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Florida and Bahamas Trip Winter 2016-2017 - 1-31 January 2017

Updates thru 31 January 2017 below or review November or December using tabs above

1 January 2017

The start of January. It is a football day. Pat Frappier left today by plane for home as she was just having too many issues with sea sickness. So, there are six of us left for the rest of the trip; Carey and I and Gary and Nancy on Apolonia (along with our two dogs Hambone and Maddy) and Bob and Gail Mayer on Gailwinds. We really did relax today. Last night was a party! On board after an afternoon at the beach, Nancy and Carey fixed baked chicken, rice and salad for dinner. Good comfort food getting us ready for bed. Happy New Year to everyone. We wish you the best for 2017. I'll pass on two pictures left over from 2016; another picture of Apolonia making her way to her West End Old Bahama Bay slip on Thursday and Gary on his pink bicycle as he road from West End to the first Bahamian settlement south of West End the other day. Bob and Gail took the picture of Apolonia as they arrived well before us last Thursday. Tomorrow we'll take a "chore" day ... definitely not a work day, then head out on Tuesday for Green Turtle Cay in the Grand Abacos, stopping part way at Great Sale Cay to anchor for the evening.

Apolonia headed to Old Bahama Bay slip

Gary on his bike

2 January 2017

Monday morning and we're really quiet. Gary and I worked a few chores; checking the operation of the trim tabs and we bleed the hydraulic steering system as we felt it was a bit eratic on the transit over from Flordia. It did need a bit of fluid and we bleed some air out of the system. Hopefully this will help the steering system operation. At the end of the day all six of the people on the trip (Bob, Gail, Gary Nancy, Phil and Carey) gathered on Apolonia for a dinner of pork and left overs. It was a great meal. Tomorrow we're off for Great Sale Cay to anchor, almost halfway to Green Turtle Cay.

3 January 2017

Interesting day! Engine check showed I had a leak in the raw water system for the generator. It took an hour to fix with a piece of plastic, rubber tape and a wire tie. We'll do the permanent fix once at a marina. Underway at 10 AM we suffered 4 foot seas for 1 mile from West End to the Grand Bahamian Bank in the Atlantic Ocean. A wild ride ... lots of furniture movement. Safely on the bank after the mile wide ride, we traveled quietly at 10 mph to Great Sale where we are rafted together for the evening. Carey fixed a great Mexican meal added to by Gail's devil's eggs. It just can't get better. Here are a few pictures.

Taking the dogs for a
walk at Great Sale Cay

The Dinghy unloading
with Bob's help.

Gary

The Dinghy

The boats looking south

Boats Rafted

Gailwinds bow

Yep ... a duplicate picture

Looking between boats

4 January 2017

Up on time, Gary and I took the dogs in for their constitutional, we untied Bob and Gail, raised our anchor and both boats were then underway for Green Turtle Cay, a 55 mile trip. Beautiful weather and we cruised at 10 knots all day long, arriving in Black Sound, Green Turtle Cay at 3 PM. Just after arrival a squall showered us with rain and lighting. The Cay lost power for an hour and we all gathered on Gailwinds for cocktails. The power was restored by dinner and we ate at the Leeward Yacht Center, where we are moored for the evening. Simply fantastic food. We're now back on board relaxing. We'll tour the Cay tomorrow on some golf carts.

Gary on the bow
enjoying the weather

Entering Black Sound Channel

Continuing to the Leeward
Yacht Center

The crowd at dinner
Leeward Yacht Center

Evening view of Leeward
Yacht Center

Gail and Nancy enjoying the
"best" chocolate bread pudding

5 January 2017

Beautiful start to the day ... light winds and sunshine ... and this was first night since leaving Florida 29 December that we slept with air conditioning. There was no electricity at West End and we don't run the generator while sleeping, which is required for air conditioning. The night before last we rafted at Great Sale and again did not run the generator while sleeping. So last night was a nice relief with cool air conditioning. The six of us rented two golf carts and toured the Cay, eating lunch at Tranquil Turtle, a beach side restaurant. After a little rest we started a run on the local bars and restaurants. Pineaples, followed by Miss Emily's and finally Laures kitchen where we ate good asian food. Gary and I went shopping in the afternoon for some needed supplies and were lucky to find a replacement toilet seat that had broken, some JB weld we need to repair a small leak. All in all, a great day. We'll probably stay a while longer here. We're enjoying.

