tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43368172879447462352024-03-12T23:17:35.658-07:00Adventures of the "Q"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-51795992713215987142018-04-23T07:49:00.001-07:002018-04-23T09:24:21.101-07:00Spring 2017 Arrives, so does Corinne!<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">We’re posting this entry on Bahamian time…2017…a year late…</font></p> <p><font size="4">Our daughter Corinne flew in to Georgetown for a visit in late March, just in time for a one-week long weather cold front. The sun was shining, it was warm, and the winds blew and blew. We had a good visit even though we didn’t go very far. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYIeWZC59no/Wt3yH-2ziNI/AAAAAAAABbo/sxaFRu48WiYFuxgCo5Vc2I6JstwWjegZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030375%255B1%255D"><img title="P1030375" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030375" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O90j5oIgzC8/Wt3yIqNWmKI/AAAAAAAABbs/bgrY9WhsnikvWtyuYHIIbO4aJQyn2-97ACHMYCw/P1030375_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="654" height="242"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">Front coming through Red Shanks beach</font></p> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QhEEBd7MWIg/Wt3yJM7S15I/AAAAAAAABbw/RCzJYTP7_dk1Zev2JthjM_g1CHN9nfz8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030489%255B6%255D"><img title="P1030489" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030489" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5vzB1HkURP8/Wt3yJkXY8qI/AAAAAAAABb0/pNPC9BK6jZ46D2fXvt9RFX1EB9pj73d4ACHMYCw/P1030489_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="377" height="292"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> <font size="2">Waves breaking on Stocking Island beach</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VBeQCJ9Ac18/Wt3yKQKP7WI/AAAAAAAABb4/dODUjcjgjIM_dtePnMQLHL6a1O0wtRU8gCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030492"><img title="P1030492" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030492" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sSE2ZttwqwU/Wt3yK3VMUPI/AAAAAAAABb8/CbumdfxX1M8UzYHoBjFhkVgAHkCKeOoXQCHMYCw/P1030492_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="381" height="295"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Enjoying a warm walk on the beach</font><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvHiOpakt5g/Wt3yLlCy5JI/AAAAAAAABcA/iQHG31hrFek9xpg9WGgbkyTIEAAM8b5AgCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030474"><img title="P1030474" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030474" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b7XHFHsY5CM/Wt3yMDYzJkI/AAAAAAAABcE/-ooFcYsepXIWTfN3YC2KpaBJ-xQPXAYqgCHMYCw/P1030474_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="465" height="359"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="2">Corinne helming a leisurely sail inside Elizabeth Harbour</font> </font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="4">After Corinne’s departure the winds let up enough for us to sail to Long Island. Along the way Kim hooked a beautiful Cero painted mackerel. It seemed a shame to carve up his iridescent skin, but he fed us for a few meals with his delicious firm white meat. </font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WBhxxXfLnMU/Wt3yMkO6OQI/AAAAAAAABcI/eUM-6W5b4X43FM9eHXANw1--BYsred0zACHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030503"><img title="P1030503" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030503" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sn3wy8kxtqY/Wt3yNVxbhTI/AAAAAAAABcM/BZKWea-OYOMBnJT5AAar8WmF9vZDrWEcgCHMYCw/P1030503_thumb?imgmax=800" width="544" height="420"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">Hooked him with a skirted ballyhoo rig</font> </p> <p><font size="4">We enjoyed a reunion of the flotilla of friends (minus Tim and Diane on Acadia) on Long Island and spent a day touring on land. Our first stop was for a little spelunking at Hamilton cave. These caves were once completely under water as you can see from the smooth,rounded erosion on the limestone.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k30kLXrToxE/Wt3yOIaw3fI/AAAAAAAABcQ/GgYGIhkQQTk1Utjjzc2ZkiZI00i8UQPTwCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030529"><img title="P1030529" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030529" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-750eOizPGx4/Wt3yOrRDERI/AAAAAAAABcU/V0LMEYuJnbgjbVqEP8pNB4k2yp-dCmmXgCHMYCw/P1030529_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="541" height="418"></a></p> <p><font size="2">The black lines in these limestone caves are actually colonies of termites</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ps9yqA6jQOw/Wt3yPsHn3UI/AAAAAAAABcY/WCzXsXgEbyUy3GT9u1VhNcyMvUjPp-krACHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030543%255B1%255D"><img title="P1030543" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030543" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8LR_K6jfGkw/Wt3yQStSmZI/AAAAAAAABcc/A7X6HSlZdR4mOvjPDLWGqFizuBEndD2FACHMYCw/P1030543_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="540" height="425"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Leonard, our tour guide grew up playing in this extensive cave system.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jeT4wFL0tcw/Wt3yRVXicoI/AAAAAAAABcg/2KdhjfiIUzgdM3PdiXfcl1STFsmQ43TaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030553%255B1%255D"><img title="P1030553" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030553" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IzKAwVVFpHw/Wt3ySIBgJ-I/AAAAAAAABck/OGv_9pSvdZgmCzoiYwA553dinJLi14UWgCHMYCw/P1030553_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="546" height="427"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Stalactites in the cave</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pk61OqKLr8I/Wt3ySiyPQyI/AAAAAAAABco/6wjkTVhqWusjLHKVPc5XMGl249fekuWmgCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030544"><img title="P1030544" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030544" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfeZyCSvDs0/Wt3yTWjO8MI/AAAAAAAABcs/LamprnIM4ZYd7UoBQyjcnhg6pP_uCkf3QCHMYCw/P1030544_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="506" height="391"></a></p> <p><font size="2">We can just imagine Leonard playing hide an seek in the caves as a kid</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-No-gz8GMj5E/Wt3yT1hxL3I/AAAAAAAABcw/85tGHiyS7wcAkQwiTV4npMl67AqQyoyTQCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030547"><img title="P1030547" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030547" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pfeoeRvdZdY/Wt3yUeUvZJI/AAAAAAAABc0/EKbUT2ahN-AXHN5MtvJHalWwV9kp_bFpgCHMYCw/P1030547_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="514" height="397"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Back in the recessed areas bat colonies are hanging from the rock overhead… they were very polite during our visit.</font></p> <p><font size="4">A visit to this island would not be complete without a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole. Not everyone has the courage to jump from the 30 foot cliff though. It came down to ‘straws’ for who jumped first.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFn8X0GaBNw/Wt3yVGYUajI/AAAAAAAABc4/75MVcyHzoXYRs0iRJ07SxYF13sFnBXTQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030571"><img title="P1030571" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030571" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yomVSGYWR-M/Wt3yVmjRgEI/AAAAAAAABc8/ZNVkSzQVPzs2-IYowMR4Rzpi932puZV2gCHMYCw/P1030571_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="457" height="353"></a></p> <p><font size="2">The Hole and the cliff. The raft in the water is used by competitive free divers to guide them down hundreds of feet into the depths.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7ESsnOVK04/Wt3yWQ-iPfI/AAAAAAAABdA/1Pve_qbWqg8r2eJ86KO42I-iNfG5cxrPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC09172%255B1%255D"><img title="" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFNTwhMIAjQ/Wt3yW6V41uI/AAAAAAAABdE/A6PfNmPw7Gc3RxCYsx0jMcSYU9FPaEyXwCHMYCw/DSC09172_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="388" height="527"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The ‘Disclaimer’</font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odkp_xG6e8E/Wt3yXu0BAMI/AAAAAAAABdI/QBWWcsSpb9M_NzupdBcavvTMTg1jsjXSwCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030578"><img title="P1030578" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030578" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EMNf6C9l_PI/Wt3yYOwBABI/AAAAAAAABdM/VdcZlvYC6WYteG9lYYjerciuAkbqNI_MwCHMYCw/P1030578_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="352" height="272"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">Killing time while getting up the courage to jump.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXwf-IiH16k/Wt3yY30GacI/AAAAAAAABdQ/N1pExYpDFWU5HB4ELIYiJiN0Gs8yfDS2ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC09166%255B1%255D"><img title="" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Jkn578hqbY/Wt3yZmbsMuI/AAAAAAAABdU/gmy3O2-1xV8WjnN-eV-xpFbJOB6NHc4PQCHMYCw/DSC09166_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="462" height="627"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Kim pulled the shortest straw so was first off the cliff!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Long Island has beautiful ‘long’ beaches for walking, this one was deserted except for some four legged locals and a feisty crab.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K5ZyOHniUYM/Wt3yacUtdKI/AAAAAAAABdY/9yMjyA8LBoA8anq2ef_1330_7_yCbUzCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030607"><img title="P1030607" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030607" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGJW9WAKajk/Wt3ya6J6V8I/AAAAAAAABdc/ho-XN8ATT38cACJRJzO2Kn3Q5XrfKzieQCHMYCw/P1030607_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="564" height="436"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eeUzLwotDQY/Wt3ybQga93I/AAAAAAAABdg/W8N4o3RXbwY51HqNWj7j4IsMWj9fgU0HACHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030602"><img title="P1030602" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030602" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GGC6SE9m1g/Wt3ycNz00KI/AAAAAAAABdk/pMcUHGA_PUQBtw7hXgT8YSBK9x2d5E_wACHMYCw/P1030602_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="570" height="440"></a></p> <p><font size="2">For such a little guy he did not give up his ground</font></p> <p><font size="4">From Long island our gang split. One boat headed south to the Ragged Islands, the other to Puerto Rico. We headed back to Georgetown. Along the way Kim picked up a 20lb common jack. Sadly they are not good eating fish but we are sure it was a tasty meal for the sharks.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMLhFG5Y4VY/Wt3ycz3J-tI/AAAAAAAABdo/aTZ2WRHVT_sM_SpnxWzcqUSrHm4LXMiUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030620"><img title="P1030620" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030620" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RlK2IMeLwNs/Wt3ydWHjuDI/AAAAAAAABds/8ftAB-cEmCwoVms3HPErLLLPdd46DOdNwCHMYCw/P1030620_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="451" height="349"></a></p> <p>Nothing goes to waste in the ocean. Somebody else will have this one for dinner.</p> <p><font size="4">More big winds and seas kept us in Georgetown for another week which is never a problem. While wandering we came across a Man O’ War jellyfish.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q-tgotOSIyo/Wt3yd5IYhqI/AAAAAAAABdw/h1P_pTKZThID5sf30p4fqfE0gw0AJY6RQCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030631"><img title="P1030631" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030631" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wgDDMyZKpwI/Wt3yerzAC-I/AAAAAAAABd0/pdJ05b2LUJkYbeVPIdXRwmIInoyTOL3bgCHMYCw/P1030631_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="523" height="404"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Not wonderful sailing conditions. Best to stay on the beach.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y8mqwBJpXz4/Wt3yfT3Ry6I/AAAAAAAABd4/HK72eF3n87o4C3l9B4FlGH3YW0JedXEzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030642"><img title="P1030642" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030642" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAwGWFdgjkU/Wt3yfwywRxI/AAAAAAAABd8/uaXWkh6jSzo6S9yQtMHj5hyxgahH43LNgCHMYCw/P1030642_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="466" height="360"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="2">Man-o-war jelly fish. We tried to get ahold of the top of the ‘sail’ (not the tentacles of course) but it is impossibly slippery, an odd consistency that only nature can come up with</font>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">At a two day stop at Kim’s favourite spearing location (not to be identified!) we were rewarded with a large lobster or crayfish as the species is known as down here.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QeS0B2yOw3A/Wt3yhKIHyuI/AAAAAAAABeE/Ol1rZoU8NGAgEVDfQ4bvros0U0YBTB-WACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170430181909"><img title="20170430181909" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170430181909" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPUpVEUrj6M/Wt3yiM5DNsI/AAAAAAAABeI/7FwHR1s9jZ4Povuwc8frf3zgHsSO2WNswCHMYCw/20170430181909_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="486" height="376"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Got ‘em!</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KpjH76W86Bo/Wt3yi56vKqI/AAAAAAAABeM/AdjJGXXlkrsSplRUsOZfClnyXWynKPTQACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170430181936%255B1%255D"><img title="20170430181936" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20170430181936" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jiz-oChVncE/Wt3yjZaSMGI/AAAAAAAABeQ/AMS5XB5XmSAn8TwdqmK9wRsm2RgXcF0NwCHMYCw/20170430181936_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="450" height="611"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="2">Out of respect for the advanced age of this lobster we felt the need to name it, so ‘Lawrence’ fed us for two dinners and a lunch</font>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">One last photo to end the season from yet another classic Exuma beach…Jack’s Bay.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0IYuhRp1oI/Wt3yj4rOJ5I/AAAAAAAABeU/Pu7p2xvzLTk0LehuMs3Euj9x5OusB0H_gCHMYCw/s1600-h/P1030337"><img title="P1030337" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030337" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBkedlyf5B4/Wt3yko84mMI/AAAAAAAABeY/vPlludBAU7AojTyLis3G0TdR3Mpr5EYOwCHMYCw/P1030337_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="711" height="549"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-91573171298741153732017-04-14T13:52:00.001-07:002017-04-14T13:52:25.887-07:00Exumas -Lots of wind and fish fish fish!<p><font size="3">The Exuma area of the Bahamas is still our favourite place down here. This area consists of 365 islands or cays that extend over 130 miles. We spend a lot of the winter island hopping these largely deserted places. This year we had plenty of company for exploring the islands and more importantly what is under the water. Along with “Lady A” we had Acadia(Tim and Diane) and Erben Renewal (Steve and Julia), both trawlers (power boats) to keep us company. Tim, Diane and Michel are all former US military sorts so our walks were always at least four miles long.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y3qZppPvafA/WPE2Y6JzbDI/AAAAAAAABZQ/Ip-6xhYGQ5I/s1600-h/P1030318%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030318" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XexD-YVzcqw/WPE2Zcqh5lI/AAAAAAAABZU/AWEx9GzKlMU/P1030318_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> The half way point on a six mile walk on Guana Cay. Kim and Steve opted out to go and spear fish.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qpZVdAir3xo/WPE2Zjto6cI/AAAAAAAABZY/j-L4YHXLgxQ/s1600-h/P1030312%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030312" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TzSbsJeD9QQ/WPE2Z_yuSiI/AAAAAAAABZc/GG1oyy-2myQ/P1030312_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> A windy day on the the Exuma Sound (Tom Wood of NYC on the far left,Tim and Kim)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oMp3wA-VLic/WPE2aVHzlpI/AAAAAAAABZg/ZLS8NBClPiY/s1600-h/P1030301%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030301" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030301" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g9Fcqx0WVeU/WPE2aiMAeRI/AAAAAAAABZk/4xD8VSzVIOs/P1030301_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Another windy day (there have been many) at Cambridge Cay</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e7LL1vvgnw/WPE2az7wQII/AAAAAAAABZo/innva9DjWqg/s1600-h/P1030307%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030307" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030307" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYhl0RdfDwE/WPE2bbxqkKI/AAAAAAAABZs/Awoug9o4bds/P1030307_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Not a good day for swimming</p> <p>In the Exumas we spend a lot of our time under the water, that is where the treasures lie. For some of us it is beautiful tropical fish and for others it is all about dinner! With four boats together snorkeling time becomes quite social and in this group fish spearing was the priority. We have had many appetizer times and shared dinners with the fish that were speared. It is always open season on Lionfish (an invasive species) and the meat is delicious so we have had many. Michel and Kim both speared their first lobsters although they were somewhat under the legal size (we now know that you tease them out of their hole and have a look before spearing them). Kim is getting better at fish spearing and has brought home a number of grunts, a grouper and snappers to grace our table, yum!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EH3__hNgfek/WPE2bi4r2lI/AAAAAAAABZw/A8D9c8DMHiU/s1600-h/P1030293%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030293" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030293" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QXDg0uWJiY/WPE2b0VJEUI/AAAAAAAABZ0/veWnLAdl03A/P1030293_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>One of Kim’s Lionfish, quite beautiful really (be careful of the poisonous spines).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xh_1ATgWseQ/WPE2cSBfNTI/AAAAAAAABZ4/3nR5Uu6KAhc/s1600-h/P1030325%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030325" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030325" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qo7vQKlhKc0/WPE2cjmd-TI/AAAAAAAABZ8/lt_dA11Lr90/P1030325_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Kim and Michel with their catch. I love the expression on their faces, little boys again.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LAoT0SApQ4M/WPE2c8MOxHI/AAAAAAAABaA/KG1Qf73hYlE/s1600-h/P1030330%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030330" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030330" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xd8EmR0urTc/WPE2dApPEHI/AAAAAAAABaE/blTwms4QjGo/P1030330_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Snapper, Lionfish, two Grunts, a Grouper, and two Spiny Lobster!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZpTk25PdiA/WPE2djHDg9I/AAAAAAAABaI/au2mTMYkuoE/s1600-h/P1030339%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030339" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030339" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IcLCdgjvjgk/WPE2d0z7ZAI/AAAAAAAABaM/K7hftj21Ihs/P1030339_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Another good day of spearing</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hjJzY2957Qo/WPE2eb7pqsI/AAAAAAAABaQ/3jxNE7by4Ew/s1600-h/20170317143700%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170317143700" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170317143700" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OwqJGo7Dug4/WPE2euSsLqI/AAAAAAAABaU/Za0a03wbw6E/20170317143700_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>A Slipper lobster (rare) and two Spiny ones. Kim wishes he had speared these guys, I traded a fellow cruiser two bottles of juice for the spiny guys. Kim is looking forward to spending time with him next year!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kKRvE1EfuIg/WPE2e2PEezI/AAAAAAAABaY/KWML9wiowtc/s1600-h/20170317143652%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170317143652" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170317143652" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHyZGVcVCeg/WPE2fSe3odI/AAAAAAAABac/hhkkLkzn3eg/20170317143652_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>A close up and yes those are horns…and they were delicious in butter and white wine.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4daKjVHCCmE/WPE2fiTS1kI/AAAAAAAABag/g8h8AsOAX9o/s1600-h/20170308_172631%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170308_172631" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170308_172631" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FHT95subeuM/WPE2f0RWo5I/AAAAAAAABak/64kUMlBKE1g/20170308_172631_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Enough of the fish, there are some really sweet children (and adults) on the cays. I bring books along to give away and they are always thrilled.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-he9etDkt1Ko/WPE2gfV8FCI/AAAAAAAABao/J-JLNmhERUs/s1600-h/IMG_6281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6281" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6281" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jGfKoxPxR1E/WPE2giP5bOI/AAAAAAAABas/apjH6XIaBfI/IMG_6281_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>A fun night on Diane and Tim’s trawler…yes you get REAL lights on those boats!</p> <p>Just a few classic shots to close out…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-umZk8AgxPlM/WPE2g2VR-SI/AAAAAAAABaw/_B56FtC6t1U/s1600-h/P1030332%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030332" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030332" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHEHqOjr3OA/WPE2hfxGinI/AAAAAAAABa0/4MA1YbB9e4Q/P1030332_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>The sun setting beside Acadia</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTuH0qcG7hs/WPE2hlsj37I/AAAAAAAABa4/Lf4vVhzn3DY/s1600-h/P1030286%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1030286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1030286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRjT2Qj_OYo/WPE2iLjyFJI/AAAAAAAABa8/grl4nZE0CQ8/P1030286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>A nightly show from the cockpit of the Q.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-70643657365876533172017-04-13T18:09:00.001-07:002017-04-14T14:32:16.122-07:00First Stop - Bimini<span style="font-size: small;">In order to get to the Bahamas on a sailboat most sailors will wait for a ‘weather window’, sometimes for days and sometimes for weeks! This ‘window’ is often the leading edge of a cold front (a west wind) that is moving east from Florida across to the Bahamas. This means that your arrival is followed by a few very windy, cool days in a marina. This year we had to only wait a few days for our window to sail to the island of Bimini where we officially start our season (it is also a former home of Ernest Hemingway and the setting for his novel ‘Islands in the Stream’). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While killing time on Bimini, waiting for another window to move further south and west into the Bahamas, we walked north on the island and spent a day wandering around the Bimini Island Resort.This is a place we are not likely to stay as guests…it seems bizarre to have such opulence in the middle of a poor island. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hc7ADWokx_g/WPAhLwO5WCI/AAAAAAAABYk/9_IicsaN4CA/s1600-h/20170209_1252304.jpg"><img alt="20170209_125230" border="0" height="484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dlwRnrNADn0/WPAhMnjad1I/AAAAAAAABYo/q9l9Kt3Eiow/20170209_125230_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20170209_125230" width="364" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This pool wraps around three sides of the resort.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G91_e4kcVaY/WPAhM4Cd3-I/AAAAAAAABYs/MGmBSCSYfMA/s1600-h/20170209_1501406.jpg"><img alt="20170209_150140" border="0" height="484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hziyneGCb3s/WPAhNQthv6I/AAAAAAAABYw/82HGIbZM2o4/20170209_150140_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20170209_150140" width="644" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Cathy cooling off in the infinity pool with the Gulf Stream in the background (no we did not ask permission!).</span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zssoLPAj9qg/WPAhN5_8e-I/AAAAAAAABY0/0Mq0l0rjdaQ/s1600-h/20170209_1251214.jpg"><img alt="20170209_125121" border="0" height="484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-REWN7MvoLmY/WPAhOSr10aI/AAAAAAAABY4/O8FQVo5dNxI/20170209_125121_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20170209_125121" width="644" /></a><br />
These villas in the resort are custom built and the smallest ones are only a few million US $$<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This year we met a couple from California who we now kindly and lovingly refer to as ‘the kids’ who had purchased their first boat ‘Lady A’ (a 49 foot Jeanneau) in October. When we bought Quiescence we had 11 years to get ready for our trip so you can imagine how much help they needed. Their boat draws seven feet (a relatively deep boat for you non-sailors) and they ran aground trying to enter the channel at Bimini. We offered to help get them down to the Exumas where they then plan to continue further south to Puerto Rico. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Kim began their education on boat systems and we’ve been together for two months plus now so here they are…</span><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezSiqcvK6yw/WPAhOl9QktI/AAAAAAAABY8/h7CjZ8zme1w/s1600-h/20170303_182233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20170303_182233" border="0" height="484" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcqkbBYg7VM/WPAhPaA4iMI/AAAAAAAABZA/xVhlKUXlIBg/20170303_182233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20170303_182233" width="644" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Meet Michel and Amanda - we are at another ‘cruiser buffet' at the newly renovated Lorraine’s Café in Black Point. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-40875945558738505462017-04-13T09:18:00.001-07:002017-04-13T09:18:01.639-07:00Season Four Begins<p><font size="3">I must confess I am writing this first entry for 2017 only a few days before Easter, so Happy Easter to everyone. This year’s drive from T.O. to Stuart Florida was a record for no snow and warm temperatures. We’re sorry about global warming but we had dry and sunny weather for all 2,235 kilometers of our drive. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Quiescence is showing the fallout after four years in a saltwater environment so she needed quite a lot of TLC. Kim had serviced the transmission, autopilot linear drive, and the windlass at home so they all needed to be reinstalled. He also replaced the dripless seal for the prop shaft. The only hurricane Matthew damage we had was that half of our windex (wind vane)</font><font size="3"> on the mast head had been knocked off by flying debris. It still works well enough for us so we will leave it for one more hurricane season before replacing it. All sorts of electrical connections have developed minor corrosion so Kim has been cleaning and spraying many of these connections. Along with aging items that need replacing and the usual work to prepare for launch, we had a lot of hard work before we could go sailing!</font></p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--qtG1tkxdus/WO-kqxNVmJI/AAAAAAAABXw/Mze0WjBd-Aw/s1600-h/20170306_152755%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170306_152755" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170306_152755" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bqBWDC5CrB4/WO-krb9ulLI/AAAAAAAABX0/eX6kvJX-KmA/20170306_152755_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p><font size="3">One of Kim’s happy places is the engine ‘room’</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_jIA2evrk8/WO-krjw8QyI/AAAAAAAABX4/Thugg_9iT7k/s1600-h/P1000123%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="P1000123" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="P1000123" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dKtuV6mlaNA/WO-ksHMlBwI/AAAAAAAABX8/gyfNlPgF4XU/P1000123_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The Q is finally ready for launching and more adventures.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ABnFSDtDV1w/WO-ksc6eWbI/AAAAAAAABYA/OzBsw-SsK6M/s1600-h/20170131_072237%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170131_072237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170131_072237" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5E8A-RwIV4/WO-ks9WLajI/AAAAAAAABYE/yxkr-dG1Mm0/20170131_072237_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Early January mornings can be chilly.</font></p> <p><font size="3">On our way south to Miami we did have a few cool mornings with a stiff wind from the wrong direction so we took the inside (ICW)</font><font size="3"> route from Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale. </font><font size="3">Along the way we were waiting for the Atlantic Ave bridge to open for us and as the bridge opened</font><font size="3"> Kim put the engine into forward and almost immediately there was a loud “thunk” and then an even louder “bang” sound. The engine stopped running and we lost control of the boat. As we drifted toward the bridge we were able to convince a small boat to try and pull us through the bridge. This did not go terribly well but we did make it through with only a scrape along the top sides from the wooden bridge fenders that we bumped. Fortunately another boat was able to help us get out from under the bridge and far enough away where we were able to drop our anchor down in the narrow channel. Kim dove under the boat to find a two-foot length of a dock board with stainless screws sticking out that was impaled on our prop. After diving down three times he managed to pry it from the prop. Amazingly there was no damage to the prop and we were quickly on our way again as we had 17 bridges to get through before dark. Just another adventure in the cruising lifestyle…</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g9usy8k2kmE/WO-ktDJJV9I/AAAAAAAABYI/brkl1Xbnv-E/s1600-h/20170203_140345%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170203_140345" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170203_140345" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--0oRfosoybY/WO-ktV-FJhI/AAAAAAAABYM/YooRSXHA2oo/20170203_140345_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">The offending hunk of dock board (you can see where to prop blade had cut into it)</font></p> <p><font size="3">Fortunately we didn’t have to wait long for an outside sail along the coast to Miami where we waited for a weather window across to the Bahamas.</font><font size="3"> </font><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hJYdKdYRq1g/WO-ktqZD1nI/AAAAAAAABYQ/aXf6sNGZ2G0/s1600-h/20170201_153147%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="20170201_153147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20170201_153147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BNkXhLriI1g/WO-kuCLX39I/AAAAAAAABYU/9smuJsHGUv8/20170201_153147_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Some well earned beach time.</font></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-22544128411592756942016-04-11T09:21:00.000-07:002016-04-11T09:33:58.671-07:00Exumahhhs!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, we have enjoyed the past month in our favourite part
of the Bahamas – the Exumas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area, also known as the ‘Out Islands’, is a 90 mile chain of small cays and islands. The waters of the Great Bahama Bank are on the west side and
the Exuma Sound (essentially the Atlantic) are to the east. Life moves slowly
and nature is at its best here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Eg1zOhHVlBsuv0-SFYywEqCAOJf5cZ4SUoK9A_FpVbPL91L4L99NFj-GPiCnWqwAvcsMW5l_yLkseMSX-4ZH5Y6ZGDW-5io6SMNqkiCRpzLPx7NHYsBH3uXpV5EImdx5XDnPJ-fq9r4/s1600/P1020246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Eg1zOhHVlBsuv0-SFYywEqCAOJf5cZ4SUoK9A_FpVbPL91L4L99NFj-GPiCnWqwAvcsMW5l_yLkseMSX-4ZH5Y6ZGDW-5io6SMNqkiCRpzLPx7NHYsBH3uXpV5EImdx5XDnPJ-fq9r4/s400/P1020246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were well sheltered in the Cave Cay Marina harbour. Hot showers...yah !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year we arrived in the Bahamas in early March, which is later in the cruising season than usual. This meant that as we worked our way south through the Exumas we met friends
who were on their way home. We had hello/farewell visits at the same time and
enjoyed a Mahimahi meal with each boat before moving on.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met our friends Joannie and Keith from
Minnesota on the way and enjoyed five days of sailing and snorkelling
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith spent his high school
years in Nassau and is an excellent spear fisherman so Kim was very happy to
fish with him and pick up some new techniques. Cathy and Joannie were happy to not be watching for shark or
Barracuda ‘company’ during the fishing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One afternoon they brought back two Lionfish and a crab that they had
speared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After consulting Google we
decided that Keith had speared a Clinging Channel Crab (aka Bahamian King Crab).
Kim removed the poisonous barbs from the Lionfish and we steamed the crab in a
large pot and enjoyed a wonderful dinner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CZ75SFgFAD6LW_HdivXr74PGhZ_imT-bbYScGsYvygbtpl5iRUWcndJLcTTfLDk_5dT5_qSLOpZzyM8yq7MOAce8CMND91lJq4i3XjZx4rz2cDXrxCcg8xT4TKLPUOKqYwAiMjgFOcg/s1600/P1020252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CZ75SFgFAD6LW_HdivXr74PGhZ_imT-bbYScGsYvygbtpl5iRUWcndJLcTTfLDk_5dT5_qSLOpZzyM8yq7MOAce8CMND91lJq4i3XjZx4rz2cDXrxCcg8xT4TKLPUOKqYwAiMjgFOcg/s400/P1020252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith and Joannie from Pelican</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBJYlagq9YZQUsyhtUymM5C6XLUKM_lLwzBoNTVPUEuquegh672Tk9I3dB9EHBLgTOjk7rk_fKopS8vZOGAUAHkU9Y9XRNJtaUJpcHxcvdVx-SWLBMtmMCXWzQmbVO9AlspB44lh_FD8/s1600/P1020241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBJYlagq9YZQUsyhtUymM5C6XLUKM_lLwzBoNTVPUEuquegh672Tk9I3dB9EHBLgTOjk7rk_fKopS8vZOGAUAHkU9Y9XRNJtaUJpcHxcvdVx-SWLBMtmMCXWzQmbVO9AlspB44lh_FD8/s400/P1020241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinging channel crab. No points for beauty, but those hairy legs were
delicious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TDo76ABs-KMkU2HIcHdOY6QIfYVO9PAFgJppI-Ey9chuGu-MztzW8GfYTW1ZBrdP7gGjGbakSP3c8k8MqBHwZPRyGhN0Yo1Z04EYWJbjXhw0DQwcQ1amJJJmclv02EV52zGDcOrw4yk/s1600/P1020237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TDo76ABs-KMkU2HIcHdOY6QIfYVO9PAFgJppI-Ey9chuGu-MztzW8GfYTW1ZBrdP7gGjGbakSP3c8k8MqBHwZPRyGhN0Yo1Z04EYWJbjXhw0DQwcQ1amJJJmclv02EV52zGDcOrw4yk/s400/P1020237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crab and lionfish waiting to be dispatched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After enjoying such tasty gifts from the sea we thought our
fishing run might be over but we had more excitement ahead during Corinne’s
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a few laid back days
with Corinne at Lee Stockin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Island, a retired
marine research station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our return
run to Georgetown, where the airport is, Kim had a pretty good fight
with a 30 pound yellow fin tuna and won!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These fish immediately dive after taking the ballyhoo bait. After three or four good runs with the drag set at about 15 pounds they were both finally tired out. We named him ‘Ted’ to reflect his
strength and dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corinne was our official photographer for the
occasion so there are plenty of pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We only take as many fish as we can eat (and we have plenty for the rest
of our trip) so the fishing rod has been cleaned and stored awaiting next season! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXkovo4x-8C2YmTwASq2v_5sPbqEpMCsTccgBShHkOLe3d5jbnUFguIEFtLPZ87IuKl7bXbhhEqPpwW83A4QYwrTHLnjti7m30rOP_cEHUNM4aUE8uwhyphenhyphenUfCr28PPi6M1dMX3ePyXC-8/s1600/P1020264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXkovo4x-8C2YmTwASq2v_5sPbqEpMCsTccgBShHkOLe3d5jbnUFguIEFtLPZ87IuKl7bXbhhEqPpwW83A4QYwrTHLnjti7m30rOP_cEHUNM4aUE8uwhyphenhyphenUfCr28PPi6M1dMX3ePyXC-8/s400/P1020264.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure who was more tired. He took one more dive and run after this shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlorDliVFfbFlL01ifihxlGqkpJg3XExW4lTUHXWDE6gtLuQZsZIKu5Ihyphenhyphen8DzjHtz0Tb50k4tNqTvtgQZU2_PCvKbbckn_SAW7K7fxArlM-htMVYH2tMT36jYlrsxsxsfjlJ7O_UbswI/s1600/P1020278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlorDliVFfbFlL01ifihxlGqkpJg3XExW4lTUHXWDE6gtLuQZsZIKu5Ihyphenhyphen8DzjHtz0Tb50k4tNqTvtgQZU2_PCvKbbckn_SAW7K7fxArlM-htMVYH2tMT36jYlrsxsxsfjlJ7O_UbswI/s400/P1020278.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to tie the fish to the boats stern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn9Y9q3YipSGfJPf1IpsKLtuULf7oEkh7Yh6TJqT_Mfk8ZbAVosNesz0k-4jIsQmNjObKyKW3w1c7GNKrU2vyipi-dbTaNvupX7FipOqHMNeaMtYK2WJJnDpq3EEkpS_9CNeFT-YqvfA/s1600/P1020282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn9Y9q3YipSGfJPf1IpsKLtuULf7oEkh7Yh6TJqT_Mfk8ZbAVosNesz0k-4jIsQmNjObKyKW3w1c7GNKrU2vyipi-dbTaNvupX7FipOqHMNeaMtYK2WJJnDpq3EEkpS_9CNeFT-YqvfA/s400/P1020282.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We bleed and drag the fish to the anchorage and deal with it there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj367IhtfD-x0CDm1tEeijqgpYeqK0tMZ6EQaLtpGHuyQCdmPncm90lZv6SLYINcGshQlZKKvWFLeOjesGuFSx0CKGhhR_M0G3JKbh5zaB3SL3LzZMY43kk6dSx08ZcXlLnGzG9uqIv8_0/s1600/P1020294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj367IhtfD-x0CDm1tEeijqgpYeqK0tMZ6EQaLtpGHuyQCdmPncm90lZv6SLYINcGshQlZKKvWFLeOjesGuFSx0CKGhhR_M0G3JKbh5zaB3SL3LzZMY43kk6dSx08ZcXlLnGzG9uqIv8_0/s400/P1020294.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the calm of the anchorage Kim will fillet the fish. Pictures first !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj367IhtfD-x0CDm1tEeijqgpYeqK0tMZ6EQaLtpGHuyQCdmPncm90lZv6SLYINcGshQlZKKvWFLeOjesGuFSx0CKGhhR_M0G3JKbh5zaB3SL3LzZMY43kk6dSx08ZcXlLnGzG9uqIv8_0/s1600/P1020294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxF7M5cB6zzMdLH70UJ_A6Tg9lqSMrDAvxWI37LOoKmQfYpSNcS_eqKKvZ_ucVbZmb9h8S2Wa1Vt1eh2kMDULN7h9MeDsJmtPZOcJL8dmKjjWn3RLLiSEPIvlWBzsDjHHjJaPjluUhUk/s400/P1020300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tuna are very thick !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3LQtntByR4xnK4ASN7fatyozknwVogzkzcm8kXigVzmBr6ClPNSmz-_L16v_ptbxh3P5XNwklH_zb99y99ZR35hxUvM05U9rtvQirBpITeKW_znH5P-wDod1O3fxCW27jI47cVlbelU/s1600/P1020311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3LQtntByR4xnK4ASN7fatyozknwVogzkzcm8kXigVzmBr6ClPNSmz-_L16v_ptbxh3P5XNwklH_zb99y99ZR35hxUvM05U9rtvQirBpITeKW_znH5P-wDod1O3fxCW27jI47cVlbelU/s400/P1020311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 pounds of sashimi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was great to have Corinne visit for a relaxed week – too
short for all of us though. (We hope to see Cal and Megan down here next
winter!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few shots of island
life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkI005lg7Yz5lhgSitJ6WBv4uPzhKP_u4rfpmJq2eS71luUPD5qY0gJUBvetbq2g6obm9kl9U_mH2uGKqC91b4wlam3_lNtEyxES8-4bseYUMxZPu3XW5uNZFejsgfnHpjVp9orpieFQ/s1600/P1020253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkI005lg7Yz5lhgSitJ6WBv4uPzhKP_u4rfpmJq2eS71luUPD5qY0gJUBvetbq2g6obm9kl9U_mH2uGKqC91b4wlam3_lNtEyxES8-4bseYUMxZPu3XW5uNZFejsgfnHpjVp9orpieFQ/s400/P1020253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a tough life but …</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMsRwSBmMZq8s8W29yr46CkLY1hju57PEy_rMbQdjB9lu8-2azaijoicmcdpbN4csqe6po-IIuKeMjhM9r5Q5dKHs6elHkXfu6LDpo0GOF7wjGu-RbmGwjj3x4OWR6uBXceDEWJmz0kc/s1600/P1020255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMsRwSBmMZq8s8W29yr46CkLY1hju57PEy_rMbQdjB9lu8-2azaijoicmcdpbN4csqe6po-IIuKeMjhM9r5Q5dKHs6elHkXfu6LDpo0GOF7wjGu-RbmGwjj3x4OWR6uBXceDEWJmz0kc/s400/P1020255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne at Lee Stocking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0AQAp5klO95PZKTg3_91xdRBTgP6RXh0QJUx8NZkS0YxRVO0VIYWIR0ekJ0elalEnXbbcAT3Q8n5jJMQbXCC9pvRFXpPP_3c7Edm3AYtUok701y-pzrGrUns1wbGYsQ5-PdWNIbcVDQ/s1600/P1020256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0AQAp5klO95PZKTg3_91xdRBTgP6RXh0QJUx8NZkS0YxRVO0VIYWIR0ekJ0elalEnXbbcAT3Q8n5jJMQbXCC9pvRFXpPP_3c7Edm3AYtUok701y-pzrGrUns1wbGYsQ5-PdWNIbcVDQ/s400/P1020256.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathing beauties! We wear wet suits for snorkelling
so we can stay in the water for a longer time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnGr4IibtKYxrEAONzYYcX7mxVNKAxYr-0FTHRAgCR5xxgVALsjhuWwtOIkKEe4A7U2_TNjewxLM9hiTHOrplk9l8Mm7JmVfHjqX5W5oiQeWcmM1TqZIv-zPUdKIhG1EDQDeoyBGrTMk/s1600/P1020321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnGr4IibtKYxrEAONzYYcX7mxVNKAxYr-0FTHRAgCR5xxgVALsjhuWwtOIkKEe4A7U2_TNjewxLM9hiTHOrplk9l8Mm7JmVfHjqX5W5oiQeWcmM1TqZIv-zPUdKIhG1EDQDeoyBGrTMk/s400/P1020321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just wandering another deserted beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX7LS2-Z2XmBTUbkamcqgCxuUcYgxajRV-ViclS8Vk7IXd7nOHJhxHZPusFqOFIsRum52XW3q9eWrzN11YuTIYTLqnh8f9j5ummFS9a5EV-UCpc1aQKmx6dHWhfhGyqbmKCB9ku35Ewk/s1600/P1020324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX7LS2-Z2XmBTUbkamcqgCxuUcYgxajRV-ViclS8Vk7IXd7nOHJhxHZPusFqOFIsRum52XW3q9eWrzN11YuTIYTLqnh8f9j5ummFS9a5EV-UCpc1aQKmx6dHWhfhGyqbmKCB9ku35Ewk/s400/P1020324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sea slug sunning on the beach?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGCvWXLuODdrkEbmbyYzIINbolRsSUqvjtnKEUaTFyvVvy226d-1aE9wlcK-39rP8iATBK2wmWT3SKKTGY3jja8k3tsxKy7Hwdxa1v4NmzSGBnRhcbyP807lSHHd3dMMx7WY3ek63ios/s1600/P1020327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGCvWXLuODdrkEbmbyYzIINbolRsSUqvjtnKEUaTFyvVvy226d-1aE9wlcK-39rP8iATBK2wmWT3SKKTGY3jja8k3tsxKy7Hwdxa1v4NmzSGBnRhcbyP807lSHHd3dMMx7WY3ek63ios/s400/P1020327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl and her dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmlFH0f99FOY7H2tiFxw2QsSrxkODp9wKA4nL-5jOYCikkr7bGmRAUGuJiN-gZQ8oHrC8ndKZgWaJfl6wEv9-I_SIJobeueyPsGooCJrZOgh0zCrbgQNcsxjYCj7ig-TzbcTRqs1dC20/s1600/P1020329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmlFH0f99FOY7H2tiFxw2QsSrxkODp9wKA4nL-5jOYCikkr7bGmRAUGuJiN-gZQ8oHrC8ndKZgWaJfl6wEv9-I_SIJobeueyPsGooCJrZOgh0zCrbgQNcsxjYCj7ig-TzbcTRqs1dC20/s400/P1020329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees on the small cays don't grow very tall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHAveW4OqCYSXvoC0UH5CBU5K-QpEOa1GVdEhu8Aj62AjTzf7ahwUiSMiQvQQoCgsbZhBMj4RGh4iNAQOcdI4i5M1CkiDwUX1HiqP8nWZMd2gdfOo1i_m4RLbz008FsG9FpmO7hRZ3Xk/s1600/P1020333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHAveW4OqCYSXvoC0UH5CBU5K-QpEOa1GVdEhu8Aj62AjTzf7ahwUiSMiQvQQoCgsbZhBMj4RGh4iNAQOcdI4i5M1CkiDwUX1HiqP8nWZMd2gdfOo1i_m4RLbz008FsG9FpmO7hRZ3Xk/s400/P1020333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the beach at Red Shanks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG51SLmxUfwwJtTQ2T2gdxsf6AlE_HJ133lSb0NZWmvB3XqFDsnTrrlWGQ1FyNYBIUaTRFV7RqEAJ1ME1NGg1sM-fIUdmNGRDxnUs0k8DsewDwK_OULfFv7XcXatlkwnkjgu2K152MLcU/s1600/P1020337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG51SLmxUfwwJtTQ2T2gdxsf6AlE_HJ133lSb0NZWmvB3XqFDsnTrrlWGQ1FyNYBIUaTRFV7RqEAJ1ME1NGg1sM-fIUdmNGRDxnUs0k8DsewDwK_OULfFv7XcXatlkwnkjgu2K152MLcU/s400/P1020337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare day in George Town at the Driftwood Café … and very
good coffee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj9c7Njy5ANh2hawkN2UmEkKvMMYP5Oi9Hyg9Z-XpDQju5ZVo03w_3ClErKaS_pcLa9ytUj0LTHsGCU9u3fl1EqjwmikdZmq2D8dtfJ4OJOsFVgHcgUaKO4om-yYMvhBjTaqzN601yKg/s1600/P1020342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj9c7Njy5ANh2hawkN2UmEkKvMMYP5Oi9Hyg9Z-XpDQju5ZVo03w_3ClErKaS_pcLa9ytUj0LTHsGCU9u3fl1EqjwmikdZmq2D8dtfJ4OJOsFVgHcgUaKO4om-yYMvhBjTaqzN601yKg/s400/P1020342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Georgetown across to Monument
anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-35589509445365257792016-03-21T14:07:00.003-07:002016-03-21T14:07:54.767-07:00Bimini at last!The conditions for our Gulf Stream crossing were ‘power boat perfect’ which
means calm seas and NO wind. We were happy to finally be on our way even if it
did not include sailing.<br />
<br />
The highlight of the trip for Kim so far was catching a 20lb mahimahi (we
call her Suzie II after our first mahi in 2014 – which was a larger version).
