All fixed and Ready

Ok and now it's officially on Amazon, with the correct cover.
Oh my goodness what a journey.

You can go here on Amazon and see it for yourself!?

Or search Milo's Garden on Amazon.
Or my name.

So crazy.

I'm going to get to work on polishing up the companion script for the book now.

Well, maybe tomorrow.

Milo's Garden

Publishing a book is hard.
For me.

So ... Milo's Garden is up on Amazon.
With the wrong cover.

I have the proof in hand.
With the correct cover.

Which looks like this:














Amazon has decided that the older cover might be more fun.
I disagree.

I guess the good news is that you can order our book on Amazon.
The exciting news is it will be a surprise as to which cover arrives :)

WAIT

Don't order yet.
I'm fixing one thing on the back cover.

OH me oh my oh.......

Milo's Garden

Guess what you can get on Amazon?

Milo's Garden; that's what you can get on Amazon!!

It is live and here and done and published.

Wowzers!!!!

Look.
And yes, it does say that I just ordered a copy.
I had to see if it worked.

It did.

You can search "Milo's Garden" on Amazon.

Or you can go here: Milo's Garden 

It's been quite a journey and this is the fun part :)

For my sister

Guess who has been to Pete's Pub?!?

Perspective

This trip has given us a healthy dose of perspective and we are inspired.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs

I really love these signs.

Each slat has a city or country and the miles away it is.

 People just add what they'd like and they posts grow.

The picture is too far away but the bottom one has San Clemente on it.

Fishing

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to fishing.

After a couple successful catches Jamie and Jillian spent hours
refreshing the water in the cooler for their new friend.

They were not amused at dinner time.

Snorkeling - Sort of

Not Robb :)

Snorkeling

Who says you have to forgo snorkeling when the weather is cold?

Journey Home

It started so well.

The rest of the story could fill a page.
We are home, safe and sound, and that is all that matters.

And we have a nice credit on United Airlines to look forward to
spending.....

A good time was had by all

At least we have the pictures to remember it all by....

Great Guana Cay

Well, you can't win 'em all.

Made our way back to a Cay we had skipped earlier due to high winds and picked up a mooring. The evening started out wonderfully, dinghy exploring by the kids and cocktails on the deck. We called over to confirm a restaurant some new friends had recommended was open for dinner, it was. We made our way over and were rewarded with a lovely sight of hammocks, rope swings, ring toss challenges, and a beach; perfect!

As I was trying to hook my first ring and mom was deciding on a table chaos started to ensue which appeared as my family loosing their marbles and starting to slap themselves silly.

Some of us are more sensitive than others, Grandpa had stopped dead in his tracks at the bar when he heard the buzzing in his ear, Jamie was running over to alert us, and Robb's forearms were swarmed. We had timed our dinner to coincide perfectly with the mosquitoes' and no-see-ums'. We ran for the hills, a nice patron at the bar held out a can of Off but we were halfway down the road.

Strike two came down the road a bit at a place that had lobster, only lobster, and nothing but the lobster. Well and giant mosquitoes INSIDE their place. I am still questioning if it was even a restaurant.

We loaded back into the dinghy (not an easy task at low tide off a high pier) and made our way across the harbor to the marina restaurant. Strike Three, they weren't even open.

Back to the boat to call in a couple pizzas and draw straws as to who would make the run for them. (Robb and Bobby drew short.)

The weather that had flushed out our tormentors made for damp and stuffy conditions on the boat and when I tucked the kids in the dampness of their sheets was undeniable. A fact that did not go unnoticed as I switched beds with Jillian after a bad dream at 3am. (Hers not mine.) Ugghhh. Not a restful night.

I woke up to her and Robb making a fuss; their screen had not been closed and the morning assault of biting bugs was upon them.

Robb and I went up top to watch the early morning comings and goings of an island in the relative safety of the wind. 

It was fun to see the uniform clad islanders board their island ferry for school and we swatted away the no-see-ums together.

He and the kids went across to check the Atlantic across the island and endured another onslaught, pushed past his limit Robb had the engines fired up before I could throw a cup of coffee down his throat.

I can't begin to report a bite count but I think this is a record for me and that is no light statement. Jillian is walking around with a pad of rubbing alcohol and offering swipes to the inflicted.

As the world tends to do the balance of the day brought us back to a happy tether. We had our first opportunity (wind and weather cooperating) for snorkeling off Baker's Bay and were duly rewarded. The girls and I then finally got to Shell Island while the boys fished, neither party was disappointed.

We made our way back to Treasure Cay where Robb's buddy was meeting us to deliver a Hog Fish which we had all been dying to try, the rumors proved true to their word and along with Bobby's jack we had a fantastic fish dinner. The squall that blew in only made us smile as we were safely snug in the cabin playing euchre and eating pie.

