Onto the Abacos Islands

Hi there F & F,
We had a nasty squall in the night winds got up and so blowing once again ,our not so friendly Northerly again! But , onwards and upwards, we had a 6 hour journey ahead of us, and we decided to brave the waters.Coming out we headed into the wind for about an hour as we had to go parallel before we could turn East through a cutting called Memory Rock .Not that comfortable but do able. There is a shorter route called Indian Cay , just 1 mile out of the marina , but it is not recommended as it is narrow and can get shallow Also some of the markers are missing. It is not like going along the ICW where you have the faithful red and green buoys to help you all the way.Here you must use your way points as shown on the cruising maps and stick to them pretty much unless you have done this before. There are reefs and shoaling throughout the Bahamas that could get you into trouble!
Once we turned East we had a dream run. With the wind and waves behind us, it was just as it should be. I had prepared lunch before we left , so we ate, talked, read and took turns driving the boat , although Graeme did most of that. Passed some bigger boats.Most of the vessels we have seen are at least 42 ft in length although there was a very small pleasure craft that came over from Florida to West End with an extended family on board including a 5 month old baby and a toddler.Yikes!
As we were about to enter Black Sound we noticed a large super motor yacht ( 101 ft) keeled over on its side.The Myeerah was not in a good position.As we passed it by on the narrow channel, the Capt said he had misjudged and run aground. Damage to the port( left) engine.They were waiting for the tide to rise and no doubt some big repairs. We felt so bad for the crew!
We docked at the Black Sound Marina and the very friendly owner and dock master Roy was there to greet us and tie up the boat.
We later took a walk into the town of New Plymouth ( many New Englanders fled here after the Civil War hence the name I suspect) and met up with Roy again who was on his way to the Sundowners bar. He told us to jump onto his golf cart ( the mode of transport here) and we could get a nice drink and fresh fish dinner down there.It was right on the water front so we were able to eat fresh dolphin ( Mahi Mahi) and fresh Yellow Tail Snapper just caught that afternoon with a salad , all prepared by the bar owner's wife. Very delicious. We watched the setting sun go down over the water, is this idyllic or what!
Over and Out,
E n G.