2001 - 6/30 - 7/11 - Bahamas - Home

Saturday, 6/30  Warm (so what else is new?) We crossed the banks today. The original plan was to be in Bimini for a wedding tonight, but since we lost a day recovering, and it was late afternoon when we arrived at Gun, we decided it would be too late with poor light to enter Bimini. We also figured we could make the crossing to Lauderdale directly from Gun.The last time we were here, we anchored on the West Side of Honeymoon Harbor – the wind was out of the East and, although we had some swells, it was still comfortable. The next morning Wayne checked our fuel reserves & realized we had to go to Bimini anyway to get fuel. Oh well, you win some…you loose some. Sunday, 7/1 - As we approached Bimini we were amazed by what seemed like hundreds of small boats leaving the harbor in a flotilla headed for the States. We wondered what was happening then realized it was the beginning of the July 4th weekend…so, why are they going the other way??  We docked for fuel and I took Molly for a short walk but, sadly, there was no time to visit Fred or Billy. It was an easy crossing with the floppers out. Once the East Coast skyline came into view, it still took hours to reach Port Everglades. I’ve only been through this pass once and that was (you guessed it) on a cruise ship. Impressive when you’re on a small boat with the enormous cruise ships docked all over.We wound our way around to Lake Sylvia about mid afternoon. There were lots of little boats anchored here for the weekend. We circled the lake until we found a good spot then anchored for the night. 7/2 – 7/9  We love staying on the New River…It brings back great memories of when we first met in 1999 & I would drive up after work for the week-ends. Good news - We are able to tie up just about where we were two years ago. It’s close