Leaving our mark

Our shirt hung at Spanish Cay and the much loved rolling chair enclosures.

Catch up

I'm trying to balance keeping a log and enjoying every second.

We spent a couple days at the Hope Town Marina and enjoyed all the perks and amenities it offered though didn't even get a chance to take out their kayaks or paddle boards; one more reason to return.

We rented bikes and a golf card and explored Elbow Cay and were once again amazed at all the hidden properties and endless beaches and places to play. We walked way out on a sandbar and collected shells and enjoyed some beautiful weather.

Found yet another amazing restaurant and ate grouper until we were stuffed.

We find it fascinating to observe the communities that have formed on the different cays. We were drinking lattes at the Coffee house in Hope Town while we took turns exploring the north end on bikes and were seated next to a big group of expats who kept breaking out into song as they spent a lovely morning catching up with each other.

Last night we anchored off and were greeted by the biggest pod of dolphins thus far. They ushered in one of our most magical nights as we watched a spectacular sunset and gobbled up conch salad, spicy island jelly over cream cheese on crackers and broccoli.

The gigantic fish that made his appearance late in the evening was yet another new and fascinating experience.

Robb, the kids, and I are definitely smitten with this life.

I am definitely seeing this in our future.

Our food stores are dwindling and it reminds us that our time here is quickly running out. Not one of us is ready for that to happen. Well, regarding the food, we are all ready for that to be used up. We brought a few too many black beans and enough quinoa to hurt someone. Live and learn.

We motored down off of Snake Cay to look for snorkeling, no luck, but Bobby and Jillian are having a blast zooming around on the dinghy as we lounge around in the sunshine.

Every time I log off and walk away I think of a funny line I forgot to record, or a cool experience I've omitted but just getting a general record will have to suffice.

Spanish Cay

If you're ever in Spanish Cay, in the marina restaurant make sure to find our shirt we added to the decor.

Pigs and Klutzes

The first of the cameras that captured the pigs had been downloaded!

Here are a couple pics of our new friends.

Notice those of us safely admiring them from the dinghy?

We did grow more comfortable, but it took a little while.

Some things I'm glad I got a picture of, and some things I'm glad there were no cameras available;

case in point - docking in Spanish Cay.

We arrived in Spanish Cay later than planned, the pigs and rays had detained us. The wind was picking up and the clouds were gathering, we had headed this way specifically to have a safe and comfortable shelter from the expected storm.

The dock master was contacted and instructed us to pull in right next to our friends on Blue By You who were on deck and available to help.

Ok, showtime, we were feeling fairly confident in our deck skills and were ready to try this new kind of dock with it's narrow pilings looked new, but doable.

We pull in and the dock master calls for a line that I am holding, I snap to attention and hurry over to give it to him.... and trip gloriously smashing my knee, my wrist, and my pride. I did jump up and recover faster than most people's eye and could have not shared the story but it was too funny not to. 

I'm not sure if the neighbors witnessed my graceful dive, but they didn't come out of their cabin to either confirm or deny.

I also fell on the stairs on the dock coming home from Pizza Pizazz, and tried to use three stairs in the cabin where there are only two so when Jamie fell down the stairs into my state room this morning I couldn't help but laugh.

Grandma is so proud to have her legacy living on.

Foul-Weather

What's more fun, crashing waves, gale forced winds, or sheets of driving rain?

All if you have the cutest fowl-weather gear ever.

It really wasn't even warranted but who could resist donning theses beauties?

Certainly not Jillian and Bobby!

A fan of the sea

Jillian and her sea fan.

We found armloads of them and dreamed of all the fun decorating and crafts we could do but decided to leave them for others taking only a picture of the beautiful, delicate treasure from the sea.

Beach Combing

This shot was from Green Turtle Cay,  a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

We meat Coco the rescued "Royal Bahamian Pothound". Her owner explained that the official title of these types of dogs was inspired from the meals used to feed the island dogs, the bottom of the big pots of rice and peas would form a big crust cake that would be thrown to the dogs. This timid little love had been found in an abandoned yard where her family had moved and not shared their forwarding address with their four legged friend. She lucked out with a decidedly more fortunate situation and now shares her time between Canada and Coco Bay, the inspiration for her name.

Robb and I soaked up every second with our little family and reminded ourselves of how precious this fleeting time is.

Weighing Anchor

So many cool things to do, weighing anchor is a popular activity. The remote to raise and lower the chain has been commandeered by Bobby who was the original receiver of the instructions on use. Jillian has made it her duty to point to the chain to help the captain.

Stormy, rainy day in Treasure Cay yesterday, we spoiled ourselves with popcorn and a movie.

