.  Several Bahamian dignitaries were on hand to welcome us and thank the cruisers for their contributions to their economy.  There were some great musicians, some cruisers, some Bahamians, who entertained us during dinner.  Then “Rockin’ Ron and Cool Karen” played the tunes for dancing the night away.  The usual good time was had by us and many friends. 

Crazy "Rocking Ron" our DJ

Tom & Pat from Suncat enjoying the dance.

Marilyn and Carl from Discovery

Another beautiful view on Stocking Island

Knowing we are leaving soon, Al and I once again hiked the Intrepid Trail and now that I have my small camera, I got some great shots of the views. And just as we came out of the one path we came across this bird which was an unusual sight around here.  (All you birders can let me know what it is.) 

Unusual siting in Bahamas.

Thanks for a job well done.

Food seems to be part of all gatherings!

That night we went into Queen’s Dock to have a gathering to honor Skip and Cheryl on Eleanor M.  They donate so much time to do a variety of jobs such as maintaining the buoys in the harbor, trimming the trails, organizing Beach Church and Ladies Bible Study.  They are selling their boat and moving in a different direction next year.  They will be sorely missed as the poster given to them indicates.

Another night we had Curt and Cathy from Five and Dime, and Prue and Bert from Exuberant down to play Mexican train dominoes. It is a big game among cruisers. The ladies once again took the most wins. 

Daylight savings time came and so we just took it easy on Sunday after Al got gasoline and water while I was in church.  We are hoping to leave Tuesday if the weather co-operates.  They were talking about 9 foot swells in Atlantic waters from the big storm in the northeast.  We are hoping they are going to settle down fast so we can leave to start our slow trek back through the Abacos.