We were up at 6:30am. A little early for us.
But we got a great weather report and began making plans to fish to Long
Island, some 20 nautical miles to the NE. First we went ashore and climbed
the hill to view the sea state. It seemed calm, no white caps.
We lifted the dinghy. Lifted the anchor and made for North Rocks
Cut, 2 miles to our south. It felt good to feel the engine purr. But
when we got to the cut, a nasty sea swell was squeezing into the small
entrance. The tide was going out. We hoped it would be better as we
went but soon found ourselves turning around. Several
choices: anchor by this cut and be ready to exit in the morning or
try the Conch Cay Cut to the north. If it was also too rough we could
anchor near that cut. We opted to anchor near the Conch Cay Cut at the
Monument. Several boaters hailed us to say goodbye. We'd made many
new friends and would miss them. Many would already be heading elsewhere
before we returned next week.
Yesterday we'd dinghied our neighbors Mark and Kathy
from sailing cat Carina to the far shore to the pharmacy. Once
near shore, we anchored the dinghy and waded in. While there we shopped at
the A.I.D, Bahamas NAPA. Then bought a few groceries. Walking back
to the boat we came to a big puddle across the road. Heading to the
puddle's edge to go around it I felt my foot slip. The ground beneath the
crust was muddy. I skidded 4' before stopping abruptly and falling forward
on my knee, then rocking onto my seat. Coated with mud, my pride was
the most wounded. Next stop, we went to Exuma Market to buy a
broccoli for Dream Catcher. Finally to the Shop Rite for rum
raisin ice cream. We passed the baker Donald who sold pastries from his
car and bought a coconut tart. Back aboard Amber Isle, I began
preparing dinner for Mick and Mary, Escargot. I prepared my
special spanish rice cassarole and dodo burgers, (aka mahi cakes).
Over time, a familiar rhythm begins to shape our daily
lives here. Not unlike those we left behind, we get up, have breakfast,
work (really work, or fish, or swim, or beachcomb), return home to eat, have
some evening entertainments (guests, movie, book, game). Sometimes the
routine is broken by a boat ride, cruise, land entertainment. Sometimes it
is social, sometimes small quiet pleasures. Location is the main
difference.