Small roads in Green Turtle Cay

Swimming pool at Pineapples bar

Foilage on the Cay (Island)

The bar at Tranquail Turtle

The beach at Tranquail Turtle bar

6 January 2017

Another beautiful day in the Abacos, Bahamas. Gary and I washed the boat, Carey cleaned the inside, and then we all relaxed. Carey and I stayed at Leward Yacht Club, eating at their restaurant and then came back to the boat for reading and relaxing. Bob, Gail, Gary and Nancy took the golf cart (we went to one for the 6 of us) and did some more touring. Later this evening the six of us went to McIntosh's restaurant for their lobster special ... have it one of 12 different ways! Great meal. We're now on board and plan to sleep tight ... storm coming tomorrow so we will hunker down for a few days. Loving it!

7 January 2017

Storm is a coming! We are expecting lots of wind and rain this afternoon and evening. We are tied safely to the dock at Leward Yacht Club, bow to bow with Gail Winds. Mostly a quiet day today with a few chores getting done with a quick trip to the grocery store. After watching the first NFL play-off game Gail and Bob joined us on Apolonia and we had a joint dinner. Nancy fixed chili-mac and Gail brought chicken parmesan. We enjoyed the entrees and settled in to watch the Seahawks and Lions play some football. The front came through at dinner time. It passed quickly and the rain is now gone and the wind is much lower than originally predicted. All is good! No pictures tonight.

8 January 2017

Up to windy conditions. We'll be here a while ... wind above 20 knots and predicted to be so for a number of days. We did our daily chores, but had time to join gracious hosts Bob and Gail Mayer on Gail Winds for a sausage and gravy breakfast ... and more ... as Gail cooked a surf and turf meal in the evening after the two NFL games ... steak and salmon. We hardly discussed the first NFL game as the powerful Steelers overpowered the Dolphins. But I needed my crying towel as we discussed the Packers win over the Giants. I like both teams but was really hoping the Giants would prevail. Shame that they did not!

9 January 2017

Up to windy conditions again. Checking the forecast it appears we'll be here another week. To get to the other parts of the Abacos we must go out in the Ocean around Whale Cay --- just 2 miles --- but the Ocean can pile 9 foot waves into the Whale Inlet making it unsafe. So we wait for a good day. Winds are predicted to be above 20 for the next week so we'll stay put and enjoy Green Turtle Cay. It's worth the time to explore so we'll do it. We walked, read, and relaxed today. Tomorrow Apolonia will move to Donnie's Marina while Gailwinds will stay at Leeward Yacht Club. Donnie's is a favorite of ours and a bit less expensive but does not have the power that Gailwinds needs. We'll be within 1 mile of each other but at different venues for the next few days. This evening Carey was the cook and she fixed the six of us Shrimp Scampi, with Gail providing green beans. With three great cooks in the group ... Gail, Nancy and Carey ... we just can't get a bad meal. We're now settled in with the guys watching the College Football Championship games.

10 January 2017

Changes today. Yep, we know we will be here a while. Apolonia moved to Donnie's Marina in the southern end of Black Sound and Gailwinds stayed at Leeward Yacht Club. The afternoon was quiet and relaxing but the wind was blowing at 20+. Bob and Gail joined us on Apolonia for afternoon cocktails and later they took us on their golf cart to McIntosh's where we had dinner. Now safely on board we're resting for the next events at Green Turtle Cay. Donnie's marina is a laid back marina for cruisers. The power issues stopped Gailwinds from joining but we are still in close proximity and enjoying each others company.

11 January 2017

Another easy day. Bob and Gail rented a golf cart, did some shopping and laundry. Gary and Nancy toured the island a bit. Carey and I relaxed on board. We're ready for the winds to die down so we can move on. We'll watch the forecast and cross our fingers.

