Our last week in the Bahamas
Lynn & Mike ..around the world
Mike Drinkrow & Lynn v/d Hoven
Fri 17 Jul 2009 22:48
27:07.90N 078:04.49W Outer Reef of the
Abacos
We have had a wonderful last week in the Bahamas - between
Allan's Pensacola, Strangers and Small Sale Cay. ( All these are
uninhabited islands) We met up with a great couple from Ft Pierce, who
have not only taken us diving and boating around the area, but have also shared
lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and their invaluable local knowledge.
Doug & Terry have a converted fishing boat called Isla Mia from which they
did dive charters into the Bahamas for many years. They also have the most
delightful wire-haired Jack Russell called Max, whom Mike is totally in love
with... I suspect we may be getting one of these when we get back home
permanently.
Indigo & Isla Mia on the outer
reef Doug
and Max
Doug has what he calls a "panga", a 26ft open
run-about with 175hp engine - and he zoomed us around the cays showing us
different dive and fishing spots. In addition to a very beautiful scuba dive
that we did off the outer reef, we also spent a lot of time in the water free
diving of the different anchorages.
Terry and I were snorkelling, while Mike and Doug were
hunting! And they had a huge amount of success with their Hawaiian slings,
filling the fridge with the delights of the sea. As the guys would
put a grouper into the boat, Max would attack it, trying to bit the fish ...the
funniest sight!
Nassau
Grouper Max
in the box
On Doug's recommendation we have decided to take Indigo to
Ft Pierce rather than to Port Canaveral. There is a more protected marina and
boatyard that can handle catamarans. We will also be more centrally located to
get around the places we want to visit in Florida.