BLUE MAX on the New River @ the 3rd Ave bridge

walking distance to everything is a short walk over the Andrew’s Ave bridge to the Downtowner bar and restaurant.Capt’n Wayne had some difficulty docking, as the current was moving swiftly. After tying up, the dock master asked if we could move a little closer to the 3rd Ave. bridge.  We said ‘sure’, if he would stay and assist with the lines. By this time the current has subsided and it was an easier task. We were happy to be in “our spot”.We had a very pleasant week.  Discovered more improvements to the River Walk area since our last visit. In addition to the shops, movie theaters and free live music every night, we found a new fountain that, at certain times of the day, play wonderful music. You can regulate the movement of the water by placing your hand over certain spots around the fountain. It works with ultra sound: when you move your hand, the fountain height and colors change. It’s fascinating & a gift from Wayne Huizenga. At the opposite end of this park they constructed a high tech band shell with wide, cement seating area behind the stage. It faces a large expanse of a grassy area where the audience can bring lawn chairs and blankets.I saw the full-length version movie of Grease & had a ball.There is so much to do everyday, we didn’t know what we should do first. We discovered that we could have free picky foods if we had at least two drinks at the Downtowner. Two drinks? no sweat for us and that became our dinner for two nights.Another night we stopped at a historic Inn located west of the railroad tracks on the River Walk.  It is now an elegant restaurant and bar.What a gorgeous place. They cater weddings & events – the surroundings are magnificent with a wide porch facing the river. We had never been there before and decided to try their happy hour. Surprise, they too had food: Sushi!  Me eat Sushi? don't think so. The barmaid explained it all to me and how to eat it. What the heck, the ‘new me’ tried it - it was surprisingly good. So much for dinner that night. Did I say, “We love to be in Ft Lauderdale”? A reason to stop in Lauderdale was to replace the batteries.They were nine years old and over the past several weeks he had been nursing them along like running the generator a lot more than normal.I used this time to wander around the shops on Los Olas. I splurged and bought something new! I found several consignment shops as well. So many things and places to choose from – I was in my glory & alone too. One night we listened to music at O’Haras on Los Olas Blvd. Another day we toured a museum and another day we walked, what seemed to be forever, all the way to Rt 84 to Sailor Man, 2 water maker companies, an antique shop, a pawn shop and a clothing store where Wayne finally bought a new par of Sportif shorts. I bought 3 pair of Sportif shorts and 2 “frosty” mugs. Good grief, we’re actually shopping - I hate to shop. It was a great week but the time to return home was drawing quickly closer.    Somehow, Wayne ran into a boat broker, Jack Cuddire, who happened to be the individual who was involved with outfitting and customizing BLUE MAX (originally named SYNTAX) then selling her to her to the first owners in Boston way back in 1981! Jack came to the boat. It was amazing what he remembered and was interested in the many changes that have been made to BLUE MAX over the years. Originally, we planned to leave Lauderdale on Wednesday and spend the weekend in Marathon so I could see mom, go to Dockside and go dancing at the Village Cafe on Saturday night.  But our plans changed again which is something you have to get used to living aboard. We needed fuel and couldn’t get it from the barge until Monday morning – fuel was available from a marina at about $.50 more per gallon and we needed 300 gallons. The weather forecast looked like we’d have lots of rain and thunderstorms on Monday. Well, we would go anyway, “after all, what’s the worst that can happen”? We figured we could always stop in Miami or along Elliott Key like we did in April. Monday, 7/9 
The alarm went off about 5:00 am!!!  We rendezvoused with the fuel barge at 7:00. The weather looked OK & we decided to travel “outside” and try and push it the entire way to Long Key.It took 14 long hours and passed through several squalls. I had to get acquainted with the Radar. It wasn’t the most pleasant trip but now we just wanted to get home. (yea – right!) We continued to run after dark – the only time we did on this entire trip.We anchored in Long Key Bight near the Channel 5 bridge.It was raining and dark as hell.Our charts are out of date as there is a new, lighted red marker at the bight.We were extremely cautious, last time we were here in January 2001, we dragged anchor in the middle of the night. Tuesday, 7/10
We anchored in Niles Channel to wait for a high enough tide to get to the cottage. We had really mixed feelings about the trip being at an end - even discussed turning around (hell, I was serious!). The cell phone rang…it was Meredith…”Welcome home”. She was crossing over the Niles Channel Bridge and saw us. We took the dinghy to the house  and was greeted to a totally over grown yard. What a mess to come home to! The house was clean but the porch was trashed from rain and it was difficult not to start cleaning right away. We reviewed the tide chart again then “sounded” out the channel with the oar from the dinghy.Wayne and I had several lively discussions about the best and safest way to enter the channel tomorrow. No doubt we are two very headstrong people.Wednesday, 7/11   We got BLUE MAX in without any real difficulty – bumped a little, but nothing serious. We were actually home after an incredible 3-month adventure.The best part is that we didn’t kill each other after being together 24/7.  Yes…it was quite an adventure and I was fortunate to have a boss who allowed me to take the time and a great staff to take over. Wayne and I learned many lessons about each other; how to be partners and a functioning team. I learned much about the nuts and bolts of the boat, how to drive and dock her, navigation skills, how to clean a really big fish and cook it like the Bahamians. Wayne learned more about cooking, fishing and emotions.

I heartily recommend an extended getaway for all of you who think you have all the time in the world left.

Remember, life is short so Seize the day (Carpe Diem)

(And, oh...eat your dessert first)

  


 
  





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2001 - 6/28 to 6/29 - Berry Island Club

The Berry Island Club is on the Eastern shore of Frazer’s Hog Cay – essentially, the Eastward extension of Chub Cay. It’s a resurrection of the 1950’s name of the first marina on this site.  A good dock with a few slips and moorings.  A captivating clubhouse with the kind of bar you dream about finding in the islands. It has a small, intimate restaurant, fantastic food and great hosts – Donald Loupe, his wife, Sue and brother, David.  They were originally from Louisiana but also lived in Naples. 
(I told you it was a small world) Wayne called on the VHF to make dinner reservations. Good thing we did as all 14 seats were reserved after our call. Imagine finding such a charming, tiny remote place with everything you want and a party too! Remember we met the owners in Nassau at the Chinese restaurant while dining with George and Elaine. Molly was greeted by three monster dogs – two of them, mother and son, were owned by Larry and Brenda aboard STRAY DOG a 32 ft tug-like trawler. We’d first met them at the Nassau Yacht harbor where they made the mistake of going out and leaving the dogs aboard. The damage those dogs did was cause for a good keel hauling! They chewed the water hose, canvas cover and some electrical lines. The other big dog belonged to David and lived on the island.Poor Molly, they chased her everywhere; she hid under the steps, up the steps, behind the bar, in the kitchen…They finally cornered her and she cried and ‘screamed’ so loudly, everyone came running thinking she was being eaten alive! We had a drink and met some wonderful people. I took Molly home and returned for dinner. It turns out they booked two more than they should have and we were pleasantly surprised to be table-mates with Stephanie and Bob from Miami Beach.They were aboard WHISPER II, an Endeavor 32’ sailboat moored near us. Coincidentally, their condo is at the same place in Miami Beach were the dinghies used to be able to go, just near where we were anchored the night before we left Miami.Things heated up after dinner. We