Both freezers and the fridge were pretty full when we left Florida so the 17
meals that she provided required some creative storage. We caught her trolling
while under sail on the NW Providence Channel on the way to Nassau. Of course we
had sizable 15-20 knot winds and moderate seas but that added to the challenge
and satisfaction of the catch!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NWlgeJdIS0z71MbJ7UKHrHgBdwTFRDVWEf80dWjbAlND_pqFkAFYniVOl_JdV38X0n6QIypZrl8CgsH0o7sDwRyxpGYcI_9peUAJN0jU-7YCq4Gkjl9KLfEYEBoEnZNID8NrDHJPxBo/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NWlgeJdIS0z71MbJ7UKHrHgBdwTFRDVWEf80dWjbAlND_pqFkAFYniVOl_JdV38X0n6QIypZrl8CgsH0o7sDwRyxpGYcI_9peUAJN0jU-7YCq4Gkjl9KLfEYEBoEnZNID8NrDHJPxBo/s400/pic1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pressure is off Kim now that the freezer is full of fish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskEoG18ZEXvRIsmVyA6Ar3-t8gVD4p6Flrmo3AV4JyJjGdI3TubKK8m3hrdIbM3zeASYiOLe-asHkyyhIkmiAAhNTObssNujkMLHEZaoFIWfUSjiYz2yLwDUlYkMwJlb-3yIaR6mBk0o/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskEoG18ZEXvRIsmVyA6Ar3-t8gVD4p6Flrmo3AV4JyJjGdI3TubKK8m3hrdIbM3zeASYiOLe-asHkyyhIkmiAAhNTObssNujkMLHEZaoFIWfUSjiYz2yLwDUlYkMwJlb-3yIaR6mBk0o/s400/pic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catch of the day for dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been very windy since our arrival in the Exumas, which is our favourite
part of the Bahamas, but the sun shines endlessly and it is nice and warm.
Windy conditions whip up waves and plenty of salt spray so we are always wishing
for a rain cloud to rinse the salt from the boat. Highborne Marina provided a
rare stay at a dock for two nights as it was difficult to find a calm
anchorage. As always we have met a number of cruisers from the US to keep us
company along the way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG5jcg6B_UOGiX5jlYo0dOAYXOjNTcKw7HHeS1JpDqGR91Zhv1843yYx-_mneUU6Yt2cr3pZmg55tQQDDXrQOurRyBhZjslWlj1avwfOYEfMF31NkwIdtBIWVM8AD2-9Di6_iZYuqG6U/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG5jcg6B_UOGiX5jlYo0dOAYXOjNTcKw7HHeS1JpDqGR91Zhv1843yYx-_mneUU6Yt2cr3pZmg55tQQDDXrQOurRyBhZjslWlj1avwfOYEfMF31NkwIdtBIWVM8AD2-9Di6_iZYuqG6U/s400/pic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These “dock” birds would sit and stare at you in the cockpit until you were
guilted into feeding them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPo8Ux-PLoul0AXR-Xg7_fESR4uMDfhDaKPKm272yAwmkpYsGGVLhS185wSqeKOn9BUZtbpIyOj7FUW07TBwCcrDPeNpBdVXpM2E_8KN_evT3uTa2fL1lumjjXc6Sqv0xUcOKvFGYLs/s1600/pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPo8Ux-PLoul0AXR-Xg7_fESR4uMDfhDaKPKm272yAwmkpYsGGVLhS185wSqeKOn9BUZtbpIyOj7FUW07TBwCcrDPeNpBdVXpM2E_8KN_evT3uTa2fL1lumjjXc6Sqv0xUcOKvFGYLs/s400/pic4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another secluded beach. This one is on the sound (ocean) side of Highborne
Cay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We are currently anchored at Normans Cay where you can snorkel on a DC3 plane
that crashed in the bay during the drug running days of the 80’s. There is a
Beach Club on shore where we can have two burgers and a coke for $75 US. Yikes !
We think we hear our mahi calling….<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-39668577775941026482016-03-21T14:00:00.002-07:002016-04-11T09:59:03.843-07:00Waiting for the Bahamas“Life is what happens when you’re making plans” pretty much sums up our
cruising season so far. Although we left home on January 7th it took until
March 2nd to arrive in Bimini in the Bahamas. Cathy fractured a few bones in
her foot just before leaving home so has been sporting a walking cast. By the
time her foot could handle extended sailing it was February 15th. It then took
until March for a decent weather window for crossing the Gulf Stream. Spending
two winter months in Florida still beats dealing with snow, especially when your
toes are exposed in a cast. Here are a few highlights of our ‘sunshine state’
time.<br />
As usual countless hours and dollars are spent preparing the boat for the
season. In the Bahamas you need to be prepared for anything with spare parts and
a shocking amount of food and other supplies. You know you’ve spent too much
when suppliers start reserving parking spots in your honour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv57PKBA2JrUWugSgAz5SGiuiIQB3VAby38M_4eqa0oE6d0tVBhVJG8HxT-vN2lsTrFyqq8MMZdr-0brwuQh3y_CTsfYx2cAT1Sm90wOYxdF-qr0TTibqEnSvGyNiOih_Z4Pnd_2b8TNY/s1600/pic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv57PKBA2JrUWugSgAz5SGiuiIQB3VAby38M_4eqa0oE6d0tVBhVJG8HxT-vN2lsTrFyqq8MMZdr-0brwuQh3y_CTsfYx2cAT1Sm90wOYxdF-qr0TTibqEnSvGyNiOih_Z4Pnd_2b8TNY/s400/pic5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spend enough and you get your own personalized parking spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent a record 10 days in West Palm Beach and enjoyed the free trolley
service instead of our usual walking. We are in mega-yacht company as you can see from our neighbors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNttlJF09Aow0sCBASxDcrKV665RzF0E1r8ZrDWvJUlA71lIGKhawmAdn_6DF848-nKMxqQbhyphenhyphenyYyw2tK4sKuVL9xebSKRg2u794CYTNfD9_BS2X_58E9HipPynhpGIWOHK9jQ3pcMJLM/s1600/pic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNttlJF09Aow0sCBASxDcrKV665RzF0E1r8ZrDWvJUlA71lIGKhawmAdn_6DF848-nKMxqQbhyphenhyphenyYyw2tK4sKuVL9xebSKRg2u794CYTNfD9_BS2X_58E9HipPynhpGIWOHK9jQ3pcMJLM/s400/pic6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the smaller boats......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Indeed the streets are lined with Royal Palms and with year round good weather,
bike paths are complete with repair tools. Kim ran errands around the city on a
rented City Bike and discovered this bike repair station along the waterfront in
West Palm Beach. Every hand tool one would need to effect minor repairs to your
bike, including a hand pump.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv42RW9JSCa6iyYGL-A_cajy5-eM_923irwm9M9NSVWwH0eLL4fbbLJKQW0DrvGs_nAyavVOSIjiSxaezVirBfXkh3sFAPOsjGEbfjRzP60zI0hAFzRWkDSPN3spmMmXCIQ-lMblgL4jA/s1600/pic7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv42RW9JSCa6iyYGL-A_cajy5-eM_923irwm9M9NSVWwH0eLL4fbbLJKQW0DrvGs_nAyavVOSIjiSxaezVirBfXkh3sFAPOsjGEbfjRzP60zI0hAFzRWkDSPN3spmMmXCIQ-lMblgL4jA/s400/pic7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broken bike repair station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We always enjoy the Saturday Farmers Market that is a two minute walk from where
we land the dinghy. The produce is very fresh and lasts far longer than the
supermarket foods. Orchids of all kinds are amazing to see. Martha Stewart
came shopping too – it seems she was staying at her Palm Beach mansion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOABGXgHNsL2QmdNt5dxl9FZqCO3pIMWzHt9zRWW0AgKjTX5aOVw85ihm2StXrc_lkJVQ1Bod4BH0etHdlM7o-ewxjAIXzNQqor7JZdiEvAP0JqtHwGEgw3QmUfjFTshLmklHFI6_G5g/s1600/pic8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOABGXgHNsL2QmdNt5dxl9FZqCO3pIMWzHt9zRWW0AgKjTX5aOVw85ihm2StXrc_lkJVQ1Bod4BH0etHdlM7o-ewxjAIXzNQqor7JZdiEvAP0JqtHwGEgw3QmUfjFTshLmklHFI6_G5g/s400/pic8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8R4d0eM3-TzyPdo7qTc9Yz74owcqtFZSkcsDX84SI46eXjToUym4sMn-Quts3mr_Wuh756VTcSDyLBiFmW_dn2ZRT0mD8PT-r_GqlZc3OIJaBIAVPBraPTIPJU0o21Qly0AfZAYuYR8/s1600/pic9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8R4d0eM3-TzyPdo7qTc9Yz74owcqtFZSkcsDX84SI46eXjToUym4sMn-Quts3mr_Wuh756VTcSDyLBiFmW_dn2ZRT0mD8PT-r_GqlZc3OIJaBIAVPBraPTIPJU0o21Qly0AfZAYuYR8/s400/pic9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchids at the farmers market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not all of our days were sun bathing temps. On the day we left for Ft.
Lauderdale it was 6 degrees C. Nothing that a t-shirt, turtle neck, down vest,
blanket and driving gloves didn’t fix.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHccyogUfvc3SQ6lsYCGeKZM9APcnLtj-dyCl4YJTVlcpCt-kdcYb2XfT9R0yz4dswQvHTdGxn-gBv53xnMV2PAI-LfgIJjBC_POGhSMhvL9BiRPtgij0EKEq8Kc5FbWHxLG73M2PmHo/s1600/pic10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHccyogUfvc3SQ6lsYCGeKZM9APcnLtj-dyCl4YJTVlcpCt-kdcYb2XfT9R0yz4dswQvHTdGxn-gBv53xnMV2PAI-LfgIJjBC_POGhSMhvL9BiRPtgij0EKEq8Kc5FbWHxLG73M2PmHo/s400/pic10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy was it chilly this morning. Florida can get cold !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We don’t sail much in Florida but did get in a motor sail to Miami where we
do enjoy anchoring in a multi-million dollar neighbourhood in South Beach. We
attended the Miami Boat Show and admired the inside of a Hylas 63 and an Amel
54-wow!<br />
<br />
We also discovered the Botanical Gardens and have included some of the
plants we saw.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljRKsJBrvbIxU2NO9JpY2oCufDGw112T8Qsxi6YzSy0G3Zx5d6qR2bxyEyZMK9U36ABbuE-J87cO6OZG1EVmY5HQlqd0BPk5MnU1UooBMp265WXA90Ymue3jeJTZr_shrtbbbOHxkq_Y/s1600/pic20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljRKsJBrvbIxU2NO9JpY2oCufDGw112T8Qsxi6YzSy0G3Zx5d6qR2bxyEyZMK9U36ABbuE-J87cO6OZG1EVmY5HQlqd0BPk5MnU1UooBMp265WXA90Ymue3jeJTZr_shrtbbbOHxkq_Y/s400/pic20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiny tree...ouch !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOFqdOblCDKEuluXcL28PBRSzMcZbFTQTbVFkgB1gLveni1dbL59cYmVHqSupS4o_f0AMEcP3JZTDLE2EDrNJ2TjBrJv5OgM1JnZLaM_hm0FLxUKoJu094u-mbt2wY_AQmTq-6EXJiu0/s1600/pic21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOFqdOblCDKEuluXcL28PBRSzMcZbFTQTbVFkgB1gLveni1dbL59cYmVHqSupS4o_f0AMEcP3JZTDLE2EDrNJ2TjBrJv5OgM1JnZLaM_hm0FLxUKoJu094u-mbt2wY_AQmTq-6EXJiu0/s400/pic21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc8nHSJCWkjwtdcv4D9tx-mEiNABHomsDLzXPhgyku2s110DUn1NWQ5hylyFLfl_YjrDf0oAOFOkrhxpajlyRUAI0EAnqKy_1s85OG_X8bA7hpgE9ZGTuPILbWx3rutkBk2-fmNgULJ8/s1600/pic22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc8nHSJCWkjwtdcv4D9tx-mEiNABHomsDLzXPhgyku2s110DUn1NWQ5hylyFLfl_YjrDf0oAOFOkrhxpajlyRUAI0EAnqKy_1s85OG_X8bA7hpgE9ZGTuPILbWx3rutkBk2-fmNgULJ8/s400/pic22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisft3w06jyLGIEM9fCFtkv6vJnj7r1hMKFjHEI7CWkRxxf0yZMEHDZjBsQ2vGvNGYNSzNpQui1mqxEloRX9aEnBsluUtCmqtWXmkad0k-XRLybyj3b2J0ZBazzgisk6ObRZQcufj-5iFo/s1600/pic23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisft3w06jyLGIEM9fCFtkv6vJnj7r1hMKFjHEI7CWkRxxf0yZMEHDZjBsQ2vGvNGYNSzNpQui1mqxEloRX9aEnBsluUtCmqtWXmkad0k-XRLybyj3b2J0ZBazzgisk6ObRZQcufj-5iFo/s400/pic23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clown fig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwKzAuDuD-LoEOdaHL4E1KaykUYEtgIImTjvU2cKdLFFtYbOzxE_w_d_Nyjt6-ar7PjZUklw2qk5r3wkA-uVh8-mVjymkXV8OpjYShxFof-3s-tNytWUqrigjcEjdgQ8-VUjutOjKz8g/s1600/pic24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwKzAuDuD-LoEOdaHL4E1KaykUYEtgIImTjvU2cKdLFFtYbOzxE_w_d_Nyjt6-ar7PjZUklw2qk5r3wkA-uVh8-mVjymkXV8OpjYShxFof-3s-tNytWUqrigjcEjdgQ8-VUjutOjKz8g/s400/pic24.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponytail palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI33TuoQ3J-qyE4f70Ht5e8p4ju8EHoWuR1HybgKxVUgESbTr_H93ElCs-xThq4tWxSDIGn06cvVCL9wrgsS4BGaf2IVLc2brJm3igzMYe7wNYU-G5WcoJz-pFfdq45E52BibJaR5jwN4/s1600/pic25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI33TuoQ3J-qyE4f70Ht5e8p4ju8EHoWuR1HybgKxVUgESbTr_H93ElCs-xThq4tWxSDIGn06cvVCL9wrgsS4BGaf2IVLc2brJm3igzMYe7wNYU-G5WcoJz-pFfdq45E52BibJaR5jwN4/s400/pic25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange flower palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaf6GnuR-PyI0jgsSTnEEFsRTLNQrZA0p-R3IOnoiDLdap3uRa6qTogRJcXScdSB_vFMiPFyUpJD4-a_hZmvsndRi23ncz6nKNPeYkLtB9vOZZpdpeVxd9i3-n_DuaOmqYQaX-1auZqY/s1600/pic26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaf6GnuR-PyI0jgsSTnEEFsRTLNQrZA0p-R3IOnoiDLdap3uRa6qTogRJcXScdSB_vFMiPFyUpJD4-a_hZmvsndRi23ncz6nKNPeYkLtB9vOZZpdpeVxd9i3-n_DuaOmqYQaX-1auZqY/s400/pic26.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mangrove tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the canal where we dock the dinghy to go into town Kim spied a beautiful
iguana with colours we never see in the Bahamas. The iguanas we usually see are
huge but definitely much more ugly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArWmaxAuC9Lnl6iLCvFflbxSIj_SsGwuATC3aMEcqZFycYEAJbygiB5OGSM0-iJw5By_qQYjHxL9T66hcMDYftU5MmZPsp3yUvR1JyGSLJ2deTFN0tAo_jmrxFJZNiCUowwsgv0xF6xU/s1600/pic11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArWmaxAuC9Lnl6iLCvFflbxSIj_SsGwuATC3aMEcqZFycYEAJbygiB5OGSM0-iJw5By_qQYjHxL9T66hcMDYftU5MmZPsp3yUvR1JyGSLJ2deTFN0tAo_jmrxFJZNiCUowwsgv0xF6xU/s400/pic11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He seemed to be protecting his space. We were worried he might jump into the dinghy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now we are waiting for a weather window to cross the gulf stream…stay
tuned<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-32017623622108957822015-05-07T19:53:00.000-07:002015-05-07T19:53:58.033-07:00Cat Island and Little San SalvadoreWe have been lax in sharing our adventures over the last month but will try
to bring you up to speed. We had a great sail from Conception Island to New
Bight on Cat Island only to find our friends Chrisy and Roger on Sanderling anchored
in the harbour. Finding people you know when you are travelling is such a
delight and with Chrisy and Roger you know you are in for a good time. This was
our first visit to Cat Island. It is one of the larger islands in The Bahamas at
48 miles long and 4 miles across and still has a very traditional culture (you
don’t sense any North American lifestyle here). The people were so welcoming
and very proud of their island. Many of the native residents believe that when
the last person of a generation dies their house is left for the spirit to
reside in. The remaining family members will leave and build a new home to live
in. As a result there are abandoned homes all over the island. To the casual visitor like us they may
appear derelict, but for them it is a reminder of their ancestors.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6IO1btlQUBWMQ_o91w2GmqcobYD6Nf_RDCkxY54zd_141KZrWw0gIyuvcnoKHiAHxJaSli_SQIWmWcuw7NMV7VLB_pheT84CfhNie0SpH-iZUl3UVrP6MSAuHWFOYN3WRmkhpA5tnuI/s1600/P1000971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6IO1btlQUBWMQ_o91w2GmqcobYD6Nf_RDCkxY54zd_141KZrWw0gIyuvcnoKHiAHxJaSli_SQIWmWcuw7NMV7VLB_pheT84CfhNie0SpH-iZUl3UVrP6MSAuHWFOYN3WRmkhpA5tnuI/s320/P1000971.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current family members live next door to this abandoned house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g_3uNJcQYAwGI2vD3mNzJydDUfXVNUBBOcQ2CT915zjcXHOwnP5R4fScXeCOE4ZJbsYV_70PGFY8lyvrbjpSGQp_R_Oevz7274giWO-gjI0Y3UhimG1pP1b0qwQoX20X1mmhe_2kPIA/s1600/P1000986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g_3uNJcQYAwGI2vD3mNzJydDUfXVNUBBOcQ2CT915zjcXHOwnP5R4fScXeCOE4ZJbsYV_70PGFY8lyvrbjpSGQp_R_Oevz7274giWO-gjI0Y3UhimG1pP1b0qwQoX20X1mmhe_2kPIA/s320/P1000986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our first night at Cat we met a cruiser who had caught two Mahi-Mahi on the sail
from Conception. He very kindly offered to provide fish for all of us, so we
paid one of the local ‘Take Away’ places on the beach (take out- but NOT commercial)
to cook it for us and provide the sides. It made for a great evening of company
for eight of us. The next day we rented a car (from the brother in law of some one
we met over sundowners – everyone is related here) with Chrisy and Roger and
toured the island. Along the way we met two conch divers on the Atlantic side of
the island who had brought up 130 conch in two hours (an amazing feat).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHUDQNp8QKHmRqBZMi4iDwsFZuDms1C1_MYwMp7CswtZ9xvW5vC8gvoDZx0VhcclkMmWn2WLNBBtOo10T9SV4rMS-X3gIWdwyy-RDfg74HSRDV2Iu2TEFq8yhWK8j4BhV-3Fve_K22EY/s1600/P1000984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHUDQNp8QKHmRqBZMi4iDwsFZuDms1C1_MYwMp7CswtZ9xvW5vC8gvoDZx0VhcclkMmWn2WLNBBtOo10T9SV4rMS-X3gIWdwyy-RDfg74HSRDV2Iu2TEFq8yhWK8j4BhV-3Fve_K22EY/s320/P1000984.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conch fritters anyone !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In the 1700 and 1800's Cat Island was home to many cotton plantations and
more recently was a big agricultural center. We couldn’t see any large farming
operations but there are many stone walls from the plantation days, and a few
ruins of the loyalist homes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjZ_GzOnIVEFzj4E3rql1xsUQBhj9CM2FjUheGTLPDBoKfAR3ymEn_rLgkyjhHMFvs1gEuI44XiA1PgshXiX7B-1b4mpd838INwa00Dhyphenhypheni9RTlWdC6O3nH6_BcmsS3Mqqq8rGFG5Lv-w/s1600/P1000985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjZ_GzOnIVEFzj4E3rql1xsUQBhj9CM2FjUheGTLPDBoKfAR3ymEn_rLgkyjhHMFvs1gEuI44XiA1PgshXiX7B-1b4mpd838INwa00Dhyphenhypheni9RTlWdC6O3nH6_BcmsS3Mqqq8rGFG5Lv-w/s320/P1000985.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This century old wall is all that is left of a plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
One place of note was Arthur’s Town, childhood home of Harry Belafonte. The
town seemed to be more well off than other places along the way – hopefully due
to Harry’s support. The town also has a beautiful little Anglican church and as
with most of the island, blue holes and caves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmHQPCdzEQlviyEowv_1EgUxZH21i3YgN57CoGoT4k7tc2jycQv2YHVau_L_kyE8WloYQsmeKoOPIKgeVU5Neb9GWAQ-cE1IyZ9kar5iLyC3e1_IGovIjql2M2dovhgkxEUPrxmvakLo/s1600/P1000995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmHQPCdzEQlviyEowv_1EgUxZH21i3YgN57CoGoT4k7tc2jycQv2YHVau_L_kyE8WloYQsmeKoOPIKgeVU5Neb9GWAQ-cE1IyZ9kar5iLyC3e1_IGovIjql2M2dovhgkxEUPrxmvakLo/s320/P1000995.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anglican church in Arthur's Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The main attraction on Cat is the Hermitage on Mt. Albernia, which is the highest
elevation in The Bahamas at 206 feet! It was a good thing it wasn’t higher
because it felt as though we were walking in 100 degree F temperatures as we
climbed to the top to tour the Hermitage! The Hermitage was built starting in
1939 by Father Jerome, a priest/architect who built many churches in The
Bahamas. Upon retirement Father Jerome built the Hermitage by himself out of
native stone, hauling the stones up the steep incline. On the way up the steep
slope he carved the stations of the cross out of the rock. The buildings are a
miniature replica of a Franciscan monastery and were built to 1/3 scale. When you see it
from the water it appears huge, but as you get closer to the top of the climb
you realise that the doorways are only five feet tall and all the furniture is also
small. It was here that he would spend his last years in seclusion and contemplation
– truly a testament to his faith.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLQSzD2b7cKsHKHB3Py9vAaHCF7ryD2SLNm6UuCdlIX4Dh3c2b5uUjK9MDLuO5ViIfzNjEXgGFUxVVmwHCtBp7EeLPbVO8sbKVXspeOpyvWNsjW90UnXsTIEwxFIbiW4iwevCoMSYnN8/s1600/P1010011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLQSzD2b7cKsHKHB3Py9vAaHCF7ryD2SLNm6UuCdlIX4Dh3c2b5uUjK9MDLuO5ViIfzNjEXgGFUxVVmwHCtBp7EeLPbVO8sbKVXspeOpyvWNsjW90UnXsTIEwxFIbiW4iwevCoMSYnN8/s320/P1010011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the steep trail where the building stones were dragged to the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIytMaD5GK1gMmfEnIFsbZ3byAqaYmplnHT3Mn92yH7iAL4phdyo0OowK0D0F1yL3trAO1taRjlPUTkDVQagpI7udWf4q3Om5_S_J2XdxVjuQoJ6vQOAxz7KB5dG8W4gsYzFZ6BG42M8/s1600/P1010030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIytMaD5GK1gMmfEnIFsbZ3byAqaYmplnHT3Mn92yH7iAL4phdyo0OowK0D0F1yL3trAO1taRjlPUTkDVQagpI7udWf4q3Om5_S_J2XdxVjuQoJ6vQOAxz7KB5dG8W4gsYzFZ6BG42M8/s320/P1010030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hermitage. It may look normal size but it is built to about 1/3 scale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSMqedN0p8FPbu_g042XzQhqzFSD-wAxN1iRAajCRO0oFCB4dVIAou6vFdSh_akH2PkiGXgtoj9F8c8kQ7QfDPsJA9Lj3NUJxbH-BMTQE7p5Ubua2kpsWQ5nQjFNqe00kkc76aVrvFWM/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSMqedN0p8FPbu_g042XzQhqzFSD-wAxN1iRAajCRO0oFCB4dVIAou6vFdSh_akH2PkiGXgtoj9F8c8kQ7QfDPsJA9Lj3NUJxbH-BMTQE7p5Ubua2kpsWQ5nQjFNqe00kkc76aVrvFWM/s320/P1010034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crissy and Roger from Sanderling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1b5kskKglewqo1mJViPkKx_yhNIsaRUg-vi4PRTV8fkfFVDat-lev9WVVefVhB9DFC-dC4VAq7kjgbuumg-be1MlUz-ELDgy-0mW_B6uQUPVopDAFCosEnB_BS6DuWEk4FJk6pMsLc4/s1600/P1010018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1b5kskKglewqo1mJViPkKx_yhNIsaRUg-vi4PRTV8fkfFVDat-lev9WVVefVhB9DFC-dC4VAq7kjgbuumg-be1MlUz-ELDgy-0mW_B6uQUPVopDAFCosEnB_BS6DuWEk4FJk6pMsLc4/s320/P1010018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF5OFXp1dA0G0IUmJNe6EZRqG3DSnjJnDoJFYIXFstavNNYORLG0xlwDS-iRK5BO1JfOZ5Zu-uf9Jtfuexg19LIR0VUYsSFLSO72M1r1BYlfzCtMVl2XZz2-55Pee5DDD4U1_7meFAAI/s1600/P1010020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF5OFXp1dA0G0IUmJNe6EZRqG3DSnjJnDoJFYIXFstavNNYORLG0xlwDS-iRK5BO1JfOZ5Zu-uf9Jtfuexg19LIR0VUYsSFLSO72M1r1BYlfzCtMVl2XZz2-55Pee5DDD4U1_7meFAAI/s320/P1010020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 13th station of the cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A weather cold front was working its way to Cat so while we had the car we scoped out
two anchorages at the north end of the island where we took shelter for a few
days. Shanna’s Cove restaurant was a welcome sight as we reached the north end
of the island.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaa4ZQWjxE2s_tD-PEXCySn7a17gZ28Repux68NA6gEtR1SdUHi0RbH3xLZwQq6E5j8MQ4m3P5IFlmu-rBcQRt0XSfgZDCm74OY3iBaooXzLU-22OjMGEpsOe8Mf7njf9AxOiugqa52I/s1600/P1000989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaa4ZQWjxE2s_tD-PEXCySn7a17gZ28Repux68NA6gEtR1SdUHi0RbH3xLZwQq6E5j8MQ4m3P5IFlmu-rBcQRt0XSfgZDCm74OY3iBaooXzLU-22OjMGEpsOe8Mf7njf9AxOiugqa52I/s320/P1000989.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and Roger chatting at Shanna's Cove </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ygvGbzKTh-kI0q2xtZZIiW3U54w1mCco3jzJSLg_mNKZbAUEac1G07_0EnANvAzYeM_egIHXtyqkCl9dUGvUK8A56iH-RZ6hC3-yCwyeusgOpwXCSNBzyLTVytfMYuInkQ9UZo3Dss/s1600/P1000990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ygvGbzKTh-kI0q2xtZZIiW3U54w1mCco3jzJSLg_mNKZbAUEac1G07_0EnANvAzYeM_egIHXtyqkCl9dUGvUK8A56iH-RZ6hC3-yCwyeusgOpwXCSNBzyLTVytfMYuInkQ9UZo3Dss/s320/P1000990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a long day of driving we were beckoned back to shore for an evening of
Rake and Scrape on the beach. Pompey Johnson is a well known musician on the
island and has performed on the Today Show and in Paris. His band was playing
for cruisers that night and as one of the girls in the band of three also owned
the snack shack, she disappeared every so often to keep the kitchen going. When
this happened the music stopped and this was when Cathy stepped in to do some
drumming on the goombay drum to keep the music going. It was good fun and Cathy was
honoured to play with a musical legend. Unfortunately, we left the camera on the
boat so we have no photos of the evening.<br />
Sailing regattas are a matter of island pride in The Bahamas and whole
settlements will build, race, and support their sloop. The regattas are a time
of celebration and attract entrants from all over The Bahamas with spectators
coming from the US to enjoy the festivities. A new sloop was being built by
hand. across the street from our favourite ‘take away’. These sloops have no ballast so crew need hike out on boards to keep the over-canvased vessel from going over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXJ3NreL84AdM1dC2mdVkR6WoZrY2oJtiFP_P1gindy4ae_8D2U8wSab9TSaBzNGyjRv-3yZQBz_x5BT1EGPc1WDdDr3YLRhit-rGhS_VQcfw0Dqbozq6f7EvXN6QsijjBDV8CCYPTaM/s1600/P1010051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXJ3NreL84AdM1dC2mdVkR6WoZrY2oJtiFP_P1gindy4ae_8D2U8wSab9TSaBzNGyjRv-3yZQBz_x5BT1EGPc1WDdDr3YLRhit-rGhS_VQcfw0Dqbozq6f7EvXN6QsijjBDV8CCYPTaM/s320/P1010051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new Bahamian Class C sloop under construction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As always, we spent many hours walking the beautiful beaches, some of them
pink sand. We found a few water creatures as we strolled along.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5FFSJYZvc7CCuASKGiA7NqqK0gx4fUcrk5dqp9dJBJofP1Crezea7DHYlcGxjgbFSXJmUZ3gyjP6CAWttBow8mNqi4CVImLG6Ttm1QzixBjiJPBPQfbAfIu9FE4EWxT6JeyaOEGoh8E/s1600/P1010060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5FFSJYZvc7CCuASKGiA7NqqK0gx4fUcrk5dqp9dJBJofP1Crezea7DHYlcGxjgbFSXJmUZ3gyjP6CAWttBow8mNqi4CVImLG6Ttm1QzixBjiJPBPQfbAfIu9FE4EWxT6JeyaOEGoh8E/s400/P1010060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starfish are abundant in The Bahamas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyAre3rm6xiHSJyB3ijb22XH_f44L99MVbIo1KQeN1L1_4R8KEVovQ1p4zok4sC6R8u054tmkYZEaEowUqZ2KAFqH6i39Q3jXgquPvDEWEbx5Y6brndBkGhqFkDJWinZ7OFcUrzxqt-g/s1600/P1010063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyAre3rm6xiHSJyB3ijb22XH_f44L99MVbIo1KQeN1L1_4R8KEVovQ1p4zok4sC6R8u054tmkYZEaEowUqZ2KAFqH6i39Q3jXgquPvDEWEbx5Y6brndBkGhqFkDJWinZ7OFcUrzxqt-g/s400/P1010063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sand crab out of its hole. Left alone it will quickly bury itself in the sand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NpDO0iAheVwJygaVkJ5w6LtiAeeVpuNYuvoxdFnYjPSRdzyTbHHAEeVBXdvPBLVgG84Ns5MMZRbXGpMQGwCliFX22ChraC_E7zVYX_g0_68PzqLYVA9mv8MPmaPsWUPnrMN_Rg95Aag/s1600/P1010066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NpDO0iAheVwJygaVkJ5w6LtiAeeVpuNYuvoxdFnYjPSRdzyTbHHAEeVBXdvPBLVgG84Ns5MMZRbXGpMQGwCliFX22ChraC_E7zVYX_g0_68PzqLYVA9mv8MPmaPsWUPnrMN_Rg95Aag/s400/P1010066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An under water shot of the same crab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As soon as the cold front had run its course we left Cat and sailed west to
Little San Salvador (or Half Moon Cay as Holland America Cruise Lines calls it).