Robb and Grandpa tried to fish for our dinner but were unsuccessful.

Luckily, Robb called a contact we had met earlier and arranged for some fresh lobster for dinner. We grilled them up with the last of our US steaks we had carted over, and had a most amazing main course paired with a brown rice and quinoa version of my saffron scented oats and some broccoli with dip for an appetizer. 

We've all been reading "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" and have been inspired to localize our grocery lists and be more adventurous in the kitchen.

Also with cocktail hour, yesterday was coconut water and gin with a twist of lime. Mom was a bigger fan that I, but gin isn't top on my list ever.

Good thing mom enjoyed the new drink though, she is down a really nice bottle of Freemark Abbey.

We needed it.

For payment.

To the nice couple who found us on the VHF this morning and much to our relief had found our dinghy in the early morning and secured it to their dock.

Did I mention it was a REALLY windy night?

Thank goodness for the kindness of others.

It's blowing like no other today but the skies are clear and the sun is out. What a difference a day makes.

We are going to attempt to retrieve the geocache the kids planted with Auntie B a couple weeks ago on the island off Treasure Cay, no promises but we will make a noble attempt.

The Low Point

No, not a bad day but a location on Man-O-War Cay. We made our way, on foot (left the broomsticks at home) to the recommended spot on the island and enjoyed the views of the Atlantic and Abaco at the same time!

Bobby couldn't resist when he read the sign under the table.

Green Turtle Cay

Golf carts allowed some outer island exploring. This is Grandma and Grandpa on Green Turtle Cay.

It is fascinating how the islands differ in treasures.

One will have sea fans galore and the next will offer sand dollars like stones.

Our favorite finds have been sea biscuits, sea urchins, conch, and tiny swirly shells.

In the shallows the sea cucumbers, crabs, giant sea stars, sea urchins, and rays have been the biggest hit.

Yesterday we had a few hours to kill, reason - well I'll let you ask Robb about that - anyway we took the dinghy to the beach in Manjack Cay and beach combed for a while. As we were getting ready to head back a ray made an appearance. We didn't have any food but he just wanted to be friends. He followed Jamie back and forth in the surf as she walked along the shore.

It was hilarious, I think she could have done it all day. 

Our delay was cleared up and we made our way to Treasure Cay around Whale Cay which is the only open ocean we to through. I love the rolling big waves and would be fascinated to experience more.

Pulled into Treasure Cay and were greeted by a dolphin and her calf. I don't know if it is the same pair that we have been seeing but if it is I think they're stalking us.

What a thrill.

A sea turtle joined the welcome wagon as well and we felt superbly greeted.

We had decided to go into the marina bar for pizza night which we had missed during our earlier stay at Treasure Cay, we went in to the Tipsy Seagull and were shocked to find our former water stocking bar where we were always the only patrons packed to the hilt!

We grabbed a table and sent one contingent to order some pizzas and another to grab beers and we settled in for a show and a half.

I spotted Anna Banana and chatted with her, yes Beth Ann, I told her that you missed her already and she cracked up. Anna Banana is a local waitress who we had met 11 years ago when the family was here and my sister was thrilled to hear there was a Bahamian counterpart to her own moniker BethAnnie-Bannanie. She had taken a picture with Anna and actually brought it with her this trip.

Before they arrived we had gone to Spinakers for dinner and who should be our waitress but Anna Banana!?! We introduced ourselves and arranged to bring my sister in the next night and have a surprise reunion. It was classic. Beth cried. An updated picture was secured and we enjoyed a fun evening.

Back to last night the same older gentleman was there crooning songs from the 50's and 60's and we danced ourselves into the night. Jillian was complimented by a salty grey haired, barefooted fellow dancer as the best dancer he had ever seen and her night was complete.

The people watching could not be topped and we enjoyed every minute and then enjoyed, even more, the recap cocktails back on the Cheryl Ann. We went to bed repeating our new jokes and giggling.

Woke up to a rain storm today which I'm secretly happy about because the salt spray on the windows was begging some attention that I was not excited to give, thanks for the reprieve mother nature!

But as the coffee smell drew us out of bed we were surprised with warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the bakery that Grandpa and Bobby had snuck away to procure while we were still finishing up our dreams.

I can't wait to see what today will bring!

Movie Night

The couch in the main salon folds out into a bed and the kids made use of the luxury of electricity when we were docked at Spanish Cay for a movie night.

Cue the wildlife

Wish and you shall receive.

We were headed north to Spanish Cay but detoured to Noname Cay first to see the wild pigs. Not the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas but wild pigs on an island none the less.

On the way into anchor we had other visitors, at least three Bottlenose dolphins including a mother and her tiny calf came to say hello jumping and playing around the boat.

