Me with Maxine. She is the lady that runs the whole operation for the Valentine's Day Party, and is a fantastic person.

We had a GREAT Valentine's Day Party last Saturday. As I've mentioned before, this is the biggest party of the season down here in the Ragged Islands. The whole town (Duncan Town) comes out to the beach at Hog Cay for the celebration. They put out a huge feast for the cruisers. We had ham, turkey, fish, ribs, various types of rice, curried mutton, salads, cole slaw, potato salad, mac n' cheese, cakes, cookies, sodas, and beer.

This year we also had a DJ that really cranked up the volume on the beach. This is a big day for all the locals. Of course, we have an auction for the school. The money usually goes for their annual trip. How big the trip is can be dependent on the auction.

Here are some pics of the big party. Check out the Photo Gallery for more pictures and explanations of the various shots:















Since the biggest mouth in the anchorage is the auctioneer, you can assume it's me. Everybody brings out items that are no longer needed, but might be wanted by somebody else. We had jewelry, fishing items, all sorts of boat parts, cooking items, bottles of rum and wine, and we even auctioned a case of beer that went for $65.

It's all for a good cause and two years ago we set a record of $1,200. That year the kids went to Disney World in Florida. I am pleased to report that we raised $2,000 and had a ball doing it. I think the boat count was around 30 boats this year. The fun part is that the locals bid on lots of the stuff. In fact, it was a local that bid $65 for the case of beer.

The weather was great, the food was great, and we partied, danced, ate, and drank well into the evening. This is truly one of the best experiences you can have in the Bahamas. Yes it's remote, but to those of us that come down here, it is a special place.

The party does bring some folks down that might be "stretching" a bit too much based on their experience level, but we try to help them learn the ropes...so to speak. When I mention that the Ragged Islands are remote, this is what the cruising guide says about this area :



I have to say, this is very much why we like it down here. Most of the cruisers that come here are self-reliant and fun to be around.

It was a great day and now we get back to normal...swimming, hunting, beach walking, wallowing, and hangin' with our friends.

More later...