This island was purchased by the cruise line as a daytime playground for their
passengers. It is an odd sight to see a ‘deserted’ cay on one side and as you
head toward the anchorage you see Disneyland on the beach. The cruise ships come
in around 7 am and ferry 3000 passengers to shore in a very short time. The
passengers can stroll the beach, ride horseback along the shore, enjoy water
sports, loud music, boat rides, snorkelling and the ultimate waste (in our
opinion) sit on an open air – air conditioned, multi-level cabana! At 4 pm 3000 people are
sucked back inside the ship and it departs, leaving the beach to people like us
– ahhh! Fortunately only 45 of the 2,500 acres have been developed, the rest is
kept as a nature preserve. The experience of seeing this daily cycle (except for
Sundays) is surreal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2EdIy7lgttENIoaBfq8eN_bW-gftTppLzjenNrilra6szWsDiunP_CzD4EdME4voOktGSdwAgMIuGg8IdL23AQfgCaf12hzOFNm7Jam-nJx8i3CFZHl1q9fEMuQwiUlJMksWS0_70YA/s1600/P1010092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2EdIy7lgttENIoaBfq8eN_bW-gftTppLzjenNrilra6szWsDiunP_CzD4EdME4voOktGSdwAgMIuGg8IdL23AQfgCaf12hzOFNm7Jam-nJx8i3CFZHl1q9fEMuQwiUlJMksWS0_70YA/s320/P1010092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar. Too bad it was closed when we were there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20YZPtTNJAm5Nn4jjLfjuPrfiDMs6K1n9_P6JzN-qrs0VnqF4wlKb-YJPaAQDUHPJ0awm76lZXPhl79_mQnuXWHiS9qKQhj9sasovbUfmx4hDk0oLwbqWqGLbsdbRL9QI-B522ENy0PI/s1600/P1010091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20YZPtTNJAm5Nn4jjLfjuPrfiDMs6K1n9_P6JzN-qrs0VnqF4wlKb-YJPaAQDUHPJ0awm76lZXPhl79_mQnuXWHiS9qKQhj9sasovbUfmx4hDk0oLwbqWqGLbsdbRL9QI-B522ENy0PI/s320/P1010091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small open air cabana, on the right, actually had an air conditioner on the back wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10AciqBY4Z5JZitGHBHaikzML7mAkWVHxg7_6xmRx0y1L_45v0PU9cGEk66sQjhh7dp_VGujjF-rS-rDLtpw28A-oPhKsvmuulYkOcjTo7oyn4iInl-1stgoRoMT23zaLjq7Fv-0Tr_s/s1600/P1010082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10AciqBY4Z5JZitGHBHaikzML7mAkWVHxg7_6xmRx0y1L_45v0PU9cGEk66sQjhh7dp_VGujjF-rS-rDLtpw28A-oPhKsvmuulYkOcjTo7oyn4iInl-1stgoRoMT23zaLjq7Fv-0Tr_s/s320/P1010082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The daily cruise ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-36463330431652159612015-04-09T07:15:00.000-07:002015-04-09T07:23:27.004-07:00On our own againWhen we had completed our visits with Corinne, Calvin, and Megan we turned
our bow south towards Georgetown on Great Exuma Island. This the hub for many
cruisers who stay in this spot for the entire winter where much socializing is
done. For us it was a jumping off point for islands to the south and east of the
Exumas but not before visiting ‘Rake and Scrape’ night at Eddie’s Edgewater
Cafe. Rake and Scrape is a traditional Bahamian style of music played largely on
the out islands and usually includes an accordion, (in the old days a
concertina) a goombay drum, and a saw that is often played with a old rusty
screwdriver. The band on this night also had a guitar, bucket base, and a tom
tom drum. There is nothing fancy about the evening but the rhythm is contagious
and eventually everyone is dancing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf9WC5z75xzFjGaPV5UUV7uHi_9dnkPehpR5Bi8tvjXa3W-x3egIRRL4NnEViXJyOx6d30DR8mFxJCqLY4mWgbET-q-SS6u9931kUWmSU8GergKqEExT3wLGa87fSHMpBEB1F-wJvOUQ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf9WC5z75xzFjGaPV5UUV7uHi_9dnkPehpR5Bi8tvjXa3W-x3egIRRL4NnEViXJyOx6d30DR8mFxJCqLY4mWgbET-q-SS6u9931kUWmSU8GergKqEExT3wLGa87fSHMpBEB1F-wJvOUQ/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goombay drum is on the left and the saw player and tip bucket on the
right </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCwfNVZxG9l8fRFIh0EicAzAphhjXnZiTOrRBzbsr4ShO9ES_1g-XwtBsgRtNYSL5TWQKOe23eMkBD17IjFHFNHHEPbB5k61o2p03IDy_vSilwoasVPpR42V5ByMLlrr7U-WNb7wsPeY/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCwfNVZxG9l8fRFIh0EicAzAphhjXnZiTOrRBzbsr4ShO9ES_1g-XwtBsgRtNYSL5TWQKOe23eMkBD17IjFHFNHHEPbB5k61o2p03IDy_vSilwoasVPpR42V5ByMLlrr7U-WNb7wsPeY/s1600/2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of the band.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the creature life is below water in the Bahamas but we do
occasionally encounter insects such as this spider that was suspended between
bushes on a deserted beach at Jack’s Cove.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAQ3dATfNYWslfWXmjiexiXGa1AvqFUX8hs5uveKwzr1PiN6MgKoojFcN8i_4wwYrYTeF5-PweBQrHg8HcP3q_6ZMROCzc_5lHggC673oHRzRhjnxbmywDHtjtO6lt9QSEGv_YZP4VaU/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAQ3dATfNYWslfWXmjiexiXGa1AvqFUX8hs5uveKwzr1PiN6MgKoojFcN8i_4wwYrYTeF5-PweBQrHg8HcP3q_6ZMROCzc_5lHggC673oHRzRhjnxbmywDHtjtO6lt9QSEGv_YZP4VaU/s1600/3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative photography makes it appear larger than real life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNSimpVIv1aLouAgoUoUrIks5Beydn4bPh2Kk46OhsSZBJsOP0w105q3PR2Q2VfiWJEAxYB75ilCIs3_xVIbuNsAf4kX7xkuWWNa2JL1_O8LscGj0c5gjRBvDN9dYoxzrEMrsicBhyphenhyphen2M/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNSimpVIv1aLouAgoUoUrIks5Beydn4bPh2Kk46OhsSZBJsOP0w105q3PR2Q2VfiWJEAxYB75ilCIs3_xVIbuNsAf4kX7xkuWWNa2JL1_O8LscGj0c5gjRBvDN9dYoxzrEMrsicBhyphenhyphen2M/s1600/4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don’t know what type of beetle it is but it sat perfectly still for this
portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0AfKIkOvlawQSRyxn7mw4xaJk65wv5KJo9A3Eydx39oVvd0zRgfDrzu6fsvqNZAgvNLoyoEYTGGogt2xJ7qy_E_yRAdbsSkzDv5kvEUaV9jAAdy_uT39Ya9N5rhRBKjWf17dDhKg_E8/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0AfKIkOvlawQSRyxn7mw4xaJk65wv5KJo9A3Eydx39oVvd0zRgfDrzu6fsvqNZAgvNLoyoEYTGGogt2xJ7qy_E_yRAdbsSkzDv5kvEUaV9jAAdy_uT39Ya9N5rhRBKjWf17dDhKg_E8/s1600/5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The effect of the wind and waves on the limestone landscape can be very
dramatic as we saw just outside Black Point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vkbP0x755iP2Uj55IocX_UhRHsUHWFK0QW-iL9AnT4aSZrw-yxTwvjp7cAXAf5dT3tjR8HIyAcl9wiTEsjMajJgNrfTBhlYYf6PakrMLiTHPyqBwN-vdy3jFHRAIQ-rSOmG6CRlERw/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vkbP0x755iP2Uj55IocX_UhRHsUHWFK0QW-iL9AnT4aSZrw-yxTwvjp7cAXAf5dT3tjR8HIyAcl9wiTEsjMajJgNrfTBhlYYf6PakrMLiTHPyqBwN-vdy3jFHRAIQ-rSOmG6CRlERw/s1600/6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dramatic spot with the Exuma Sound in the background. Can you find the "horse" in this photo ? </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather since the beginning of March has been unusually settled. The
trade winds blow from the east every day and as a result there are few fronts
moving through and the waters have been very calm. On the day we sailed from
Georgetown to Long Island the Exuma Sound was like glass as the temperature
increased the closer we were to the Tropic of Cancer. It was so calm that we
stopped in 5000 feet of water to let out all 200 feet of our anchor chain to
untwist it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zw9zV0MYTzSiaThJgLktocSlTmQJeofMgjsL4Q9Hnb1xJc2zktEr9YZO1bDcsRWEFFq3COT0NiL_Vo28zmFmrJggFQDMiLNhmd7gAVF2AOcNKQKczoKysVR8SuH5qrEPuD-6LeCSDXA/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zw9zV0MYTzSiaThJgLktocSlTmQJeofMgjsL4Q9Hnb1xJc2zktEr9YZO1bDcsRWEFFq3COT0NiL_Vo28zmFmrJggFQDMiLNhmd7gAVF2AOcNKQKczoKysVR8SuH5qrEPuD-6LeCSDXA/s1600/7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can probably feel the heat just looking at the Exuma Sound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Long Island is 100km long and quite narrow with one main road running the
length of it. It was the third island that Columbus landed on in the New World.
As always the people were welcoming and are only too happy to stop and give you
a lift to where ever they are headed. The major highlight was wonderful grocery
shopping where we loaded up on vegetables and fruit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KCsQYlQLeXkFB3BNyeBv4cHpgQPJach8GvDsU6pjTG8zSll8vmkcsKc_zBEa92NCFK2L2oEf0Gc0HLOLW2NZucvwNjp3os-7e5zmNwoVyzWXfJAXtNvn24w9MwScOnIW0Rb5pGb6Sr4/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KCsQYlQLeXkFB3BNyeBv4cHpgQPJach8GvDsU6pjTG8zSll8vmkcsKc_zBEa92NCFK2L2oEf0Gc0HLOLW2NZucvwNjp3os-7e5zmNwoVyzWXfJAXtNvn24w9MwScOnIW0Rb5pGb6Sr4/s1600/8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very dry climate of the south Bahamas is ideal for cactus type
plants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A6wj_ttbEALFRaX1P-i2QLf4Oa1NPNAeXrtSOkudPJlWBIjJV0bgao2JwHL_G_kV2s4hUSPY2J92Av-VVgur65yyLiUIQW_0Buz1cTD4xJI897udtsEcaUPdHcgmSp6IgDvjEV8_xgY/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A6wj_ttbEALFRaX1P-i2QLf4Oa1NPNAeXrtSOkudPJlWBIjJV0bgao2JwHL_G_kV2s4hUSPY2J92Av-VVgur65yyLiUIQW_0Buz1cTD4xJI897udtsEcaUPdHcgmSp6IgDvjEV8_xgY/s1600/9.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsm4Zs5CHUEHL3MFuCWniSWAo03S8kyHs6ggxcqZJxGqJlic_2auztw3xuPI-a87p-ArC4XDGA092ivVDZ2xWrbuYehpl3ktpiE1Ov4-pSSdgGoAl1ptzR2LcRr3jXRFazKvtz17-s0Q/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsm4Zs5CHUEHL3MFuCWniSWAo03S8kyHs6ggxcqZJxGqJlic_2auztw3xuPI-a87p-ArC4XDGA092ivVDZ2xWrbuYehpl3ktpiE1Ov4-pSSdgGoAl1ptzR2LcRr3jXRFazKvtz17-s0Q/s1600/10.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is always surprising to see such beautiful flowers surviving in rock and
minimal soil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgMKkxu6XNtokdEnXXKI2VgrADzeCJXBXrnj1eMmDroew9wNVC01s0UC8Yj5Y8Y84JiXFOXFlJmd8saBegQwv9u7_d2wZEtZIDjcx3dnN-Gg-slBFVLXhN0at2ryLszT30tvvR7N7FsE/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgMKkxu6XNtokdEnXXKI2VgrADzeCJXBXrnj1eMmDroew9wNVC01s0UC8Yj5Y8Y84JiXFOXFlJmd8saBegQwv9u7_d2wZEtZIDjcx3dnN-Gg-slBFVLXhN0at2ryLszT30tvvR7N7FsE/s1600/11.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And everywhere you go – coconut palms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfCbhw68Qf67i8ru57YftJHswmFsljhTmGUwDGYRn6N92RSxo8Rc1eoery-fi36aFfKU7QK8jO0iVpJJq5Cr8kulzjHzJ8PMlrNhYmeHMv8vXW2BQnyosK8KHXpbt1oKGgtYBYOGlLCk/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfCbhw68Qf67i8ru57YftJHswmFsljhTmGUwDGYRn6N92RSxo8Rc1eoery-fi36aFfKU7QK8jO0iVpJJq5Cr8kulzjHzJ8PMlrNhYmeHMv8vXW2BQnyosK8KHXpbt1oKGgtYBYOGlLCk/s1600/12.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscaping with rock </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Landscaping with rock - It may be difficult to see the hours of work that
must have been spent landscaping this front yard. Clearing the scrub out,
building the walls, and using rocks to create ‘gardens’ around each tree must
have been a huge effort.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4lRt6Fpm9S7iMZTkFGPUv20nhnzV7UsB6yC2XcRN-iRHBCWPrBnWak9ehG_hk880yp2n2R8_0saZrrKwAynWkKBTnUKQ9nLTWLyL_WvT1EB8LGkELux-Ev_1gtNZgahBuWBV8XY2tw/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4lRt6Fpm9S7iMZTkFGPUv20nhnzV7UsB6yC2XcRN-iRHBCWPrBnWak9ehG_hk880yp2n2R8_0saZrrKwAynWkKBTnUKQ9nLTWLyL_WvT1EB8LGkELux-Ev_1gtNZgahBuWBV8XY2tw/s1600/13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ‘weather station’ at Salt Pond, Long Island. Not so good at longer-range forecasting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our time on Long Island was cut short by the amazingly settled weather when
we realized we could spend time on tiny Conception Island. You might wait a few
years to have weather that is settled enough to anchor at Conception as it is
open to most weather. The surge from the ocean wraps around the entire island
which makes for uncomfortable rolling in the one achorage. It is a National
Park (the deserted island type of park) and another of the three islands that
Columbus stopped at. It is an important birding area, and the mangroves are a
playground for sea turtles. We took the dinghy into the mangroves and enjoyed
the sizable turtles popping their heads up all around us but didn’t have any
luck catching them on camera – they are a shy bunch. The reef on the north side
of the island is the longest continuous example of Montastraea reef in the
Caribbean. The reefs were huge and looked ancient, and it was a little creepy to
be in the middle of so many giant sized coral heads so close together . We saw
some of the largest fish we have ever come across including three really scary
looking Barracuda. It was all a bit much for one of us who left the water to
sit in the safety of the dinghy … guess who?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpo2nGje0OOlj5Z7Grkij_uzlBZUKRgTot_Ppsc73W9rJQNdUQwOkH8z6Mg1fIbZgFY6Zltv1ff7uX_G-HKSV_L74rglJIYAHWSSF63-Lh4hdJL-q23e-oHQXmRLAKtOw22sJS9DMVLI/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpo2nGje0OOlj5Z7Grkij_uzlBZUKRgTot_Ppsc73W9rJQNdUQwOkH8z6Mg1fIbZgFY6Zltv1ff7uX_G-HKSV_L74rglJIYAHWSSF63-Lh4hdJL-q23e-oHQXmRLAKtOw22sJS9DMVLI/s1600/14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our neighbours on Conception</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LakXIc_6pVWe4d8JkqogLXUCWzVyU1CrKH1QvbJL4CUDp_ueqn3KrFIYP8RPpPBIeHIffjYIwxpXqH_y2A8m2GiKdozwI8IoGmwg5lH_IPl3-8X3hhAduhVxd3dLjYH16X9F4DqHXGE/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LakXIc_6pVWe4d8JkqogLXUCWzVyU1CrKH1QvbJL4CUDp_ueqn3KrFIYP8RPpPBIeHIffjYIwxpXqH_y2A8m2GiKdozwI8IoGmwg5lH_IPl3-8X3hhAduhVxd3dLjYH16X9F4DqHXGE/s1600/15.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More birds in the mangroves with the turtles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdl8QBt9I5svowMvUnNhEVQ1E6zMUk5-_EaFgRt17B8tBYJmWCRkvybFIO3Lt3NcZsci1zeL5gInGFVbdt-fdMVN1yhFK8ciIibeVOc9k9OMNA2f-SQoIDhOmr6WxhrjL33F7eIk37lE/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdl8QBt9I5svowMvUnNhEVQ1E6zMUk5-_EaFgRt17B8tBYJmWCRkvybFIO3Lt3NcZsci1zeL5gInGFVbdt-fdMVN1yhFK8ciIibeVOc9k9OMNA2f-SQoIDhOmr6WxhrjL33F7eIk37lE/s1600/20.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Brain Coral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhzcF5cgdQCbp4aE11HTnYQqtRkE6C6pcppw6q_0fLJezszLERs65skP_nWGt2YnbPDGM5Z_rKf-milQOOd6KQ32Lmctb_QUoxQzSa09gQF5Pc3-oQtOeBMMTRW3mm5pGLn0VxHFdwZk/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhzcF5cgdQCbp4aE11HTnYQqtRkE6C6pcppw6q_0fLJezszLERs65skP_nWGt2YnbPDGM5Z_rKf-milQOOd6KQ32Lmctb_QUoxQzSa09gQF5Pc3-oQtOeBMMTRW3mm5pGLn0VxHFdwZk/s1600/16.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the ancient coral, very different from the smaller, cuter stuff in
the Exumas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5GdaCsLo_8-uJbqzZ7dJ8onJA8zsiXOZTrb2PowmOH-H3xxVvGG7NjpFGIV2GReByDAwo2tpvUjQVRdwkaSKqbxzAODKRqHKleBakwoQ_W4oKadit0t83mCZOD_iDYxzvhTXBlYKAxY/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5GdaCsLo_8-uJbqzZ7dJ8onJA8zsiXOZTrb2PowmOH-H3xxVvGG7NjpFGIV2GReByDAwo2tpvUjQVRdwkaSKqbxzAODKRqHKleBakwoQ_W4oKadit0t83mCZOD_iDYxzvhTXBlYKAxY/s1600/17.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the biggest parrotfish we have seen yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3GxvYZ7uUVM45RKK6ayHprMCfLFQaoWq41pTlKEmiZ3P1oBaK0rcIpwJF1xfn13eEXi23KS8CbJM8oLTWTPSE8Ab4nuMBAcv-W5TMDaapHCnQwMTkzj9jILo3FKWuc9zuqbJ1LDo8Eo/s1600/17b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3GxvYZ7uUVM45RKK6ayHprMCfLFQaoWq41pTlKEmiZ3P1oBaK0rcIpwJF1xfn13eEXi23KS8CbJM8oLTWTPSE8Ab4nuMBAcv-W5TMDaapHCnQwMTkzj9jILo3FKWuc9zuqbJ1LDo8Eo/s1600/17b.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very large Tang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDD0xCv7nA8WXGQE7feH1SawcLRaSjz7b1JhjLLsIFwmWyfMVebdtl8oEFbtOtvb_TsfOgQplQk0b5BD1FfXgE3Y8pa8LIIeQWp1Kk3sY2lGBDERBXewIR_eUjRWuRSwFSrZmj6MGZTE/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDD0xCv7nA8WXGQE7feH1SawcLRaSjz7b1JhjLLsIFwmWyfMVebdtl8oEFbtOtvb_TsfOgQplQk0b5BD1FfXgE3Y8pa8LIIeQWp1Kk3sY2lGBDERBXewIR_eUjRWuRSwFSrZmj6MGZTE/s1600/19.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More ancient pillar coral on the north side of Conception</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTxTvpS1MRZ1evImwMiHiEiLXPg03UUZU6LSe1kwwi65oNZnmKQQbd4zcvU03mTRKevOL5jPHrksy1Qv5kmaVL77vgMXAjhWh9GZ5rNq9IwqRcCNwWj2RRn1Yl3XVmFOkDEdIvKACdKQ/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTxTvpS1MRZ1evImwMiHiEiLXPg03UUZU6LSe1kwwi65oNZnmKQQbd4zcvU03mTRKevOL5jPHrksy1Qv5kmaVL77vgMXAjhWh9GZ5rNq9IwqRcCNwWj2RRn1Yl3XVmFOkDEdIvKACdKQ/s1600/18.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral on the west side of Conception is much smaller, phew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually the winds shifted and the anchorage became quite rolly so although
we still had more investigating to do here we moved on to Cat Island, but we’ll
be back another year. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-76123308051667013782015-03-13T19:30:00.001-07:002015-03-13T19:30:03.596-07:00Settled into the ExumasThe improvement in the weather has helped us to settle into the rhythm of
cruising life. The trade winds have set in so we have consistent 15 – 20 knot east winds and a steady 75F for temperature each day. It definitely feels
like Bahamas winter! Corinne was our next visitor to take shelter from the
Toronto weather. The local airline that flies into Staniel Cay is Flamingo
Air. Their stretch plane has 12 seats and the regular one has eight seats. The fleet
of three planes appear to have the tail of each plane hand painted with a flamingo
and of course we walk out to greet the plane.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDR-TGI34iA36C7PtZi3ti4sa5PaD6p8VN-VX2_xLvDGP6BmDLxWjMjb_YueiIy8XrAtr3QqlXYestAe7xV4rEgV4Y_r2TGT4TvdlPlLjBZdsHNA7pqeebaqsLEZOMG2FXmr59s8R68/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDR-TGI34iA36C7PtZi3ti4sa5PaD6p8VN-VX2_xLvDGP6BmDLxWjMjb_YueiIy8XrAtr3QqlXYestAe7xV4rEgV4Y_r2TGT4TvdlPlLjBZdsHNA7pqeebaqsLEZOMG2FXmr59s8R68/s1600/1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin and Megan left on the stretch plane. Check out their hot-weather clothes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFz7Wqd5QMowqJ1Pi3OHnDCbrjc0mq97KMkvDUlYjL93qOyLTlZopIzY77cw2yDW0NsdQCYjW-BhCtrCl3PG4zYtkp2WPn9uVRHlCDG4TmIYWLIfZcpdcY7W4Xc2s3EOfC5XDSsFveG8/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFz7Wqd5QMowqJ1Pi3OHnDCbrjc0mq97KMkvDUlYjL93qOyLTlZopIzY77cw2yDW0NsdQCYjW-BhCtrCl3PG4zYtkp2WPn9uVRHlCDG4TmIYWLIfZcpdcY7W4Xc2s3EOfC5XDSsFveG8/s1600/2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne arrives on the eight seater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Grocery shopping is always a surprise. We wonder if the ‘store’ owners know what is
coming until it appears on the mail boat. The boat arrives once a week unless it
goes aground (which it did last winter) or it is the week that the boat doesn’t
come … then you need to dip into your canned foods collection. We see a big
change this year – both the Pink and Blue stores (for those of you who are
familiar) now have Signs! Apparently it was a good summer so there must be a
little money leftover.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt7Sx3UsPiPg710ZixVoUw6PauxlbW952vy8BQB6qr9PhIOZ11SDOYvt_HFW_LBSDSiBd77ILymFraN9ERgmEyejbR-zXsDJIZTO-QDzQ5CIx3BthuzDb4NE8hnQ0zJgehyp5fyOkfrs/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt7Sx3UsPiPg710ZixVoUw6PauxlbW952vy8BQB6qr9PhIOZ11SDOYvt_HFW_LBSDSiBd77ILymFraN9ERgmEyejbR-zXsDJIZTO-QDzQ5CIx3BthuzDb4NE8hnQ0zJgehyp5fyOkfrs/s1600/3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaPLWkNXlflQ5vJniNjEFWOrzuBVpChvm7T5spypvVbp8i2p4dPUe8cdGS82IGKSUWzwGIRAOPFsEzEDlaK2WCF2U-iOcoSCdgUfO6HGEzyAE45T0t94btYL-EBfvJipWlwJzkLnQp6Y/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaPLWkNXlflQ5vJniNjEFWOrzuBVpChvm7T5spypvVbp8i2p4dPUe8cdGS82IGKSUWzwGIRAOPFsEzEDlaK2WCF2U-iOcoSCdgUfO6HGEzyAE45T0t94btYL-EBfvJipWlwJzkLnQp6Y/s1600/4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosters are a regular sightings on walks through the settlements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now that the weather has improved we spend part of every day in the water.
Our underwater photos are improving as is Kim’s spear fishing. Corinne tried her
hand at shooting the Hawaiian Sling and terrorized numerous rocks in the
process. (but she looks really good doing it)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xIFZ7kqbuDTH1UsGMGqjNpkKjodydy0klAh-hzKaPtrR8mYnuCCx22sbICGapuUJvNGBnWoR2ZqRj9ZO7FpfmrOiE9TBjj4S-oQt0xUJEhA81A4rqhREh8XsRYJAHK0_YkxGNRFmG4g/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xIFZ7kqbuDTH1UsGMGqjNpkKjodydy0klAh-hzKaPtrR8mYnuCCx22sbICGapuUJvNGBnWoR2ZqRj9ZO7FpfmrOiE9TBjj4S-oQt0xUJEhA81A4rqhREh8XsRYJAHK0_YkxGNRFmG4g/s1600/5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp8CuSVqdpO12OQGjI5a74Lhc-Kf0CzGD-xqVwpslFTSh8DBYBr8gxT4lgpRCdO5esyOJWg8HSTqWsrru2bTQeUNn-gB2fjUbr9pdo9MSsTvgRmkLD6osKsYUuZl7Ky5PVD5RY8aHkCg/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp8CuSVqdpO12OQGjI5a74Lhc-Kf0CzGD-xqVwpslFTSh8DBYBr8gxT4lgpRCdO5esyOJWg8HSTqWsrru2bTQeUNn-gB2fjUbr9pdo9MSsTvgRmkLD6osKsYUuZl7Ky5PVD5RY8aHkCg/s1600/6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We are very happy to be able to show you some of what we see under the water.
Our fish friends like to hang out about 10 – 15 feet down, so the challenge is
still descending and staying down at their level until someone swims by. Scuba
gear would be the answer for sure. We aren’t always sure of the names of the
fish and coral we see but have done our best to label them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgp5dnk-U9iBoC-UiUw3u63T4a_BVCvtTdQHwsYk85XPBcQAKAipoD1oiTce0bsKovfA6xyUH6FfvqVJIuh9i6IlQ9vhIQGcFD2L0iK-cMeXK7h3xmmcT_x437fqFq2D_VLaTFDm4LFA/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgp5dnk-U9iBoC-UiUw3u63T4a_BVCvtTdQHwsYk85XPBcQAKAipoD1oiTce0bsKovfA6xyUH6FfvqVJIuh9i6IlQ9vhIQGcFD2L0iK-cMeXK7h3xmmcT_x437fqFq2D_VLaTFDm4LFA/s1600/7.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The violet ‘sea fan’ and branch like ‘sea whips’ are forms of soft coral and
are anchored onto hard corals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GRqdsxdt-msZ3E3ulyeXJt0HRoGwrUcbzJ0AfjdoBd3qA_jHAm32S312-IPjHn7bpf5GzUBE8A2qyL6Kf-qVF8Ee11YuTnqeM8SFlMP0LFYTS5ZZt3oVvsCQvamSgWZfWQkrt5StLH4/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GRqdsxdt-msZ3E3ulyeXJt0HRoGwrUcbzJ0AfjdoBd3qA_jHAm32S312-IPjHn7bpf5GzUBE8A2qyL6Kf-qVF8Ee11YuTnqeM8SFlMP0LFYTS5ZZt3oVvsCQvamSgWZfWQkrt5StLH4/s1600/8.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We think these are sea sponges with a juvenile Angelfish hiding behind.<br />
<br />
<br />
Corinne found this beautiful ‘eye’ that opens and closes if you get close. We
think it may be a Colonial Feather Duster Worm. The white and violet tubes are
gills.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULDK7EDzj38EJdicEOCrLSSrBqDNQcx2EL19JF8L4wwV7B6lIt5mGjz1L6EghVU1_wlLILzkg9dH7P37DIi-oS2Uvm-7bAS2-2gcVE1Hn2IiNE_Ye2K628sygPBnqMncS2CuqnBSzz6c/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULDK7EDzj38EJdicEOCrLSSrBqDNQcx2EL19JF8L4wwV7B6lIt5mGjz1L6EghVU1_wlLILzkg9dH7P37DIi-oS2Uvm-7bAS2-2gcVE1Hn2IiNE_Ye2K628sygPBnqMncS2CuqnBSzz6c/s1600/9.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonial Feather Duster Worm </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRFvbeW92nDzwKWzGhy8XUyJGdRBpdYrRPtjby1JGjBLOh1tPnp9mobf8BqmElFfqD_nxvNXwx1Bq86NaImbbmnG9kAvEf6KoAc0r139EY32bUWcb0EgMOHkgDNmxD8raxIvbke_OygY/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRFvbeW92nDzwKWzGhy8XUyJGdRBpdYrRPtjby1JGjBLOh1tPnp9mobf8BqmElFfqD_nxvNXwx1Bq86NaImbbmnG9kAvEf6KoAc0r139EY32bUWcb0EgMOHkgDNmxD8raxIvbke_OygY/s1600/10.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More soft coral and a Queen Parrotfish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ20D4H6xpNbJJ0xOmEHCxutWygYFFZSE4iTzI0hWBnIz-QhVXinGOuW_0QUEcL3nCOcZI_MAIuFtFG4ahNXP04mqsLRJyU9Y7flaUIZYvOxrJOfQOliz4h4fc3cYMy02UaSappAg_2Vw/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ20D4H6xpNbJJ0xOmEHCxutWygYFFZSE4iTzI0hWBnIz-QhVXinGOuW_0QUEcL3nCOcZI_MAIuFtFG4ahNXP04mqsLRJyU9Y7flaUIZYvOxrJOfQOliz4h4fc3cYMy02UaSappAg_2Vw/s1600/11.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy tries not to scare the Sergeant Majors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Corinne and Kim came across two sting rays while snorkelling at Big Major Cay
(of swimming pig fame) and were amazed at their size. The spotted ray had a 5
foot wingspan and a 10 foot tail. It was burying it’s nose in the sand to try
and dislodge some dinner. We often see rays when fishermen are cleaning
their catch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5DJOYw1pXpk0Xv6Y7yJRXtX71oWeiLfq2-Py9hkAF-2Bl9OCoY43yn6otMwEdTDC-xVQfWPkeDk2Ssx1hQJ6xkqAa2FBH-NoF99srv1ihIH59BeIWy-DqZsORABFUnZqZMTTHyi8aME/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5DJOYw1pXpk0Xv6Y7yJRXtX71oWeiLfq2-Py9hkAF-2Bl9OCoY43yn6otMwEdTDC-xVQfWPkeDk2Ssx1hQJ6xkqAa2FBH-NoF99srv1ihIH59BeIWy-DqZsORABFUnZqZMTTHyi8aME/s1600/12.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ7Qj01lLRj2NheQq7wGMlL3_iV_etO15qcF5WpXDqSxzkkBtgFTGvkcBN7hXuwp9keWU_OZNI-vSZk7YupIRbm1nQQOpPXCdscRdjYLg7AoTsMcN1j4SOd1oq5qqSGlIV5w2_8l5kyM/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ7Qj01lLRj2NheQq7wGMlL3_iV_etO15qcF5WpXDqSxzkkBtgFTGvkcBN7hXuwp9keWU_OZNI-vSZk7YupIRbm1nQQOpPXCdscRdjYLg7AoTsMcN1j4SOd1oq5qqSGlIV5w2_8l5kyM/s1600/13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This Southern Ray was just a little bit smaller than the Spotted Ray above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwEYVhid_WfudB2co9OuOecEwVicO2Zd15092pOSS83tmZh2X7cMdeRm8ldMZtDeqCwl7GFIyzuS4RsoT_9TJiK6Su4WLM2U_PpTNOjXQtLzuYvVA4uLn2D0jLuMLXC1SdJvxcXdV_YE/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwEYVhid_WfudB2co9OuOecEwVicO2Zd15092pOSS83tmZh2X7cMdeRm8ldMZtDeqCwl7GFIyzuS4RsoT_9TJiK6Su4WLM2U_PpTNOjXQtLzuYvVA4uLn2D0jLuMLXC1SdJvxcXdV_YE/s1600/14.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The great fisherman practices his aim… and sometimes brings home dinner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Exumas has endless beauty above the water as well as sea life. The cays
of the Bahamas are Limestone that was laid down between one to two million
years ago along with more recent coral that formed during the glacial periods.
