Hub of Abaco

Channel Rock

Chris' new favorite beach

Quick stop in the Pelican Cays Park

Sunset thru the smoke in Marsh Harbor

Chris' new haircut

Abaco burning, not a cloud in site, smoke is from numerous forest fires

Hub of Abaco, March 28th thru April 2nd

Mon, 3-28
Set off south in brisk s-w winds. Had a great sail to Marsh Harbor where we plan to spend a few days. The anchorage here is large with room for many boats, good holding and protection from nearly all directions make this a popular spot during inclement weather.

Tue thru Fri
With storms and strong winds predicted we are here for a few days. Not our favorite spot but very convenient. The village has nearly anything a boater might need. We were pleased to find a new large supermarket almost like we are used to in Fl(just double the prices). Spent the days snorkeling at nearby Mermaid Reef, doing laundry, getting haircuts, shopping, filling fuel (diesel prices are the highest we’ve seen at $5.49 and gas at $5.65), water(seems like a bargain at 20cents/gal). Spent a morning working with John on Smartmove with problems at the top of his mast. Dan aboard Marion Claire over for cocktails on thurs. We have been traveling on and off with these boats since leaving Fl.

Smoke has filled the air much of the time as there are brush fires burning all around. We spot at least 5 different fires along the coast and the woods are very dry so each wind shift brings a new flare up. The fire service here is all volunteer with little modern equipment so most fires are left to burn unless they threaten homes.

Sat April 2nd
With settled weather predicted we set off south for Little Harbor to stage for our next open ocean crossing. Good sailing to North Bar Channel where we stopped for a swim and exploring at channel rock in the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, a great little island that may become Chris’ new favorite beach. Anchored for a quiet night at Lynard Cay where there were at least 10 other boats, some waiting to cross, but most arriving from Eleuthera.