If it is possible, I love them even more now. We've been reading Voices in the Ocean and a couple other books about dolphins and the more you learn the more you love and respect these fascinating creatures.

After, we headed to the beach, we could see the pigs from the boat. By the time we brought the dinghy over the pigs had disappeared down the beach and into the lush landscape. We looked around the little "piggyville" that had been set up and walked down to where the pigs had disappeared.

The adult male came out and over to us, Jamie tossed him a carrot. He gulped it down which must have been the ok to the rest of the clan as they all came tottering out of the brush to greet us.

We kept our distance and backed up to where the rest of the food we had brought was. I can't wait to share the pictures of the tiny baby piglets running and squealing. We filled up their fresh water trough and gave them all our offerings, they were so appreciative we made another trip to gather what else we could spare and brought back oats and beans. It was an adorable feeding frenzy and the experience was so cool!

On our way out of Green Turtle Cay that morning we had met the owner of the marina, a fascinating man who had been a documentary producer in his other life and was full of amazing stories of different sea animals. He tipped us off of the benefits of stopping and Manjack Cay and feeding the rays and sharks. We didn't have quite the experience he spoke of but we did get to watch 4 huge rays bury themselves in the shallow sandy bottom.

Bobby and I followed the signs to Ocean Beach and have developed strong enough soles to impress the locals.

Our galavanting around made for a later cruise and marina entry than usual and we were happy to see our new friends on Blue By You on the dock waiting to help us in.

A scrumptious, private dinner at the marina and gigantic pieces of key lime pie to take home made for a perfect end to a perfect day. Best grilled Bahamian lobster and conch bar none.

Spanish Cay is privately owned and the gal from Peru who served as our waitress and information guide explained that she had just moved here with her boyfriend, who's family owned the island, a few weeks ago. The giant contraption hooked to her belt was a mosquito deterrent which she told us uses smell to keep the hungry pests away. I could use one of those.

One of the signs at the bar: if only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood.

We loved our meal so much we went back for breakfast the next morning, especially since we could enjoy the pool tables, shuffle board, ring game, hammocks and endless signs, pictures and sayings on the wall. Grandma declared her order the best french toast EVER. My breakfast sandwich did not disappoint.

We added a family dolphin shirt to the bar and jotted down some fun memories from the trip so far.

It's a beautiful sunny day and we're off to find some snorkeling!

Oh, I just had to run out, a mother dolphin and her calf were swimming around the boat. Not sure if it is the same pair as yesterday but what a thrill to see them twice!!

Another favorite quote from the bar

"I'm lost, I've gone to find myself, if I should return before I find me, please have me wait for me."

Green Turtle Cay

Spent a lovely day exploring the island.

We rented two beefy golf carts and went all through New Providence Historic District and then out on some dirt roads to the north tip of the island.

The landscape is just breathtaking, it is so wild and lush and diverse it takes a while to notice all the details. Then you have some incredibly well maintained estates who have devoted what must be a substantial chunk of time to cultivating it to their whims and desires.

Life on the islands is so unique and it is incredibly evident by observing the buildings. Vacation homes, primary residences, restaurants, shops, all build and painted in bright

Ahhhh dolphin sighting, I had to run outside to see if they might stick around for a bit bu the was just passing by this morning.

Anyway, I was saying that the buildings are so lovely and bright and beautiful but if they are not constantly maintained the salt air and humid conditions are merciless.

It is fun to be going further north as these islands are less driven by tourism and offer a different perspective. Man-O-War was unique in that sense as well, they are a ship building island and a large number of the inhabitants are employed in the yards or in sail shop. Our waiter at the Dock and Dine was interesting in that he had moved to Man-O-War because he could make such a good living and help to put his wife through dental school in Florida, we had a lovely time getting to know him and listening to his story.

My quiet time is over once again, though I am happy to have the opportunity to at least get these non-sequential posts written I know the necessary editing is not occurring, not that I would miss any bit of this adventure for my writing preferences.

Emergency Hatch

Inside the boat right as you walk in is a cubby which holds an emergency hatch. If the catamaran were to capsize this could be used to escape.

As it is it provides a window to the sea below. This picture is of Bobby under the boat, in the dinghy, taken through the hatch.

There was a nurse shark in the water yesterday but it didn't oblige our hopes that it would hang out under our window.

The giant sea stars have also avoided hanging out directly under the boat but seeing them from the dock is cool enough for us.

Waiting now to see who will get to us first; the boys with golf carts to explore the island, or the storm that is blowing in.

Conch

That's what tastes so good battered and fried with coconut???

Green Turtle Cay

As I've said the dates and pics are not going to be in order, there is quite a process to get them onto the blog.