Of course new coral is constantly growing today. The limestone erodes with the
sea and rain water to create blow holes and numerous caves. We decided to hike
to one of these caves with Corinne and our friends Sheryl, Kevin and their rock
climbing dog Champ.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aaXH8_lS35-K7j7lXV6MW3Xdgbmj4D3M-p1nby9IMWzKYPDjN891fXPYrBYOvRnSb6CSyMlttnWJU9F5121IXFdszX7SSIaYkgXERCJetN3tm83TaDEL1lGHT7QTbgTicE1mDzElptA/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aaXH8_lS35-K7j7lXV6MW3Xdgbmj4D3M-p1nby9IMWzKYPDjN891fXPYrBYOvRnSb6CSyMlttnWJU9F5121IXFdszX7SSIaYkgXERCJetN3tm83TaDEL1lGHT7QTbgTicE1mDzElptA/s1600/15.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">‘The Oven’ is a large rock that marks the general location of the cave we
visited.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDBq_OJW9mAoMj45r6wXcalD-Z2mmSSyhyrffzIvplopZDRC29L0DGKgePwrjR2WvW4d11dvYiQOaF_xfx2PBBlmOMm8vsuDGZzNT4g9RduIcDH3WK36J7TAog_LyXnxS9gpyF1sOpK8/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDBq_OJW9mAoMj45r6wXcalD-Z2mmSSyhyrffzIvplopZDRC29L0DGKgePwrjR2WvW4d11dvYiQOaF_xfx2PBBlmOMm8vsuDGZzNT4g9RduIcDH3WK36J7TAog_LyXnxS9gpyF1sOpK8/s1600/16.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cave had a pool of fresh water at its base</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IvvbExsAOVQEl7Kq_lwLF-NCeUsmI8mfDWAnmN18mVw3NaVv0ICjRHi_U05XtyQES2yRtfarPJGprfh9utl5MIz8MEIvGRW8M_5kSasrZeIko7S5LRD5As-dF_S0lCmN7RJhBD95S18/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IvvbExsAOVQEl7Kq_lwLF-NCeUsmI8mfDWAnmN18mVw3NaVv0ICjRHi_U05XtyQES2yRtfarPJGprfh9utl5MIz8MEIvGRW8M_5kSasrZeIko7S5LRD5As-dF_S0lCmN7RJhBD95S18/s1600/18.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy and Corinne exploring the cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQK1QbBtTnTgDQXV3Jnii6_LPB71QUf9z98my_qy9vJ-ZM3B7iTFgvsd8HhB0fUInzd4HOeB0plybjdzOIGzO1CujCy382ByrBoBg_Lx95bHkGnyULTJ7qYOxBQd7BMucN9v9Jb0_jqg/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQK1QbBtTnTgDQXV3Jnii6_LPB71QUf9z98my_qy9vJ-ZM3B7iTFgvsd8HhB0fUInzd4HOeB0plybjdzOIGzO1CujCy382ByrBoBg_Lx95bHkGnyULTJ7qYOxBQd7BMucN9v9Jb0_jqg/s1600/17.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalactite meets stalagmite ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRHyHyHOIer8NQEkAH8UDjBo5rtFdg1vUk79HyJHnecrzqZqoDcHsHUyrSMxCdPsMxxBUz4GKf1DBos6-Gy9yFeLTMVRLi18ZMXLPepnX_v_Kp9NdnzW9Ip9BNmYcKZvrWrfObQRmZos/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRHyHyHOIer8NQEkAH8UDjBo5rtFdg1vUk79HyJHnecrzqZqoDcHsHUyrSMxCdPsMxxBUz4GKf1DBos6-Gy9yFeLTMVRLi18ZMXLPepnX_v_Kp9NdnzW9Ip9BNmYcKZvrWrfObQRmZos/s1600/19.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ‘old’ folks walk Jack’s Bay shore … another deserted beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqTzZnH_2_NF0smukQI8LANrXjvdrWX2bRv2EkbUCIytvPWZduZAnkDxmRsKAOHSEFTSoEUPJiaTeS-Z_Tp3BJcGV0y1k91QAZAdCO60xc1YMMuKp8EuEqmWZpfWr9Liqmo4cqDWh7c4/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqTzZnH_2_NF0smukQI8LANrXjvdrWX2bRv2EkbUCIytvPWZduZAnkDxmRsKAOHSEFTSoEUPJiaTeS-Z_Tp3BJcGV0y1k91QAZAdCO60xc1YMMuKp8EuEqmWZpfWr9Liqmo4cqDWh7c4/s1600/20.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our back door, ahh! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-58457170170579336812015-03-09T08:11:00.000-07:002015-03-09T08:11:00.972-07:00Year Two BeginsOnce the cold of January settled in to Toronto we escaped by car to Hinckley
Yachts in Stuart Florida where we left the boat for the summer. We thought we
could warm up from the bitter cold of the north but on our third day of driving
we woke to –7C in south Georgia. Later that day we were most relieved to find
it was 75F in Stuart. As always there was much to be done in preparing the “Q”
for launch including the installation of new holding tanks, bottom painting,
waxing and the wiring of a second freezer (the freezer is a VERY exciting
addition which has transformed our meal potential). We needed to purchase much
of the food and wine we would need until June in a new place where we knew few
of the labels or which stores to shop in. After a few thousand dollars and many
days of work, shopping, cataloguing and storing food, we were ready for launch.
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2WbkLppz2jhpI5Y-uzgoEYh-QucWIQXdkqhOaf9Pv0mnvGw15pfP6_eIk_LnvKboAJdphNkssYBvBrexZ4Hgb82vOegOSaiYYWb9L8YqSP3tIN1k_ZlI5q733a9mWpWlW1IuecznAps/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2WbkLppz2jhpI5Y-uzgoEYh-QucWIQXdkqhOaf9Pv0mnvGw15pfP6_eIk_LnvKboAJdphNkssYBvBrexZ4Hgb82vOegOSaiYYWb9L8YqSP3tIN1k_ZlI5q733a9mWpWlW1IuecznAps/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The “Q” in the slings of the travel lift<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkodKWAjw9QkZL7jtOT44amsyC4t1WIIUdXqqaExKEk4XJlwGVnZF-BPvYu0m-gRNTWxjnmKEYYzYfjSTZsVJAYjjKODQQCLxuRNrwGyvM9AhsvUgslQyAbs-ELp-sNJuRtpJ11a38e4/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkodKWAjw9QkZL7jtOT44amsyC4t1WIIUdXqqaExKEk4XJlwGVnZF-BPvYu0m-gRNTWxjnmKEYYzYfjSTZsVJAYjjKODQQCLxuRNrwGyvM9AhsvUgslQyAbs-ELp-sNJuRtpJ11a38e4/s1600/2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the way to the splash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU5lSpSVQVwDTKy_BnSOt85v55nZohjAFu8OJVv_XlDGlMjyVwYVuIdIPEXvd1cq6soJfj6Nemfw4i_LgoPCWr-2KTOGboByBG9WF-WkBVLr85skpQI6yXTreM3fd1g3twOkhiaNkMCc/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU5lSpSVQVwDTKy_BnSOt85v55nZohjAFu8OJVv_XlDGlMjyVwYVuIdIPEXvd1cq6soJfj6Nemfw4i_LgoPCWr-2KTOGboByBG9WF-WkBVLr85skpQI6yXTreM3fd1g3twOkhiaNkMCc/s1600/3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
The captain ‘supervises’ activity in the
launching
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssgkieu4vHoJcNVb3Y0TUPUI-rkJ3WSfDpdZ0rHwmliU4fY-hUgvSKP7VRrtRB8eLwuXDwyYPy3L7pRM6jNupD3CyKSLZG1v_gg1qFSC3FPe6GBlvYmULCCZOsRZBuoxv8w2sA93QIfM/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssgkieu4vHoJcNVb3Y0TUPUI-rkJ3WSfDpdZ0rHwmliU4fY-hUgvSKP7VRrtRB8eLwuXDwyYPy3L7pRM6jNupD3CyKSLZG1v_gg1qFSC3FPe6GBlvYmULCCZOsRZBuoxv8w2sA93QIfM/s1600/4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxHFH2oCeQ_6hLM9RoAXiy0AzpkoEpfdSHMl2sqFf0658WsWhGw2N9rtQWReAqLKZDDQqa902ZLu_HlsWjlt-RwxLknv-pfRAtF1Gf56I6nw7ZlFxAKm_FrlEPZQ7ilr-4ngJzz7wCV0/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxHFH2oCeQ_6hLM9RoAXiy0AzpkoEpfdSHMl2sqFf0658WsWhGw2N9rtQWReAqLKZDDQqa902ZLu_HlsWjlt-RwxLknv-pfRAtF1Gf56I6nw7ZlFxAKm_FrlEPZQ7ilr-4ngJzz7wCV0/s1600/5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of our neighbours on the hard. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After two one hour trips to Homeland Security in Fort Pierce we thought we
were finally ready to go but the thermostat on the big engine and the fuel pump
on our 1 year old outboard had other plans, so it was back to the dock for
repairs. All through this time we had Sheryl Bremner and Kevin Loughborough
keeping us company as they worked on‘Quantum Leap II’ in the Hinckley boatyard.
It was great to have such good company as we toiled away in the hot sun for
endless hours each day (no, you don’t need to feel sorry for us!). We finally
left the dock in late January and headed for our favourite spot in West Palm
Beach.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87V7ysh8BWJbvyLxDjxFNejwdNdgQfUljuzfiBzVZfbqMWqNgGaYUsZOAWneUs1e8hPWOuTq_jat77fY7fd3qKzltcZZup8sp3HIkqm9J1YGrOL7T8r1pYUJ4JhUrP0knXl4qh8eWAao/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87V7ysh8BWJbvyLxDjxFNejwdNdgQfUljuzfiBzVZfbqMWqNgGaYUsZOAWneUs1e8hPWOuTq_jat77fY7fd3qKzltcZZup8sp3HIkqm9J1YGrOL7T8r1pYUJ4JhUrP0knXl4qh8eWAao/s1600/6.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Our favourite place to anchor in West Palm – you can see why! (this building
– a private club?? is actually on the Palm Beach side of the channel)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO55RLfBCPOBJhJ5xrl8LeTAD_ZuzVaYUXDBN39VAB9NOhg9dDDjJTPvk4IP63iezb7IJbHnibkwRMS-oQdofkhDUQR43___vzVxGN0Z3i5comLWjRjba97ijOhILBG-PmjX6UoHrO9w/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO55RLfBCPOBJhJ5xrl8LeTAD_ZuzVaYUXDBN39VAB9NOhg9dDDjJTPvk4IP63iezb7IJbHnibkwRMS-oQdofkhDUQR43___vzVxGN0Z3i5comLWjRjba97ijOhILBG-PmjX6UoHrO9w/s1600/7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Sheryl and Kevin caught up with us at West Palm as we made our way south to
Fort Lauderdale. Quantum Leap II looking very regal at the Royal Palm
Bridge. The offshore weather was not cooperating, so we made our way (for the
first time) down the ICW to Fort Lauderdale. 19 bridges in one day, and most of
them opened at scheduled times. This required careful planning of time, speed
and currents but we made it for sunset. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0bkBiiB7EskKpdxfqUZslxR6AVxoPsuUUID8YDEVQfwpaPjfNIXs9jnSEyHOlb473p91KtgjiIxGMypHUw6J1ffDJqqaH9UdEbhVx0mi9kNo-UQx_QWpq0l2KHh9BfbNlEUaWKJvkb0/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0bkBiiB7EskKpdxfqUZslxR6AVxoPsuUUID8YDEVQfwpaPjfNIXs9jnSEyHOlb473p91KtgjiIxGMypHUw6J1ffDJqqaH9UdEbhVx0mi9kNo-UQx_QWpq0l2KHh9BfbNlEUaWKJvkb0/s1600/8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Mega-yacht shrink wrapping.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2y1PAdUsSKN6k1iwH8l001VgRIedyy0Gte_eBO-lWsnhE7-xi5u_6ezGyW_XZFS0-vEEZgPY_iy05wM6CdLDyuTsU0mEnhiZnyO2fNe5GM116QRkDeDpRtYoIhqSg_B02Gd9M9qsbG0/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2y1PAdUsSKN6k1iwH8l001VgRIedyy0Gte_eBO-lWsnhE7-xi5u_6ezGyW_XZFS0-vEEZgPY_iy05wM6CdLDyuTsU0mEnhiZnyO2fNe5GM116QRkDeDpRtYoIhqSg_B02Gd9M9qsbG0/s1600/9.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The number of unoccupied mansions (because the owners are wintering else
where) is mind boggling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_cWaVFdk8yeoHYUVeZb2s5gqOFBt-dMY5rHOX-3o_lS1TvCZXV2vjRQcwytQXVPBu9E6pwozJwjhQWXyQLh43CoKpd4n3gcYKnYUgBSSPUlhgxgKwrwWFARDJdIepfz02gjrLwS9qzA/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_cWaVFdk8yeoHYUVeZb2s5gqOFBt-dMY5rHOX-3o_lS1TvCZXV2vjRQcwytQXVPBu9E6pwozJwjhQWXyQLh43CoKpd4n3gcYKnYUgBSSPUlhgxgKwrwWFARDJdIepfz02gjrLwS9qzA/s1600/10.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately the winds improved enough for us to embark on a bit of a rolly
offshore sail from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. We were up close and personal with
three container ships that day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpthkvWqIlT3dzt9Wo4is8PW4itKG1LPscB63g1HDF8p28EASTV2uVJMsHCzqN1B7Ueeg_hhuH5dMHY_5MC-V_JhM_yzX-Yi5NDgFK9szaNVPZFFKa7bGi7LLxWe-bh8advfGDNzAv_M0/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpthkvWqIlT3dzt9Wo4is8PW4itKG1LPscB63g1HDF8p28EASTV2uVJMsHCzqN1B7Ueeg_hhuH5dMHY_5MC-V_JhM_yzX-Yi5NDgFK9szaNVPZFFKa7bGi7LLxWe-bh8advfGDNzAv_M0/s1600/11.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Boat storage Miami style.<br />
<br />
<br />
After waiting five nights in South Beach Miami we set out from No Name
Harbour to cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini. The conditions were Cathy’s
favourite … light to no wind and moderate seas, in other words motor
sailing/motoring all the way. Quantum Leap joined us for the crossing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj211b1FlXPdxOSPbTEe6q6iaednGwJmdKrIDXOgenc4w9hpi7fnBnlSURfuc6NIBzihdytrfctbWc9_DG2inQU_E5cr_7RsbpxB6ou9FJAj-E7kloFwZCd6PtMCRLQDndKY0AEcwsFYXg/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj211b1FlXPdxOSPbTEe6q6iaednGwJmdKrIDXOgenc4w9hpi7fnBnlSURfuc6NIBzihdytrfctbWc9_DG2inQU_E5cr_7RsbpxB6ou9FJAj-E7kloFwZCd6PtMCRLQDndKY0AEcwsFYXg/s1600/12.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kevin admiring their bow wave on the gulf stream crossing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgOBk2JUwshlY9GsCLLz6wb7-ivWRtbndoOjB5RPn71dsGIcRBVqWk0TDRWy4neqZ3W8udCX2UTOdc0uUSVUGf1JplyWW4isOtIkesfCkLG6y45_sB4IynNYlZdWydv6kQ7PStVanMeM/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgOBk2JUwshlY9GsCLLz6wb7-ivWRtbndoOjB5RPn71dsGIcRBVqWk0TDRWy4neqZ3W8udCX2UTOdc0uUSVUGf1JplyWW4isOtIkesfCkLG6y45_sB4IynNYlZdWydv6kQ7PStVanMeM/s1600/13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The reward for crossing – the view from the docks at Bimini.<br />
Our next leg was to cross the Bahama Banks. It takes two days to cross the
banks so we actually anchor overnight in the middle of nowhere with no land in
sight. Then it was off to Nassau to pick up Calvin and Megan for their holiday.
We then headed straight to our favourite area of the Bahamas, the Exuma Islands.
Our first stop was to Allens Cay to snorkel and visit the iguanas. Because of
some very strong northerlies we had a very rough night on anchor. The next
morning we high tailed it to the protected bay at Cambridge Cay in the Exumas
Land and Sea Park. Unfortunately the wind continued to howl from the north and
it was a cool 70 degrees for much of their visit, but of course they made the
best of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0DgiZ4rKkpMunYnqF-6TZsLYtR2Ukim8rwxf7N7v6rQyvYzjYsscZIB0jwhtT2kavv2CgGyyOChGyNk47fv2dRbokTz68ppxnjWGy568h4aWeFJXOiBfllYjU84k0tJd4HtdEx2xXHs/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0DgiZ4rKkpMunYnqF-6TZsLYtR2Ukim8rwxf7N7v6rQyvYzjYsscZIB0jwhtT2kavv2CgGyyOChGyNk47fv2dRbokTz68ppxnjWGy568h4aWeFJXOiBfllYjU84k0tJd4HtdEx2xXHs/s1600/14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
These endangered Rock Iguanas are always up for a pose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhEuS5rk3tclnztI0koOAtSXwVsTD6rLK2_rlFfgTeuFAERD84BiKxP7XLPRBHhP-K2YX-p-cJfcFCDGqZ-kUGpJKpf_oC041vTXbhUEDDAQv33iqO7Eo4fhFu4MvW25PRlFzwkTijQE/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhEuS5rk3tclnztI0koOAtSXwVsTD6rLK2_rlFfgTeuFAERD84BiKxP7XLPRBHhP-K2YX-p-cJfcFCDGqZ-kUGpJKpf_oC041vTXbhUEDDAQv33iqO7Eo4fhFu4MvW25PRlFzwkTijQE/s1600/15.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The Rock Iguana is only found on two cays in the Exumas.<br />
<br />
<br />
The anchorage at Cambridge Cay is protected from weather on all sides so we
have spent many nights here. It also has some of the best snorkelling in the
Exumas. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJiqpLBC4fnl5-xRSo4WrWwRwWNa0SbdKsIrmjDmE5jkoghk3_48HNnCiI8Wh4gffwc2mXsOj2FzoSov-5zEJW1xg7nc3FdzZUte9ezsjFcGDZbx33zM-p9h29rPSnLD5j0588FkTxto/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJiqpLBC4fnl5-xRSo4WrWwRwWNa0SbdKsIrmjDmE5jkoghk3_48HNnCiI8Wh4gffwc2mXsOj2FzoSov-5zEJW1xg7nc3FdzZUte9ezsjFcGDZbx33zM-p9h29rPSnLD5j0588FkTxto/s1600/16.JPG" height="147" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fortunately, Calvin figured out how to take panorama and underwater shots
using our new camera. You will have to bear with us as we fine tune our
photographic skills and ability to dive down and hold our breath while waiting
for the right fish to swim by.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBB-ybzXPteSx0RYx5DSVvPv_V29hPXAuxmsau8SmiDPiGIZiSDOCUd_YgGsc6SdfyncDh26WxOaCY5aHpQXKceB8M0BO56lXL1Abkdwv3qbyAFqA38VNSmQbCwRYeBx3931vdiz3OkM/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBB-ybzXPteSx0RYx5DSVvPv_V29hPXAuxmsau8SmiDPiGIZiSDOCUd_YgGsc6SdfyncDh26WxOaCY5aHpQXKceB8M0BO56lXL1Abkdwv3qbyAFqA38VNSmQbCwRYeBx3931vdiz3OkM/s1600/17.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Megan swimming with the fish (Sergeant Majors) at ‘The Aquarium’. These
little fish are friendly and plentiful and are always looking for some food.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-cdUS8NT09DGQwla0p_zyrz5IFysdhhKFyuEGRdoyD8J5LUQ2WPLJYr2_DtzO3pF4vf4x3sBr5SBSldB-EyRwVesHYuZ4-ORJcGqQtDeoOMTLJtjF2kpmOkSfUNi2GINY9yLIvtheW4/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-cdUS8NT09DGQwla0p_zyrz5IFysdhhKFyuEGRdoyD8J5LUQ2WPLJYr2_DtzO3pF4vf4x3sBr5SBSldB-EyRwVesHYuZ4-ORJcGqQtDeoOMTLJtjF2kpmOkSfUNi2GINY9yLIvtheW4/s1600/18.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Damselfish are plentiful and come in all sorts of colours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK1H0ann60r4sL9guDV45SvB7Fbh0DdjpN36DQWhlOYAY20XpevELI3cHn2i3ND6ifcDx4I6vF6N5izDVt4juB0TqQx0zziMaMnU5i4A_gjBsyR4CKG22IucG217qaT5pXh0KSjT3zf0/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK1H0ann60r4sL9guDV45SvB7Fbh0DdjpN36DQWhlOYAY20XpevELI3cHn2i3ND6ifcDx4I6vF6N5izDVt4juB0TqQx0zziMaMnU5i4A_gjBsyR4CKG22IucG217qaT5pXh0KSjT3zf0/s1600/19.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A delicate sea fan coral and staghorn coral.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRMdplF43pPM5cH4gA9yjeMudExcsJEeBJ13hYNL9oTVSc5CVmdHhvW78KYqDQG2XY-B1U47y5M21CjokGfbWS1qBv9CXw3a5mLGS129CNpLGq83EzHEHu_bKZvy4oEL_8SLou-c3Rd4/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRMdplF43pPM5cH4gA9yjeMudExcsJEeBJ13hYNL9oTVSc5CVmdHhvW78KYqDQG2XY-B1U47y5M21CjokGfbWS1qBv9CXw3a5mLGS129CNpLGq83EzHEHu_bKZvy4oEL_8SLou-c3Rd4/s1600/20.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A tiny Angel fish hiding among the coral.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5sUDlM0gf_R8kCpLXrdC1Rk7lR2biFGff4EEYU892Eq-buh_RejtYCzcyfOA80e0uWFB0RRJ_4JwKIMFWLIyRffpWWTbIDUyYSpmLax8rfiJqAvOk_GvQ5po9Viv1TRtwmwRGlpQQ0Y/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5sUDlM0gf_R8kCpLXrdC1Rk7lR2biFGff4EEYU892Eq-buh_RejtYCzcyfOA80e0uWFB0RRJ_4JwKIMFWLIyRffpWWTbIDUyYSpmLax8rfiJqAvOk_GvQ5po9Viv1TRtwmwRGlpQQ0Y/s1600/21.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mega and Cal on Honeymoon Beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M6xXXQ_HSW5ppUxUy4uoayF-_BxVT7QLKYPjX1BszQPx0fXPQM7Af_Dir2oTqHgmQsHHxe_CBGy5cl68hxRY4mae5erjiMrN0PGLMpS9fEcMQkg_tVGWbtuk6OsHOG1wxYP2ZvjoKSg/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M6xXXQ_HSW5ppUxUy4uoayF-_BxVT7QLKYPjX1BszQPx0fXPQM7Af_Dir2oTqHgmQsHHxe_CBGy5cl68hxRY4mae5erjiMrN0PGLMpS9fEcMQkg_tVGWbtuk6OsHOG1wxYP2ZvjoKSg/s1600/22.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Vegetation is rather stunted from the dry conditions and lack of soil in the
Exumas. This is a very typical scene on the uninhabited islands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnei8WxpU4LC-iE1auRIfk9FvaXmBOvE89dps-JpyZsUGYlZDLGryESrMJJ4YgWA6Dgjz5bjsFVSaqi_vZc0-S9LcsQRFLWZGksEAhqgOHaXh1EowCM6x8cXhyphenhyphenOYVo-4UZZCofQrzfGI/s1600/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnei8WxpU4LC-iE1auRIfk9FvaXmBOvE89dps-JpyZsUGYlZDLGryESrMJJ4YgWA6Dgjz5bjsFVSaqi_vZc0-S9LcsQRFLWZGksEAhqgOHaXh1EowCM6x8cXhyphenhyphenOYVo-4UZZCofQrzfGI/s1600/23.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And then every so often it feels good to stop into the local yacht club …
this one is Staniel Cay Y.C. It’s claim to fame – the hang out for the cast of
the 007 film ‘Thunderball’ with Sean Connery.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-12677702420327783992014-05-16T14:32:00.001-07:002014-05-16T14:43:43.857-07:00The Abacos<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first venture outside the Exumas was going to be to
Royal Island as a one night stop over enroute to Great Abaco Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the weather had other ideas so our
plan went out the window and we had a great time staying in two places we were
not going to visit this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
staying at Royal Island for two nights we had a rough ride to Spanish Wells
where we stayed for five days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
tiny fishing community of descendents of Loyalists who fled their homeland from
the American revolution. The first settlers were a group of shipwrecked
Loyalists who had fled the US after the American Revolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence the population of Spanish Wells seemed
almost exclusively white – an about face from the Exumas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very pretty town with brightly
painted homes and well kept gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems that in this end of the country you can put a table on your back deck and
call yourself a restaurant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it was at
Buddah’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burgers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Liquors (in the backyard) or the ice cream
spot (someone had a soft ice cream machine on their driveway) and the coffee
shop (in the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>front yard, but it was
locally roasted coffee!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0CLVaFoUxLkWx1ERRlhOyCQiDPN1Y15MB1eHi0zsOAVbHn-EySb_yBulVpwa-8VQpEhOLaPCMXAKhPTiwLtMMQ0s_VITJ7tcANsGI6MCbqklTAytJlBJkTL9fZV_DMxziBuroq80GME/s1600/20140422_101016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0CLVaFoUxLkWx1ERRlhOyCQiDPN1Y15MB1eHi0zsOAVbHn-EySb_yBulVpwa-8VQpEhOLaPCMXAKhPTiwLtMMQ0s_VITJ7tcANsGI6MCbqklTAytJlBJkTL9fZV_DMxziBuroq80GME/s1600/20140422_101016.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Spanish Wells home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHXXXlmyyyqpa_khKU1rG3HHhIpIG8NzfMIf_dJyfh4IQrlS3lrcrUo00cqjNMscxpvVuvwdt50lH2pr6hsnUpjIC3ciA0TeRSkaY7dwix0xg4mNGiKFPg2D5GUpwzxO4V1WNGilXaK4/s1600/20140422_101110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHXXXlmyyyqpa_khKU1rG3HHhIpIG8NzfMIf_dJyfh4IQrlS3lrcrUo00cqjNMscxpvVuvwdt50lH2pr6hsnUpjIC3ciA0TeRSkaY7dwix0xg4mNGiKFPg2D5GUpwzxO4V1WNGilXaK4/s1600/20140422_101110.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These folks just love paint!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since we had time to wait out the weather we took the ferry
to Harbour Island – the second place we had not planned to visit this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beach at Harbour Island is one
of the “ten best beaches in the world” but getting there requires transiting
the Devil’s Backbone which is a treacherous area of shoals and shallow
reefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many sailors
use the services of a pilot to take them and their boat to the island and then
return to bring them back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
our plan for next year so it was good to see the route from the ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town on the island was most charming with
very New England style cottages and small shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending so much time in the dry and
rocky Exumas we were amazed at the dirt in the Abaco!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most islands and cays here are lush and
green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beach was spectacular pink sand
as far as your eye could see. We are really looking forward to a good visit
there next winter!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaYHOdIdcuZqdhR1zMJyYvdj0bm9uiXsSiyVy-WxOX_ZPhFVuE8pUwW0bA7CE8-cYhBuS6ww46iIQ5YwS9F5qoJvh5RjbJBsm3V7j26TRtvr7pv-HKF36elakdZbsdxfxe3kNHTWcCSs/s1600/20140422_114533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaYHOdIdcuZqdhR1zMJyYvdj0bm9uiXsSiyVy-WxOX_ZPhFVuE8pUwW0bA7CE8-cYhBuS6ww46iIQ5YwS9F5qoJvh5RjbJBsm3V7j26TRtvr7pv-HKF36elakdZbsdxfxe3kNHTWcCSs/s1600/20140422_114533.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush gardens at the Pink Sands Hotel on Harbour Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWm6UT7mV_BKhK_GxxPyzYEpGAVv_YYcGnqp40BCKxBELQ71ulG1xoVHL7IRsMsni_dy6-Xm9NddnpiRfSzUPnjcG83Ysk-VVFN8kmJI-jrty6swSONVh4CfxD703z50iwxtWNiZX9Y/s1600/20140422_135546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWm6UT7mV_BKhK_GxxPyzYEpGAVv_YYcGnqp40BCKxBELQ71ulG1xoVHL7IRsMsni_dy6-Xm9NddnpiRfSzUPnjcG83Ysk-VVFN8kmJI-jrty6swSONVh4CfxD703z50iwxtWNiZX9Y/s1600/20140422_135546.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRMxEmWdLoec9xO7qXW1lJfuRFzErI766nX1uGnOtjiXWbw4DIEPs6YJhwKih0Drqc4XmNEGFKOO-AOzAkFGpbFBUp4tRD9BL1jcp6vLQxFbYCPZNFFHawq5kZujXNBmFqZjDuauPEMc/s1600/20140422_135607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRMxEmWdLoec9xO7qXW1lJfuRFzErI766nX1uGnOtjiXWbw4DIEPs6YJhwKih0Drqc4XmNEGFKOO-AOzAkFGpbFBUp4tRD9BL1jcp6vLQxFbYCPZNFFHawq5kZujXNBmFqZjDuauPEMc/s1600/20140422_135607.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVGjgkuVKOpOZQk6oLDWJavMhh6m_yr52-3fnNv0kM5lZcwwp4VKoZXwPi9hxtM-hcIBJ9r2rU6izt0BTUuXRsKBb-TMdm_sCdFcmYY5NesXF0O2zAl00oBVRpGNoQ92yUN6MVfN_Qqc/s1600/20140422_150055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVGjgkuVKOpOZQk6oLDWJavMhh6m_yr52-3fnNv0kM5lZcwwp4VKoZXwPi9hxtM-hcIBJ9r2rU6izt0BTUuXRsKBb-TMdm_sCdFcmYY5NesXF0O2zAl00oBVRpGNoQ92yUN6MVfN_Qqc/s1600/20140422_150055.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay Street Restaurant on Harbour Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOE0D3zEdDK2mF9fIMPdLYSr0cto_1ZoWENt6rqOz_fCyL-SVcGJSMZbi_8qqQWAIqAxy90BODQevdA7JVTIl1anwQL0VurDPBHXMzHQSkoTvqWpdvBZklwduAVObnaVSEkaA4WnYeG4/s1600/20140422_150240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOE0D3zEdDK2mF9fIMPdLYSr0cto_1ZoWENt6rqOz_fCyL-SVcGJSMZbi_8qqQWAIqAxy90BODQevdA7JVTIl1anwQL0VurDPBHXMzHQSkoTvqWpdvBZklwduAVObnaVSEkaA4WnYeG4/s1600/20140422_150240.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golf carts are everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS2S-XR7PvldYMngYhFgLh3bupI8NvSkF2wOU7vxIiRaNnNpB3djWmPaMLM5ouzCZjb93iJmcTDZ_NWxFmehov4tQVhtTynCFD70lGN0NngyFALk8VYYDTnKY3-LMQRL14PltlNIKtuk/s1600/Harbour+Island+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS2S-XR7PvldYMngYhFgLh3bupI8NvSkF2wOU7vxIiRaNnNpB3djWmPaMLM5ouzCZjb93iJmcTDZ_NWxFmehov4tQVhtTynCFD70lGN0NngyFALk8VYYDTnKY3-LMQRL14PltlNIKtuk/s1600/Harbour+Island+11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles of pink sand on Harbour Island .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our next move was to sail the 53 miles to Little Harbour on
Great Abaco Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1950s an
American University professor<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>left the
rat race behind to start life as a sculptor here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His son Pete carries on the beautiful <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bronze sculpting and also runs Pete’s Pub, an
institution on the island.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgi_ZW4S9XT5y6sfEs49jh_GjeTURek00Tg9gbPT0BvCWSKEvWT0eqMMJyRAqpFQD8Ub74Kla62Ye0zcJS1yT7to83MHymBX66gkhu4y4ksCZpRpS_noLqF_ZXczZ1AJmC1n9BTumXAA/s1600/Little+Harbour+-+Pete%2527s+Pub+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgi_ZW4S9XT5y6sfEs49jh_GjeTURek00Tg9gbPT0BvCWSKEvWT0eqMMJyRAqpFQD8Ub74Kla62Ye0zcJS1yT7to83MHymBX66gkhu4y4ksCZpRpS_noLqF_ZXczZ1AJmC1n9BTumXAA/s1600/Little+Harbour+-+Pete%2527s+Pub+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete's Beach Pub - a great place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5loemWcMO-7NJq4n4cbPUi5MZogOCc31Z-lqgc9NsW8MojEjZvQsSa_t9CAl9qqb5a9dxGGF3kN_h_KGQCuWuNutXJccXapIdHBrjb_BICWf4dU8FHqDshLYwBmGBBfPFCeZ0SkXrqs/s1600/20140425_141957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5loemWcMO-7NJq4n4cbPUi5MZogOCc31Z-lqgc9NsW8MojEjZvQsSa_t9CAl9qqb5a9dxGGF3kN_h_KGQCuWuNutXJccXapIdHBrjb_BICWf4dU8FHqDshLYwBmGBBfPFCeZ0SkXrqs/s1600/20140425_141957.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim's big challenge of the day - get the ring on the hook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Abacos has far more people and businesses than the
Exumas. It seems everywhere we go there are places to stop and eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However we can still find a deserted beach
when we want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lubbers Landing provided
new excitement with the bean bag toss and the beach sofas. (there will be a
period of adjustment when we finally come home!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2wWMMyxFIxrcfqlHer95chnHKQMrkty41rMude5HgzLr_3L4ammMhKrq-JS1KlKCwXxAJmRzEF-TVcjnSNf0oinzubnt2VX1VaIgY3AyVnTh6OJxw3owSsClBMqXXd0LdO5hcQUqVU8/s1600/20140427_143757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2wWMMyxFIxrcfqlHer95chnHKQMrkty41rMude5HgzLr_3L4ammMhKrq-JS1KlKCwXxAJmRzEF-TVcjnSNf0oinzubnt2VX1VaIgY3AyVnTh6OJxw3owSsClBMqXXd0LdO5hcQUqVU8/s1600/20140427_143757.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E'ry little 'ting is gonna be alright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCV6si_DzT5-jQuGS_IBIg4A8jKNhKRTcqj24nYN6VCPQOb_E5Gv56vYD-G02Tav6mr43Z7o1iohPQkRuIyDq6xKz65eToqxLNdhZG_ygKpUpFqemmhzHGRH3DDTUlkCxqAwiSDKW03A/s1600/20140427_142729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCV6si_DzT5-jQuGS_IBIg4A8jKNhKRTcqj24nYN6VCPQOb_E5Gv56vYD-G02Tav6mr43Z7o1iohPQkRuIyDq6xKz65eToqxLNdhZG_ygKpUpFqemmhzHGRH3DDTUlkCxqAwiSDKW03A/s1600/20140427_142729.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto 1268 nautical miles and the Bahamian flag.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQhkMiYh8pWrhXxyXsVe3_yf663SqDNg37D6dWnadvctq5ITE-jAjVjPmwV9U0sjoN9_UAZBjKAdMQDvAZ5akBu-bPidUXuFnm2tOtNrhTUyXaR9JtJdr9MfeZeR-JVLZLc5xHT_Zj4/s1600/20140427_142640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQhkMiYh8pWrhXxyXsVe3_yf663SqDNg37D6dWnadvctq5ITE-jAjVjPmwV9U0sjoN9_UAZBjKAdMQDvAZ5akBu-bPidUXuFnm2tOtNrhTUyXaR9JtJdr9MfeZeR-JVLZLc5xHT_Zj4/s1600/20140427_142640.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Cathy's challenge ... get the bean bag in the hole and have a snooze in the hammock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Man O War Cay is a boat building community that we really
enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim had a good long chat with a
boat builder and there was a great walk along the Queen’s Highway from one end
of the island to the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We've learned a little about Abaco architecture and many of the houses are small rectangular 'salt boxes' of timber or post and beam construction with clapboard exterior. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We visited a couple from Michigan who have a cottage
that has survived through 50 hurricane seasons. The entire town closes down on
Sunday – without exception.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVx2rc5-vHqdriqPGdYY82GZw_xrObOUY9ePF-srx636j_sTiqz5lxeADki9qGFNpUs9fwBFPX8v64RPKfiOaX2NHdahOQOwoyILRofcZGXYg_kqJnKqqXV_SX7Q84bLgsUJYRG2OAiw/s1600/20140502_141910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVx2rc5-vHqdriqPGdYY82GZw_xrObOUY9ePF-srx636j_sTiqz5lxeADki9qGFNpUs9fwBFPX8v64RPKfiOaX2NHdahOQOwoyILRofcZGXYg_kqJnKqqXV_SX7Q84bLgsUJYRG2OAiw/s1600/20140502_141910.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is a highway...for golf carts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2a-GAY3iG_1lQXAOVmvjML_QN3SXb7CYNw46LWNBUzh_ZOEiNTZs8xT51wvqk_70s4Xv6rzInAcCSbD_QWn9JokoGQUclB74UcVKvZsP2IAZ95C_XhhN0w_bxdQ-lVXk8sxXbUEWaI4/s1600/20140502_142214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2a-GAY3iG_1lQXAOVmvjML_QN3SXb7CYNw46LWNBUzh_ZOEiNTZs8xT51wvqk_70s4Xv6rzInAcCSbD_QWn9JokoGQUclB74UcVKvZsP2IAZ95C_XhhN0w_bxdQ-lVXk8sxXbUEWaI4/s1600/20140502_142214.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Loyalist 'Salt Box' house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HW6O6TBxPvSe2m_HD572rgK4w3anNzPXl40TJPGLHTLWEYdn6TOMBrusl_AbjCl339BtxM9LHVLFun24fHZ9faPERww-u5CLqUHGGBajFZTLi2aZ4Ojja0GbjxN69pwnt-OFGnXm8TQ/s1600/20140502_141117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HW6O6TBxPvSe2m_HD572rgK4w3anNzPXl40TJPGLHTLWEYdn6TOMBrusl_AbjCl339BtxM9LHVLFun24fHZ9faPERww-u5CLqUHGGBajFZTLi2aZ4Ojja0GbjxN69pwnt-OFGnXm8TQ/s1600/20140502_141117.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brain coral treasure from the sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AlvA_3Lmi0WTE_JUi-pv9gQwTnbyRoGG3qjswJoxgArSkcgY3iLs1jYn3cvk1ZBu8WlnA-2MXFHLCm-d9UhMelAt5y9fSnFIkwjeq-2m3x5DT8eOMjLEF-JN5aIjPF-CmS25MEuiANQ/s1600/20140503_123822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AlvA_3Lmi0WTE_JUi-pv9gQwTnbyRoGG3qjswJoxgArSkcgY3iLs1jYn3cvk1ZBu8WlnA-2MXFHLCm-d9UhMelAt5y9fSnFIkwjeq-2m3x5DT8eOMjLEF-JN5aIjPF-CmS25MEuiANQ/s1600/20140503_123822.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture perfect Methodist Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOON6H3iA8Hzu-IBbiWMFcFgPVDuD4gOb8Ub-AJDE31sb8raIxIn_lH8a6rqCanfYESUKb30WgsxgtZXXmbDrdZ0P2WbPrjpgTpFQt7OeDVFOCmVToNXTs0lEKArUZjkDTlMnCOU0JUfM/s1600/20140503_124320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOON6H3iA8Hzu-IBbiWMFcFgPVDuD4gOb8Ub-AJDE31sb8raIxIn_lH8a6rqCanfYESUKb30WgsxgtZXXmbDrdZ0P2WbPrjpgTpFQt7OeDVFOCmVToNXTs0lEKArUZjkDTlMnCOU0JUfM/s1600/20140503_124320.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew there were Spider trees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whale Cay Channel can be a treacherous spot where a number
of boats large and small have sunk and lives have been lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of shallow areas we need to sail
outside to the ocean and then cut back into the Sea of Abaco through Whale
Channel. We took advantage of an opportunity to transit the area on a day with
little wind and swell so this time the Whale was a minnow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have spent a week and a half at Green
Turtle Cay due to weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great
spot and the small town of New Plymouth, population 450, feels almost like home
now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most of the towns we’ve
been in the homes are small and brightly painted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every street and many of the tiny properties
have million dollar views of the ocean. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
rented a golf cart with two cruiser friends; the brakes barely worked, the
parking brake did not work, and if you turned the engine off it had to be jump
started to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah well, don’t worry mon’…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvoRaJwUAmpw5QatFf5KS-BvfBS2xQpYEUf-ialR-zZTm0eIb9p9jjo1HDpAQIMXpjjBvFz4KG9mX6Ht_se0F7rlrc3Uj4HFggw8VCFSmlzcU2gTNKCWCEGnqLjSeqaZxS0PJcF5dWSU/s1600/20140509_155745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvoRaJwUAmpw5QatFf5KS-BvfBS2xQpYEUf-ialR-zZTm0eIb9p9jjo1HDpAQIMXpjjBvFz4KG9mX6Ht_se0F7rlrc3Uj4HFggw8VCFSmlzcU2gTNKCWCEGnqLjSeqaZxS0PJcF5dWSU/s1600/20140509_155745.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goombay Smash rum drink was invented here (more rum then fruit juice!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPCY5USEX6NRRLZFrhoJOEXFYxMEz4zjj43Y2DXQzGCAQ_06lHqM3oJNdrqXfA3tt_Mso4jgOp_tKbQAqf9m2-gAB-2BhFB0jP7NzWGIiOyxAEjAO2pSfI3aMeywKk-3lT1o9yXjIL-o/s1600/20140509_162731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPCY5USEX6NRRLZFrhoJOEXFYxMEz4zjj43Y2DXQzGCAQ_06lHqM3oJNdrqXfA3tt_Mso4jgOp_tKbQAqf9m2-gAB-2BhFB0jP7NzWGIiOyxAEjAO2pSfI3aMeywKk-3lT1o9yXjIL-o/s1600/20140509_162731.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ye Olde Gaol (jail) has small barred windows on the other side but it must have been a hot place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJzkmewrF6p7KD3h7zCRbO_UlcPXraHi6ynt0Ij9LGp124YHY4IWhCPZ482geowtt6XlrdbxXl4G9b5-SlDnuoCGeSFRx06HHNsgDc6VntaCgzibjW54w2faotusCwneR9Z_9-FX18g4/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJzkmewrF6p7KD3h7zCRbO_UlcPXraHi6ynt0Ij9LGp124YHY4IWhCPZ482geowtt6XlrdbxXl4G9b5-SlDnuoCGeSFRx06HHNsgDc6VntaCgzibjW54w2faotusCwneR9Z_9-FX18g4/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some rental cottages overlooking the Sea of Abaco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgU1PNarkBrjnjogn3tzLRBjMs5ah56N5TMrabvClqE9Ag4Sk1C-Vv884yJwBm7halQmwOWlaPF-XVqfRerRN7VZMD1xrgLBs_VTaPZ6Xn9BXyFwU8vrxrIp8uCwJdA2SXgXvMiqJMB4/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgU1PNarkBrjnjogn3tzLRBjMs5ah56N5TMrabvClqE9Ag4Sk1C-Vv884yJwBm7halQmwOWlaPF-XVqfRerRN7VZMD1xrgLBs_VTaPZ6Xn9BXyFwU8vrxrIp8uCwJdA2SXgXvMiqJMB4/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy couldn't resist a picture of a local school, note the teacher's vehicles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfzdlN4Fg9Y5q_mt5KyAlVBMRLvHXFx91RkIkVWkLXAy69Q-BVWLa2-Nh8z_UUAtww9zNuDs4YA23np29ZQj_pjJ106DxHX5rsxzBy0JaYQqs6zocGXtpUMxnpAJb4cZlqmbU-ODVTbg/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfzdlN4Fg9Y5q_mt5KyAlVBMRLvHXFx91RkIkVWkLXAy69Q-BVWLa2-Nh8z_UUAtww9zNuDs4YA23np29ZQj_pjJ106DxHX5rsxzBy0JaYQqs6zocGXtpUMxnpAJb4cZlqmbU-ODVTbg/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical street in New Plymouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVk3Au-tXmTm13D6LgU7DrbcjgnyePFF-qjcd2eP6BxGXrr1u4coC5vQxqoTnDqSL-YaKmPaWb8pkdK36sUTjTQbvHGj7KmG8lQJ8ficI0fDsmr4H6Wbms3cN_yz9B0DNnOR8WnGlvRQ/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVk3Au-tXmTm13D6LgU7DrbcjgnyePFF-qjcd2eP6BxGXrr1u4coC5vQxqoTnDqSL-YaKmPaWb8pkdK36sUTjTQbvHGj7KmG8lQJ8ficI0fDsmr4H6Wbms3cN_yz9B0DNnOR8WnGlvRQ/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a number of closed up businesses, a sign of fewer US cruisers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHXs4MS2Vhb0hyphenhyphen49DJbgu9tB2r_URnK72Mg3FWk0BkESAZmDOWvwj1je3w3GDS7IaZ3EUfd7Kuf5tv3iRvHQzIVRlrI7LR8SnNvUf0Sx4ZiKNYNw8UL9YR_0yDfCQCA8s-zfaQbwnOHk/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHXs4MS2Vhb0hyphenhyphen49DJbgu9tB2r_URnK72Mg3FWk0BkESAZmDOWvwj1je3w3GDS7IaZ3EUfd7Kuf5tv3iRvHQzIVRlrI7LR8SnNvUf0Sx4ZiKNYNw8UL9YR_0yDfCQCA8s-zfaQbwnOHk/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the cays are relatively skinny most streets have a view of the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqruCW_ndGYEWzcGqZrq5WJb92O3IsTVny7D4-fhnzMHrdKe89fe2OLph_B4Oeho0iggKozHgX6aabF7Jt6vk_sVoItEONCQ9t2Q7gshlRvOsHNKIpgtjN-xYGUMI1G0KwhgPCxTTBs/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqruCW_ndGYEWzcGqZrq5WJb92O3IsTVny7D4-fhnzMHrdKe89fe2OLph_B4Oeho0iggKozHgX6aabF7Jt6vk_sVoItEONCQ9t2Q7gshlRvOsHNKIpgtjN-xYGUMI1G0KwhgPCxTTBs/s1600/New+Plymouth%252C+Green+Turtle+20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim heading in to the Lowe Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will be leaving Green Turtle tomorrow after the current
weather front moves through and hope to be crossing the Gulf Stream to Florida
in less than a week! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXn5q7z7VmhXVWoMPzM9Pkeqm5PtFFldbohKnYm7Sd1LTeEoRPEB1C4mCCZq9gRLjIRWsRfr_tfVgniir-iCADIHcIHTChIR4ANv0AqQPAJ3GbKi-4D6mQtuwJloFswZh_Smtc9aNyls/s1600/20140506_114000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXn5q7z7VmhXVWoMPzM9Pkeqm5PtFFldbohKnYm7Sd1LTeEoRPEB1C4mCCZq9gRLjIRWsRfr_tfVgniir-iCADIHcIHTChIR4ANv0AqQPAJ3GbKi-4D6mQtuwJloFswZh_Smtc9aNyls/s1600/20140506_114000.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim...hard at work...tomorrow mon'...the Bahamian lifestyle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dJK5RHM1qpMiLOf8Y-mqSZ51ORWRinKhl7dgZFwzqBISIrdy7bCcmij-ALQp8074WV8ywamGRsCl1P1r_32GYq33I1RDSZnm-C9seZu3qsvDsz_e79HS7fuv1Wv1IkZo5mj3WpywQuY/s1600/P1020552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dJK5RHM1qpMiLOf8Y-mqSZ51ORWRinKhl7dgZFwzqBISIrdy7bCcmij-ALQp8074WV8ywamGRsCl1P1r_32GYq33I1RDSZnm-C9seZu3qsvDsz_e79HS7fuv1Wv1IkZo5mj3WpywQuY/s1600/P1020552.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing in the protected waters of the Exuma banks is hard to beat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-49875208663914754512014-05-12T18:19:00.001-07:002014-05-13T06:54:09.485-07:00More Exumas!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent most of this winter in the Exumas, a chain of low
lying limestone cays and islands that extend in a south easterly direction for 100 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area is very dry and almost every day of
the year is sunny and warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foliage
on the cays is often grasses, short palms, and bushes or trees with very thick
leaves to survive the sun and dry periods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a huge variety of plants below the water as well – we will
bring an underwater camera to capture that next winter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
the good fortune to experience an unseasonably warm and windy winter so did not
need long sleeves, socks, or long pants. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we will
definitely be back for January 2015!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp1mVOk1PvwsTdlOa8ZlQhL88z1OEZ12kV3xfasah9yvlcelKLa3qR6iPQpLGLAgMZ40LuPbOg2zXlGG9H5E3-XxSKxfezzrQhva-MEUkcT9n2tEhVHIHa2WSXOOsGQAuvQgrlx4jeTQ/s1600/P2250052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp1mVOk1PvwsTdlOa8ZlQhL88z1OEZ12kV3xfasah9yvlcelKLa3qR6iPQpLGLAgMZ40LuPbOg2zXlGG9H5E3-XxSKxfezzrQhva-MEUkcT9n2tEhVHIHa2WSXOOsGQAuvQgrlx4jeTQ/s1600/P2250052.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not exactly what your mind pictures as swaying palms! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK86QNyYC-Qj_qA57NskO0JoOdPx00N2CvmB_jfmEoy612NQiNtbN9qMFpjOm1W8PA9okxZSdbX2bhZ2EcYSnsipxGmAtHheLSYNCdO9VKO0LD2C5mkmZprh-Yy2vfBwe93w3bCvbUis/s1600/P2250047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK86QNyYC-Qj_qA57NskO0JoOdPx00N2CvmB_jfmEoy612NQiNtbN9qMFpjOm1W8PA9okxZSdbX2bhZ2EcYSnsipxGmAtHheLSYNCdO9VKO0LD2C5mkmZprh-Yy2vfBwe93w3bCvbUis/s1600/P2250047.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may be scrub, but it's beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSbpE4RXp5PP-R1Lx-ODfCleeRwxe4mNSTsR9yBXDsguN2r81y6snfWKnO09TQyyqDMd21VMRj6bdoi79cZG9AJroLjR_KkVWzRsyeILaqbziGIX6Ull0OIm7mQVF26Q39r61vCxkDVo/s1600/P2090105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSbpE4RXp5PP-R1Lx-ODfCleeRwxe4mNSTsR9yBXDsguN2r81y6snfWKnO09TQyyqDMd21VMRj6bdoi79cZG9AJroLjR_KkVWzRsyeILaqbziGIX6Ull0OIm7mQVF26Q39r61vCxkDVo/s1600/P2090105.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always big sky and water. The shirts are for sun protection not warmth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had the good fortune to
meet local fishermen who had speared very large spiny lobsters and we took one
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meat was tender, tasty, and fed
us for dinner and lunch the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
often drag a fishing line as we sail and so far Calvin has caught the largest barracuda of
the season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjrkCCUQaEMuGwwnM9qjafOHkq8jKS6QyE_J5Ao72qDsvBH4QFhBFSWluydFC1e1tgf6zzUzR2rYhLQJ_cdGA7uGcRVgP2yk04VYgdXS-DN_BXXEMHmK1YXg-gnjdfIRiavQl-iRMgbc/s1600/P3060010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjrkCCUQaEMuGwwnM9qjafOHkq8jKS6QyE_J5Ao72qDsvBH4QFhBFSWluydFC1e1tgf6zzUzR2rYhLQJ_cdGA7uGcRVgP2yk04VYgdXS-DN_BXXEMHmK1YXg-gnjdfIRiavQl-iRMgbc/s1600/P3060010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt1UYaOksP_XfjbDNOi9Gd5V9hJP6pRBUnGZ3FtvYyrVvuABzcKyQDfesinxqu1Osds3oXSFpbw44EqVodAxnobm6kOTP2rUfV_1OrfwITmZeUjGCEVGKWQk8S0yRcMHLZljYI98QyGY/s1600/P3050160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt1UYaOksP_XfjbDNOi9Gd5V9hJP6pRBUnGZ3FtvYyrVvuABzcKyQDfesinxqu1Osds3oXSFpbw44EqVodAxnobm6kOTP2rUfV_1OrfwITmZeUjGCEVGKWQk8S0yRcMHLZljYI98QyGY/s1600/P3050160.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fighting the barracuda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyWMTZPqKX9l8dGuHc6wbgSAndrEax_QcsbJo8CjGXIPrz0zCC6IBqFAWORssNef6kfPO9NcpLQ9UUzTxyK6kcokBZdiTfzi6QYRjDlbj5qXpIZtmnK8CnjHNS75LvkaqlM96jLVyw6U/s1600/P2280066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyWMTZPqKX9l8dGuHc6wbgSAndrEax_QcsbJo8CjGXIPrz0zCC6IBqFAWORssNef6kfPO9NcpLQ9UUzTxyK6kcokBZdiTfzi6QYRjDlbj5qXpIZtmnK8CnjHNS75LvkaqlM96jLVyw6U/s1600/P2280066.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the fight with Calvin this barracuda was tired out. Kim takes care of hook removal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kim has practiced diligently on his pole-spear fishing,
Hawaiian sling spearing, and trolling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a very long time the only thing he had to show were barracuda teeth marks on the lures. They do give a good sporting fight,
and we landed six, but unfortunately they are not eating material because of the risk of ciguatera fish poisoning, so they go back to the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then his time came … he has now speared
grunts, snappers, a trigger fish and on our passage from Nassau to Spanish Wells
he caught Suzie the Mahi. She was 25 pounds and 44 inches to the fork in her
tail. She had already spooled out about 30 yards of line by the time Kim got to
the reel to set the hook. The drag is normally set to ten pounds but
this was not enough and we continued to loose line. The fight was on. After slowly increasing the drag Kim was now able to start gaining on her.
We have a 50lb reel with 50lb line so we were determined not to loose this
little battle. We got her to the boat, gaffed her, sprayed our cheap
vodka into her gills to put her to sleep, and finally secured her with a line through her gills. With help from our freezer she continues to provide us with delicious
dinners. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCsnLswEo7YAkS-8uyxoiLeDt5UYfXKx1RVDVoAP3uyl2MRIKkYdhh3vFEKCEI9R5tvui4hiD1mXvQud-RDnw-Y1WBSx4qfcZjDlS0BVwRJntsYCrW3yUVLwimtYdkU_N9dC6VP83jUg/s1600/20140417_124010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCsnLswEo7YAkS-8uyxoiLeDt5UYfXKx1RVDVoAP3uyl2MRIKkYdhh3vFEKCEI9R5tvui4hiD1mXvQud-RDnw-Y1WBSx4qfcZjDlS0BVwRJntsYCrW3yUVLwimtYdkU_N9dC6VP83jUg/s1600/20140417_124010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After two good runs the Mahi was beginning to tire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8XzMlDvjnT43vTdwPyWvEY3QZZVI1m0V0XdgDgLJnqe6B1JDdV4ZrXr_oofL2c8UVePzxMXuIKRWQ41SjdagSGoqKMxCE6cj0FoUahPO9wN4QMSP3m7jCLZlpTlT1_CFvizqMbJNTEk/s1600/20140417_125125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8XzMlDvjnT43vTdwPyWvEY3QZZVI1m0V0XdgDgLJnqe6B1JDdV4ZrXr_oofL2c8UVePzxMXuIKRWQ41SjdagSGoqKMxCE6cj0FoUahPO9wN4QMSP3m7jCLZlpTlT1_CFvizqMbJNTEk/s1600/20140417_125125.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The yellow and blue colouring of the Mahi is quite spectacular.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dDuq4GeIxsqQefgwcSiwLNWrHHDBGx9Nccz5FOczn-aENJXKlM4ob877vn4Y422Mak53Y74grV8EIGnMhr9esTu2P2Y_da3WN0Rgo0f6B-C0KKSe9GKBmdok1-suhW5G7U15_7Jn0ks/s1600/20140417_182028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dDuq4GeIxsqQefgwcSiwLNWrHHDBGx9Nccz5FOczn-aENJXKlM4ob877vn4Y422Mak53Y74grV8EIGnMhr9esTu2P2Y_da3WN0Rgo0f6B-C0KKSe9GKBmdok1-suhW5G7U15_7Jn0ks/s1600/20140417_182028.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safely at anchor the Mahi was cleaned and is still being enjoyed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The dry conditions of the cays limit the species that can survive
so in the Exumas we did not hear a lot of bird calls and bugs were a non
issue although when the wind dies away the no-seeums can show up. The main
creatures we found were lizards, iguanas (on 2 protected habitat cays) and the
tiny Bananaquit bird. When one visits iguanas they will walk up to you, then you stare at each other until they tire of you and walk away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_tu4qDwYtKEOTs8Qblsx7DkCkKni_EhoQ_PVpnijj6k58w_vENm91ZLeaEkndnrIi13VmFfaJcQgz4r_2vKZL7sBJqKGIaeLGRC11OMGlS9Z1bWSOpvuq_nd5SWk9Pt5BetBnfoJeqc/s1600/P2040082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_tu4qDwYtKEOTs8Qblsx7DkCkKni_EhoQ_PVpnijj6k58w_vENm91ZLeaEkndnrIi13VmFfaJcQgz4r_2vKZL7sBJqKGIaeLGRC11OMGlS9Z1bWSOpvuq_nd5SWk9Pt5BetBnfoJeqc/s1600/P2040082.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mature Rock Iguana </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoEVLAZ5WoD94omwljhgh_ER2qAVixfG6thWZ6J35gCGgGysX62XFDWzhEFOCSqo_zhowyrarzby8VAD5A0uA_0S3sRDp3Jp4CQqXMRfYV0qMu6E6KfKAlG-QjQyVpF1i5Cut4YbDDTE/s1600/P3100040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoEVLAZ5WoD94omwljhgh_ER2qAVixfG6thWZ6J35gCGgGysX62XFDWzhEFOCSqo_zhowyrarzby8VAD5A0uA_0S3sRDp3Jp4CQqXMRfYV0qMu6E6KfKAlG-QjQyVpF1i5Cut4YbDDTE/s1600/P3100040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tiny lizards are our only company on most cays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIixAkVAckwXvGmqXZV3RYvCbHNTIHDqg_3DCs4em9OUG1Mge1BvpApy7OON6jXVYj8wXPsAGHWoQ7_DubcAOA_a_3jN4QhW2PLdCItI_rbA7pS4Hpl_t8bnPE-UNJKlXfkqOs181d884/s1600/P3130068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIixAkVAckwXvGmqXZV3RYvCbHNTIHDqg_3DCs4em9OUG1Mge1BvpApy7OON6jXVYj8wXPsAGHWoQ7_DubcAOA_a_3jN4QhW2PLdCItI_rbA7pS4Hpl_t8bnPE-UNJKlXfkqOs181d884/s1600/P3130068.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Bananaquit flew inside the boat each day to dine on white sugar.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Black Point is one of our regular anchorages because it is a small community that makes you feel welcome. It has a very small grocery store, four restaurants and the best laundry in the Bahamas. If there are a number of boats in the harbour the community will organize a 'Chat and Chill'. The residents and cruisers drop by the beach for a BBQ - lobster, grouper, chicken, ribs, steak with the fixins - rice and peas, macaroni casserole and cole slaw. There is plenty of music and Bahmaian Kalik beer to keep everyone hydrated.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc-q-6gbqpgDtE0G-AD7jWDRwYglwzK22gdj64PhR25ysTO1YCifqhZKpN5GvRsPz9lJWA0EJNK3QuSTokA4LbzNyUH6S1rDtMbnQoymngXIv1M9IPlE79ZMQQhyphenhypheneQNwzQTNSaod7n1M/s1600/P2200025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc-q-6gbqpgDtE0G-AD7jWDRwYglwzK22gdj64PhR25ysTO1YCifqhZKpN5GvRsPz9lJWA0EJNK3QuSTokA4LbzNyUH6S1rDtMbnQoymngXIv1M9IPlE79ZMQQhyphenhypheneQNwzQTNSaod7n1M/s1600/P2200025.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Point anchorage - yes that is the cemetary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlo3wYIleq_oUWy-u8JVVnsVAZrntx3YsRm0-iLxiMCk_WmAE92gFTC9WRorFBvf9PxCnx3ZCZHo1PR09z5MwamMQMhqIRMvBd_Sy3MMOE3Tmpr7RABQZA7HrhGJtd9-U6jHGvcDS_qU/s1600/P2220046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlo3wYIleq_oUWy-u8JVVnsVAZrntx3YsRm0-iLxiMCk_WmAE92gFTC9WRorFBvf9PxCnx3ZCZHo1PR09z5MwamMQMhqIRMvBd_Sy3MMOE3Tmpr7RABQZA7HrhGJtd9-U6jHGvcDS_qU/s1600/P2220046.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancin' at the 'Chat and Chill'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2o_zOHZE35E2CRVml6l77Ib54Pq5JtkbH44kBynzubXXFWElKyMTedKdO2ow3VvWSUXmFiq4kbkElTyrl9roog7VC2fxHTQSybP6OMf2BJoadkNDmvHjXbY8Sx82VPxMTixRzLkCd1M/s1600/P2220038.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy gets her kid fix at the BBQ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2o_zOHZE35E2CRVml6l77Ib54Pq5JtkbH44kBynzubXXFWElKyMTedKdO2ow3VvWSUXmFiq4kbkElTyrl9roog7VC2fxHTQSybP6OMf2BJoadkNDmvHjXbY8Sx82VPxMTixRzLkCd1M/s1600/P2220038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rt6C7rupDqNIO96Dgh7UENRmb3I_zxx-LunfrG70vkVzD3ZQpcyq4uymdIkEpa6sT114rnsTXaqT0c_9gfnIjgjZ2-RQfKy4sAXrTEd9a8Aw7IfCKLcQ58UUYioPI-ytcj3Jr8K3OY4/s1600/P2200030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rt6C7rupDqNIO96Dgh7UENRmb3I_zxx-LunfrG70vkVzD3ZQpcyq4uymdIkEpa6sT114rnsTXaqT0c_9gfnIjgjZ2-RQfKy4sAXrTEd9a8Aw7IfCKLcQ58UUYioPI-ytcj3Jr8K3OY4/s1600/P2200030.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out to the Atlantic (Exuma Sound) side of the island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This group of pictures are from our visits with Corinne and
Calvin in some of our favourite Exuma spots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9G3LH4-XGh_gDmgGTmBrnvodwSm7S5cUDkygo7QWn53AdhJIdefTFIkEIQiTlNWV81-q_wRjvcPuVAzIcdKxYY1OdA_ar7AoeFrMMiVvyzJLX6Irm2U-Y2gsVU8ss_EQwqetEo70XAQ/s1600/P4060097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9G3LH4-XGh_gDmgGTmBrnvodwSm7S5cUDkygo7QWn53AdhJIdefTFIkEIQiTlNWV81-q_wRjvcPuVAzIcdKxYY1OdA_ar7AoeFrMMiVvyzJLX6Irm2U-Y2gsVU8ss_EQwqetEo70XAQ/s1600/P4060097.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne on top of BooBoo hill overlooking Exuma Banks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvysBtJeRqYMN_5UKnIkXI6E92jsujjzUOh_5f73n72T9JWYeo3ymle_MJiIBMW7hks2w_kcmsZ8cYEL9vA2ZmT-dgx6AeBFuQ9DbciSdzVo_-0MaS3ISK4531wEPdGM7J3Fa-B9kGmM/s1600/P4060091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvysBtJeRqYMN_5UKnIkXI6E92jsujjzUOh_5f73n72T9JWYeo3ymle_MJiIBMW7hks2w_kcmsZ8cYEL9vA2ZmT-dgx6AeBFuQ9DbciSdzVo_-0MaS3ISK4531wEPdGM7J3Fa-B9kGmM/s1600/P4060091.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warderick Wells Sea Park was a favourite spot. The 'Q' is on the far left.<br />
We are anchored in a natural channel and the water to her immediate left is less than a foot at low tide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT0hDqiyliYCw0rd6vbEcjWMHUmx506Tu4myLsrmGqW50yUzF4D2WccbheF21Z5AEya7DvzB7HTs1nvdowqgBfv9nWJ720NTrw5988nsITp8t03AHEopis0sWHxPO7DIriUiAB5r06Nc/s1600/P4060077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihT0hDqiyliYCw0rd6vbEcjWMHUmx506Tu4myLsrmGqW50yUzF4D2WccbheF21Z5AEya7DvzB7HTs1nvdowqgBfv9nWJ720NTrw5988nsITp8t03AHEopis0sWHxPO7DIriUiAB5r06Nc/s1600/P4060077.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim's eye view from the top of the mast, Corinne and Cathy on the deck below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QCw8hFTpe9u9ZvfREkKFeGwbcj2JTodT4tP9e_XD8CnFnBALiyHnW3-IWHAVDK2mCfdLpxvvdkVd3kjZL_V2-XpGY_YTNUQNfNRuNpBSbM2d9qcRwhSp-gLfmGfP-gjGuoOS0BiIOJg/s1600/P4040072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QCw8hFTpe9u9ZvfREkKFeGwbcj2JTodT4tP9e_XD8CnFnBALiyHnW3-IWHAVDK2mCfdLpxvvdkVd3kjZL_V2-XpGY_YTNUQNfNRuNpBSbM2d9qcRwhSp-gLfmGfP-gjGuoOS0BiIOJg/s1600/P4040072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water temperatures of 85+ degrees make for long soaking times at Warderick Wells.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo-ymqtMKIeFNdfNUu3jHEFK4Oc7rEpuuaJMaE1VIeUXS9eSxtUdwiOZaIsoK1fzzezhAKBmc0aSnT1ZAKHzT8OlaPQRMa_NgVNdH0JAs9TSqTAUu5EfV_lvxDCIQbMDDLODvFL8oEWo/s1600/P4010072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo-ymqtMKIeFNdfNUu3jHEFK4Oc7rEpuuaJMaE1VIeUXS9eSxtUdwiOZaIsoK1fzzezhAKBmc0aSnT1ZAKHzT8OlaPQRMa_NgVNdH0JAs9TSqTAUu5EfV_lvxDCIQbMDDLODvFL8oEWo/s1600/P4010072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwAzJZPMwJr8LUzdsICUr9e20T6r1auI3bpTq1bgfLziSGv5lLqZ7KgA1bcX-eOcDAmT0j1JkB2b91TzZ53m_d9j-Vp3v6U8Ju9jvg3zZWfewKjPMkBtiaV0IF7eDmskWjvysqNuGHIA/s1600/P3040111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwAzJZPMwJr8LUzdsICUr9e20T6r1auI3bpTq1bgfLziSGv5lLqZ7KgA1bcX-eOcDAmT0j1JkB2b91TzZ53m_d9j-Vp3v6U8Ju9jvg3zZWfewKjPMkBtiaV0IF7eDmskWjvysqNuGHIA/s1600/P3040111.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cal in front of Bell Rock and the Exuma Sound behind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCN1yVeR1peWr56LoeF1QK9PgzjXb-7ZDnujq4QEVGLyIFmuO432Apve01mWsj3c4N-M1VZ4vO3hflM7Wlk1FT2N12Tr_adplsEjemJj8JORGGqrIez5TKpzntFsVQhlkJkaOO_KBzvY/s1600/P4030096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCN1yVeR1peWr56LoeF1QK9PgzjXb-7ZDnujq4QEVGLyIFmuO432Apve01mWsj3c4N-M1VZ4vO3hflM7Wlk1FT2N12Tr_adplsEjemJj8JORGGqrIez5TKpzntFsVQhlkJkaOO_KBzvY/s1600/P4030096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A girl and her dad at Obriens Cay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-87375289738512184232014-05-10T14:44:00.000-07:002014-05-12T08:22:08.514-07:00Bahamas Bound! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a number of places that one can sail from to cross
the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas and our choice was the shortest run, which is
from Miami.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our destination to stage up
for the crossing was Biscayne Bay Yacht Club where our friends Pat and Ken keep
their boat and Cyndy and Doug drove down to join us for the crossing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On arriving to Biscayne Bay we really wanted to anchor beside the yacht
club (the slips are too shallow for the Q) so headed in … unfortunately to the
wrong club (we went to Coconut Grove Y.C.) where we almost hooked the keel on a
submerged cable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we established where
to go Kim tried every approach he could think of to anchor but each one ended
in a soft grounding in less than six feet of water. Finally our yacht club friends
came down to see if they could help out but alas no success. For a good part
of the afternoon Cyndy and Doug stood on shore watching helplessly as we went
in circles – what patience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all
we went aground five times that day and once had to ask a passing jet ski to
pull us out by heeling us over by pulling on a halyard. Unfortunately he did not know when to stop. Apparently Cyndy and Doug have
incriminating photos with the Q heeled at 45 degrees. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>At the end of the day, literally, we ended up on
a mooring can at a nearby marina. The next day a weather window opened up and our friends said
it was time to get going across the Gulf Stream to Bimini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day started early with a 4:30am departure
(we’ll leave at daylight next year!) with Cyndy on the bow lighting the marks
through Biscayne Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a light
westerly helping us across the gulf stream with arrival in Bimini by 1:30p.m.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8rhyEFiYBdDa18H1fTwpcQTTm_WeXhgUfC8ktguvdJb1UNmhVfYuZBLOGzpFUgPLgST_9SIsfDCETRqOo5ZAN3PGdCQwqL9GoD0cKHU0ut_sIbi8ilv2ZNYYi5_LYNtD7lzIL2wMd_s/s1600/P1200023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8rhyEFiYBdDa18H1fTwpcQTTm_WeXhgUfC8ktguvdJb1UNmhVfYuZBLOGzpFUgPLgST_9SIsfDCETRqOo5ZAN3PGdCQwqL9GoD0cKHU0ut_sIbi8ilv2ZNYYi5_LYNtD7lzIL2wMd_s/s1600/P1200023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over the gulf stream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7GlxMrmWoAph_IgQKnwvhgpUzfQtUIPSyy2Cg-z_XFieJMAzLBXDodyw8FVD_i0D8t-5y294dR0WF9CnPeEDehnGMQh2oDgO-E0AQVHt1Okj-t-R1RyVKOT-PF1cbJmEC-OlbHirCwk/s1600/P1200038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7GlxMrmWoAph_IgQKnwvhgpUzfQtUIPSyy2Cg-z_XFieJMAzLBXDodyw8FVD_i0D8t-5y294dR0WF9CnPeEDehnGMQh2oDgO-E0AQVHt1Okj-t-R1RyVKOT-PF1cbJmEC-OlbHirCwk/s1600/P1200038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We enjoyed a few days in Bimini meeting their very welcoming