David the magnificent

moved to the bar; music was playing, David was mixing very strong drinks and we all just ‘clicked’. David passed out

Stephanie & me

instruments and we played along with the music. Dancing, singing and just plain having fun.

Wayne, David, Winnie, Nameless couple, Don

David was our server, bartender and entertainer & I think he was also cooked the food…what a guy, what a place, what a party! A return visit is definitely in order

Beautiful girl but no one knew her name; David & me

Aren't we just the cutest ???

I was toast !!

We started to wrap it up about 2:00 am (we’re usually in bed by 9-10 ). Finally in bed at 0300! Our plan was to cross the banks to Gun Cay in the morning – NOT!  Estimated crossing time is 13 hours. I don’t think so…No-not me! Sorry, don’t remember much about this very lazy, recovery day. However, Bob and Steph had to leave as Bob had work on Monday morning- YIKES!  I went ashore, poked around and taking pictures. Donald gave me a tour of the kitchen and upstairs.  There are three rooms set up like a bed and breakfast – very nicely done. David lives in one of the apartments up there. He has a nice screen porch and all the comforts of home. Don and Sue live aboard their boat at the dock. Here’s a picture of the swamp buggy they use as a “taxi” to pick up guests at the little airport & from Chub Cay Marina. I’m sure they raced it at the Naples Swamp Buggy races in Naples. Picture a Northerner getting off the plane & having this as their transportation. I know I'd love it.

Airport Shuttle buggy

 




 

2001 - 6 -26 - 6/28 - Nassau

Tuesday, 6/26 Cloudy, intermittent rain and storms.  According to the Bahamas weather bureau, we are experiencing the passing of two tropical waves. Gee, are we lucky.We ‘bused’ it to the Pirate’s museum. A very interesting place and a new

Black Beard & crew boarding a ship

Marooned

attraction. We spent hours wandering around and taking many pictures. Afterwards we just wandered around town looking for a happy hour at a liquor store but, unfortunately, they were

Anne Bonny & Mary Reed - 1720

closed. Wayne satisfied his ice cream fix while I visited some dress shops.Back at the marina, we met our neighbors, Tom and Kathy from Pittsburgh aboard their 46-ft Bertram.They’ve been at this marina for months.He sold his business – made a few million- retired and bought this fishing boat. They haven’t got a clue what to do.They hired a local guy as a “captain” who is supposedly teaching them all there is to know. Such innocents and so unaware…We also met Irwin and Suzie, an older couple, cruising aboard a beautiful Viking motor yacht. They live in Florida around Boca and came over to see Molly. They had Doxies are really adored Molly. I really enjoyed these two warm and caring people. Anyway, we all gravitated to the Bertram for rinds, finger food, jokes and good conversation. Meanwhile, a huge thunderstorm came through and we were all trapped up on the fly-bridge. Lots of lightening!  It was scary! We stayed till it quit raining around midnight. Wednesday, 6/27  Getting ready to leave tomorrow.
We went to the grocery store and bought a new cutting board for the galley. It’s still cloudy with intermittent rain but the wind is down and the, forecast good…    We moved to Nassau Harbor Club Marina so we could use the pool and it’s been miserable since we arrived. Invited Gary and Tammy for a Dolphin dinner. They were getting ready to leave too and they worked on their boat all day. They arrived a little later than planned, but we had drinks at the pool then dinner. They brought fresh shrimp – yummy!  It was yet another remarkable evening. Thursday, 6/28  I took the boat out of the slip! Yes, me. I could see how proud Wayne was, made me very happy. I took the boat all the way out through the harbor as Wayne made BLUE MAX ready for open water. I put trolling lines out hoping for another Dolphin.  Bummer, no luck