12 January 2017

Up to a bit of wind but sunshine and 75+ temperatures. We read and relaxed. We rented a golf cart and drove to White Sound Buff Point Beach restaurant for lunch, after visiting with Bob and Gail. They were up to chores and work. We were up to playing today. Later in the day the six of us went to Harvey's Island Grill for dinner. A fine dinner it was. We are now back on board still hoping for light winds prior to next Wednesday.

13 January 2017

Friday the 13th but good things are happening -- the winds are lower today and predicted to drop to below 10 knots soon. It may be that it will be next Wednesday or Thursday before we can go around Whale Cay into the Ocean and back to get to where we are going, but we know it's coming. And the long range forecast is for a full week of light winds starting next week. Hurrah!!! We mainly relaxed and hunkered down. Bob came over at 6:30 AM so we could listen to the single side band radio (HF -- long range) weather but the reception was not great. Bob went back home and he and Gail chilled out. Gary and I went to McIntosh's for breakfast -- a great breakfast and even better Bloody Mary. In the afternoon Gary and Nancy took Hambone to the beach for a run. We're back on board to a pork dinner that is smelling real good right now. Talk to you tomorrow. Sorry no pictures.

14 January 2017

Great Saturday as the wind continues to subside. Carey and Ann, her best friend talked via Skype and we had a great day. Sun was shinning. A few chores in the morning, then Bob, Gail, and the four of us had a late lunch at the Wrecking Tree Restaurant. All this in preps for the two NFL football games this evening. Carey and I took Maddy to the beach to run and run she did. Gary and Nancy took a long walk on the beach. Carey and I met Bob and Gail at Pineapples, a local bar on the beach, then all six of us headed to Apolonia for more cocktails. Bob and Gail left for their boat and the four of us settled in to watch the games and have left overs --- spaghetti! What more could you ask for.

15 January 2017

Bob texted us at 9 AM with "Bloodie Breakfast?" We agreed and Bob stopped by to get us. We headed for McIntosh's for the best Bloodie's we've had and a great breakfast. Back to the boats after breakfast for relaxation. NFL games started at 4:30 PM. Bob and Gail came with food and all six of us settled in to see the games. Nancy was ready with pom poms to encourage the Cowboys on. Of course Carey and Gail had those yellow and green Green Bay pom poms! Great fun. We ate on baked spaghetti and pork and coleslaw -- thanks to Gail and Nancy.

16-17 January 2017

Monday the 16th was a good day ... wind still diminishing. We paid our bill at Donny's Marina and started plans for leaving Wednesday morning. Nancy made Eggs Benedict for breakfast, Gary and Nancy went for a long walk on the sandy beach, and I went to Gailwinds to help Bob repair a water hose to the Electro-san that came loose. Carey did some house hold chores. Easy day. Tuesday we read and drank lots of coffee and helped some boaters at our marina leave for the states or further south -- good signs that weather is improving. We rented a golf cart and met Bob and Gail at their boat and headed for our favorite lunch spot, Tranquil Turtle in White Sound. We enjoyed the continued Corn Hole tournament between Gail and Nancy. Nancy won the game today. We are back on the boat, getting ready to move south tomorrow.

18 January 2017

Up to light winds and plenty of sunshine. We were ready to move to Marsh Harbor for a few days. Underway at 10 AM with Gailwinds, we traveled 20 miles to Marsh Harbor. We went out in the Atlantic at Whale Cay and then back into the Sea of Abaco. The three miles out in the Ocean were nice, gentle rolling two foot seas with no chop. We then traveled on flat seas to Marsh Harbor. After tying up we went to Curly Tails restaurant for a late lunch, then later made a stop at Snappa's for a light dinner. Great day and we're ready to enjoy a new area of the Abacos. After the pictures you will see a video that tries to provide a sense of the motion of the boat in the two foot seas in the Atlantic Ocean.