residents – a bit of culture shock after Coconut Grove though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although far from ideal we had a weather
window to get us out of Bimini and on our way to Nassau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left at first light and by 6:00 PM we were
half way across the Great Bahama Bank where we would anchor for the night. It
is a bit unusual anchoring out in the middle of nowhere with no land in sight
but one should not sail across the banks at night. With a 15 knot north east
wind our night of anchoring was a bit of a bronco ride. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We awoke early, hoisted sails, and completed
our sail to the Berrys. Hoffman’s Cay was heavenly and what a way to start our
new lifestyle in paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cay is
part of the Berry Island group and has beautiful beaches and a blue hole. Kim dove for his first conch and Cyndy and Kim spent considerable time
contemplating how to get the snail out of the shell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they did we made a delicious conch salad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOG3o6lt2HwF5_BsU-nNb4smCsRQraFV0LH3k6Eonjw8L6QS7lj8fLEu4aXmS7E1s4HJukJZxTUgKp_P7hS8hIgDA4eojVujRUmW-DJvVqoXeMiwm7gVUUWSRQQUR7XrqG1_FrnN_qN4/s1600/P1230067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOG3o6lt2HwF5_BsU-nNb4smCsRQraFV0LH3k6Eonjw8L6QS7lj8fLEu4aXmS7E1s4HJukJZxTUgKp_P7hS8hIgDA4eojVujRUmW-DJvVqoXeMiwm7gVUUWSRQQUR7XrqG1_FrnN_qN4/s1600/P1230067.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Bahama sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBTpQdOOaJ9bSQd5SSTuhgPpM5Ag0mB7nuCeOcbagxf5hUBVCSnKg_jI1QpdG-unvlM-KPp3S2yrN0VLcjCMW1l35dcY3hGnipSE8KL-oFZlmus-URBcB39RmLuyNC1SV1mC87CcEJCc/s1600/P1260004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBTpQdOOaJ9bSQd5SSTuhgPpM5Ag0mB7nuCeOcbagxf5hUBVCSnKg_jI1QpdG-unvlM-KPp3S2yrN0VLcjCMW1l35dcY3hGnipSE8KL-oFZlmus-URBcB39RmLuyNC1SV1mC87CcEJCc/s1600/P1260004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyndy and Doug loved the Bahamas so much they will bring Riparian down next winter. Behind them is a blue hole at Hoffman Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf8pppi-9TJxav-kEIuHEYq0fhJ6Sr6eaukwj6w7KvfR2iQ3jJLQ00me-SvS_897MW1wJdqqBgbYNq5aL0gxtY1dGfXlWXsmfzfPFvrciYMn9p1EImGiFDLQzeRGKdn6iM4BE_rgjJb0/s1600/P1270010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf8pppi-9TJxav-kEIuHEYq0fhJ6Sr6eaukwj6w7KvfR2iQ3jJLQ00me-SvS_897MW1wJdqqBgbYNq5aL0gxtY1dGfXlWXsmfzfPFvrciYMn9p1EImGiFDLQzeRGKdn6iM4BE_rgjJb0/s1600/P1270010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim's first fresh caught conch salad...yumm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next stop (thank goodness) was Nassau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we left Miami so quickly, we didn’t
have time to finish our shopping, particularly for fresh foods, so it was great
to find the Fresh Market across from our marina. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is much like a Whole Foods, so almost
everything you might want was available and at reasonable Bahamian prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starbucks is also in the mall (Lynn and
Trevor, now you can come and visit!) and offers free Wifi with your purchase,
needless to say we all spent quality time there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cyndy and Doug walked all over Nassau while
Kim and Cathy dealt with boat details. We did manage to walk downtown so have a few
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshUVRBXXC_FlZdr0dSOu0ySOR8bvTIlLEC_M8uMC7Mp5NOnSK6W7VtERl_uvb1kUo6tCdogysRYNZE_tNsvw9XYyxG4l1fQXWuiXOptWPQ3P9weKXOKPHgjYQt1Gl7XXReWO0raHAa4Y/s1600/P1300019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshUVRBXXC_FlZdr0dSOu0ySOR8bvTIlLEC_M8uMC7Mp5NOnSK6W7VtERl_uvb1kUo6tCdogysRYNZE_tNsvw9XYyxG4l1fQXWuiXOptWPQ3P9weKXOKPHgjYQt1Gl7XXReWO0raHAa4Y/s1600/P1300019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament Square (Queen Victoria statue is between the coloured rectangles)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFwwjQQd0lWUEl8ecrL5QBR0WB_ZF1ctfZiV0jRhs_Is411dkBRruZxJM66yEEIk-QlsAhSp8ttxmtQlNheBAN3EEaEn8FTaPCSfLPNH18TGURc1BF_cWp296sePWRRfnIQ6ycysT5A/s1600/P1300020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFwwjQQd0lWUEl8ecrL5QBR0WB_ZF1ctfZiV0jRhs_Is411dkBRruZxJM66yEEIk-QlsAhSp8ttxmtQlNheBAN3EEaEn8FTaPCSfLPNH18TGURc1BF_cWp296sePWRRfnIQ6ycysT5A/s1600/P1300020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they really do stand in the box to direct traffic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zGpREIjhQkU0qu8ckLOfa642RgKnGApciGYFezfQqLI08ymCiGCVKvy6PmsH1K-DCPpeNfrL7lOyRZIBQW4KkIDBZU_ENVyYeu3joQeUiJFdK95PGEeSocmphyphenhyphenAqecQhVlMrmhPa7gc/s1600/P1300026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zGpREIjhQkU0qu8ckLOfa642RgKnGApciGYFezfQqLI08ymCiGCVKvy6PmsH1K-DCPpeNfrL7lOyRZIBQW4KkIDBZU_ENVyYeu3joQeUiJFdK95PGEeSocmphyphenhyphenAqecQhVlMrmhPa7gc/s1600/P1300026.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvtezBL79n_sx0EK67zF6y3_mVyUmslLz1pyFaFryzLNBotcsgufm75p8sQR98WTikzKDA_eKfloSLQKuZ3YKtgP_y2uoNmS6FM2Kb0HJOf_jTwFVm-MQmWqdgBVDO3MomXjhdlfvGyE/s1600/P1300040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvtezBL79n_sx0EK67zF6y3_mVyUmslLz1pyFaFryzLNBotcsgufm75p8sQR98WTikzKDA_eKfloSLQKuZ3YKtgP_y2uoNmS6FM2Kb0HJOf_jTwFVm-MQmWqdgBVDO3MomXjhdlfvGyE/s1600/P1300040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Government House (Governor General's residence) with Christopher Columbus statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s better in the Bahamas” is absolutely true; we discover
paradise on a daily basis. We enjoyed the Exuma area so much that we spent
February, March and part of April there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This part of the Bahamas is not very populated and the communities that
exist are quite small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people here are very laid back, gentle and
remind us of days gone by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
time to sit and chat or provide advice about fishing or enjoying the islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pace of our days has slowed considerably
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘tomorrow mon’ is our penchant.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlA1E9ewwszwGrsyHZ7YXFuoTDsjftM5RXboii1SlFsmGSe9zo1v15FLzzoZ0htXdrRPtsm51rrBTEW2qLhaT_WqLgz0vz05qYS3L9o1MBjP3-HbstOFFxaunMP_Os1cVTpXsJyXano/s1600/P2070096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlA1E9ewwszwGrsyHZ7YXFuoTDsjftM5RXboii1SlFsmGSe9zo1v15FLzzoZ0htXdrRPtsm51rrBTEW2qLhaT_WqLgz0vz05qYS3L9o1MBjP3-HbstOFFxaunMP_Os1cVTpXsJyXano/s1600/P2070096.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly clear and turquoise water surrounds us every day in the Exumas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicsWOSUyGiNVee5OvfTwyGZRy5J_TokwpbriHn9K99U7-gRzoN0BeETBxwMhmysNsXrsxXSwYNx7H5fr4un2M56RjQqOZ0MI64py9hkyFiagtVoSPpxYI6vU8L_wZavQWXDlqq6rM0rM/s1600/P2190003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51SItmACke7VyshuSxyOm44ix8qBMh1LA5nCV8CGqb0olsSKkegwsDC-NvQokEzPy24wj9r2-bxuGlMVvEbO392C-GLvWmFR0KpC1BrTbxg5_Fe2EDhPPC-dZxhgf6PKBWBbWn8CXqYQ/s1600/P3280039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51SItmACke7VyshuSxyOm44ix8qBMh1LA5nCV8CGqb0olsSKkegwsDC-NvQokEzPy24wj9r2-bxuGlMVvEbO392C-GLvWmFR0KpC1BrTbxg5_Fe2EDhPPC-dZxhgf6PKBWBbWn8CXqYQ/s1600/P3280039.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local dogs are especially laid back. ' Jet' lies in wait for a good scratch </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KavFTMZq5u1-ezVDz_9_qlYLftYcciSvNR-pdC9HmE0ILs6tJfIOMR3x9V3mH4mhi-LOMpbFhVZ4u6sqph6drkMSoA7n14JwetAYJ2WvTCRXvPgAo8NdAkGfBJR-4rGBT6LVv8O9Rl4/s1600/P2190003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KavFTMZq5u1-ezVDz_9_qlYLftYcciSvNR-pdC9HmE0ILs6tJfIOMR3x9V3mH4mhi-LOMpbFhVZ4u6sqph6drkMSoA7n14JwetAYJ2WvTCRXvPgAo8NdAkGfBJR-4rGBT6LVv8O9Rl4/s1600/P2190003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Willy", a Black Point native provided a guided tour of his yard sculptures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Early in February we
were boarded by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, five guys complete with one
uzi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were young, adorable, and
giggled as they sat in the cockpit shade as Cathy chatted with them about their
home and training – Kim took care of the official stuff below. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even their military are delightful!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have an endless choice of deserted islands to anchor at
and each one seems to have at least one beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpZ0iln3n8oup-R552X-BXzodeJlixjiXlgFaWs9oEngnpYeYId8BP51nEsbSZ_FgHvGedkiUnWxqI-fOzlzK-fH0ckIpT_USQ9FPben8iF0VidCkinJ4QWtjTpkocvT8v05_tx41Hc/s1600/P3120050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpZ0iln3n8oup-R552X-BXzodeJlixjiXlgFaWs9oEngnpYeYId8BP51nEsbSZ_FgHvGedkiUnWxqI-fOzlzK-fH0ckIpT_USQ9FPben8iF0VidCkinJ4QWtjTpkocvT8v05_tx41Hc/s1600/P3120050.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warderick Wells Cay anchorage in the Exuma Sea and Land Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2CznCavS5jHdbK7-gNCij2RTelWnAtqfLRRxfSKBQiCprdQWtDn87hlCWb8PwLpVbVFf_191ggdGcLwr6eQXvvv2LVOus7d-w6riQAyY3mn3o7Gu8HJPrifZDHiiSSwP3FVmJhH6aqQ/s1600/P2090102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2CznCavS5jHdbK7-gNCij2RTelWnAtqfLRRxfSKBQiCprdQWtDn87hlCWb8PwLpVbVFf_191ggdGcLwr6eQXvvv2LVOus7d-w6riQAyY3mn3o7Gu8HJPrifZDHiiSSwP3FVmJhH6aqQ/s1600/P2090102.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normans Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mtPveIiQeCboH1tQ6_41078kHuBRoK5o5whtnjD1xzJYfkCn6dcVUKe0Eb_OBybQKHuldZWvRF9DNJmyIOeB9Ie4cAV4A93nI7WZf3XZM8-dftR0QPV2ouQ-XPsZpYdmisGFwosumvE/s1600/P3120053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mtPveIiQeCboH1tQ6_41078kHuBRoK5o5whtnjD1xzJYfkCn6dcVUKe0Eb_OBybQKHuldZWvRF9DNJmyIOeB9Ie4cAV4A93nI7WZf3XZM8-dftR0QPV2ouQ-XPsZpYdmisGFwosumvE/s1600/P3120053.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Warderick Wells Cay anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVMTOYMHoEwOaokuoVb6KTTxuJooKR3T-U28YHbRaLhwHekdvfHI2NnPlmY1LnnBaLR-V7B-7B1Uexx3H82xdEKhr3QIIbt-sP9HHhuJv4MNWNP6pO0xWt__E3GyAY-QUVQtlXFsX4JM/s1600/P3120058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVMTOYMHoEwOaokuoVb6KTTxuJooKR3T-U28YHbRaLhwHekdvfHI2NnPlmY1LnnBaLR-V7B-7B1Uexx3H82xdEKhr3QIIbt-sP9HHhuJv4MNWNP6pO0xWt__E3GyAY-QUVQtlXFsX4JM/s1600/P3120058.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west from "Boo Boo Hill" on Warderick Wells Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVvUN8YXz3d3_OxJ2p-fSaoCg-4mqwZ8EGbb3LCWq3Hr7Hvhb0tBxLSqPnbHUtmVX4kXJhRMBXuicLM9r8mMsH2ZgjMymN7wG8-4ypQoMn48IVzmCKzGP_12khqX-6C1cSFHwpiMDX0Y/s1600/P3040112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVvUN8YXz3d3_OxJ2p-fSaoCg-4mqwZ8EGbb3LCWq3Hr7Hvhb0tBxLSqPnbHUtmVX4kXJhRMBXuicLM9r8mMsH2ZgjMymN7wG8-4ypQoMn48IVzmCKzGP_12khqX-6C1cSFHwpiMDX0Y/s1600/P3040112.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the beach at Cambridge Cay on the Exuma Sound side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnAWT44UTu6NRush4a3BZMnie0yMj6LtoHvje622GL_Wvz2u8TeqDfPbi284ZYm9V1w6k8cxR5wUnF-NMS91lm45ijugrc7xViiPysT6Qy33gigaI-zGrdSannU8SAmTqlB0__YJQqKU/s1600/P3040142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnAWT44UTu6NRush4a3BZMnie0yMj6LtoHvje622GL_Wvz2u8TeqDfPbi284ZYm9V1w6k8cxR5wUnF-NMS91lm45ijugrc7xViiPysT6Qy33gigaI-zGrdSannU8SAmTqlB0__YJQqKU/s1600/P3040142.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundowners and a green flash on a sandy island at Cambridge Cay</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were delighted to have Corinne and Calvin come down to
visit and share some of the great places we’ve discovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ‘swimming pigs’ of Big Major’s Spot are
always a highlight. We separate our food scraps<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>from our dry garbage and either drop them over board when under way -
the fish eat the vegetables, sharks eat the protein and what’s left turns into
compost at the bottom of the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
when we are at the Majors we keep our vegetable scraps to feed the pigs, some
wade out to your dinghy and there are a few that actually swim!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKJxYMcA7GWDJ7qSDlI8eyy4LCI1zMZRRmkY2mfpQvvNPxvvxfuBT0gec2pcpqju4nxUj6VWSRX6vRx3_QO39dRQCzU1x6YL8mfz7Fqgfo3BElwgAIrZ9-emJNjCECmELPg8AnXCT4c/s1600/P3050188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKJxYMcA7GWDJ7qSDlI8eyy4LCI1zMZRRmkY2mfpQvvNPxvvxfuBT0gec2pcpqju4nxUj6VWSRX6vRx3_QO39dRQCzU1x6YL8mfz7Fqgfo3BElwgAIrZ9-emJNjCECmELPg8AnXCT4c/s1600/P3050188.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the pigs at Big Majors Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg654jnarBWV3OBu-ALn9SFQixHi3CqGcuDFw65vTuE7omYTnaAhvypmhHREhy5nsYn17z4Yv0NjARX42trEADzX7qbSMpU0TzOUn3k2t7ZJCYFml2KFcTemPp5Ag-0jZRC2oaCwJZHU/s1600/P2180010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg654jnarBWV3OBu-ALn9SFQixHi3CqGcuDFw65vTuE7omYTnaAhvypmhHREhy5nsYn17z4Yv0NjARX42trEADzX7qbSMpU0TzOUn3k2t7ZJCYFml2KFcTemPp5Ag-0jZRC2oaCwJZHU/s1600/P2180010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pigs have very poor eye sight so they just open up hope you hit their mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz9vfKF-8q5AI111iSWWrfp1UV925VFLVcGAID3a5ZFH8g8CFCbrFBxZgtB0TAqCYCIDZos-X_hwpblkPtHlVEpUqbgvBW0xCkobAGH7z8k-D3ECJIA4YCet9sLT4ej8a5jehQVub0yo/s1600/P4010070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz9vfKF-8q5AI111iSWWrfp1UV925VFLVcGAID3a5ZFH8g8CFCbrFBxZgtB0TAqCYCIDZos-X_hwpblkPtHlVEpUqbgvBW0xCkobAGH7z8k-D3ECJIA4YCet9sLT4ej8a5jehQVub0yo/s1600/P4010070.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starfish are protected throughout the Bahamas so we made sure to return it to the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are countless cays to anchor at that provide ample
shelter from the prevailing easterlies but when the weekly cold fronts come in
from the US everyone hightails it to one of the few spots that have protection
from a day of west winds. A number of these protected anchorages are part of
the Land and Sea Park which offer some of the most beautiful and pristine places to stay. We loved this area so much that we spent a total of 18 days in the
park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Snorkeling in the Exumas is world
class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often we have reefs and coral
heads very close to the boat and will snorkel every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t own an underwater camera yet, so
there are no pictures, but most anything you find on a coral reef we’ve seen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sometimes meet sting rays while
snorkeling but they prefer the ocean bottom so swim underneath us
without concern on either of our parts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREaafgITNXS6y4ccr8jipFIow4ZhIZCeqWOdbuIAQcRGfz_1jWiv2f-iab10_BKcIJ91Tx658hDUJSHMixYLWJOlxeIJZ0Y4wEsU-8S39QUj6nM7DjAoL6n_ATam8uica_pmQ488HzOI/s1600/P3040123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREaafgITNXS6y4ccr8jipFIow4ZhIZCeqWOdbuIAQcRGfz_1jWiv2f-iab10_BKcIJ91Tx658hDUJSHMixYLWJOlxeIJZ0Y4wEsU-8S39QUj6nM7DjAoL6n_ATam8uica_pmQ488HzOI/s1600/P3040123.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the surf coming in from the sound on the eastern shore of Cambridge Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLlhgP1xlYYOjCDuO9PhlWMmZtTItnw1wqjfhhyYZ87eZ_XODExdwkS-B2pUsuQ_a2st1w7_6Vn7_L0AgWVr2A5w3hhT5Fli53mpVpNvULhOI3eH8ns8tzyIv9nUzKWq0OYdVQteVFTE/s1600/P3040128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLlhgP1xlYYOjCDuO9PhlWMmZtTItnw1wqjfhhyYZ87eZ_XODExdwkS-B2pUsuQ_a2st1w7_6Vn7_L0AgWVr2A5w3hhT5Fli53mpVpNvULhOI3eH8ns8tzyIv9nUzKWq0OYdVQteVFTE/s1600/P3040128.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south at Bell Rock from a lookout on Cambridge Cay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4AL7MrtFTUJglyIf5uvrhory3BhvPsn0s7HKeQgw0CY28z_gcPpXv05Xa1fOpDFz9Uxg5W4wSUVM7OJMEOf5QMNRMG8P8iNKdJzZR-QGYD88sl7jQO01XAnJseTJQ_Tf5y0BKOErXQA/s1600/P3240017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4AL7MrtFTUJglyIf5uvrhory3BhvPsn0s7HKeQgw0CY28z_gcPpXv05Xa1fOpDFz9Uxg5W4wSUVM7OJMEOf5QMNRMG8P8iNKdJzZR-QGYD88sl7jQO01XAnJseTJQ_Tf5y0BKOErXQA/s1600/P3240017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Southern Ray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EOrHZPVDUI9E5rHtDWRO_xcdcBEj9GCZEL0-4ocNA11J_M3AgrtJ4qr_ZakhymD-iB3Q-qDPESftWnr2PxcWXeN2cVgO34558Ehs1FBsPy2H1oNzGcchc8XOuussbg8JsczAiSDhdGs/s1600/P3240020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EOrHZPVDUI9E5rHtDWRO_xcdcBEj9GCZEL0-4ocNA11J_M3AgrtJ4qr_ZakhymD-iB3Q-qDPESftWnr2PxcWXeN2cVgO34558Ehs1FBsPy2H1oNzGcchc8XOuussbg8JsczAiSDhdGs/s1600/P3240020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Southern Rays !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqR7lWyh0yn8z5v_8i-_03zf_2Nkjimvdah-HeqwwZ7vTCvrZFH8Lr5wsaW7KTr7mSu3ZSnQ8_L7sfn3wFBFY-pdPOFR6Mx5G8WGvii0RWj7_Duqwwyohb3cCijGnknLu-V7VPn0jgCo/s1600/P3040135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqR7lWyh0yn8z5v_8i-_03zf_2Nkjimvdah-HeqwwZ7vTCvrZFH8Lr5wsaW7KTr7mSu3ZSnQ8_L7sfn3wFBFY-pdPOFR6Mx5G8WGvii0RWj7_Duqwwyohb3cCijGnknLu-V7VPn0jgCo/s1600/P3040135.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8nrXuhqcJs8DWFScS0E-oTtCp0jSVWvwA51bu4S3uaePIo-PEqK7BZ1hlrlGPkZWg9sFhinGAIklj87rxJ08W5dAxffA8-oiE7RuHYHzpBX30pgCtpqHtY-9Hg7oWXg9I_6qsI-9MKI/s1600/P3040138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8nrXuhqcJs8DWFScS0E-oTtCp0jSVWvwA51bu4S3uaePIo-PEqK7BZ1hlrlGPkZWg9sFhinGAIklj87rxJ08W5dAxffA8-oiE7RuHYHzpBX30pgCtpqHtY-9Hg7oWXg9I_6qsI-9MKI/s1600/P3040138.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never happier than when he is swimming with the fishes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFdf5Zl6g65W1nVQ2CUjgR5O262BRIYpZdhEZnspqkT2vKvmVOTokaKJSfT1Dtc8lD_eo5QOf9ryQs45mNtvcOwy6IJyyflsX-H4oOGLcwYoLlkCLm1ItIA6mTuzV4BJ71oS9sla-glM/s1600/P4020093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFdf5Zl6g65W1nVQ2CUjgR5O262BRIYpZdhEZnspqkT2vKvmVOTokaKJSfT1Dtc8lD_eo5QOf9ryQs45mNtvcOwy6IJyyflsX-H4oOGLcwYoLlkCLm1ItIA6mTuzV4BJ71oS9sla-glM/s1600/P4020093.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne sports the newest in fashion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found plenty of nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina while
Cal was visiting, we occasionally meet these creatures while snorkelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are bottom feeders and go about their
business on the bottom while we snorkel above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are 12 sharks that live at this cay because they are fed regularly
– with our compost for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
grade six class from Rolleville on Great Exuma Island were on their graduation trip
and most had never seen a nurse shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We enjoyed seeing them become more comfortable with the sharks as their
visit went on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the chance to slip
in and have a swim with the sharks but we passed this time…tomorrow mon. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDn1Rp3T7HnY7TZGGR8Iw1OXUNJXIgS-CJTO27ighKIG9MFeyAGxPbB3LMV-37oue5S80014Gzdvn1_5XM0El8d0YAfNSE7kYxdydp2Ry-XhfthZLLVM28LlSfKpFg23R2UBCj8TYijk/s1600/P3060006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDn1Rp3T7HnY7TZGGR8Iw1OXUNJXIgS-CJTO27ighKIG9MFeyAGxPbB3LMV-37oue5S80014Gzdvn1_5XM0El8d0YAfNSE7kYxdydp2Ry-XhfthZLLVM28LlSfKpFg23R2UBCj8TYijk/s1600/P3060006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurse sharks at Compass Cay marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqPCVzrxfSMEj42Cy-piPeeIJrjoz8TgvYxcmOOFSL7WK__bU1h-yesLXf-7F_hQrpQxJPM0UL6M9LfuMh3WBSAuGHqYhvGCnrH20iXCrmgJxaK1538OQFLHyV209GZoC85iDXmQjQd0/s1600/P3060007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqPCVzrxfSMEj42Cy-piPeeIJrjoz8TgvYxcmOOFSL7WK__bU1h-yesLXf-7F_hQrpQxJPM0UL6M9LfuMh3WBSAuGHqYhvGCnrH20iXCrmgJxaK1538OQFLHyV209GZoC85iDXmQjQd0/s1600/P3060007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgiBnNVUkbjDUkGiyA28ZLapx-EVATtVVwxFvnSJDKsi3kPXXAI3s0seHAQDQDyYmZR60bSwQvakfrsHB-C0ytCLGUV3p7nwN9PAn7jtcyBpzLJQ7PpYhmmMOf1zemSqWqPkGlJ1m2Q/s1600/P3070013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgiBnNVUkbjDUkGiyA28ZLapx-EVATtVVwxFvnSJDKsi3kPXXAI3s0seHAQDQDyYmZR60bSwQvakfrsHB-C0ytCLGUV3p7nwN9PAn7jtcyBpzLJQ7PpYhmmMOf1zemSqWqPkGlJ1m2Q/s1600/P3070013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nurse sharks come up onto the dock to be fed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBuPNKYZow0Pc9NmilU7PZZ0y456I2gJQWbW_-sLPm3iwdwx4nyGFt_Best69nTT06j9tbow3q9r70v_FkOOfHNA9_iZTW5Ixzjp8zWb_6QkMNVwKYzhojsAgXcCVkRmBfRd533pq3Jc/s1600/P3070022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBuPNKYZow0Pc9NmilU7PZZ0y456I2gJQWbW_-sLPm3iwdwx4nyGFt_Best69nTT06j9tbow3q9r70v_FkOOfHNA9_iZTW5Ixzjp8zWb_6QkMNVwKYzhojsAgXcCVkRmBfRd533pq3Jc/s1600/P3070022.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurse shark skin feels a lot like sand paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHo3q7AKQnHFUJVI1iwmEMI1HbXoDBSTzAmIIf8niDy03BZb_IG14X0lXVivHbsJwsKzlP58SG2jwuKjm9I53M-3r_7vOBV9F5xdWhfFMFQR0IJIGGZGUoReNnEvlYP-ROUzutvWNIUs/s1600/P3070023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHo3q7AKQnHFUJVI1iwmEMI1HbXoDBSTzAmIIf8niDy03BZb_IG14X0lXVivHbsJwsKzlP58SG2jwuKjm9I53M-3r_7vOBV9F5xdWhfFMFQR0IJIGGZGUoReNnEvlYP-ROUzutvWNIUs/s1600/P3070023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl_AyIIRo9CQNy5aYna5RB6pzYJyWZ-2GnXr8D2MlYp1oG9kz4tisKuUKgcXnwBpOIloyf3aQfknoGTeGQ4KcdKcGtk5PRqpYHU1hBAv9wssJ47j1Qd7KM64OTJIXCW1GBJ8AjsJIjo4/s1600/P3070026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl_AyIIRo9CQNy5aYna5RB6pzYJyWZ-2GnXr8D2MlYp1oG9kz4tisKuUKgcXnwBpOIloyf3aQfknoGTeGQ4KcdKcGtk5PRqpYHU1hBAv9wssJ47j1Qd7KM64OTJIXCW1GBJ8AjsJIjo4/s1600/P3070026.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimmin' with the sharks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Corinne was visiting we found Rachel’s bubble bath, a
spot where the ocean surf is pushed up over the rock and into a pond on the
other side of the rise. We went close to low tide so there wasn’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a lot of surf, but still had fun with our
friends Chrissy and Roger on Sanderling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ4BHVW5pqVyopDo3mIpnEb6Fc2u0eSXoUiFanv7D9VtzN-SegqzQr3ZmGWmDYbvfpqV_kCJMAAaSbzyPkq91ILB-1WCz-ukJa4rNyjk3cNoKc_krSaPNNeEQwdvezlLfCHoHtRPUUsY/s1600/P4020075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ4BHVW5pqVyopDo3mIpnEb6Fc2u0eSXoUiFanv7D9VtzN-SegqzQr3ZmGWmDYbvfpqV_kCJMAAaSbzyPkq91ILB-1WCz-ukJa4rNyjk3cNoKc_krSaPNNeEQwdvezlLfCHoHtRPUUsY/s1600/P4020075.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel's Bubble bath (upper right) being fed from swells coming in from the sound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEHHxCV4-0eCTxm56_54yCO-NTD6S3hw4qMkbijXeJoo6ZlbQiivKl84_evQCySV89Qn9lbu5qyB01PwinQ2BSqKGHwJ-iBAEYaEW79eu9ixMjRlCCvOIW4b7avACmZ_PBhxnX8Gj_LU/s1600/P4020083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEHHxCV4-0eCTxm56_54yCO-NTD6S3hw4qMkbijXeJoo6ZlbQiivKl84_evQCySV89Qn9lbu5qyB01PwinQ2BSqKGHwJ-iBAEYaEW79eu9ixMjRlCCvOIW4b7avACmZ_PBhxnX8Gj_LU/s1600/P4020083.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Exuma’s are very dry and sandy with most of their
precipitation falling in the summer months. As a result the islands have very
thick leafed foliage and very few flowering bushes or plants exist without a
source of fresh water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the larger
islands there is enough water and soil to support beautiful blooms.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE1XHNfcfuc_bJXXUVANqAmQzPwKWdxduyepy9AwgcAm64jEZkrzrbbYSNxSTqxUOx-EoYmIMpupaEpMmQNgxCd34HiX5mm68g_hBKw2E8k9nQhbuRDA_3ROEjPejspSGE0W5vmH78U4/s1600/P2160140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE1XHNfcfuc_bJXXUVANqAmQzPwKWdxduyepy9AwgcAm64jEZkrzrbbYSNxSTqxUOx-EoYmIMpupaEpMmQNgxCd34HiX5mm68g_hBKw2E8k9nQhbuRDA_3ROEjPejspSGE0W5vmH78U4/s1600/P2160140.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossoms are quite stunning when we find them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lhwhtoGjTFcjN_rDb-Zl8Yo5SoLOLnqAC2KNTJhl3ufOf8cEb-hkXUSR3g8ri-Iy1snqgWp4w34WXNHYckJcftFth854zQXHRKK7M_v8juCsJbKExTynH2wCK5AfhoLQvjRIjJTDtVc/s1600/P3150071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lhwhtoGjTFcjN_rDb-Zl8Yo5SoLOLnqAC2KNTJhl3ufOf8cEb-hkXUSR3g8ri-Iy1snqgWp4w34WXNHYckJcftFth854zQXHRKK7M_v8juCsJbKExTynH2wCK5AfhoLQvjRIjJTDtVc/s1600/P3150071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas growing outside Staniel Cay Yacht Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0VLw4ouoEBH1vg15IERxrou6vyYjsBuCTkqfWAy7rOPsg7g4XF65S5aUlfmI4DJJreVCrseM0aFY0pQgHZfrBWuKVflJMKAbViBELzUSE1sqTu3ru3rdOvjiw3Ux88ln2Al6VbxaSQA/s1600/P3210001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0VLw4ouoEBH1vg15IERxrou6vyYjsBuCTkqfWAy7rOPsg7g4XF65S5aUlfmI4DJJreVCrseM0aFY0pQgHZfrBWuKVflJMKAbViBELzUSE1sqTu3ru3rdOvjiw3Ux88ln2Al6VbxaSQA/s1600/P3210001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A well kept yard at Black Point one of our favourite villages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwb3dp5E2dyOTND1V6UZpNlMEPyHPZJqcRwTkWZDzDYP3P5omDnR7m52hbGcPw4OsHK6nH6JMoAIfEhyphenhyphen83BFhxHSAi89woOnPqJ4o9PfeGTXxXm2NHvFlK9caxhj9w7QrgrTrQSUqjOM/s1600/P3310049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwb3dp5E2dyOTND1V6UZpNlMEPyHPZJqcRwTkWZDzDYP3P5omDnR7m52hbGcPw4OsHK6nH6JMoAIfEhyphenhyphen83BFhxHSAi89woOnPqJ4o9PfeGTXxXm2NHvFlK9caxhj9w7QrgrTrQSUqjOM/s1600/P3310049.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside the airport - Corinne's first few minutes in the Bahamas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav1NEzM0DAikH5QYywQonLSbpcV0Y_t-h21EL5zY33YOE85SI1wm-4lss5HwihcLMe3ePq6Pg1SnjpL1cKIZGYf1e-hH0GfS0YQgMe_oO13dmJF_xLIqIb_Q9q4utHW1nlsTV8FWh2Ks/s1600/P3310050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav1NEzM0DAikH5QYywQonLSbpcV0Y_t-h21EL5zY33YOE85SI1wm-4lss5HwihcLMe3ePq6Pg1SnjpL1cKIZGYf1e-hH0GfS0YQgMe_oO13dmJF_xLIqIb_Q9q4utHW1nlsTV8FWh2Ks/s1600/P3310050.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Breadfruit - tastes like potato, so does malanga and cassava (It's their version of 'tastes like chicken')</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-57510444788063197492014-04-30T09:17:00.000-07:002014-04-30T09:17:24.733-07:00Florida<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are sure that you are all well acquainted with Florida,
but there were a few highlights that we wanted to share. We were relieved to
find that although the water levels are still fairly shallow, the ICW is dredged
so you can count on your 10-15 feet of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We finally found some warm weather once we reached this area, so that
was a real highlight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78T0CXa8pTkjGt9LN4Yu3yvxOgtuB3dAaREJgonOf9N18gbfBIIsWsXZIct8uz3fQxwFkaQMFLihEySFcPqo6TcIzQ0R0lRdAwzi9intP_czvpb7sFAU5gDH6bsRWGzJj6K4GWc_waPQ/s1600/PC030026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78T0CXa8pTkjGt9LN4Yu3yvxOgtuB3dAaREJgonOf9N18gbfBIIsWsXZIct8uz3fQxwFkaQMFLihEySFcPqo6TcIzQ0R0lRdAwzi9intP_czvpb7sFAU5gDH6bsRWGzJj6K4GWc_waPQ/s1600/PC030026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bird of Paradise in the Lightner Museum courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our favourite place was the city of St. Augustine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Established in 1565 it is the oldest European
settlement in North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
established by the Spanish so was a change from the Antebellum era (we’d really
had our fill by the time we left Georgia).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When entering the city by sailboat you must wait for the impressive Bridge
of Lions to open. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed on a mooring
can at the Municipal Marina for eight days, your 7<sup>th</sup> night is free,
we are cruisers after all! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met many
cruisers heading south all along the ICW route but the group we met here are
the boats we have reunited with in the Exumas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tourism is probably
the largest part of the economic plan for this place and they delivered.
