Per the Cruise Dictator, Dan, we met at the entrance of our marina at 9:30 this morning to walk the 3/4 mile to the ferry. We were a bit surprised when the head count was 1 short. Jay managed to snag an invite to sail over to Man-o-War Cay aboard Presto! The rest of us walked down to the dock and waited for the 10:30 departure.
It was a nice 20 minute ride though a pretty cut of expensive homes (complete with channel markers!) Once back on the open waters, Martha was able to spot Presto! under sail a good mile out and I was able to get a photo with the telephoto lens. Entry into the harbor was through a very narrow entry and it was very crowded. Dan’s suggestion to take the ferry was very wise. Once ashore, we agreed to go our separate ways and meet at 1 for lunch.
There are no cars on the island, only golf carts and a fire engine. The small town park was the location of the tents for vendors and food. Pete bought me a glass bead the colors of the Caribbean for my bracelet. Along the waterfront, there were shops to visit and pretty little homes to view. Many of the trees had floats and round fenders/bumpers handing from the branches. Many homes used glass floats and conch shells as ornamentation. Flowers were all over the island as well as small, boarded-up, weathered old salt box buildings. I went off on my own for a short while and took quite a few photos. Pete’s knee is letting him know that he didn’t treat it well the other day, so he found a cool, shaded spot and waited for me.
He also found a wonderful place for lunch. We were able to all sit down and order from a menu while looking over the harbor and enjoying the shade and a wonderful breeze. We agreed to meet at the ferry dock at 3 for the 3:15 departure.
A few more photos and we were done. While waiting at the ferry dock, I met a wonderful woman from Marsh Harbor and we spoke for quite a while until the ferry arrived. She is a native Abaconian, mother and grandmother. The ride back was shorter as we didn’t come through the cut.
Once back at the marina, Pete read while I did a load of wash and couldn’t wait to see the pictures and write the blog. Pete actually napped in the cockpit. We ate a late light dinner and called it a day.
It really was remarkable to see how people live on these islands. I look back on today’s visit and think about that which we take for granted: supermarkets, banks, libraries, schools, and emergency services. On Man-O-War Cay, each one of these services, with the exception of the fire department, was in a building smaller than a one car garage. However, it is a beautiful and peaceful place that is only a 20 minute ferry ride to Marsh Harbor with much larger and well stocked supermarkets, hardware stores, libraries, etc. Nassau is a quick flight away for all other necessities. The smaller, outer islands have even less services or no services. It’s a choice and a lifestyle. It is also trade winds and puffy clouds; azure, blue green, sea green, warm waters, cool, star-filled nights and daily temperatures hovering arond 74 degrees. Definitely choices.
~ ~ (\_~ ~ ~ Kathy and Pete
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