19 January 2017

Up to light winds and sunshine. Will be 75+ today. I'd scheduled a mechanic for mid morning to review the two minor issues we've had with the boat --- leak in generator heat exchanger that I have fixed temporarily and an inoperative fan in the inverter which I fixed by adding a separate fan for cooling. The mechanic is off trying to get parts and we'll see tomorrow if we are lucky to fix the issues permanently this week. Gary and I walked into town to see if the computer shops could fix his computer that crashed a few days ago -- no go it appears. Nancy and Carey did laundry and stopped by Snappas for lunch. Gary and I ate at "Colors by the Sea" that proved to be very good. After relaxing in the afternoon the gang of six (Bob, Gail, Gary, Nancy, Carey and I) walked to Abaco Resort at Boat Harbor Marina for cocktails. We met a very unique lady named Angie who was Captain for a cruising sailboat business. Great stories.

20 January 2017

Up and planning to move to Hope Town. We did some laundry, bought some wine, and relaxed, reading a bit. We'll leave for Hope Town tomorrow afternoon. See you there.

21 January 2017

Up to sunshine and low winds, but we know the storm is coming. Steve and Mary Ann Andrews are arriving this afternoon to join our gang. Carey made a trip in town for replenishment of some necessary items. Nancy and Gail went shopping and the guys got the boats ready to move to Hope Town. We'll stay there thru the heavy winds that are expected Sunday through Tuesday. We enjoyed the time at Harbour View marina and will return. Over the last several days Michael Jordon, Nicole Kidman, and husband Keith Urban walked the piers as they hopped aboard the Bakers Bay Ferry Boat (a very fancy 65' motor yacht) that operates out of this marina taking the rich and famous to the upscale Bakers Bay resort. We pulled out at 11:30 AM and arrived at Hope Town an hour later. Steve and Mary Ann arrived by ferry in Hope Town just after 4 pm. After cocktails at the Hope Town Inn and Marina, where we were staying, we took their harbor ferry boat to Harbor Edge restaurant for pizza and other food. Now back on board we're thinking of the next day's activities.

22 January 2017

We know the storm is coming but we had today to enjoy Hope Town, before the storm arrives on Monday. The gang on the trip includes eight people; Phil, Carey, Gary and Nancy on Apolonia and Bob, Gail, Steve and Mary Ann on Gailwinds. By 10 AM we were on our way via the Hope Town Marina shuttle to Hope Town proper and a walk about the town. Then we got two golf carts, with a bit of work, as the golf cart companies are closed on Sundays. We ate at Abaco Inn and used the carts to travel to Tahiti Beach, then back to Firefly restaurant and then to our boats to watch the Falcons win over the Packers and the Patriots win over the Steelers. Lopsided football. Bob, Gail, Steve and Mary Ann ate on Gailwinds ... I think they had steak and baked potatoes. Cary and Nancy fixed us a great football hot dog meal with chili, onions and baked beans. Fantastic. Great things to see all day, but the unique part of the day was at Firefly restaurant. I have been trying to find the well kept secret recipe for Goom Bay Smashes, that were created at Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay by Miss Emily, the owner. She passed away a couple of years ago, but the bar still sells Goom Bay Smashes. Many other bars have their own recipe for the drink, but none match the original. Well, we met a bar tender at Firefly --- whose name we'll never tell --- who knew Miss Emily personally and had her recipe. She made us one and ... it was right on! It was the perfect drink. We promised to tell no one and she gave us the recipe. Now I have it and you can come see me for one fine drink! We'll now on board and settled for the evening.

23 January 2017

The wind is blowing this morning ... and it's raining, really hard! We drank some coffee and watched the weather pass over us. By 11 AM the rain left us and we decided to take the marina shuttle to Hope Town for lunch, even with strong winds. After lunch we walked around the town, found another very nice watering hole to spend a bit of time. Late afternoon we went back to the boats. Gail went back into Hope Town at 5 PM to play bingo for an hour or so then all of us moved to our separate boats for dinner. After dinner Gary, Nancy, Carey and I played Farkle, later joined by Bob who we taught the game to. Good fun. We're now getting ready for bed and tomorrow's activities, whatever they may be.

24 January 2017

Up and yes, it was windy ... but it was slowing down. Nancy fixed us Bahamian coconut bread French toast and bacon. Amazing! A relaxing day ... Gary, Nancy, Steve and Mary Ann went to the beach while Bob, Gail, Carey and I relaxed on board. For dinner we went to the Hope Town Lodge .... it truly is a 4 star restaurant. Carey and I had Steak Au Poiuve -- excellent -- and others had meals that were the best they have had in a long time. A fitting end to the day. We're back on board. Tomorrow the winds will be down and we'll be on our way to Guana Cay and Nippers!!! Hurrah.