Because it was Christmas season the entire waterfront, palm trees and all, was
wrapped in thousands of lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old
town is fascinating and just a very interesting place to wander with the oldest
house dating back to 1727 (the Brits burned the town down in 1702 so it’s our
fault there is nothing from the first century and a half). There is a Spanish fort
built in 1672 that survived numerous attacks and the British fire, a Colonial
Spanish Quarter, and a lovely park area for public gatherings called Plaza de
la Constitucion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW08KCRTvW6im_GWNHz5LNq88-nF8M98hqSla4oR9PguSn3UhghLY4BdvdFrBTXvcpr_9XLGv4uWlaWKeDYGcsOkFv0SqCMP4fMcEE9k4jpDMw9XX1eF7ob2QofoAkPPvg7zZWAHkhmXg/s1600/PC010006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW08KCRTvW6im_GWNHz5LNq88-nF8M98hqSla4oR9PguSn3UhghLY4BdvdFrBTXvcpr_9XLGv4uWlaWKeDYGcsOkFv0SqCMP4fMcEE9k4jpDMw9XX1eF7ob2QofoAkPPvg7zZWAHkhmXg/s1600/PC010006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sDnQe-QE7vgHc3dVvZ6zxDKnqiinv_S6zJztzSAai6WqeXYk1X6rihvCAFoA0YJsh6ndA-mvfH8PQsjkvSqO6Z6E1auv2_EZ_88fhNYWcQHvLldUEwu6HCNIUUsJbwPFTkCZOvHRs_0/s1600/PC010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sDnQe-QE7vgHc3dVvZ6zxDKnqiinv_S6zJztzSAai6WqeXYk1X6rihvCAFoA0YJsh6ndA-mvfH8PQsjkvSqO6Z6E1auv2_EZ_88fhNYWcQHvLldUEwu6HCNIUUsJbwPFTkCZOvHRs_0/s1600/PC010007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the ' Plaza' and was alive with visitors each night </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88zhEF611yj5IMxrkIkllqRST0Tui80fyS_ZRZ-zDT1qARzgMMoYhllu5R6EoG1VM4ieJ84Y4sWVqXsBzq7JEtmd6PzTUE4isSK02c4pb9f2N9d2Mtr8EX65UqFzVa18sHPrlIANjk9s/s1600/PC020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88zhEF611yj5IMxrkIkllqRST0Tui80fyS_ZRZ-zDT1qARzgMMoYhllu5R6EoG1VM4ieJ84Y4sWVqXsBzq7JEtmd6PzTUE4isSK02c4pb9f2N9d2Mtr8EX65UqFzVa18sHPrlIANjk9s/s1600/PC020014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim at the old city gates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN6wNzk7nTqDTkpcHg0BFGsFq_OIha3uYKu7dV8RMqyYLsmzoenbfoRIpVPC_s5KVuOBUsr0QK2XTgBc_66J0u2ftW_DfhD5UEqtkopVizeJKZU6WPSbDIRnSJo-VyMQq30EgIe9Qvx4/s1600/PC030020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN6wNzk7nTqDTkpcHg0BFGsFq_OIha3uYKu7dV8RMqyYLsmzoenbfoRIpVPC_s5KVuOBUsr0QK2XTgBc_66J0u2ftW_DfhD5UEqtkopVizeJKZU6WPSbDIRnSJo-VyMQq30EgIe9Qvx4/s1600/PC030020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we stopped at the oldest wooden school house in the US.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry Flagler, who
almost single handedly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>developed tourism
in eastern Florida, built three fascinating buildings here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ponce de Leon Hotel (which was originally
built as a seasonal hotel for the super rich but is now Flagler College), the Alcazar
Hotel (now the Lightner Museum,) and the Memorial Presbyterian Church (built as
a memorial to his daughter who died in child birth) were highlights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICdNVwj7LFluPfWI8CAKwjNGgPMKTq0-MRMH0_3iUOLZduy3F_Pevzhf1UI9ZVW6tH0fGGdSTm8KzYqPKK51fbt0WSXv9_S9cXvDHiWjc5VJkuO8r_62EjTByBysMFeR6VavD2XmJGCY/s1600/PC040047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICdNVwj7LFluPfWI8CAKwjNGgPMKTq0-MRMH0_3iUOLZduy3F_Pevzhf1UI9ZVW6tH0fGGdSTm8KzYqPKK51fbt0WSXv9_S9cXvDHiWjc5VJkuO8r_62EjTByBysMFeR6VavD2XmJGCY/s1600/PC040047.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original art throughout Flagler College is stunning inside and out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5c0egAfm7eCCDX-LeOBYtROOheLzw5hzWkfW7IHlhlQOasURv3MwVswFAyodsv74vr1Z6ei_U9wAfTUvqkzy2HiLZIJjAAtdcHhRVXxaHnJOqvT_xsMDvBJcTXyqEO-JTqnVuZZHKOY/s1600/PC040054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5c0egAfm7eCCDX-LeOBYtROOheLzw5hzWkfW7IHlhlQOasURv3MwVswFAyodsv74vr1Z6ei_U9wAfTUvqkzy2HiLZIJjAAtdcHhRVXxaHnJOqvT_xsMDvBJcTXyqEO-JTqnVuZZHKOY/s1600/PC040054.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frescoes in the student dining room are truly beautiful, apparently the food - less so!. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh848sWnjgQ3uplabRpQzib9V6me_YA4SDjh23J8Qxa8DEg9jMbdRYbaRaQj50b0_sLgfY0IBJ4dV70kjy4rGAze2ooSDAzlu8FLxW9MMqpLSPk9TgX407aPvirrySin1QCMwpYgEEYJgE/s1600/PC040037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh848sWnjgQ3uplabRpQzib9V6me_YA4SDjh23J8Qxa8DEg9jMbdRYbaRaQj50b0_sLgfY0IBJ4dV70kjy4rGAze2ooSDAzlu8FLxW9MMqpLSPk9TgX407aPvirrySin1QCMwpYgEEYJgE/s1600/PC040037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> The Lightner Museum, originally the Alcazar Hotel, <br />
now houses the extensive collectables of Henry Flagler. It feels as though there was nothing he didn't collect - quite fascinating. The entire lower level (now a cafe) was the swimming pool and the upper levels were open for guests to view the swimmers. In the evenings the orchestra played from a raft on the pool while guests danced along the upper ballroom that appears much like a very high class running track.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kJqZE3N5OOrjJQIzNLWmWEHj7iQVzzGrTTb60RHqQgQBbvgHO_yPdR4KSP3c-cNiWSOn1hzQPY53PxH-O2l2Q3xwM7W9gfZMKwf9byfHgG4pFS3FiLXIY12JX7HEETIg5wxOuQIife8/s1600/PC040040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kJqZE3N5OOrjJQIzNLWmWEHj7iQVzzGrTTb60RHqQgQBbvgHO_yPdR4KSP3c-cNiWSOn1hzQPY53PxH-O2l2Q3xwM7W9gfZMKwf9byfHgG4pFS3FiLXIY12JX7HEETIg5wxOuQIife8/s1600/PC040040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dance floor that wrapped all around the pool area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhWnyUbhC41d7RVgGM0oAGASPlPLGp42Hr8QYpSAxGYu-M1IPMRcitdhBYr-MDBzJ1RmxdYzNTa_E0XIOev0SyJwWn3OOej5NDkvr9_77WqP6NyELqsyvNdbAL2uvFKJo7YlAHeNSSnU/s1600/PC020013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhWnyUbhC41d7RVgGM0oAGASPlPLGp42Hr8QYpSAxGYu-M1IPMRcitdhBYr-MDBzJ1RmxdYzNTa_E0XIOev0SyJwWn3OOej5NDkvr9_77WqP6NyELqsyvNdbAL2uvFKJo7YlAHeNSSnU/s1600/PC020013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagler Memorial Church - hard to believe a Presbyterian built such a fancy place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a Christmas event at the St. Augustine lighthouse,
which was built in 1874, and returned the next day to climb the 219 steps to
the top. What a view!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5W6DVlxzcsjtChGs9S2KMuLkLpW_F0RxYGaNywHLywt_8W6BE6tnHyxpD5E2QfeB9WVE-FnsZ298cXnLxxoMTvtT8ceUm4hWedHePYsOwsLY_594a5_3lSduWRaSbHryG4FIt-TgPWM/s1600/PC050010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5W6DVlxzcsjtChGs9S2KMuLkLpW_F0RxYGaNywHLywt_8W6BE6tnHyxpD5E2QfeB9WVE-FnsZ298cXnLxxoMTvtT8ceUm4hWedHePYsOwsLY_594a5_3lSduWRaSbHryG4FIt-TgPWM/s1600/PC050010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The keepers house ready for Christmas with the lighthouse peeking above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were some beautiful stretches of uninhabited Florida
that make you realise it isn’t all about restaurants and shopping..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWE-Lfy8xVOUJD91CHj0VMfQlzLFYed-pigi4Yr0rf1eI79wx3BlIRJ4N_kcrPvaCrLz5tm4a-FTPmcbwQLsI2VpQ2zSnN3OiLbnGaeHwSQZ_UyDRAOYbtt1xfiDzu1NXoKRA1Hh8dFk/s1600/PC080019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWE-Lfy8xVOUJD91CHj0VMfQlzLFYed-pigi4Yr0rf1eI79wx3BlIRJ4N_kcrPvaCrLz5tm4a-FTPmcbwQLsI2VpQ2zSnN3OiLbnGaeHwSQZ_UyDRAOYbtt1xfiDzu1NXoKRA1Hh8dFk/s1600/PC080019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for lunch south of St. Augustine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5Q-YiptdUk_fP1Fsq7463ZmjCPBiEiXIIGOyyxwe0Grly3g7DUVosxe-BnNnFpHce6kRqXLPSIQArFHrFgJvtS2BMLnyBAEtmYVuZMwZzawwnnjncVxKTnNyAxBB4chGzVIjerNpeZY/s1600/PC080029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5Q-YiptdUk_fP1Fsq7463ZmjCPBiEiXIIGOyyxwe0Grly3g7DUVosxe-BnNnFpHce6kRqXLPSIQArFHrFgJvtS2BMLnyBAEtmYVuZMwZzawwnnjncVxKTnNyAxBB4chGzVIjerNpeZY/s1600/PC080029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neither rain, wind or cold keeps us from the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rtDTcRTLkdG6QBIlnt00MHN63GQiCfKH-N5Tg4OOZIS_3kR6cZ3Y0iZwbxuD30EDiDXv97Noazk2FzqCI6iVgddQGc5T2S_X5ApRIgkFJNtafUgtTeUc4NQRcvhvazUOzbc3I_PbyeQ/s1600/PC080033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rtDTcRTLkdG6QBIlnt00MHN63GQiCfKH-N5Tg4OOZIS_3kR6cZ3Y0iZwbxuD30EDiDXv97Noazk2FzqCI6iVgddQGc5T2S_X5ApRIgkFJNtafUgtTeUc4NQRcvhvazUOzbc3I_PbyeQ/s1600/PC080033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there are our friends Cyndy and Doug Nash who came
with their car to Jensen Beach <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to boat
sit and help provision the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘Provision’ sounds like such an organised process, but was actually the
chaos of trying to do five months of shopping in stores that you don’t know
with brands you’ve never heard of – thanks to Cyndy and Doug for their
patience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case you are ever in need
of crew, they not only bring their car, but they shop, cook, clean AND bring
their own wine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, they did not
leave a contact number for this space!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbGRDrgByeUVMhpgPRZYovjmRd_A68STeoRZ2myFq6PLlTKZ3_OVY2LOqHOSdXaNH4hsQfxUKTfaFDVfZk7q32b9rYEZUI6IGEeGHRIiAnaW0qhkDEP0-ZhcLXgjn-69QJDX309Oc8yY/s1600/P1220065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbGRDrgByeUVMhpgPRZYovjmRd_A68STeoRZ2myFq6PLlTKZ3_OVY2LOqHOSdXaNH4hsQfxUKTfaFDVfZk7q32b9rYEZUI6IGEeGHRIiAnaW0qhkDEP0-ZhcLXgjn-69QJDX309Oc8yY/s1600/P1220065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyndy and Doug enjoying the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbcbLcELMvqPCOlQ47sSUF1TS6vK56kH2jxwFEBrEqM9ADyF1bFgK5nR_VAcoZEwEF-OtLHYbnC8tO_ewzQfO5CFyHuAeZH0OenDLUidO9HDiWwCoMFXAcK3FFU3FbrxuMZFVgm5dymM/s1600/P1110001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbcbLcELMvqPCOlQ47sSUF1TS6vK56kH2jxwFEBrEqM9ADyF1bFgK5nR_VAcoZEwEF-OtLHYbnC8tO_ewzQfO5CFyHuAeZH0OenDLUidO9HDiWwCoMFXAcK3FFU3FbrxuMZFVgm5dymM/s1600/P1110001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a few weeks of shopping,sorting, and packing all the supplies away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We slipped home to freeze in the dark over Christmas (power
outage) and escaped to Fergus where Cathy’s family had heat and light. Our
flight back to Florida was cancelled due to ice and cold, but on our second try
we were happy to return to the Q and our chauffeurs (Cyndy and Doug) who were
waiting at Palm Beach airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We enjoyed a few days anchored at West Palm Beach, great cafes and shopping. </span>We were
able to sail the outside route (the ocean for non-sailors) from Lake Worth to Fort Lauderdale and then to Miami,
so escaped the endless line up of ICW bridges through south Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the homes and boats were large and spectacular.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ek8rWrZCGnNm7WBxIHreUlu4bhM-Y5gryjCPkN46RBRKWP5ND2a4Bc5lT_iaL3QrVNwoYDdRODcV8iicq4t5rS2vvhmvjlCkVB8PHpMFb5dC1Kf3MjYP9T2jPuyIURFCwRN-ix7fLEY/s1600/P1140019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ek8rWrZCGnNm7WBxIHreUlu4bhM-Y5gryjCPkN46RBRKWP5ND2a4Bc5lT_iaL3QrVNwoYDdRODcV8iicq4t5rS2vvhmvjlCkVB8PHpMFb5dC1Kf3MjYP9T2jPuyIURFCwRN-ix7fLEY/s1600/P1140019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Palms of West Palm Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXlE95zN7CPiIyDcml6QkcgRKz9M460rgsKMP9fg99iOLIyC4rZzQskntO2wnVZMYewiiNjohaPejuHYuv7BqzIe9o6scJW6Dq3ed1c45bA1a8hklEtnkrfX0cnzkmsahiAdyeWWuLuw/s1600/P1140020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXlE95zN7CPiIyDcml6QkcgRKz9M460rgsKMP9fg99iOLIyC4rZzQskntO2wnVZMYewiiNjohaPejuHYuv7BqzIe9o6scJW6Dq3ed1c45bA1a8hklEtnkrfX0cnzkmsahiAdyeWWuLuw/s1600/P1140020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palms are everywhere !</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7424glVkugwSYdj9JVzm16idce5l87DkYWeMHZ_3P88PL9y2IRNRrhyphenhyphen0Sub80gvtN6Q672XUTpGjtoOnS0tqvk_f-Uc-GBHpSPf0SpjFAPbsjKjxb43bYyPgqHKFFN-B2dj6qdGDsyGQ/s1600/P1150027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7424glVkugwSYdj9JVzm16idce5l87DkYWeMHZ_3P88PL9y2IRNRrhyphenhyphen0Sub80gvtN6Q672XUTpGjtoOnS0tqvk_f-Uc-GBHpSPf0SpjFAPbsjKjxb43bYyPgqHKFFN-B2dj6qdGDsyGQ/s1600/P1150027.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I get old I want a nice motor yacht like this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPNDo-l1Rl-EeUwJ3G2FmMaXQE4AiHZ-UBAV40by5GTxuvFSpmrk7PClyS2GaIsAxruCh_zzG-6Uk1F4w__AdVaRREMZkUyu91rn-urkUyg76ufMyBgmrZJbmPLPLytdncXPr82pARzA/s1600/P1150028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPNDo-l1Rl-EeUwJ3G2FmMaXQE4AiHZ-UBAV40by5GTxuvFSpmrk7PClyS2GaIsAxruCh_zzG-6Uk1F4w__AdVaRREMZkUyu91rn-urkUyg76ufMyBgmrZJbmPLPLytdncXPr82pARzA/s1600/P1150028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But in the mean time ... this is our next boat!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-7117760913850484292014-04-16T15:21:00.000-07:002014-04-16T15:21:04.203-07:00South Carolina and Georgia<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since we have actually made it through these two states now,
we can say that in terms of genuine kindness, they were our favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The down to earth qualities of the people on
and off the water<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>made up for the stress incurred by incessant
shoaling and lack of dredging! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day
revolved around identifying the shallowest water we might encounter, then
calculating how long it might take to arrive at that point (or points) and
consider what time in the tide cycle we needed to be there, then we could
calculate where we could get to before dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are pleased to say that the method reduced our stress level
considerably as we were pretty sure there would be adequate water and we made
it all the way to Miami without the use of Tow Boat US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we still managed to have more ‘white
knuckle’ moments than we might have chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we moved through South Carolina we had our first view of what ‘low
country’ looked like … then we worked our way through Georgia and realized that
any form of land that doesn’t flood twice a day is considered a bluff!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the area adjacent to the ocean is
marsh land and what we hadn’t considered is that it goes on for hundreds of
miles. In Georgia where the tide can run six to nine feet deep, what is land at
low tide can become a shoal at high tide, so there is always the potential of
running aground.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindd-YY7SqFvrdrcmHIRPy8a5KAeFkbD9dfwn8lPbXoZVSfO7gS6PvGu4GFOrlaGcpTq7l1kmZr4u7Rke8pbIHypaNrvcslZLmbRVcV9pOJ9UfRjZVa4eOu9UtyHsn5u9baOqCLvDUymY/s1600/PB180023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindd-YY7SqFvrdrcmHIRPy8a5KAeFkbD9dfwn8lPbXoZVSfO7gS6PvGu4GFOrlaGcpTq7l1kmZr4u7Rke8pbIHypaNrvcslZLmbRVcV9pOJ9UfRjZVa4eOu9UtyHsn5u9baOqCLvDUymY/s1600/PB180023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two views of our days in these states.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSjCN3v3UXEm-CLzeK7vO-6o_YBfBH9S043OEKX7Y59joi3coKWf8TYFv_aKF3MX2AHwlxPpWSGic5ABe7CT-Wr_r5dnTanpntROJlTZceSc3coIS5DR8hCFQCQyRwWG5eLdK6zVc9RM/s1600/PB180019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSjCN3v3UXEm-CLzeK7vO-6o_YBfBH9S043OEKX7Y59joi3coKWf8TYFv_aKF3MX2AHwlxPpWSGic5ABe7CT-Wr_r5dnTanpntROJlTZceSc3coIS5DR8hCFQCQyRwWG5eLdK6zVc9RM/s1600/PB180019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our introduction to South Carolina was in North Myrtle Beach
… through dozens of high end golf resorts for the crowd from the north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met
some of the local folks at ‘Cap’n Poos’ where everyone meets for trivia night
twice a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our waitress and the
bartender were just lovely - Kim was addressed as ‘Honey’ and I was ‘Babydoll’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our dinner was local flounder, enough for 3
meals each, and home made wedge fries that were literally seven inches long. I
shudder to think of how much fertilizer was used on those spuds. South Carolina
(along with Florida) is bridge country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the day after “Cap’n Poos’ we went under 11 bridges, three of which
were too low for our mast. Many of these bascule bridges only opened at
specific times. This was another critical item added into the planning mix -
the ‘speed up or we’ll have to wait another<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>half hour (or hour) for the next bridge opening’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t take long to realize we were
surrounded by all the classic sights and sounds of the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miles of Cypress trees with their lanky roots
crawling out of the water, dolphins, pelicans, white egrets, many types of sea
birds that mob and scream as the crab fishermen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>check their crab pots, and shrimp boats with their nets extended (you
try<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to give them a wide berth in case
they snag your rigging!) </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslWwBiY3w6O4C0_mTWFIqrkNn-9pbHlKAZyy_gDKTTxhbFd0OVsDo81CVQNfgshtXa06wBvkI5MJMIQdz_JcTbZnHlS50wdtW4NCJEQRTZGmLXucDv2wRD5gwIxu4XqtcAYZDK7F4xTg/s1600/PB140058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslWwBiY3w6O4C0_mTWFIqrkNn-9pbHlKAZyy_gDKTTxhbFd0OVsDo81CVQNfgshtXa06wBvkI5MJMIQdz_JcTbZnHlS50wdtW4NCJEQRTZGmLXucDv2wRD5gwIxu4XqtcAYZDK7F4xTg/s1600/PB140058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trawler overtook us in the inlet to Charleston with it's outriggers deployed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in
Georgetown SC and learned a great deal about the rice and indigo plantations
that we saw as we travelled on the ICW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a good southern meal at ‘Aunny’s Down Home Cookin’ – fried
chicken with stewed collards and yellow rice, ribs and grits. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We paid a visit to the fishermans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>market and picked up fresh caught shrimp and
grouper to feed us for a few days, mmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This all sounds so romantic … but the shallow water and the
night time temps of 0C to 3C, kept us in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be amazing to have seen these areas
in early September when you didn’t need long johns and gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water depths continued to be less than 10
feet with shifting sand bars and surprise shoal spots due to large submerged
trees that wander about with the currents. We would have liked to spend more
time sailing off shore but apparently this year had very poor weather
conditions for travelling the outside route. We did have a weather window open
for our trip from Georgetown to Charleston and headed out to the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left at first light to the radio warning
from the Coast Guard that a boat had lost one of their engines on a log on the
ICW, so felt our choice was a good one. The tide was going out as we exited the
inlet providing a healthy one and a half knot boost but there was also a strong
15 knot wind and large swell against us. This resulted in our first ‘rage’ (for
those of you who have sailed down here, you are laughing now!) and we had
thought we were so smart leaving with the current behind us. We hoisted the
sails with one reef and close reached out between the channel buoys. The result
was very short and steep six foot waves frequently burying the bow as we
battled the wind and swells. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim did a
fine job on the helm for the half hour out to the ocean, and after that we had
following seas and wind for a great sail to Charleston. The US air force sent a
welcome fly by when we arrived outside Charleston. The military jet plane flew
lower than any of the traffic at the Island Airport as it literally dive bombed
us for a full minute and only turned inland when it was directly over us. I
suppose we should be glad we were able to aid in the training of US pilots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqt6ped5_qc4Xu8s71vGE9YjrPo66JgGTNBzNWFQ7wNqZ0blLKvg_RXS1Da5G1Qj7mqWUtKeS2TgPOZlqAaMU4NjlH8wNJHEWSaPYcosVddVfmoEAloLS0uExRl4F4RYfBH5MFd72EQs/s1600/PB160074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqt6ped5_qc4Xu8s71vGE9YjrPo66JgGTNBzNWFQ7wNqZ0blLKvg_RXS1Da5G1Qj7mqWUtKeS2TgPOZlqAaMU4NjlH8wNJHEWSaPYcosVddVfmoEAloLS0uExRl4F4RYfBH5MFd72EQs/s1600/PB160074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charleston is a place well worth visiting, unfortunately we
had only four days this time but we’ll definitely be returning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Founded in 1670 it is steeped in American
history. It was the site of the first shot fired in the Civil War and of course
the site of many battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the war the area was too economically
depressed to demolish and rebuild homes that were heavily damaged. This
actually worked out well as the homes from this period have now been beautifully
restored. Charleston is now a national historical city and there is much to
learn from an extended visit. The restaurant listing is most impressive with a
very wide choice of cuisines, Cajun being a highlight of course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0vksJmErswl6xbSXTzfvRc-p53b9iB5RbbbHOcs7lfnyJtFvf2S2tlCfoBNddKo3ITffD9Dkte1megdZQ5kvH90fR-uV5mRd1PFdHt5svgnpBuQj6Arvw_Teg60of-f0_aoqqCCLZqw/s1600/PB160069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0vksJmErswl6xbSXTzfvRc-p53b9iB5RbbbHOcs7lfnyJtFvf2S2tlCfoBNddKo3ITffD9Dkte1megdZQ5kvH90fR-uV5mRd1PFdHt5svgnpBuQj6Arvw_Teg60of-f0_aoqqCCLZqw/s1600/PB160069.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beaufort (Bee-U-fert) not Bow-fort of North Carolina fame,
is another place worth visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
must say the name of the city correctly or the locals are terribly offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Charleston it is a gem of restored
antebellum plantation houses that are open for touring <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(antebellum meaning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘before the war’ … the American civil war in
this case).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_59iSgp73V95uJcK86w4WbF7rPBbKK7F8ncZ46Bl4EZyyb95bOjtWSCGunNbiUSeVq8IwYq0JUNpIO59Wk5JHCWUXMdKJAHuRpaGWXflvW0E3MBwOQwlna3NW6SrNWQAk5AvKX3G-Pxs/s1600/PB200035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_59iSgp73V95uJcK86w4WbF7rPBbKK7F8ncZ46Bl4EZyyb95bOjtWSCGunNbiUSeVq8IwYq0JUNpIO59Wk5JHCWUXMdKJAHuRpaGWXflvW0E3MBwOQwlna3NW6SrNWQAk5AvKX3G-Pxs/s1600/PB200035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These tombstones were used as operating tables during the Civil War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgw6k5OJsFUZDu7lbrNm3ylfc9yzjSwQvcOnZsgT3zjaC11WYy_HgayqLARh6ZcA4RmbL7Ff77m0sXkvObfimLDS1r6GLJcA-79oCWJS3C_V9ZvW85CT4scKf9yIlm94tCCkz83huS-I/s1600/PB200034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgw6k5OJsFUZDu7lbrNm3ylfc9yzjSwQvcOnZsgT3zjaC11WYy_HgayqLARh6ZcA4RmbL7Ff77m0sXkvObfimLDS1r6GLJcA-79oCWJS3C_V9ZvW85CT4scKf9yIlm94tCCkz83huS-I/s1600/PB200034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Helena's church with trees we have forgotten the name of covered with Spanish Moss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A number of these homes were
the locations of movies such as The Big Chill and Prince of Tides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The live oak trees are fascinating in size
and shape and St. Helena’s Church grave yard has tombstones that were used as
operating tables for soldiers during the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also found some very funky jewellery and butter flavoured olive oil
that Cathy is now addicted to, so we may be returning sooner than planned!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexOUtuiWvhKUFnHV8nhgVohjKU3R3UvqOi8hFwkVbhoAyy0MPF81n7Tg2pu5oT_zrXT7dTQlBv4MY8ynoGtDBeH3SnW6N4Ba7poKdja9wm1du97-T9wlp3nqy_KJsuUqYFA-4vmklJ3Y/s1600/PB200049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexOUtuiWvhKUFnHV8nhgVohjKU3R3UvqOi8hFwkVbhoAyy0MPF81n7Tg2pu5oT_zrXT7dTQlBv4MY8ynoGtDBeH3SnW6N4Ba7poKdja9wm1du97-T9wlp3nqy_KJsuUqYFA-4vmklJ3Y/s1600/PB200049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live Oaks will typically overhang drive ways and roads creating very interesting canopies</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkpwoJXziMF4hoT9Sy6fCvJG2_FO__zvjD_6xiAMQgbOyKZpkrHFImwyNDPUsNzzpe0E6qAwxm-f6ydzIAhDLeuXgzqRFSDf-IjszYEckKiP2CNfU1WOnFeUICDtSNPM3xywyN5GfZUk/s1600/PB200062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkpwoJXziMF4hoT9Sy6fCvJG2_FO__zvjD_6xiAMQgbOyKZpkrHFImwyNDPUsNzzpe0E6qAwxm-f6ydzIAhDLeuXgzqRFSDf-IjszYEckKiP2CNfU1WOnFeUICDtSNPM3xywyN5GfZUk/s1600/PB200062.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Antebellum home with large covered porch and many windows for air flow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our travels through coastal Georgia made it seem that the
state is more water than land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large
rivers, choppy sounds, and low grass lands that flood at high tide make it difficult
to find a channel to follow through this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These conditions also make for picturesque scenery and a huge amount of
bird and sea life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people were very
trusting and always ready to lend a hand or just stop and chat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlbkfxwqMMnmq9lrbyLl3Ovhwadoqvpt8NKZTOilBwYSvb__rjw3zudc-CtIV9_v2bz6taMmbwu5jp4s3xo0WdrUzZSJEBUYjWa6fQMkFg5DnNO1hHBpgjfKxI_vWIE8HyTxO-0twCyo/s1600/PB230011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlbkfxwqMMnmq9lrbyLl3Ovhwadoqvpt8NKZTOilBwYSvb__rjw3zudc-CtIV9_v2bz6taMmbwu5jp4s3xo0WdrUzZSJEBUYjWa6fQMkFg5DnNO1hHBpgjfKxI_vWIE8HyTxO-0twCyo/s1600/PB230011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Pink" house is a well known landmark in Savannah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Our favourite
place by far was the city of Savannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We actually tied up just outside Savannah in a place called Thunderbolt.
We stayed at Hinkley Boat Yard where the staff immediately asked if we needed
transportation and offered us their truck free of charge, “just leave the keys
under the front door mat when you’re done”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took public transit into Savannah for two
days and toured several historic residences. The city was planned 1733 as a
collection of 24 squares, with each square containing residential and public
buildings. Each square has a green space with mature live oaks, a park, and most
are beautifully landscaped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in November
the foliage was beautiful and we finally found 80 degrees F.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD30BNZWNYduAlKx-88WhxJj_NDJioQaHbOWXJ04y44hgXE2oRtuZ69KZWeXnuJAWk0yq8P_2mEeiPDhCFjyHKqGs4JM3gPA5HLttqcR33cT7Orhw1F4dKtIwIWXU4Idvujhr2o5-PVLU/s1600/PB230020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD30BNZWNYduAlKx-88WhxJj_NDJioQaHbOWXJ04y44hgXE2oRtuZ69KZWeXnuJAWk0yq8P_2mEeiPDhCFjyHKqGs4JM3gPA5HLttqcR33cT7Orhw1F4dKtIwIWXU4Idvujhr2o5-PVLU/s1600/PB230020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>American Thanksgiving
was celebrated in St. Simon’s, Georgia, home of world class golfing for some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately a cold front moved in with
temperatures of 36 F, heavy rain, and several days of winds of 25+knots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We considered trying to move at least a short
distance during this time and called the Jekyll Island Marina to ask what the
conditions were like on the sound. The owner said “Honey, it’s blowin’ a hooley
out here, y’all should just stay where y’ are”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only in the south will you hear that. Next stop Florida!<span id="goog_349980574"></span><span id="goog_349980575"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-18685238478448869392013-11-28T09:58:00.000-08:002013-11-28T09:58:24.696-08:00Virginia and North Carolina<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with many
transitions the change from Maryland to Virginia was very gradual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beautiful bays continued for many miles,
but as you leave the protection of Chesapeake Bay the landscape becomes much
more ocean, with wide open bays and land cuts to create the ICW canals that
keep you off the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nights were
still very cool if not cold, but it is warm under the bed covers and cooking
dinner and a little baking helps with the heat level through the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered that we can run our electric heater
on the battery each morning to take the chill off the main salon, so we are
quite comfortable provided we wear two, three, or four layers of clothing! The sunny daytime
temperatures in our fully-enclosed cockpit are down right hot – some days bare feet
and t-shirts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdnUZIByAsbOXxJgAVmD7dI0SFMrE0gxe3FVVR3i5dKwXxLEvKqn2FPDXbeGqE3XB_s4zp6n2OhXF1ImCxy7TJII8yLsGjZpSZFAhI-ZkhQVU2WxW2TZrhs42Nb8tV3M1xZxjkG9pv0E/s1600/PB120035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdnUZIByAsbOXxJgAVmD7dI0SFMrE0gxe3FVVR3i5dKwXxLEvKqn2FPDXbeGqE3XB_s4zp6n2OhXF1ImCxy7TJII8yLsGjZpSZFAhI-ZkhQVU2WxW2TZrhs42Nb8tV3M1xZxjkG9pv0E/s1600/PB120035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cockpit is usually pleasantly warm as long as the sun is shining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Norfolk is a major
shipping port on the east coast and was our first big stop in Virginia. It is
also home to one of the largest naval installations in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
way through the harbour we shared the water (up close and personal like) with a
huge container ship, a Naval ship sporting a number of cranes, and various tugs
racing somewhere or other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to stay out of everyone’s way was a
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a large number
of US naval vessels in for servicing, repair and who knows what else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We motored past many aircraft carriers,
destroyers, cruisers, frigates, subs, troop and equipment carriers with massive
ramps on the bow for loading tanks etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and even a floating hospital .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wind was howling away at a steady 20 – 30 knots when we pulled into
Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing
as the wind showed no sign of letting up we stayed two nights here enjoying the
first rate facilities – two pools, hot tub, full gym, steam rooms, saunas, towel
service and restaurants (thanks for the suggestion Kevin and Sheryl, you know
how to travel!). Thankfully our early Saturday morning departure left the marine
traffic still asleep in bed (with the exception of one container ship
that started backing out just as we approached it)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. </span>The ICW
route takes you straight through the main channel where repairs are made on
every naval vessel ever created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our
memories Norfolk will forever be one giant repair garage for the US Navy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhKw0peAJbmew9nVtIcxvvmWpQu2NlEXd6Z36NOFZC2SY0Co3gsf_fSGwJKSn8ksKzkSkN8KgB8pVW9zrQ5gScnxD5wyrCy7pim0wcl51uLYTHzFj0fzRQlKLgU7C7aIRXgWmEBXmEaM/s1600/PA310112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhKw0peAJbmew9nVtIcxvvmWpQu2NlEXd6Z36NOFZC2SY0Co3gsf_fSGwJKSn8ksKzkSkN8KgB8pVW9zrQ5gScnxD5wyrCy7pim0wcl51uLYTHzFj0fzRQlKLgU7C7aIRXgWmEBXmEaM/s1600/PA310112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aircraft carrier at the repair facility</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfroMSy4UAS_76iqas89sGQQe_g9JzQu8QntgQYAj_Yf2IDDYbzEGNs4lF7wqtW5HfQ6p4Qc8L_su5JgE_y9WBL9oU1w8QzqqiZq1DkA9UHWz8ckVJaV5P4Gnsn18D3vl2zEAonhqUEOQ/s1600/PA310131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfroMSy4UAS_76iqas89sGQQe_g9JzQu8QntgQYAj_Yf2IDDYbzEGNs4lF7wqtW5HfQ6p4Qc8L_su5JgE_y9WBL9oU1w8QzqqiZq1DkA9UHWz8ckVJaV5P4Gnsn18D3vl2zEAonhqUEOQ/s1600/PA310131.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hospital ship appropriately named "Comfort"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
South of Norfolk cruisers can choose to travel either the
Dismal Swamp (only six feet of water) or the Virginia Cut – those of us with deeper
drafts opt for the Cut so we can actually move through the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to enter the Cut you must go through
one last Lock. We were anxious to get through after our last experience with
the Erie Canal. Our concern was well founded as the lock shut down a few days
later due to a valve failure and is still on limited openings even <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>now – whew! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The banks of the Virginia Cut are heavily
wooded and it is like a 13 mile Murray Canal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you are spit out the other end you are in Coinjock, North Carolina,
a place that I am sure, only exists to feed, clean and fuel cruisers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we pulled up to the fuel dock we were
welcomed with two rounds of gunfire – one on the north bank and then a second on
the south bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems this is duck
and deer hunting season – and we aren’t in the city anymore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great place to meet cruisers who
will move with you for quite a while – you are all held hostage in the middle
of no where, so quickly bond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent
the evening with five cruisers from the US and Canada and all survived an evening
of the local band (not bad players actually) perform a few rock tunes that
quickly slipped into hours of Country classics. Fortunately for one of us (I’m
sure you can guess who) we sleep with all hatches closed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1uo5ZrZe_V6_qwoOrlcf3LwFS74viYHHNAaxr35htPhjku6trB8OUapgpkYygUsdhpMhFWBOyNxx9RGxugpTR8BcBJ3USL1Eov77LlKm1RkfK3-xrYnL8jQ4h6Sw4OzbT8O3mNjvGM4/s1600/PB030173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1uo5ZrZe_V6_qwoOrlcf3LwFS74viYHHNAaxr35htPhjku6trB8OUapgpkYygUsdhpMhFWBOyNxx9RGxugpTR8BcBJ3USL1Eov77LlKm1RkfK3-xrYnL8jQ4h6Sw4OzbT8O3mNjvGM4/s1600/PB030173.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texting while driving - what a bad influence some cruisers can be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traversing the
Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds provided good training for shallow water and chop
kicked up by the winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned to
check the Active Captain website for up to the minute info on shoaling etc.
contributed by cruisers who have just experienced a particular challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, we also saw someone who didn’t check
and ended up on a shoal with a broken rudder post and other damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took several hours to pull the boat off
the shoal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We anchored in a rather remote
spot on East Lake which is across from Kitty Hawk of the Wright brothers
fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depths on the way in were shallow
but 6.5 feet was the lowest we saw and the winds stayed a steady 20 -30k from
the NE for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple who had
just purchased a C400 (same as our boat) traveled with us for a few days, so
we had company on this lonely bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a rough night as we were somewhat exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds due
to the low lying land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we all
slept well so must be transitioning to true cruiser life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way out from the anchorage we found
only 6 feet of water which meant we were grounded<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>fortunately Kim’s boat handling skills worked the boat free after
several minutes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and our friends were
able to go around us to find deeper water, and lead the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you Catalina folks – their 400 seems to
draw 3 inches less than ours, but alas they have far less wine cellar potential
in the bilge. (Lucky thing we have the storage capacity)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LPOoBEFDtn_FjfHuKo-dqmy4iQOBmFuzsdKF5u43p3RBH66YxIBU7oyHkjK6sqUkl-xi1fkjZgUQ7XpCh_ZxTrnb3np_C0rNEb_-ytqDt6Sys3SuVNq_ZIioNBPkaoUdE520AwEdXVY/s1600/PB020171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LPOoBEFDtn_FjfHuKo-dqmy4iQOBmFuzsdKF5u43p3RBH66YxIBU7oyHkjK6sqUkl-xi1fkjZgUQ7XpCh_ZxTrnb3np_C0rNEb_-ytqDt6Sys3SuVNq_ZIioNBPkaoUdE520AwEdXVY/s1600/PB020171.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very pleasant day along the Virginia cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3YWYreArbAYD6F5vfYto3dV68cQAsvyMDS53sQ3vgu1U3jnFNKDCdIyCpxGp8sIkshTOyrYpCC5OZETtG7LdceAiG7JqCZNHFhrSv5c_l3IaBIPiujWRRYF82bDOoNmB-r0ZHMrI5kk/s1600/PB120031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3YWYreArbAYD6F5vfYto3dV68cQAsvyMDS53sQ3vgu1U3jnFNKDCdIyCpxGp8sIkshTOyrYpCC5OZETtG7LdceAiG7JqCZNHFhrSv5c_l3IaBIPiujWRRYF82bDOoNmB-r0ZHMrI5kk/s1600/PB120031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting use of an excavator to do some dredging at a private dock. Good thing we were on an ebbing tide !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each place we stopped along the way had slightly taller palm
trees and a few more raised homes for storm or hurricane surge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our favourite places so far has been
Beaufort (Boh –fort) North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
anchorage was full so we tied up at the Town Docks Marina and had a land
holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weather on the ‘outside’ was
not good so many very large boats (the ones too large for the ICW) came in off
the ocean for a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the
first time Kim had a small crisis over ‘size’ – we had trouble finding the ‘Q’
in among these 65 – 125 foot power and sail boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local folks could not have been more
welcoming and southern charm really won us over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was summer according to the flowers and we
loved seeing the wild horses of Refuge Island (descendants of ship wrecked
horses) come to the water across from the marina to munch on the grasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is plenty of history here, the Civil
war and the sunken ship of Blackbeard the pirate have provided plenty of artifacts.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-yPQo9EfSjp6fX29E2Uj0Zn2EOioZyY9UOXvC7xiS-grmgBQVjlSndZX1wB6lQ3kwXr6mJmEb86GXk3dQbPHwX0hTl-Ruj2VH8qp4U9R-r39BuMCFksdQiyX-5JTG7h1_DYVHgbV_zg/s1600/PB070180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-yPQo9EfSjp6fX29E2Uj0Zn2EOioZyY9UOXvC7xiS-grmgBQVjlSndZX1wB6lQ3kwXr6mJmEb86GXk3dQbPHwX0hTl-Ruj2VH8qp4U9R-r39BuMCFksdQiyX-5JTG7h1_DYVHgbV_zg/s1600/PB070180.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaufort, North Carolina, docks at the waterfront</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Beaufort south we realized shoaling (shallow water in
spots) would be a part of every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
enjoyed a 1 night visit to another one of Kevin and Sheryl’s fancy spots – St.