2001 - 6/20 - 6/25 -Little San Salvador - Nassau

6/20 con't Little San Salvador has been taken over by a a cruise ship line and from where we were anchored, you could see small buildings beautifully painted in yellows and blue, all made to resemble a small town. We didn’t go ashore – not sure we would be permitted. We didn’t care, this was just a stop over on our way home and we wanted to get to Nassau for the “Junkaroo in June” Festival. Our peppers actually grew & they're good. Thursday, 6/21 Clear, warm with tropical breezes-ahhh... Wayne learned there was good fishing in these parts so I trolled once again and…WHAM!  Another Dolphin. We anchored at the North end of the island just under the white house and trees on the highest ground of the island.  Again, just a stop over to have dinner and sleep. During the night, three storms passed through; one to the North, one to the South and one right over us. Wayne was up most of the night on anchor watch. I guess the anchor dragged some but we were not in peril – we had lots of ‘wiggle’ room.  I slept through most of it and dreamed about catching fish. Friday, 6/22  I wanted to be in Nassau by Friday because the Junkanoo in June Festival was on Saturday. It was a pleasant, uneventful trip to Nassau. Although there were thick, dark clouds all around us, the sun shone brightly as we were entering the harbor.  We even stopped in the middle of nowhere to snorkel some coral heads.  Wayne claims he saw another shark. Molly found a friend too.
We docked at the Nassau Yacht Haven late in the afternoon.  I spied CONCH PERL from Bimini with Billy had his wife on board. They invited us to a wedding in Bimini on June 30th. Saturday, 6/23 - Partly sunny, occasional thunder.You know, during this entire trip we had tons of time but we’re not sure what we did to eat up an entire day. Today was one of those days. By the time we got ourselves organized to go to Junkanoo, a storm came in and it was rained out. :>(  We decided to have dinner at the Poop Deck instead. Dinner out is always a special treat as we don’t do it often. We were at a comfortable, corner table. Unfortunately, a rowdy group of young male yuppies sat next to us. One in particular was talking loudly, using a lot of foul language and boasting about his big boat docked at Atlantis. As I got up to go to the lady’s room, I leaned over their table, spoke quietly in his ear and shamed them into silence. I thought Wayne was going to have a coronary! When I returned, things were much different.They were very respectful & wanted to buy us a drink to make up.  By the time we were ready to leave Wayne had them thinking he was my hired hand and that I was some rich bitch with a boat. Wayne later said, “if I had thought quickly enough, I would have pointed at them and told the waiter, "they’ll take the check". Wayne said to me; "The way you had those guys cowering, I’m sure they would have paid without saying a word”. Sunday, 6/24  Lazy day  We walked to the East end of Nassau, toured Fort Montagu, went through the “shopping center” and discovered the Nassau Harbor Club; a very squared away Marina with hotel rooms, restaurant/bar and nice pool. We found out it was the same cost-per-night as where we were but had more amenities. We decided that we would move the boat in the morning. We met our dock neighbors, Garry and Tammy Hull – he’s an airline pilot, she’s a flight attendant who live on the East Coast of Florida.  They are partners in a 45-ft Sea Ray. The other owner uses it only 1-2 times a year. Gary is only responsibility as a partner is to maintain it and use it whenever he wants – he didn’t have to put up any financial interest. Nice deal if you can get it.We had a pasta dinner aboard their boat.What a nice evening. Good food, good wine and such nice & interesting people. Monday, 6/25   Kinda cloudy.While Wayne was showing Gary BLUE MAX he found water in the engine room from a pinhole leak in the engine oil cooler.  But of course he had a spare – bless him. Gary had problems as well. Both the “boys” were busy working on their boats I decided to find the bakery. It was worth the journey. I bought regular Bahamian bread and delicious coconut bread.The repairs were done by 10:00 and it was time to move the boat. Guess who captained the boat?  ME!  With Wayne’s calming attitude and incredible patience, I took the boat out of one slip, through the harbor and into the new slip without a glitch! Wayne played deck hand, quietly coached me and tied the lines. Thank goodness I didn’t know that everyone on the docks were watching – at both marinas. I learned that with the majority of cruising couples, many of them full-time live-aboards, the women have no idea how to run the boat or even the dinghy. Unbelievable, dangerous & unacceptable.


