Up early and over to Independence to listen to the detailed forecast given by Chris Parker on SSB frequencies 4045 and 8137. Very interesting as he uses data from radar, bouys, pressure, front movements and provides detail geographical forecasts with predictions into the following week. The bad news was that low pressure fronts building from the north (Cape Hateras) and west (Texas) will produce thunderstorms and gale force winds from Mon next week, lasting until the weekend. The good news is that there is small window on Saturday for crossing - with a high tide leave Saturday morning we should make Florida by mid-day Sunday or earlier - hopefully earlier as the wind is predicted to build from the west to 20+knots - time to be in Lake Worth Inlet for shelter! Decision to be made - leave Saturday or be stuck for at least a week in the Berry Islands(!!) - wow, a tough one but we need to get home and check on the house / fish. So last full day at Great Harbour Cay - we made some preparations to leave and then went exploring more of the island - another 3+ mile bike/run into the nearby town. More pleasant people to greet, nice views, interesting clouds again (no thunderstorms!), passing the local polics station, the school and a shop (well, not quite passing the shop!!) and even a small local restaurant overlooking the Bahama Bank. Spotting hummingbirds and a "Green Heron" whilst we to took "refreshments" and conch fritters - and we still haven't learnt - those beers make the run/bike back to the marina in the mid-afternoon heat no easier!   Skype calls with Liverpool - all was well - nice to see family from so far away. Evening marina bbq, set-up no more than 20 yards from our slip - plenty of people - more good conversation and food - what a friendly place to be! We will be sorry to leave.

Phil and Di