James Plantation Golf Resort and Retirement Community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pictures say it all, it was a lovely spot
to wander, but a bit ‘Stepford Wives’ like with the beautiful homes but no real
people outside!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first place
where we had to wait for the tide to fill in before we could leave – the other
option was grounding out shortly after leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also began to realize that our days were also being controlled by
bridge openings – if you miss the opening time on one bridge you may have to
kill an hour or two or more before you can get through the bridges up
ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoals, tides, currents, bridges
and shortened day light hours pretty much sum up our life on the ICW.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz26XxugoJvAfX94J-xfGmn8MWxiDIftLInYluS9dC8-qfHxA5gx8mmYsv-iIv_EQFCn9Qdg9Ktm7BvZ_AUwu-H9Bh10x2YHCqDTwp9HrsTtQ2KNmn9wrsQPnaOA0iJAg1RoGhbcCOr8/s1600/PB100013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz26XxugoJvAfX94J-xfGmn8MWxiDIftLInYluS9dC8-qfHxA5gx8mmYsv-iIv_EQFCn9Qdg9Ktm7BvZ_AUwu-H9Bh10x2YHCqDTwp9HrsTtQ2KNmn9wrsQPnaOA0iJAg1RoGhbcCOr8/s1600/PB100013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Plantation Marina and Golf Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-92162329683099166092013-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:002013-11-19T18:53:51.527-08:00Delaware and Chesapeake Bays<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our concerns during this trip was the sail up
Delaware Bay which can be very miserable and difficult due to tides, currents,
and wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, we waited for the
wind and tide elements to align (lucky for us it happened after only a one
day wait) and followed some good advice from our Florida friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sailed to Lewes Delaware to anchor for the
night and pick up the early incoming tide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only 12 miles from Cape May, Lewes Bay is really just an extended sand
dune area that is just off the Atlantic. It is very exposed and desolate except for
the freighter traffic coming down Delaware Bay in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We anchored mid-afternoon and felt as though
it was mid-July, sunny and hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening was very quiet but around 10:00 PM we felt the slightest "bump".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could only be one thing...we were bumping the bottom ! Clocking winds and a deep tide conspired to put the rudder on the ground. We can tolerate the strong keel grounding out but the rudder can be damaged if grounded too hard. It was very dark and we had to move. The chart plotter proves to be a crucial instrument aiding our relocation. Thankfully we were in a large bay with only two other boats. We ended up dropping the anchor in 30 feet of water. This is deeper then we prefer to anchor in but it was the prudent thing to do considering how blinded we were due to the darkness of the night. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-qkH7pW_9t3fvTXl6kNcuEL3T7BBtpgIu5Nll9xdmF2GPye6igEHSksv4wIh0DptXBGkq-xtknw2OzgdC7KDWIL_lxeI_wDF6dBjZtq97Ftmha4EO9wOzL-X3jE7IlK0pNpPfywdDgE/s1600/PA210055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-qkH7pW_9t3fvTXl6kNcuEL3T7BBtpgIu5Nll9xdmF2GPye6igEHSksv4wIh0DptXBGkq-xtknw2OzgdC7KDWIL_lxeI_wDF6dBjZtq97Ftmha4EO9wOzL-X3jE7IlK0pNpPfywdDgE/s1600/PA210055.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We became very intimate with this beach later that night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The alarm woke us at 5:30,we were weighing anchor by 6:30, and realized there was a pod of dolphins right beside the
boat. Their breathing sounds were quite noticeable as they dove right beside us – that made the
long night worth while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
the sun was just beginning to come up so there wasn’t enough light for photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We caught the flood tide and its favourable current all the way up
Delaware Bay and through the C&D Canal to Chesapeake City. Strong winds most of the way also helped push us up the bay and we only encountered one freighter
going in each direction – how fortunate not to have to avoid a lot of commercial traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzftC4Lx8Vsx6t0BxauzaixGAV5IuymXKa4JxcRBorwQyTC4CD3jy1etnhFhjmaMuqvUTzH-aTJuezWZz-LQeKYIuXrQlq5vwpFE6lPRsNUG9jR_GidXCZjgwmwNcrmKLGG4hb99VDVgI/s1600/PA310105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzftC4Lx8Vsx6t0BxauzaixGAV5IuymXKa4JxcRBorwQyTC4CD3jy1etnhFhjmaMuqvUTzH-aTJuezWZz-LQeKYIuXrQlq5vwpFE6lPRsNUG9jR_GidXCZjgwmwNcrmKLGG4hb99VDVgI/s1600/PA310105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortunately we encountered very little commercial shipping on the Delaware Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We anchored in Chesapeake City Bay and
enjoyed time wandering in town. A very adorable (but teeny) historical town,
left high and dry when the interstate bridge cut them off from the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are now in Chesapeake bay with a new challenge - crab pots ! We picked our way through what seemed like a thousand crab pots to
arrive at Annapolis City for a three day stay. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC9ZVXEBMXtsrKg2G2eET9tE2XdhieN-0jamICPdIfhhIRNb1OW0_81g9mqh4iEtRjVChT_pKJGedbCQyXDnkvukWFQMHn8jUgTs9Ias2lA_Xz5V24LstB49LV0imWdevFVCLdhiXZRE/s1600/PA300095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC9ZVXEBMXtsrKg2G2eET9tE2XdhieN-0jamICPdIfhhIRNb1OW0_81g9mqh4iEtRjVChT_pKJGedbCQyXDnkvukWFQMHn8jUgTs9Ias2lA_Xz5V24LstB49LV0imWdevFVCLdhiXZRE/s1600/PA300095.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navigating, piloting, trimming sails, and watching for crab pots keeps you very engaged</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a name='more'></a><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Annapolis is heaven for boaters,
particularly sailors. They are the self proclaimed ‘Sailing Capital of the
US'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every street that ends at the water (and there
are many) has a dinghy dock, so you can use your dinghy to get around instead
of a bus, cab or walking. It was an exciting weekend to be there – it was
Homecoming weekend and reunion for the Military Academy, the World Sailing
awards and a college football game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Spirit of Baltimore (some of you may have toured it when Redpath had the Tall
Ships festival) sailed in very close to us where we were swinging on a mooring ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were part of a ceremony where they shot their canons four times and
raised the US flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2iwiTxGEA_nQowijdDVCYEtsmjY3vclzy7Tdq7n8nnQDnci4JdrFAsvf5eRZeRWoDpN1f9SF9YnkK076fGCuBsIk5QDlLuDYRjqPb91kS5LJESjFqSoC8_LEL8GNWf37cvqKWDFwDJs/s1600/PA250066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2iwiTxGEA_nQowijdDVCYEtsmjY3vclzy7Tdq7n8nnQDnci4JdrFAsvf5eRZeRWoDpN1f9SF9YnkK076fGCuBsIk5QDlLuDYRjqPb91kS5LJESjFqSoC8_LEL8GNWf37cvqKWDFwDJs/s1600/PA250066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored in Annapolis harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLOv3ZgSFLTEQbkQ5lTdEz4AVjNQy4MU8zXLukMeMZ-RN1k7pWRH-e-1RK2BONLqrU6CiGKFdBmPW684AtF5Vve4AFr3rscTtEQnEO58XIIEv5XLKAdyW_PIWr6IzLhZUcN5cUaGIqY4/s1600/PA260067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLOv3ZgSFLTEQbkQ5lTdEz4AVjNQy4MU8zXLukMeMZ-RN1k7pWRH-e-1RK2BONLqrU6CiGKFdBmPW684AtF5Vve4AFr3rscTtEQnEO58XIIEv5XLKAdyW_PIWr6IzLhZUcN5cUaGIqY4/s1600/PA260067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the harbour with the "Spirit of Baltimore"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">W</span>e spent much on-shore visiting time with our "Jazzabelle" friends and "Slow Waltz", a Gozzard 37 from
Bronte Marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annapolis is another
place where the grocery store is a very long way from the harbour, but we did
find the Farmers market, so had fresh veggies and fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Harvest season just goes on and on this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our cruising group had the required
‘Painkillers’ from Pusser’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- you need
to be a Boat Show person to understand this one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup_kC0M6HFEEyYFw-Jk-8rIFMUqq7k8NSYONTyxhzcjYax2ux2oJTwYwDcTA6oZBrrXY95R5fm4iqIP2NFw4xU8TSPNxFhLfiMKcQqzLFEvgDvE4wem4DjzBccioeVi5ffjHUI5IEYZw/s1600/PA310103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup_kC0M6HFEEyYFw-Jk-8rIFMUqq7k8NSYONTyxhzcjYax2ux2oJTwYwDcTA6oZBrrXY95R5fm4iqIP2NFw4xU8TSPNxFhLfiMKcQqzLFEvgDvE4wem4DjzBccioeVi5ffjHUI5IEYZw/s1600/PA310103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Chesapeake Bay sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sailed and motor sailed our way through another 1,000
crab pots (can you tell we don’t take the main channels) to The Solomons to
anchor in a beautiful bay. In the town of Solomons we noticed a real seasonal
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most leaves were green and still
on the trees, hedges were often of holly or magnolia and we saw a tiny palm
tree- our first!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lighthouses are
frequent and often out in the middle of a body of water in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are hundreds of breathtaking anchorages
all through the Chesapeake and it is every bit as beautiful as people say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstLtaPKu_4y1Xz9yFZptJo97GPg7LvLKT5HxXm1R6Nu8X6Zk-nkm2D3ykYPMmvgyTqweHOLnpWAoZtR7J_RxQB8vHjGiwtVavXUnpKTy0lSq5YJK8fPgSIMEcRsY5jFrycYPyY65w_Iw/s1600/PA280084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstLtaPKu_4y1Xz9yFZptJo97GPg7LvLKT5HxXm1R6Nu8X6Zk-nkm2D3ykYPMmvgyTqweHOLnpWAoZtR7J_RxQB8vHjGiwtVavXUnpKTy0lSq5YJK8fPgSIMEcRsY5jFrycYPyY65w_Iw/s1600/PA280084.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse in the Solomons anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYe4VTIsFQTh7msTo9980ysCfL5k9W5j1DYXoJwJxsri1aStCzZsD0mtg5JUwQ9wLB19ep-h7OwVMgq0TiLhbS-f_BxRCNhREeqtoWSRDLn84dZY44CBTbu7jT2NKAWnJ48QHL0OPBAA/s1600/PA300092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYe4VTIsFQTh7msTo9980ysCfL5k9W5j1DYXoJwJxsri1aStCzZsD0mtg5JUwQ9wLB19ep-h7OwVMgq0TiLhbS-f_BxRCNhREeqtoWSRDLn84dZY44CBTbu7jT2NKAWnJ48QHL0OPBAA/s1600/PA300092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will return some day to more fully enjoy the Chesapeake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, we were 17 days
behind our original schedule (remember lock 14), and the cold was nipping at our heels, so we didn’t stay long this
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do plan to return and spend an
extended time here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-7627370371330536642013-11-11T19:55:00.002-08:002013-11-11T19:55:47.461-08:00Sailing the Jersey coast<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulhYG6jpdrIQxYAYH1Lvb_a05lyNOmWREPVUicmnDUwrVTDXT6bA4dfZd6Wgpa-OJ3-N5q0uCuBqdcUiyxLA_pZbNJtsPlT9Ix-MSNeEUOmGum4ntcRwUeFzOV2cx_8Ks2WDTG22Ybeg/s1600/PA040068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulhYG6jpdrIQxYAYH1Lvb_a05lyNOmWREPVUicmnDUwrVTDXT6bA4dfZd6Wgpa-OJ3-N5q0uCuBqdcUiyxLA_pZbNJtsPlT9Ix-MSNeEUOmGum4ntcRwUeFzOV2cx_8Ks2WDTG22Ybeg/s1600/PA040068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainy day going through the locks. We were on our own<a name='more'></a> now that Trevor and Lynn had jumped ship at lock 14.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once we cleared the Erie canal we made our way down the
Hudson River to the Castleton Yacht Club where we rented their mast crane to put our stick back up. Kim was relieved to be able to put the mast back up without
professional help this time. There were two other boats stepping their masts so we all helped each other. One boat was a fellow lock 14 prisoner on a
Pearson 26. Kim quickly realized the skipper had very little boating and sailing experience and did not know any proper names for parts of the boat
and had never done this before. He also
noticed a hole in the bow that would allow water to get inside the
boat when they hit large waves. This same boat had actually hit a tour boat and damaged their wind indicator when we were all leaving lock 14.
There are all kinds of people out here and it is fascinating meeting them all. We haven’t heard or seen anything of the couple on this Pearson 26 since then and we’re hoping they are OK.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthJphPG5osueuUtMStSyi-6VgKF2y4M7JIu_7_eaAG7_ZNzXge7j3-xMYg2ISiMB0htOvye9c7bkS6rdwCy-5kgXG2tEMF1bT_Hx6g0UJguAlV7v-xm9l8KWUQgKNzZ2a4q4BI7SrNNI/s1600/PA150063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthJphPG5osueuUtMStSyi-6VgKF2y4M7JIu_7_eaAG7_ZNzXge7j3-xMYg2ISiMB0htOvye9c7bkS6rdwCy-5kgXG2tEMF1bT_Hx6g0UJguAlV7v-xm9l8KWUQgKNzZ2a4q4BI7SrNNI/s1600/PA150063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Palisades" on the Hudson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Along the way down the Hudson we began catching on to tides and currents
and how much they can change the water level
(5 feet on the river) and their potentially large impact on your speed over ground. We were relieved to see that just about every
dock we tied to was floating so no adjustments were needed on dock lines. We also realized that we can increase our
speed considerably if our departure is timed with the right tide – that part we
like, not so keen when we are fighting the current!
The Hudson was beautiful, but perhaps the unseasonably warm weather
prevented the leaves from developing their brightest colours. Some of the homes along the river were
stunningly beautiful. We were unable to get a good view of the Vanderbilt and
FDR mansions from the water so we were glad we’d had a good look by car a week
earlier. The cliffs in the West Point
area (yes, the Military Academy) are just beautiful. Our pictures did not capture
it all unfortunately.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOsxEN297TxaZN2178ndOaG28ePpRD4D-ELmJQDBmgXFX1DwMvOrtpRipOmbFPLr7fv3OfUUIi1CWkgANvNQTRfw6cyNJeDVKQCvNg_NqkF6TBxnyCWCbcX_PHXssIzuH_kF-5SqxtNY/s1600/PA090108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOsxEN297TxaZN2178ndOaG28ePpRD4D-ELmJQDBmgXFX1DwMvOrtpRipOmbFPLr7fv3OfUUIi1CWkgANvNQTRfw6cyNJeDVKQCvNg_NqkF6TBxnyCWCbcX_PHXssIzuH_kF-5SqxtNY/s1600/PA090108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of nice "little" cottages along the Hudson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v-jc-4hUnMf1n-rX1RN2tYxRxUtgFISCDZS6Ce8rI27gRTMezzFBCC7_VL1-cd-McEZPrsgJ4VdHGbqEVHEMAkbb4zmkTOhBEJMFobsb6ME9J2mIjGhoRW_j9GBgnY6JKYcslsCeRNU/s1600/PA080087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v-jc-4hUnMf1n-rX1RN2tYxRxUtgFISCDZS6Ce8rI27gRTMezzFBCC7_VL1-cd-McEZPrsgJ4VdHGbqEVHEMAkbb4zmkTOhBEJMFobsb6ME9J2mIjGhoRW_j9GBgnY6JKYcslsCeRNU/s1600/PA080087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just north of New
York City in Ossining we found a Yanmar dealer who could look at the
engine. While still in the Erie canal, and after discussions with our mechanic back in Toronto, Kim had removed the lift pump, disassembled it, inspected, cleaned, and reinstalled it. Everything appeared good and after changing the oil again the engine seemed to be normal. However the problem returned after about five days. How frustrating ! The mechanic at Ossining also removed the lift pump and after pressure testing it he determined that indeed the pump was faulty. A new pump was ordered and installed and we were on our way. What a relief to have that problem fixed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While waiting for the engine to be repaired we took advantage of our situation. Ossining is famous for housing the Sing
Sing Penitentiary … just down the street from the Marina! After a visit to the local museum we now
realise the reference of ‘going up the river’ – no one wanted to be
sentenced to Sing Sing, because the facility was built in the 1870s and is
still used even today. The conditions
are not 21<sup>st</sup> century. Ossining is a town
built on a very steep hill, and we had to walk a mile straight up to find
downtown. A large Latino population
ensured delicious Mexican/ Spanish food but no grocery stores unless you had a
car. This is often what we find in the
smaller places but sometimes a kind local person will show up at the boat and
offer to drive us to the store which is much appreciated.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjy2cvArg39-Ew6J0fWYaMzF6TwllQuXR2Uwj5bNOgMLh5ljkWWqlKobfmqJc_3fmyui85FBWSFDvoL1SIJ9vgnDJMY9sRMPMvn8mLOzWiJAEVXF24Jt4qFVHq689kh0RpJ6pqIPJf3w/s1600/PA130050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjy2cvArg39-Ew6J0fWYaMzF6TwllQuXR2Uwj5bNOgMLh5ljkWWqlKobfmqJc_3fmyui85FBWSFDvoL1SIJ9vgnDJMY9sRMPMvn8mLOzWiJAEVXF24Jt4qFVHq689kh0RpJ6pqIPJf3w/s1600/PA130050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the river at Sing Sing. We locked up each night !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While staying in Ossining we had a commuter train
that ran to Grand Central Station several times an hour, so we had an
affordable and convenient method for enjoying the Big Apple. We went in for two days, checked in on the construction of the new
World Trade Tower and monument and enjoyed Chinatown and the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. On our second day we met
cruising friends for a hot sunny stroll on the Hy Line. This is a decommissioned over
head subway line that has been landscaped. Lots of really interesting shops
and restaurants on the streets below. We
even managed to pick up groceries at the Union Square Farmers market in the
middle of Manhattan. Then we carried them all the way back to Ossining!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXvthZ7RDoIaWSLufDipLPKPXdvmbCjbdqtXCG3kXJKaeMmcLxSaG4a97a-GjGG4F7ENm2NMiAMZC1lm9stLBKI-0fCl_lvhP4PspSII_fP1M1NJVP8Jgagd_yo5B09jmUq_f4GHyORU/s1600/PA110037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXvthZ7RDoIaWSLufDipLPKPXdvmbCjbdqtXCG3kXJKaeMmcLxSaG4a97a-GjGG4F7ENm2NMiAMZC1lm9stLBKI-0fCl_lvhP4PspSII_fP1M1NJVP8Jgagd_yo5B09jmUq_f4GHyORU/s1600/PA110037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new World Trade tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0teISGjG5scedq3hrl1xVduD6oRS_-yGuBe5Go41QiVyel_tUUtIS2F7E368BEigrc0mwoWSNMBp6Oq05wzfP7QS5Fe1pbPN-wtZDK-obUH5bxyEyBNS-l4P4KI6SY6jUoWnaSbGUnJs/s1600/PA110044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0teISGjG5scedq3hrl1xVduD6oRS_-yGuBe5Go41QiVyel_tUUtIS2F7E368BEigrc0mwoWSNMBp6Oq05wzfP7QS5Fe1pbPN-wtZDK-obUH5bxyEyBNS-l4P4KI6SY6jUoWnaSbGUnJs/s1600/PA110044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We enjoyed a ‘July’ day while anchored in
Havershaw Bay just across from Ossining and had a visit from the local sheriff's marine unit. When we received our US cruising permit we had not been advised to call in to customs each day, and so had not been doing so. We were informed by the sheriff that we were in violation and now have a black mark next the Quiescence
name. In the worst case you can be fined $5000 and have your boat confiscated for not properly reporting your location. The officer was very kind and
twice mentioned how much he liked the boat and that had been watching us since
West Point – that would be for 15 miles. When sailing by West point we had
joked that Homeland probably took a picture of every boat entering the narrow
section of the river, it would seem that may be true (Big Brother IS watching
you). We called in each day while in New York State.
After leaving New York the officers now ask us to only call in when we enter their state,
so it is no big deal – kind of like a welcome call.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdXDMv64dFKtzGCPm-Vxl8DIxA60utl5MB5Z4ooEBd8-rAY3PhKypBJVjPuO4cxI-I1rmV1Jrr-yNgtOdUZ0xEVN7qVvCpQRggEOEn1ejVQRJegFMjl6UTjIyoW9Vye8YS8lKB1VJx7w/s1600/PA090109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdXDMv64dFKtzGCPm-Vxl8DIxA60utl5MB5Z4ooEBd8-rAY3PhKypBJVjPuO4cxI-I1rmV1Jrr-yNgtOdUZ0xEVN7qVvCpQRggEOEn1ejVQRJegFMjl6UTjIyoW9Vye8YS8lKB1VJx7w/s1600/PA090109.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Point is very dramatic. Smile !</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JLyQjQXCOYuHz_d4zp5id5kMydHNDFb-e4llMonl_ppDW4Grsitq2bTaZZZJr5LL2uo2XHSx-vjFaKP0bh84aeETxnQo8WWr858_ok01GVN0JjMeEgDqAOid6PjteO3ZSqBiRa1FtiQ/s1600/PA150069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JLyQjQXCOYuHz_d4zp5id5kMydHNDFb-e4llMonl_ppDW4Grsitq2bTaZZZJr5LL2uo2XHSx-vjFaKP0bh84aeETxnQo8WWr858_ok01GVN0JjMeEgDqAOid6PjteO3ZSqBiRa1FtiQ/s1600/PA150069.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The weather out of New York and down the New Jersey coast was not favourable for
going south so most of the cruising boats up were held up for five days. After our wait north of the city we eventually motored through a very lumpy and confused New York City harbour to anchor only one day at Sandy
Hook.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kbwx99qbSK7PJt_X3thaHPIvMPVllVziR_-4AGk31In1Y4VgnurROOlwzV3w7ANezBfq2MOEqNYCYbqLP8S25SMNj7hzQQw7nJMhHFo2rtewvIqs91rGNFGrrih6vq4U0_EPLoM3gz8/s1600/PA150097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kbwx99qbSK7PJt_X3thaHPIvMPVllVziR_-4AGk31In1Y4VgnurROOlwzV3w7ANezBfq2MOEqNYCYbqLP8S25SMNj7hzQQw7nJMhHFo2rtewvIqs91rGNFGrrih6vq4U0_EPLoM3gz8/s1600/PA150097.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving New York city harbour on our way to Sandy Hook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were careful to pick a
reasonable weather day for our first
offshore sail. We were up at 4:30 a.m.
and motoring out of the harbour by 5:45
for our sail to Atlantic City. We had a
nice reaching sail all the way with some leftover three to four foot rollers from the last weather front and
twelve and a half hours later we arrived in Atlantic City (It was easier than many of our Lake Ontario passages). The welcome
committee – a pod of dolphins that everyone seems to see - swam out to greet us
we turned towards the entry channel. We anchored in 15 knot winds across the
channel from the city and (ok,
confession time) tied the dinghy on to
the end of a very long dock at Farley State Marina. We stayed the day without
paying thanks to our new friends on Jazzabelle who knew the gate code. As these new friends said – “if it’s free it’s for
me”, no one knew we were there! The sand on Atlantic City beach was warm and
the sun was hot. We had catch of the day and stayed away from the
casinos. It was definitely low season.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2oiGtznSnZfBGvroSDGyjVJietE6pPoHdZqrGTkKBS9NDAFNjSWHdco1iemKlIINx8_r0RIJqAtC63lY0PN08W9sL5WUbXVvFT0z3Y6SgcuEROmaszijuHyuYzMTkWzpM1WArE5DaSM/s1600/PA180041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2oiGtznSnZfBGvroSDGyjVJietE6pPoHdZqrGTkKBS9NDAFNjSWHdco1iemKlIINx8_r0RIJqAtC63lY0PN08W9sL5WUbXVvFT0z3Y6SgcuEROmaszijuHyuYzMTkWzpM1WArE5DaSM/s1600/PA180041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic City boardwalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFWKQhdJ7F4jnhni6aOuBi0IQpbBq1X_eX6elPoMPvOBB-tTfz4FznwEBMvvWd2gSESRMh7hjaMAijXiojipH7R63GLsPcOxUQ2E8saHJGtl4RwL0dkCJ2_i_1VfgI1Nf2EqoU4ulEHA/s1600/PA180046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFWKQhdJ7F4jnhni6aOuBi0IQpbBq1X_eX6elPoMPvOBB-tTfz4FznwEBMvvWd2gSESRMh7hjaMAijXiojipH7R63GLsPcOxUQ2E8saHJGtl4RwL0dkCJ2_i_1VfgI1Nf2EqoU4ulEHA/s1600/PA180046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic City view from our anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our best sail so far has been from Atlantic City
to Cape May – another long day that ended at a Marina! At least one of us gets
excited when this happens because it means we can do the laundry, spray the layer of
salt off the boat with fresh water, and go out for dinner. We stayed at a ‘fancy’ location for $3 a
foot, and of course they charge for the length of the boat plus the arch and
dinghy. Now you know why we anchor so
often – plus we sleep better when there is no dock for the boat to rub up
against during the night. Cape May is like a Niagara on the Lake, very
historical and full of gift shops. (No offence to our Chapman cousins!) We had a good feed of crab at the Lobster House,
owned by the same man who set what seemed like a thousand crab pots that we
picked our way through on the way into the Cape. Stay tuned for Virginia and Maryland next - we've already been there, so it shouldn't be long. </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336817287944746235.post-14539174799314895962013-11-01T14:29:00.002-07:002015-12-19T14:33:26.944-08:00The Adventure Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9x4KGj5attqs_CzBrbVOFa8HW-VNa-qPuAekPMPLTVEkdIPCEbyJ5tAQwAJIzx58-5zJQOsby6pVMTAFt-B8rgGPD56Qwpd_2BL4pWdB4SYhIa24a4TBLMLvnzQ2W_00Z-rK_T656kM/s1600/Quiescence+under+sail+1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9x4KGj5attqs_CzBrbVOFa8HW-VNa-qPuAekPMPLTVEkdIPCEbyJ5tAQwAJIzx58-5zJQOsby6pVMTAFt-B8rgGPD56Qwpd_2BL4pWdB4SYhIa24a4TBLMLvnzQ2W_00Z-rK_T656kM/s1600/Quiescence+under+sail+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you have likely noticed we have left the dock and have
been under way for an embarrassing number of weeks without a word sent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope to correct this and keep you
relatively up to date on our adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quiescence did leave the National Yacht Club on September 6<sup>th</sup> (our birthday gift for
Calvin on the 7<sup>th</sup> was to vacate the house) complete with champagne
and company to say good bye – thanks to all who stopped by that morning!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZXz6G2IW0ujklHEFfLPviNX-z5eCNvSKhL9tYQWvYMDjywdrQ-cibqmJNDYCIifETMVPSFwH2j6Ok2bSMtr7VkWx-O2yaCuZrQ1Z6FQCupuKi1aIMHIngELZd99-w-mYBz4-74xCRq4/s1600/P9060003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZXz6G2IW0ujklHEFfLPviNX-z5eCNvSKhL9tYQWvYMDjywdrQ-cibqmJNDYCIifETMVPSFwH2j6Ok2bSMtr7VkWx-O2yaCuZrQ1Z6FQCupuKi1aIMHIngELZd99-w-mYBz4-74xCRq4/s1600/P9060003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A proper champagne send off</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A hot, sunny<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sail with our crew Lynn and Trevor to NOLSC and a late dinner on the
dock with the Nash’s, Mullin’s and cousins Greg and Sarah was a great start to
our trip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they say trouble comes in threes. The first occurred on
the way to Rochester while motor sailing in some gusty winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boat heeled and the engine went into run
away state. There was much billowing white smoke and all attempts to shut down
the engine failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the boat righted
itself the engine returned to normal but not without giving us all a good
scare. Little did we know that this engine issue would follow us all the way to
New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, while tied up on
the wall at the Rochester Yacht Club, the lock on the dry sail crane failed. The boom
swung in the wind and the hook dragged across the back stay in the night –
another good scare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLGWWgJfFe7YdDuJAuak9T08nV_JRxjKGo94T7K9nQjUxvvgpreqwyGC7gRVmtzR8ryNsY5b9CcjgdS8ZuaFPstWxZIYaGboMeuqdRVhQ145zodz4DzOtKJsp6wM88mJ2qWqCy091Vi4/s1600/P9080004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLGWWgJfFe7YdDuJAuak9T08nV_JRxjKGo94T7K9nQjUxvvgpreqwyGC7gRVmtzR8ryNsY5b9CcjgdS8ZuaFPstWxZIYaGboMeuqdRVhQ145zodz4DzOtKJsp6wM88mJ2qWqCy091Vi4/s1600/P9080004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rule 137: never tie up this close to a dry-sail crane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next night was spent at Sodus Bay Yacht Club. We determined that diesel fuel was leaking into the engine lubricating oil. This caused the oil level to rise and we would later confirm with Yanmar experts that this was the cause of the runaway engine. Kim changed the
engine oil to temporarily mitigate this engine issue. We now needed to determine the root cause !</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We had the mast taken down in Sodus Bay. Having always done this ourselves it was unusual to have to get off of your own boat, not touch anything, and let someone do it for you.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ9SrCg7pwzCDRPVT8IVNVZ2olSbscGmfEuvZS251GDAOw1dfDgTRGBnw32Ecblep1JJkDrrwkf7rzX3OmY6jNTjg1w2NTiDTg5h8tIoAs6LgfF-EZAO0ijoq6_mvhBY7ilG57UknkQ8/s1600/P9100011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ9SrCg7pwzCDRPVT8IVNVZ2olSbscGmfEuvZS251GDAOw1dfDgTRGBnw32Ecblep1JJkDrrwkf7rzX3OmY6jNTjg1w2NTiDTg5h8tIoAs6LgfF-EZAO0ijoq6_mvhBY7ilG57UknkQ8/s1600/P9100011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front row seats to the unstepping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M_WbJMCbLccU5p3Z1rqrZ8i5PRNeHfdqZIQb_85IeftobMXJ8ieNfwWKE9ptRDr7dvYPbyNcMEWwK7_k5jj8egRndySc0kPNwAVg9Scyo4cKWIZgmQzZEq_gMRV2tcTghdX-lW-1QD4/s1600/P9100009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M_WbJMCbLccU5p3Z1rqrZ8i5PRNeHfdqZIQb_85IeftobMXJ8ieNfwWKE9ptRDr7dvYPbyNcMEWwK7_k5jj8egRndySc0kPNwAVg9Scyo4cKWIZgmQzZEq_gMRV2tcTghdX-lW-1QD4/s1600/P9100009.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim was politely asked to get off the boat and stay out of the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLNMxhDzvuwTpSGZ2_AAbE1i4-Ss8hlw1r2PmBs6R4gVTqh6Eqfdk2GQRChDDMzOGtHAo5qmw8wCOtOnZmfS1lV_mvWU4KAT_ciQTKOwcgWAgjyP0vyvepNhS4GZVL3CNyue8kB_xlf4/s1600/P9230005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLNMxhDzvuwTpSGZ2_AAbE1i4-Ss8hlw1r2PmBs6R4gVTqh6Eqfdk2GQRChDDMzOGtHAo5qmw8wCOtOnZmfS1lV_mvWU4KAT_ciQTKOwcgWAgjyP0vyvepNhS4GZVL3CNyue8kB_xlf4/s1600/P9230005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The after "mast"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Problem three was still a few days away as we found ourselves in the Erie
Canal Lock where we would get stuck for almost a month !<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most trips through these locks last about a
week.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFiDihIor9vzcgEVedTL6NNvkgyklUMLjylloE70-UlPozQaCqcVhKGt6knwl7l8wod8a-X5VusDj_BTMGi7wfHtF9Zp4vVm4nlIocPIzx5IV7vw3fjDHKHTGySffwN6eg68x-s_fYM0/s1600/P9110023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFiDihIor9vzcgEVedTL6NNvkgyklUMLjylloE70-UlPozQaCqcVhKGt6knwl7l8wod8a-X5VusDj_BTMGi7wfHtF9Zp4vVm4nlIocPIzx5IV7vw3fjDHKHTGySffwN6eg68x-s_fYM0/s1600/P9110023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first lock on the Oswego canal. Fortunately the lock had<br />
<a name='more'></a>only an eight foot rise because we really needed the practice !</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took a few locks to get our
routine down but we were a pretty well oiled machine by the end of that first
day.<br />
<br />
Going up in a lock can be much more
challenging than going down…right Lynn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjoyNpDpLPhmAzq4ezETQwc95Yaie-fsI9RWUC09uA5r4b86NzCAsGtrEki2sIY-OC-7q3uH4tRBCxd-nRDAUxbR0t8ZXRRuW-vCLO6UJUe-SIreuCs3E00aDXMxSoFY3Kwf3mH73q-U/s1600/P9150039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjoyNpDpLPhmAzq4ezETQwc95Yaie-fsI9RWUC09uA5r4b86NzCAsGtrEki2sIY-OC-7q3uH4tRBCxd-nRDAUxbR0t8ZXRRuW-vCLO6UJUe-SIreuCs3E00aDXMxSoFY3Kwf3mH73q-U/s1600/P9150039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to duck on the way out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35wmWfFGBS4TGPFEKsTPzKwuawidlffj2IIY66aFU3oihUpK95ywys-rHbedVL7AMgRUTbJbCfcNnSyvNlqbfgdW8aGtDV1MTjvlkKo_Q2BvWeCNPuZlbGpWPUZ0-tONKHqdjEvE6lqE/s1600/P9150042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35wmWfFGBS4TGPFEKsTPzKwuawidlffj2IIY66aFU3oihUpK95ywys-rHbedVL7AMgRUTbJbCfcNnSyvNlqbfgdW8aGtDV1MTjvlkKo_Q2BvWeCNPuZlbGpWPUZ0-tONKHqdjEvE6lqE/s1600/P9150042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This "lock" crewing is hard work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j5o2XDIxUBflDrDB99jsF2oiraI4Vmysk2EDG-ENYEDuDURxZFxIpJwvGcL5N9MGnALXaIl7Fd86MaXphuIM0VDrjt13Ux7DGl2SxIlnSKrpCS6joJIsY9CkOM3rT9Uo4D16Eli26Os/s1600/P9140025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j5o2XDIxUBflDrDB99jsF2oiraI4Vmysk2EDG-ENYEDuDURxZFxIpJwvGcL5N9MGnALXaIl7Fd86MaXphuIM0VDrjt13Ux7DGl2SxIlnSKrpCS6joJIsY9CkOM3rT9Uo4D16Eli26Os/s1600/P9140025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving and navigating through the canal is a full time job</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On September 15<sup>th</sup> we went through Lock 14, and
decided to stop at the town dock at Canajoharie where there was an Art gallery
of American art. Little did we know Lock 14 would be our home for 17 days. The
Art gallery was closed…and the only place open was a suspect ‘Irish’ pub…which
of course we visited – we did have Trevor with us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we slept, the dam below us at Lock 13
breached and the water began to drain from the river. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after 7 a.m. Bill, the lockmaster,
came knocking on the hull telling us we had to get back up stream to the lock immediately
as there would soon be no water left – and he was right. We made it in time and
they brought us back up into Lock 14 where we literally stayed inside the lock chamber...for
17 days (still can’t believe it).<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDFXRuPd_TB7pmmreZQwobJM1tn22SWE5cCz5ULLu8-3LDwPVvQNwAdp65Cw3IFSwNRrB7GwU9xUpl2ggb_J780e6FXQ46WVwd5THZSCgPKsZf2n_adBhvyfoD9ubQfCrzVsS0f3XNJQ/s1600/P9170045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDFXRuPd_TB7pmmreZQwobJM1tn22SWE5cCz5ULLu8-3LDwPVvQNwAdp65Cw3IFSwNRrB7GwU9xUpl2ggb_J780e6FXQ46WVwd5THZSCgPKsZf2n_adBhvyfoD9ubQfCrzVsS0f3XNJQ/s1600/P9170045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "floating" dock that we were tied to when the dam down stream breached</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
The
lock guys were great, they brought us treats, and Bill brought us fresh Walleye
caught at the dam. We had free power, water, we used their showers and they
even brought in a pump out truck for us. Our little community had three and then four
boats - we were an unusual collection of personalities and we experienced a
side of life that we had never expected. (Lynn and Trevor have details) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did meet some new friends, Pat and Ken on
the fourth boat, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who have become a daily
part of our trip – this being their second round trip from Miami to Canada and
back - they are a great source of advice for us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDohAi1rJTA4pUYi8hO-DnNO3lr4v2_LrVYZoKRpE9XfkAO7XMRLKrV7w8QIA0onySKAzp8QXFPL74PwAei1JlbLTKEd8t2Z2ex8_WVcfhPSEdgR3VGWnw2CN2Y6_1VFMw1BFDklPS-4Y/s1600/P9230002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDohAi1rJTA4pUYi8hO-DnNO3lr4v2_LrVYZoKRpE9XfkAO7XMRLKrV7w8QIA0onySKAzp8QXFPL74PwAei1JlbLTKEd8t2Z2ex8_WVcfhPSEdgR3VGWnw2CN2Y6_1VFMw1BFDklPS-4Y/s1600/P9230002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With both gates closed we were held "prisoner"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly Lynn and Trevor
had to return to Toronto without having sailed into New York harbour and before we had a
chance to do much sight seeing.<br />
<br />
We tried to make the best of our ‘time’ by
renting a car and drove to Albany (state capital) a few times, to Hyde Park on
the Hudson to tour the Roosevelt and Vanderbilt mansions and have a wonderful
lunch at the CIA. (Culinary Institute of America! – we know what you were
thinking…)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xia37UYW49aJnLhffieg84UOlxPXoY3BepG1jEg-bpQUhsJ45eRl8aw_eZMTzrtM8W1qCcuf0nuRfig8jvMfaCLUXaeY24Pd3Zi9aX2WbQ_L0AljgvccU8S9WKepmD4iDwr1vP0trwI/s1600/P9250007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xia37UYW49aJnLhffieg84UOlxPXoY3BepG1jEg-bpQUhsJ45eRl8aw_eZMTzrtM8W1qCcuf0nuRfig8jvMfaCLUXaeY24Pd3Zi9aX2WbQ_L0AljgvccU8S9WKepmD4iDwr1vP0trwI/s1600/P9250007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosevelt's "modest" mansion. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our friends Jim and Joyce drove in from Rochester to take us up into
the Adirondacks for a day. We finally escaped the Lock on October 3<sup>rd</sup>
with only 7 feet of water in the canal to Lock 13 – only bumped the keel
once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com