Keeping Busy with Lots of Activities

While we were still in Red Shanks hiding from the west wind, our friends on Saraid called and said they were going to some sand banks south of the anchorage with other friends on Right of Way, so we joined them. And I am glad we did!

Love the colors!

It was a beautiful day and with the sky a deep blue and the white sand bank and turquoise waters made a spectacular site. I am sure you agree!

What a beautiful sand bar!

We explored the sandbank but did not find sand dollars like we were hoping but came across a piece of old broken off coral with an interesting growth on it. No one had ever seen the white little soft petal-like growth before.

Does anyone know what these are?

The next day the west winds finally changed so we head over to Kidd Cove near town so we could go to the Catholic churches “Steak Out” and Al could get water for our tanks.

Cruisers enjoying the steak and chicken and other goodies.

The steak and chicken barbecue at the church was well attended by cruisers to help support the building of a youth center in back of the church.

The youth center is on its way.

It is actually ¾ ths done. Now we hope it just gets completed. Something which does not happen often in the Bahamas! There was some good eats at the stands with homemade French bread, donuts and cookies. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the bouncy house and games.

The kids favorite spot.

After lunch we headed over to Sand Dollar Beach to anchor. The next day we hiked some of the trails which were in fairly good shape, so Al did not have to wack too much vegetation. We hiked to the end of the island and walked back on the beach on the sound side. We never found any sand dollars but I did find an Emerald Nerite. You can see how tiny it is compared to a normal sized shell. I was reaching for another shell when I spotted it. They are so small, it is not one you spot just walking the beach.

The emerald nerite is quite tiny against the Sunrise shell.

The next day we moved to Monument Beach. In the evening, Freebird called a 'Beginning of Regatta Season” party on Flip Flop Beach. 

                      What a voice from one of our cruisers!

Flip Flop beach party.

They had a fire and music, and cruisers came from all anchorages. It was a beautiful afternoon and a wonderful sunset . One thing cruisers know how to do and that is party!

Chatting with friends as the sunsets.

I like being at Monument Beach because every morning except Sunday, there is water aerobics which is a very good workout. I have been in the water more this year because of it than ever before.

Checking in the ladies at St. Francis.

Look at smiles.  A little time away from our mates is good!

Tuesday was a busy day with water aerobics then the Ladies Luncheon which I organized at the local resort, St. Francis. Twenty-nine ladies came. I provided a “get to know others” type activity and some small door prizes as well as some of my favorite appetizer recipes. Everyone seemed to have a grand time which I gathered from all the thank-yous I got. It was a lot of fun.

Door prizes

Set up for Texas Holdem. 

Then that evening we went back to St. Francis for Texas Holdem. Al did not want to play, so he sat at the bar talking to people and enjoying the local beer. I played and made it through the second round, but did not make it any further. I knew the last time had to do with beginners luck, but I still enjoyed it.

The following day we hiked with George and JoAnn on Bristol Crème to the Monument. We got a good view of our anchorage with Blue Heaven close in. 

Looking at Blue Heaven from the Monument on the hill.

Hiking with George and Joann.

 We then hiked down to the beach on the ocean side looking for treasures. Not much found but a few small shells.

After a few days at Monument Beach we moved back over to Kidd Cove near town since west winds were due in on Sunday. I got some shopping done and hitch hiked to the meat market with another lady to get some cheese, luncheon meat, fish and chicken.

This is terrific compared to packaged luncheon meat!

You can see the deli case at the market. It looks like a small version of one in the USA. We are thankful because those prepackaged luncheon meats never taste the same.

In the evening we came into town to go to Rake'n Scrape (Bahamian music with drums, guitar and saw) at the new cafe at the right of the dinghy dock, called Red Boones. 

Rake 'n Scrape at Red Boones.

Escape Velocity, Cookie Monster and Sail Away all represented.

 Other friends came in and we had a good time, dancing, talking and listening to the music. Did not get back until almost eleven so you know we had a good time.

The next day I helped sell Regatta tee shirts and bags to support the cruiser's fund to buy sports equipment and prizes for the Regatta with left over money going to a Bahamian cause.

Selling tee shirts and bags with Helen on Dejavu.

We had another experience with dolphins around the boat and people swimming with them. I got one picture of a dolphin looking up like Flipper ( I hope you remember that show on tv.) 

The dolphins are very entertaining.

Sunday being the Super Bowl, we were to have friends come for a chili dinner and watch the game. A front has come through, so it is blowing like stink out of the west which has altered many a Super Bowl parties plans. We watched alone with a lot of chili left over!