Tomorrow is April? Wow, it's time for an update!

Since our last posting we've spent some time on or around 7 more islands and logged well over 300 nautical miles. In early February we left Thompson Bay, Long Island to find Calabash Bay (north end of Long Island) for a night and then further north to New Bight, CAT Island. The attraction here is a very interesting feature known as The Hermitage. These buildings(stone and coral bound together with concrete) were constructed in the late 1930's by Father Jerome as his retirement monastery. As you'll see in the pictures, Father Jerome must have been a very short man. We were so taken by the view and the story of his life that we couldn't stop snapping pictures. There are two access paths to the top, one being very steep and the other much more gradual. The steeper climb is adorned with small stone monuments representing the Stations of the Cross. Absolutely worth the climb to see and touch these pieces of history. In the end, his body was actually entombed here behind concrete inside one of the structures.

After a few days in New Bight CAT Island, we moved north a few miles to Fernadez Bay, then northward over the Exuma Sound to the island of Eleuthera and the Davis Harbour Marina. This would be the first slip we've stayed at in 6 weeks. The following morning we sailed further north to Rock Sound Harbour. There's a storm coming and we will be safe here for the duration. After a little exploring that afternoon, we enjoyed Steaks on the grill for Valentine's Day. As forcasted, 2/16 brought high winds and heavy rain in the afternoon. After waiting out the weather for 2 days we were able to return to shore and reprovision. A little laundry, some freshwater, a few groceries and we're ready to move along again.

From Eleuthera we sailed to Highbourne in the Exumas, then Rose Island(Nassau), Hawksnest and Big Stirrup in the Berrys. The anchorages are beautiful and the weather is cooperating so we're happy. And finally, the trip we've waited all winter to make, it's March 24 and we're headed NORTH to Grand Bahama and the Ocean Reef Yacht Club. Swimming pools, hot tub, friends, fun, Bingo, Karaoke, biking, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, happy hours, pot luck dinners, etc. What's not to like?!

So now it's been just over a month since we arrived at ORYC and we're enjoying every minute here. We have some fishing stories to tell and more new friends to add to our Cruisers list. I suppose we need to start thinking about the last month of our cruising for the winter, but that can wait until tomorrow, or the next day.... Spring has arrived here (in spite of the Ground Hog up north)and the flood of winter cruisers are starting the migrations back to the States. Enjoy the latest pictures, there are a bunch!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Jim and Linda

Feb-Mar 2013

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