 





 

2001 - 6/18 - 6/20 - Cat Island - The Hermatage

The Hermitage on Mt. Alvernia

 Monday, 6/18  We left Conception at 10:00 and were anchored at New Bight on Cat Island, directly in front of Mount Alvernia by 5:30 pm. We swam around the boat – Wayne dove to check the anchor. Seafood for dinner and to bed early. It had been a nice run but a following sea caused a motion that prevented any activity such as reading so it was a bit boring and tiring. Tuesday, 6/19  sunny and Hot, Hot, Hot!! We came to Cat Island was to see the Hermitage which was build by Father Jerome (AKA John Hawes 1876 – 1956) Father Jerome studied architecture and switched to theology. He was ordained in the Church of England early in the twentieth century. He arrived in the Bahamas in 1908 where he traveled the islands repairing storm-devastated churches. His churches were unmistakable, always stone built with thick walls. In 1911, he went to Rome, studied Catholicism, became a priest and adopted a new name.  He then went to Australia for almost a quarter of a century. He returned to the Bahamas in 1939 and settled in New Bight where he chose the highest point in the Bahamas to build his “Hermitage”. He died seventeen years later and is buried there. It was quite an experience visiting this site after reading the history. Such a remarkable man. It was a long, hot walk up the mountain but well worth it. He carved the 12 stations of the cross along the path leading up to the church. We spent several hours just wandering around and took tons of pictures that, unfortunately, can’t adequately communicate the wonders of this holy place.It was a moving experience for me.We found a broken umbrella along the path and used it to keep the sun off us. We returned it to the same place on our way down for the next guy. On our way down we met a young couple – newlyweds – on their way up.  Oh…what it would be like to be young again and just starting out – just like on this path, they were young, just starting out and on their way up. We, on the other hand, older and on our way down. Reflections on life…guess that’s what the Hermitage did to me.We were hot and tired. I had to carry Molly most of the way. On the beach was the Bluebird Restaurant, typical of most of what you see on these small islands and just up our alley but this one had a bar and pool table and it was – you guessed it – happy hour! “Great, give me a cold one”.(See a pattern here?) The restaurant is owned by the Knowles sisters, Neacker, Grace and Jennie.  Sadly, Jennie recently had a stroke but is progressing nicely.  Neacker’s daughter represented the Bahamas in the 1993 Miss Universe Pageant. We had drinks and Wayne queried them about the history, hurricanes and politics of Cat Island which was originally called San Salvador. Wayne bought a book about the island and I bought a CD of island music. They had the usual fare for dinner, fish, chicken, cracked conch, rice and beans. We made dinner reservations for –you guessed it, 6:30. Back on the boat, we swam, showered and got “dressed up”. I wore my new dress. We returned for a wonderful dinner and a few games of pool.  Molly stayed ‘home’. There was a pay phone next to the mail boat pier and on our way back to the boat, Wayne called his son, Mike. Meanwhile, I took a picture of another magnificent sunset with our dinghy tied to the dock. The island was still recovering from Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The Bluebird restaurant had a brand-new tin roof, however, the mail boat dock was a mess and the beach road was one lane in some places. There was debris everywhere but we weren’t sure if it was from the hurricane or if the place was always this dirty.Wednesday, 6/20 As usual, the weather was perfect. We returned to shore in the morning to get fuel for the dinghy and homemade bread. Molly was hysterical, and afraid of, the goats tied up behind the gas station.