We are docked at Bluff House Marina, in White Sound on Green Turtle Cay today waiting for the second storm front to move in this afternoon.

We had a doozy on Friday where we were drenched in Man-O-War Cay. The pics will be adorable when I get them, the kids playing in the downpour. We had no choice but to brave it as we were out on the Cay shopping when it moved in with force. Grandma was running to get under the shelter of the marina porch and was greeted with a stoic Jillian who delivered the line so straight faced and seriously I can only attempt to relay it:

"You picked a bad day to wear white Grandma."

We made it back to the boat to find that just pushing the hatches closed was not sufficient to keep the water out. Soaked to the bone we stripped a few saturated beds, laid pillows out to dry and experienced another side of boating.

The next morning was clear, warm, and sunny. We made our way to Marsh Harbour to change out linens and grab a few provisions, an included service we hadn't known would be so appreciated.

On around Whale Cay and up to Green Turtle Cay last night we choose to dock as we have some laundry to attend to. I'm not saying it is time but I sprinkled baking soda on our bag of dirty clothes yesterday just to get us through.

Being plugged in has it's advantages; the kids opted to stay on board and watch a movie while we enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Bally Hoo restaurant.

The waitress informed us there was no grouper, or lobster, or pork.... Robb finally just left it up to the chef to choose and with that brilliant order we enjoyed some amazing shrimp prepared three different ways. Dad's chicken "linguini" or penne as the case may have been was much enjoyed as well.

The euchre tournament is not going well.

I don't want to talk about it, but I guess I'll just report that I am not in the lead. 

Off to explore the cay and hopefully stay dry.

Dinghy

The boy is in love, though he claims he still prefers the golf carts. 

The other is a picture to remind Robb of the ring toss game with the crazy wrap around poll which he successfully hooked not once but twice.

Cheryl Ann

I'm trying to get more pictures for you BethAnn but here is a start. This is the deck off the main cabin off the stern of the boat and the other is the kids on the bow.

I charged Jillian with taking some interior pics but the result was less than desirable. She claims that she didn't know the toilet was full when she took the picture of her bathroom.

Have I mentioned that the boat has 5 heads.

5.

We are using one as storage since technically the only way to enter it is through the hatch but even with just 4 easily access heads this beats our bricks and mortar home.

Pete's pub

A lovely lunch and good-bye to Little Harbour, we will always have a very special place in our heart for this area.

Hope Town

We were lucky enough to visit Hope Town twice this trip, once with the Thornhills on a fantastic day of touring with our favorite captain Ossie and then again on the Cheryl Ann as our first stop.

Robb and I were were here on our 2nd anniversary 11 years ago, hopefully I can find the picture we took then in the same spot on the top of the famous lighthouse! 

Charter flight

My timeline will be anything by normal but time is somewhat arbitrary around these parts.

Flying with 7 has its advantages, we could charter a flight from Florida to the Bahamas for around the same cost as flying commercially. We were able to avoid going though a busy, crowded airport, dealing with security and the joke that process has become, choose any time schedule, and have the plane to ourselves.

We had a lovely wait while the airline weighed our bags, and us. Well, some of us, Mom and I declined that adventure. When they discovered our totals they had to have the Jr. pilot who was hoping to get some air hours under his belt stay behind but we could go ahead and stock up at the duty free liquor store. (Yes, I apologized to the young hopeful pilot for choosing booze over him, he seemed to understand.)

Ready to board we headed out of the beautiful hanger and straight towards a sleek leer jet. Then our pilot hung a right and we were brought back down to reality as we bravely faced our next adventure.

Some deep breaths and the thought that if we went down we'd go together, and our ultimate goal of bringing Aunt Bette and Uncle Ted to the Bahamas would be accomplished as well. When I shared that thought process, later, with Robb he was not impressed with where my mind had wandered.

In reality it was perfect and served it's purpose comfortably, safely and we all enjoyed the experience!

The cooler full of beer and water helped.

Robb got to know our pilot and enjoyed learning from him.

We arrived safe and sound in the Bahamas, breezed through customs and were settled in our cab, which you would think would be a relief compared to being over the ocean in a 30 some odd year old plane. Robb would disagree. The wobbly tire and the mid commute stall did not bode well with him. But our driver kept us entertained;

Robb trying to distract himself from the condition of the cab was mentioning something or other our pilot had told us, the driver asked who our pilot had been:

Robb: "John."

Driver: "OH, JOHNNY!!!"

Robb: "You know Johnny?"

Driver (with a big laugh): "No, I don't know Johnny, mon."

It cracked us all up and set the mood for our trip, no matter what the situation take it with a laugh and some enthusiasm.

Family Picture

Yes, we are all inside, at night on this beautiful island but we are all together and eyes are all open!!