25 January 2017

Up to light winds, as per the forecast. We prepared to get underway for Guana Cay, the home of Nippers. We were underway by 10:30 AM and had a pleasant 10 mile trip to Guana. We moored at Orchid Bay Marina as they had a special on slips of $0.50 per foot. Turns out their wifi is non existent and their price for electric and water are very high, but still a good deal. We headed to Nippers for lunch then toured the island on the golf carts followed by a stop at Grabbers on the water. Nancy and Gail, in a corn hole tournament since the beginning of this trip took on three challengers; Gary and Bob, then Steve and Mary Ann, and finally Gary and Steve. They won all three games ... they were vicious!!! They could not be beat. Congratulations to Gail and Nancy. We all headed home after the tournament and ate on board. We're now settled in and will head to Marsh Harbour tomorrow.

26 January 2017

Leaving Guana Cay this morning about 11 AM after hanging the WYA burgee at the hanging tree -- a tree many people hang momentoes. We arrived Marsh Harbour at 1 PM and settled in for a relaxing afternoon. In the evening we went to the Jib Room and joined the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club at a steak night. Great event and included a limbo treat and great food. We're now on board and ready for the next day.

27 January 2017

Second day at Marsh Harbor. We relaxed. Bob, Gail, Steve, Mary Ann, Gary and Nancy drove to Pete's Pub in Little Harbour in a rental car, buying Nancy lunch for her birthday. Carey and I stayed on the boat hoping that the mechanic we hired would find the parts and fix our two minor problems. The parts did not arrive so no fix. We'll continue with the temporary fix. Not an issue. To continue Nancy's birthday celebration we went to Wally's, a great local restaurant. Afterward to Snappas for after dinner drinks and dancing. This meal also signified Steve and Mary Ann's last day with us as they have to fly home to w--- tomorrow morning.

28 January 2017

Bob and Gary took Steve and Mary Ann to the airport as they had to fly back home today. We really enjoyed their visit. Later, Bob took us to the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in his rental car where they were holding an art exhibit and sale. We looked around and had a bit to eat. The afternoon included doing laundry and reading for most of us. We ate dinner on board our separate boats and settled in early. We are moving back to Hope Town for a couple days tomorrow morning. We have another birthday to celebrate Monday -- Bob's.

29 January 2017

Clouds greeted us this morning ... but we headed for Hope Town anyway. We left Harbour View at 9:30 and arrived an hour later at Hope Town. Gailwinds took a slip at Hope Town Inn and Marina and Apolonia picked up a mooring buoy. We'll all six relax today while the rain comes through and tomorrow we'll celebrate Bob's birthday at Hope Town Harbor Lodge. On Tuesday we'd head for Treasure Cay where Bob can play a game of golf.

30 January 2017

Winds much less than predicted and more sun then we expected. Relaxed on board in the AM, then all six of us had lunch at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge Bar by the pool. Bob, Gail, Gary and Nancy walked the beach in the afternoon while Phil and Carey walked the town. Nice day, and the best was helping Bob celebrate his 68th birthday at Hope Town Harbour Lodge restaurant for an evening meal where they serve the very best food. Bob arranged for the Hope Town Inn and Marina shuttle, where Gailwinds is staying, to pick the 4 of us up at Apolonia where we were staying on a buoy. At dinner presents were given ... from the Bolin's a cup and from the Vineyards a Hope Town Lighthouse T-shirt and card. Great fun. Now back on board getting ready to go to Treasure Cay tomorrow.

31 January 2017

Up to clouds but the forecast said sun was coming soon. We were underway by 9 AM for Treasure Cay, an 18 nautical mile trip. Beautiful weather and easy travel we tied up at Treasure Cay by 11:30 AM. Lunch at the beach Tiki bar, then relaxing on board. At 6 PM we went to the beach for a bar-b-que and bon-fire on the beach. Good food. Back on board after dinner, the 6 of us played Farkle. Great fun.

Apolonia

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