 



 

2001 - 6/15 - 6/17 - Rum - Flamingo Point- Conception

Flamingo Point greets us

Friday, 6/15  We decided to move to Flamingo point on the NW side of Rum. It looked intriguing on the charts and we were told there was an abandoned settlement there. On the way, we saw what appeared to be 3 shipping containers on the beach. We were ready for a bit of adventure so we got a bit closer to shore to take a look, dropped anchor and went ashore to explore.  Wayne said the containers were made of marine-grade aluminum and, if he lived here, he would salvage it. I gathered lots of shells before we left. Flamingo Bay is a mine field of coral heads and we didn’t have the best lighting but Wayne, being the excellent captain that he is, managed to get in and found a perfect spot of pure white sand for the anchor in 15 feet of water. We were surrounded by coral heads.We went to shore and found fresh footprints in the sand but no other signs of life. We expected to see someone at any moment but never did.  When we returned to the boat the surge was more than we liked but it was too late to leave. We had a restless night as there were storms in the distance and sleep eluded us. The next morning we were glad to see light but we had to wait until 9:00 for really good light so we could pick our way through the coral heads on our way out. Onward to

Molly trying to stay in the shade

Conception Island. Saturday, 6/16  The island itself is barely 3x2 miles but sits in a surrounding shield of reefs that extend out another 4-5 miles to the North and East. The entire island, with it’s reefs, is a marine park - There are no inhabitants. We took the dinghy to the “inside” where there are tidal creeks and ponds surrounded by mangrove marshes. Some areas are surprisingly deep and the watercolor and clarity was incredible.  We were able to see all kinds of underwater life – turtles, fish and the like. The beach was magnificent: a long walk around but well worth it. Of course, Molly came too. This is a picture of a shipwreck taken from inside a cave on top of a steep rock on the northern side of the island. Some kind soul secured a heavy rope so you could climb to the top of this rock. The water was warm and clear – the beach perfect and deserted.  Our kind of place!  Not sure where all the seagulls came from, but they sure were friendly.Wayne taught Molly to patrol the boat and keep the birds away. She took her job seriously...at least she tried hard. A squall came up in the afternoon - we watched a movie. What a pleasant day.
 

2001 - 6/13 - 6/14 - Rum Cay

See BLUE MAX on the right

We walked back to the government docks via the beach.  Molly, as usual, stopped at every shady spot along the way – what a smart dog. Well, look at that...it's time for happy hour. We stopped at Kaye’s which is across the dirt road from the government dock. It’s a neat restaurant with tile floor on the restaurant side and a sand floor on the bar side. We met Terry & Sandy from

Sign outside Kaye's

Toronto, the couple from the only other boat in the anchorage - We had a long chat then decided to have dinner together. Same menu: choice of chicken, fish, cracked conch with rice, peas

Kaye's kids

& Cole slaw served at 6:30. It was delicious – I, of course, had the cracked conch, Wayne had fish.  Wonderful day. We decided it might be nice to retire on Rum Cay. Thursday, 6/14  Just another beautiful day in paradise. We snorkeled the reefs near the boat but decided to wait for the seas to calm a bit before we went exploring in the dinghy. Apparently, there is an awesome south wall worth a scuba dive or at least a snorkel trip.Wayne was invited to join another couple on a dive but he declined...said he had to be ‘mentally’ ready for a dive. Since I don’t dive, I’m not sure what that means. That afternoon we snorkeled near the wall – exceptionally clear. There were lots of elk horn corals.We had a nice day until it was time for me to get back into the dinghy.  Since we had forgotten the latter, I had a terribly frustrating time but, after multiple attempts, I finally made it in the boat. I felt like, and probably looked like, a beached whale! We showered on the swim platform then headed to the marina for happy hour.

Marina restaurant & bar  

 I just loved this place! I’d love for the Summerland house to have the same atmosphere as the inside of this restaurant. This is a high-end restaurant, Bahamian style but the same formula goes here as well; make reservation; order your food; show up at 6:30.The tables were impeccably set, very basic, but very elegant.

BLUE MAX as seen from the Marina @ sunset

The end to yet another wonderful day in paradise.