Learning Curve

Should be easier than it has proven to be to re-enter this blogging world. How did I manage to create such an intricate and baffling log in system?

And, really, until I get pictures what is the point?

But, it will help to job my memory when I do get it all together so I will continue in this make-shift half-assed format.

We are in Little Harbour waiting for Pete's Pub and gallery to open. We took a beautiful sunset cruise last night, anchored for the first time and took the dinghy over to check out an exposed shipwreck. It was fantastic.

The harbour has provided great sea turtle sightings which we have enjoyed. Yesterday we did some general cleaning and swabbing of the decks, Bobby and Robb scraped the hull hoping for an added knot of speed for their efforts. 

The kids and I took Robb over to see the beaches of Little Harbour and check out the old light house and get a chance to see where Thee rests and say a quick hello to where Aunt Bette and Uncle Ted were scattered. The same butterfly greeted us on the path to the lighthouse and as we were leaving the beach two sandpipers who were walking along the shore took off in unison and made their way over to the rocky coral bluff.

Pasta and Euchre filled our bellies and the waning hours of the day and we all slept well with more rocking that we have been experiencing.

Now if I can get pictures going I might have something here. 

The Bahamas

I can't get pictures yet, but I'm working on it.
The following is the beginning of the log I've been keeping for our latest adventure and I wanted to get what I have up and go from there.
I've been away from this forum for so long I've forgotten how to be brief and I don't guarantee any editing finesse. 


Cheryl Ann Adventures
or if it were up to us
Neverland, a Provost Recess Excursion

Saturday, December 9th

Crying day as we said goodbye to the Thornhills, it was an incredible couple weeks in a beautiful local. The ‘off’ week was definitely preferable but who would have known if we hadn’t experienced the holiday rush? We miss them already and hope their re-entry is smooth and enjoyable.

We drove down with a Boodle to Marsh Harbor, though really taxi travel without a Boodle is rare in these parts.  Even in an Excursion we were cramming bags between legs and at feet, and this was packing light?!?! Arrived at the Moorings and must admit the luxury of the car and its air conditioning was much welcome on this hot, humid day.

We were the only people at the orientation briefing which was nice but we missed others’ questions which can be helpful in things like this. It definitely helped having spent the past three weeks in the area and being familiar with most of the cays our new friend Rosie was telling us about. She did an excellent job familiarizing us with the routes and inside tips of the Abacos and giving advice for places we might enjoy. Grandma guarded our luggage like the KGB. We did throw Rosie for a loop with the extent of our planned tenure on what we now knew to be the Cheryl Ann. A nautical South Bend-y feeling name if only for the cruise club association. The Cheryl Ann is a 47’ power catamaran. I’m sure there are more technical ways to describe her but I don’t have the brochure in front of me so that is all I can report with any degree of assurance. We had the green light to go to the Exumas if we so desired and had learned about some hidden treasures that Abocos held for us.

Now we were ready to board our home for the next three weeks. To say we were impressed would be a gross understatement, though I am confident that we held it together if only in our outward appearance. We waited to be out of sight to jump up and down and say just nine words in rapid succession; OhmyGodohmyGodohmyGod!

It was more than we had hoped for and more perfect than we could have imagined. Rosie led us around in an efficient and knowledgeable tour (only overwhelming a few of our crew) and we were free to move aboard. Though that was all we could do as we had skipped lunch and were now running on elated fumes. We made our way to the harbor bar where a pimped out version of the Cosby show was celebrating some event, possible the arrival of Saturday. I’m sure a more current reference exists but eschewing TV has left me with a dated and trite reference.
The food was superb and did much to toast the beginning of our adventure. I’ll spare you the details of the negotiations to determine the jr. room assignments but it would put Parliament to shame. Luckily, the negotiating parties  were seated at a different table so the deliberations were relatively painless. I can only imagine what Jamie will be giving her siblings when we return to land but as of now she has secured her own private cabin.

We went back and enjoyed cocktails and moved in to our cabins. Port Aft to Robb and I, Bow to Jillian, crew berth further forward to Bobby. Starboard Aft to Grandma and Grandpa, Bow to Jamie. Surprisingly our fleet of duffles and backpacks all found homes and there were closets and cubbies to spare. 

Robb and Dad had their own adventure gathering a few groceries and libations which involved enough excitement to render Dad quiet and chugging water for much of the evening. Not a small feat. Glad to report he has made a full recovery from the excursion.
Exhausted from the day we all retired early and happily tucked in for our first night.
Maybe a bit too early as Robb and I were up and at ‘em at 2:30am but we managed to go back to sleep for a bit.

