Kendall -The Best Bartender

Even in safe harbor, docked at marina – nightmares do occur! The plumbing from hell! John had to hire a plumber and five hours later we were fully operational. Highly recommend “Haucky” in George Town should anyone experience such awful matters!
Other than that all is well , relaxing in the sun. Frank has been such a good boy.
Best bartender in Exumas is Kendall at Chat & Chill……….try the “Gomba Punch” – not sure how it is spelled but it sure goes down easy!

Chat & Chill Beach - Georgetown Exumas

Here we are at Georgetown and the beach at Chat & Chill! Same old great bar and drinks and good hamburgers and conch salad. We left Staniel Cay 2 days ago and are tied up here at Exuma Docks. Dinghy over to the beach which is across the harbor. There are not as many boats here as in past years - the economy is hurting he Bahamas.

Recommendation to any boaters leaving the US....SIGN UP FOR SKYPE! It is free and gives you great phone service (VOIP). If someone you are calling does not have Skype, it will cost you 2 cents a minute - or Skype to Skype is free......

The boat (yacht) next to us is 110 ft. Dream on! We are really enjoying this warm clime. Frank is a great little boat dog but I really miss my Bonnie........

PIGS DON'T FLY - BUT THEY DO SWIM

A short dinghy ride from Staniel is a fun trip to see the swimming pigs! The "big" boy will try to jump in the dink so be careful! He will make great BBQ. This picture is from our last trip here as it it pretty windy today so will just hang out here on the boat and at the pool. I am sure this big guy provided a good meal!

The bar here has the best bartender in the whole world.........he can tend 100 sailors and not lose a beat.......remembers everything! However, Staniel Cay Yacht Club has gotten a lot more expensive....wine $9 a glass; slip $2 a foot + $50 a day for electricity. $10 a day for wireless that is sometimes friendly other times frustrating! Still seems to be a pretty popular destination. Lots of good anchorages. The nurse sharks surround us when the fisherman start cleaning their catch. Fun to watch them.

If winds die down and shift to the north, we will head out for Georgetown tomorrow - about 55 NM. signed, Ellie May

Cape Fear Yacht Club Burgee at Staniel Cay YC

HERE IS THE PROOF THAT OUR BURGEE IS STILL AT STANIEL CAY YACHT CLUB............

The Tongue of the Ocean

We departed Andros at 8:15 after an overnight stay at Lighhouse Marina and had a beautiful but long trip across part of the “Tongue of the Ocean” where the water depth is as great as 3000 meters (about 2 miles). The picture depicts a satellite image of the “Tongue of the Ocean.” Docked at Staniel Cay Yacht Club in the Exuma chain of islands. This is Neil’s and my second trip here and John’s third is a well known spot for diving the caves that were used in the filming of Thunderball in 1964. The boat on the T-dock next to us is 145 feet…………..we look like their tender! The last trip to Staniel Cay, Pukanis’ and Wartchows added the Cape Fear Yacht Club burgee to their collection and it is still there amongst the many others.
Today is Sunday the 24th (I think)…..just lose track of time! Just completed by “Chores.” I get the “molly maid jobs.”

Internet is at a snail's pace here.........so is life..........life is good......my hair is in pigtails......just call me Ellie May

Lighthouse Entering Fresh Creek

Today was a beautiful short trip from Morgan’s Bluff at the north end of Andros to Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina. Small resort; bought fresh vegetables raised on the island; went to the Androsia factory which is where they make the only and original Bahamian batik. Of course, we bought stuff! Andros is the only island with fresh water……..wells supply some of Nassau’s water supply. A water tanker makes daily runs from Andros to Nassau and supplies them with 1,000,000 gals. per day.
Yesterday was another story! 6-8 foot seas; wind out of SW at 15-20! In my opinion the roughest ride yet! Added a few bruises to my collection. After about 7 hours of that, we found a sheltered harbor at Morgan’s Bluff; calm protected anchorage. We were the only power boat with all the sailboats. We appeared to look like perfect mariners as we anchored, launched the dink and Capt. John and Neil took Frank ashore. I made drinks! He has really turned into a great boat dog. He misses Kathleen but decided in the rough seas yesterday that I was his “New Best Friend.”
More lobsters on the grill tonight and will try to set the course for Staniel Cay tomorrow……….a pretty long haul.

Great Harbour Cay - Bullocks Harbour

Rented a golf cart and toured the island; lunch, a drink or two and the galley witch did laundry (oh the necessary things I must do!)

Capt. John is hard at work right now plotting our course for tomorrow. Another day another adventure.