2001 - 6/11 - 6/12 - Long Island, Calabash Bay - Rum Cay

6/11 Long Island is aptly named as it's nearly 80 miles North to South & not more than 4 miles wide. We did not go into Salt Pond but, instead, tried to go to Simms. Simms is interesting because of the prison there; it’s a relic from colonial days and is still in use. However, it was too shallow to get into Simms, we went, instead, to Calabash Bay.Calabash Bay offers good anchorage in the right weather which, thankfully, we had.  What a beautiful place. A long stretch of white sand beach; low land with intermittent small cottages with an upscale resort operated by Canadian ex-patriots at one end. Through the binoculars, I saw a few people walking on the beach near the resort, but otherwise, it was deserted. The beach was white as snow and the water was clearer than our drinking water! We didn’t go ashore but swam near the boat, showered on the swim platform, partook of happy hour libations and had a nice dinner. Tuesday, 6/12   Same weather, but a little warmer.We left Long Island at 3 pm after stopping to snorkel at an interesting coral patch causing us to arrive at Rum Cay at 7:30, way later than was safe. There were numerous, scattered coral heads throughout the harbor near Sumner Point and it would have been helpful to have had better light or the Explorer Charts on the computer – but no such luck. We took great care & anchored between the Government dock and the new Sumner Point marina. As the anchor set, so did the sun. So much for the day.  Usual happy hour and dinner. (is anyone bored yet? - I'm not) Rum Cay is a 9-by-5 mile island. It has surrounding reefs, which, except for Nelson Harbor and Flamingo Bay, are tucked close to it’s shoreline. With a head count of 52 Bahamians and 8 – 10 Americans, For the greater part, Rum is uninhabited. There is a small airstrip on the West side of Port Nelson and virtually no road system. We took Molly ashore to explore.

Entrance to the Salt Ponds

It looked like a friendly, interesting island. We decided to walk to the little Marina on the other end of the village. Two workmen in a golf cart, outfitted with swamp buggy wheels and gas engine, offered us a ride. A lot of construction going on near and in the marina area of several new homes, roads and dredging in the marina.The marina building that housed the restaurant and bar was beautifully decorated. The owners  first visited Rum 35 years ago while on vacation; bought the property; built a cottage, which is now the restaurant. They eventually moved there full time.Their son and daughter-in-law are now running the marina, improving and enlarging it. They cater to large yachts and sport fishing boats. It’s a good harbor and fuel stop when going to or from the Turks and Caicos. We met another American, Bill Schumacher, who built his home on the beach with about eight other homes around him also, owned by Americans. He offered us a ride back to “town” and became our tour guide giving us a history of the island and its’ colorful inhabitants.  He invited us to his home so we could see the weather channel. While he & Wayne had a beer on the porch, Molly and I had a ball roaming the beach. I lugged all kinds of stuff off the beach and Bill gave me some cuttings from his Pitisporin bush. Bill and his wife arrived on Rum Cay by sailboat about 10 years ago.The owner was asking $35,000 for the property – Bill declined but the next morning the guy called him back and said he wanted someone to build a nice house to “get things started” and if Bill would do that, he would sell the property for $18,000. Bill wrote a check on the spot. He and his wife sailed off, looked at each other and wondered what the hell they were going to do now!  They finished the house 6 years ago using a 12,000-gallon concrete cistern as the foundation.  He designed it using post and beam construction with all pressure-treated wood and stainless bolts and screws throughout (no nails). He purchased all materials from Home Depot in Miami for $14,000 and had it shipped to Nassau then to Rum via the mail boat. With the help of 3 natives, who charged him a grand total of $18/hour for the 3 of them, he has a wonderful home in the Bahamas.Total cost: less than $60,000! What a great story!  We were hooked and ready to buy property in this paradise. Unfortunately, nothing was for sale right now! Not even Miss Vivian’s little

Miss Vivian's house

house, which is just sitting there, abandoned. Just 3 short years ago, Rum Cay property was practically being given away. Then, last year a British investment company purchased the remaining available 850 acres and the rumor is that they plan to build a golf course and vacation homes.

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