Sunday, December 10th

Waking up on the water is one of my favorite things to do. Bar none. My only “complaint” hahahaha would be that the catamaran design does not lend to rocking, but is incredibly stable. Well there it is; the worst thing I could come up with.

We woke up to rain and figured out a few quirks with the water pump and were all fed and ready for the 8:15 Barometer Bob’s weather report on Chanel 68. Rain, wind, and waves were in our forecast.
We had determined Hope Town as our first destination and the weather wouldn’t be an issue in the short trip.

Failing to locate a scrabble game to purchase we were otherwise ready to move out. Rosie came by to send us off and spared us the self education of how to get the loop off the pier poll. How our planned method would have looked, I can only imagine.
Jamie had entered our first waypoints into the GPS and Robb followed them like a pro. The systems all worked as promised and the first journey was a smooth one. We pulled into Hope Town and snagged the first buoy we saw, on our first pass no less. The lighthouse was our closest and unobstructed view.
Then we stood there and held the lines like idiots. A couple well meaning instructions from our new neighbors helped and we were tied off like pros, well like Provosts at least.

A well deserved beer over a gourmet Top Ramen lunch has never tasted better. And finally the moment Bobby had been waiting for, salivating for, campaigning for, finally arrived. We lowered the dinghy into the water and set off to explore. Oh the joy of that boy was palpable. He drove it like he has been doing it every day and we enjoyed a lovely tour.
It was the first or three or four that day and each of the kids took their turn, proudly, as captain. Sitting back on the deck our first visitor of the day, a sea turtle, swam by to welcome us. And, don’t think I’m exaggerating; he waved. Welcome to Hope Town indeed.

Naps, reading, and general laziness ruled the day and it was the perfect itinerary for a happy crew. The previous weeks of family, beach, memorials, swimming, dining and general chaos which was so enjoyable but exhausting all the same had taken its toll and some quiet time did much to refresh our captain and crew.

The evening’s meal of hamburgers fried up (a charcoal grill, really? Hmmm, the stove it is, for tonight) and dishes washed up we all settled in for some quiet chit-chat. Albeit under the Vegas strip like light show named the Mighty Aphrodite. Dinner is on mom tomorrow as as much of a show as they were, they did not have a crew. I’m going to keep a close eye on her betting methods since usually the argument is who gets to pay for dinner, but for this one contention I’ll go with it.

 A knock on the window from Jamie and Robb, who had been enjoying the stars on the upper deck, alerted us to our next round of visitors, the ones I had been waiting for since we dreamed up this adventure; dolphins. They played with a school of fish for hours delighting us with their play and speed. A couple other boats nearby enjoyed the show as well and we ended up going to sleep to the sound of our friends blowing breaths as they swam by our window late into the night.

First full day and the trip is complete, where do we go from here?!

Monday, January 11th, 2016

Waking up to a view of the Hope Town light house will not be forgotten easily. We made breakfast sandwiches and lazed around the boat checking out our neighbors. So lovely.

Not to say the boat is large but as we were showering and getting ready for the day Dad went to see if mom was done, he went into his cabin, no Grandma, went into his head, no grandma, confused he turned in circles and only then did he realize; he was in Jamie’s cabin.

 First outing Dad, Jamie, and Bobby dropped Robb and I on the pier so we could go explore the lighthouse while they went to town to grab a few groceries. Jillian elected to stay with Grandma so she didn’t have to get out of her comfy pajamas and would have a captive to play war with. Lucky Grandma.

Robb and I checked out the marina and restaurant and after several attempts found our way to the lighthouse. 101 steps would serve as about our first exercise in a while so we did it at a rapid pace. The view gets better and better as you grow more familiar with the area. We learned how the mechanism worked and were enchanted with the whole experience. We met a nice couple from Annapolis volunteering at the lighthouse gift shop and quizzed them on their Bahamian experiences. Of course, the fact that they had second cousins from Coeur d’Alene didn’t hurt. Most people give us a deer in the headlights look when we tell them where we live, followed by a vague reference to potatoes or if they’re really worldly; white supremacy groups.

They mentioned their boat was the Dragon which Jamie had pointed out earlier given her fondness for the mythical creatures, when I knew the location they were pleased and invited us over for a tour sometime. We didn’t get the chance which is sad because boats, like houses, I never tire of tours. It helps pass the time when I am awake at night and have new floor plans to mentally move in to. 

We all reconvened for lunch. Dad and the kids had found cinnamon rolls and had whet their appetites before our offerings. Looking over the charts and with much pendulum swinging we decided not to pursue a route to the Exumas this time around. The number one reason was no one’s desire to be stuck for several days waiting for good weather for crossing, followed closely by the fact that there so much to explore in the Abacos which I don’t remember, Robb and the kids have never seen, and Mom and Dad are far from tired of. The tempting clearer waters and warmer temperatures of the Exumas will probably call us back this way someday but nobody is disappointed with our current plan.

