We're on Island Time

We greeted the New Year at Fresh Creek, Andros Island, with a mix of cruisers and private contractors from the nearby AUTEC Naval Base.  A fellow from the Base made a point to meet us when he heard we were from Traverse City.  He had been at the Coast Guard Station there and still owns a house out in Long Lake Township.  And his good friend, Marsha, bought our Eleventh Street house sixteen years ago!  Small world...

While Annie flew to visit her parents in Ohio (via a plane from Andros to Ft. Lauderdale, a another plane and a new airline to Charlotte, N.C., another plane to Columbus, then a rental car to Loudonville, with an unscheduled overnight stop due to icy roads) Dietrich solo sailed from Andros to Allen's Cay (pronounced Key) where he enjoyed the iguanas and beautiful waters in strong currents.  He sailed to Nassau, anchored in a bumpy working harbor next to huge container ships, to meet Annie.  He had a fine adventure on his own,  Annie had a great visit with her parents, and no planes were missed.  

Nassau was our home for nine days, due to an engine issue.  The repairs were good, but expensive.  We enjoyed the city, finding that it wasn't nearly as wicked as we had been led to believe...people were friendly and helpful.   We wiggled our way south, stopping at several Cays, finally coming to a halt in the Exuma Park, at the headquarters in Warderick Wells.  

If it weren't for the occasional need to find fresh water and food, we could stay here for months. Its stunning...snorkeling and swimming in these glowing, baby blue waters is a thrill and we're still discovering new hiking trails.  There are moorings within the park, so we feel more comfortable when BIG BLOWS (the local term) come through.   We will do some volunteer work while we're here, a common activity for cruisers in the park.  Unlike U.S. parks, where volunteers must fill out stacks of paperwork, wear uniforms, and commit to schedules, we'll just show up at 9:00 any morning, get a work assignment to match our skills and off we'll go.

It doesn't fit with our culture, but it does reflect the Island culture.  If it gets done, yea.   If it doesn't get done, maybe it will happen tomorrow.