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.

.

 

2001 - 6/8 - 6/10 - Georgetown, Exumas

At the BBQ, we met a couple on ISLAND TIME, another dark blue-hulled trawler. (one thing about boaters, rarely do we remember names, but ALWAYS remember the boat name) Turns out we met their daughter at the Keys Boat Works in Marathon at the beginning of the trip. She told us to be on the look out for her parents. Small world, isn’t it! The food was good & cooked on various grills next to the outside bar - the flies were overwhelming. We met two other couples heading for the Caribbean – the girls, both nurses, one was from Canada the other on a 6 month LOA from Fishermen’s hospital!! I couldn’t believe it. She wants to work in St Croix. (?) Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to talk with her about her plan as the music was too loud and they were leaving the next morning. We moved to the bar. The place was filling up fast with lots of people. Where have all these people been all day-not in town for sure? Wayne got real cozy & having a blast with several women who just arrived from Minnesota. Everyone was definitely in a party mood. One of them reminded him of his sister…yea! Right! Meanwhile, I spotted this rather gregarious guy, stocky with dark hair and eyes wearing one of those huge foam hats. Other than looking like he belonged at Fantasy Fest, he looked awfully familiar.Wayne thought he looked like Poncho Via. We concluded he has one of those faces who always looks like someone you know.Well…the more I watched him, the more I was convinced that I knew him. I got up enough nerve, approached the bar and asked him his name - Ron Sanchez who was married to Frank’s (my "X") cousin, Marie!  We just couldn’t believe that after all these years of not seeing each other, we meet in a tiny bar in the middle of nowhere. He picked me up & swung me around the dance floor. Shoulda seen Wayne's face! priceless. Ron was always my favorite of all the cousins - sorta outsiders cuz we weren't really family, only married one. He is currently “Captain Ron” aboard a 70-ft sport-fishing vessel out of Ft Lauderdale. We had a ball!!! Never got to bed until 3:00 am – but it sure was worth it. It was one of those nights when everything just clicked. 

                   
 Saturday, 6/9  Sunny with scattered clouds, hot, humid. Studying the charts, Wayne found a “blue hole” situated between Great Exuma, Burrows Cay, George Divine Cay and John Divine Cay.We marked the GPS and off we went in the dinghy –but forgot a compass. But we finally found it. It was awesome and scary at the same time. The water was really cold coming out of this underwater cave.Wayne dove down several times and reported seeing bunches of fish hanging out under the ledge of the cave. Oh…to have had my pole and bait. Saw 2 tiger sharks in the shallows, one was probably 5 ft long! When we returned we moved BLUE MAX to Gaviota Bay & took the dinghy to Sand Dollar Beach on Stocking Island.

Sand Dollar Beach on Stocking Island

Princess Molly

This is where the Chat and Chill ‘restaurant’ is and the “famous” Volleyball Beach is located. I went to the beach on the Atlantic side and ran into Geneva who had just spent two hours wandering and shelling. Wayne went to see Fred’s 44’ DeFever. Now this beach was truly beautiful. Even the path that leads up and over to the beach was incredible.The water was clear, cool and calm. There were a few scattered beach goers who left shortly after I arrived. I skinny dipped and Molly stayed in the shade of an umbrella that I brought along.(what a princess) There were a few homes around the Turtle Lagoon.

Turtle Lagoon

  Since I didn’t ask Wayne to pick me up, I waded across Turtle Creek in thigh-high water, circled the cove and met Wayne,

Turtle Lagoon

Pete, Geneva and Fred at the Chat & Chill for happy hour. They had drinks already - I got a very large, rum punch.

Chat N' Chill on the beach - That's Pete waving

After all, I needed to catch up! I met two physicians from Naples. One was originally from South Africa with a very sexy accent; one of them lives in Royal Harbor with is girlfriend who is a nurse. We know many of the same MDs still working at NCH.  It’s a very small world indeed! Everyone ate at the Chat & Chill, except us. We decided to eat on the boat.  It seems every time we eat out, we experience stomach distress with diarrhea…Are we in Mexico - what's up with that?
The wind died and it was very hot, but with two fans running & your body temperature dropped I needed a sheet. What a wonderful life. Sunday, 6/10 - Cloudy, still and hot. WOODJA came by on their way to Long Island and dropped off borrowed tools (Wayne’s got nice tools you know).We were also getting ready to go when Fred called to say he was in town & did we need anything. He also wanted to return Wayne’s hat which he left on Fred's boat. By the time Wayne showed him all around the boat, it was after 11:00 – & since Wayne wanted to go to the Salt Ponds on Long Island, which takes 6-7 hours, it was now too late to go. I really didn’t want to stay here another day. Phil and Janet aboard SNOWBIRD invited us over for coffee and cookies. Learned she’s been sailing just about forever, mostly alone, and raised three kids aboard-I thought that was pretty amazing! The coffee was good, especially mixed with the rum. Never did have the cookies…

Sunset from volleyball beach