Robb, the kids, and I went over to town, we had our first of what I hope is not many, tears over driving the dinghy, I am proud to report they were not mine, though when someone who I won’t embarrass by naming, took the handle away when I was docking. It could have gone either way.

Our mission was to check on bicycles but didn’t find the shop until after they closed, no worries, just exploring for them was well worth the time. The flora and fauna of Hope Town sneaks up on you and continues to surprise as you look closer and closer. We watched a boat choose an interesting anchorage and lolly-gagged up and down streets with brightly colored cottages and homes.

We decided to cash in our crew bet from the night before and went to Harbour’s Edge for dinner. The picnic tables of 26 years ago have been replaced by white table clothes and fancy bathrooms but the food remained amazing and everyone was pleased with their order. Being the first meal that included vegetables in a while I think some of our systems were shocked.

Later, I had heartburn for the first time and am not a fan. Back onboard, the adults officially started our euchre tournament and are still debating what the overall prize should be. Distracted by the important task of determining the prize, I bombed the first night. At least I didn’t have to chew gum at the same time.

Tuesday, January 12th.

I feel like I should stop using dates because I don’t want to fixate on where we are in the trip, but to just enjoy it as a way of life for now.

Robb woke up with a hankering for a breakfast out and we were all only too happy to oblige. We opted to try the coffee house and were rewarded with actual coffees (you know, lattes, mochas, and more) and delicious quiche and muffins. I think the kids could have ordered another round but little treats are good. We savored our experience and sent the kids out to explore. They are spending 24/7 on a boat with us and yet still returned ever 4 minutes to give us reports of their findings. Baby steps.

Grandpa took us to Vernon’s market and we decided to forgo the vegetables we’re all craving, then he informed us the other market was much better for produce. When asked why the first stop he admitted he liked the signs the Vernon’s. Todays’ sign: “I didn’t come on vacation to loose weight or save money.” Funny but it didn’t beat the original sign from years ago, which premiered the day after Dr. Atkins’ left us; “Atkins is dead, eat bread.”
The next store was much better and we have peppers and squash to prove it.

We said goodbye to Hope Town and are en route to Little Harbour. The weather is fine, mostly cloudy but with patches of sun and the water seems calm thus far.
The crossing was exciting. A couple areas of fairly large swells made for some fun stomach dropping moments. The kids learned that when Daddy yells sit down, it is wise advice.
After a snacky lunch of cheese, apples, crackers, and left over grouper bites I decided to do yoga on the bow.
Yes, a sober and conscious decision to attempt a practice that I have neglected for months on a boat crossing in 7 foot swells. It was a lot of fun. I know the benefits of meditation and quieting the mind but right now crazy balancing and some stretching and moving is what I really need.
We arrived in Little Harbour and successfully moored on our first attempt:  “two for two, that’s our crew!”
Dad and the kids and I took the dinghy over to pay the mooring fee and explore, mom and Robb opted for a little quiet time.

We discovered that in the slow season Pete’s is open Thursday through Sunday. Today is Tuesday. We had planned one night here. Hmmmm, we might need to reassess. Nobody was around to collect the money so we headed down the road and out to the old lighthouse. Through the jungly path and over the coral cliffs we came to the place that Aunt Bette, Uncle Ted, Mom, and Dad had scattered Thee’s ashes years ago. We lost him in 2003 and we estimate they made it down here around 2006. It is a magnificent setting. The waves crashing in from the Atlantic into a huge coral cliff with a small inlet that creates an impressive spray. We scattered Aunt Bette and Uncle Ted last week just around the corner in a calm bay and the juxtaposition that was just perfect. The butterfly that greeted us as we started up the path and then followed us out on our exit may or may not have been a little greeting and good-bye, but it sure made me smile. I don’t think this is the last time we will visit this spot but I sure am glad this is where I can picture them all in my mind.

We walked back to the dock and ran into Pete himself. We paid him the mooring fee and he relayed his feelings of being a rich man. Dad is just finishing the book of the story of his father Randolph who brought his family over in the 50’s to settle on a private island and lived in the caves I can see through the port windows over mom’s head right now. I’m looking forward to rereading the tale that gave one family to opportunity to live in a way that they saw to be the best for them, even though it didn’t look like the way everyone else happened to be doing it. Feels pretty familiar.

It’s raining now and Bobby and Jillian are fishing off the stern of the boat, what a cozy evening. It is as quiet as can be and a nice gentle rain is just what you could hope for. Goombay Smash in hand I’m enjoying the quiet contentment that has fallen over our little world.