Welcome Cruisers
15 February 2014 | Hog Cay (N of Ragged Island)
EVS: sunny!
Welcome Cruisers! January 15, 2014
One reason we decided to make the run down to Duncan Town was so we could explore the islands to the north at a more leisurely pace as we move back up the chain and, if the weather is threatened to be bad, we can make a run for it to more protected waters near George Town. Another reason is that we had heard the people of Duncan Town throw an annual Valentine's Day party in honor of the cruisers who come this far. (Most do not venture further south than George Town, hence that has earned the nick-name of "Chicken Harbor".) Today was the celebration and what a feast. Maxine, who owns the little "grocery" store (very little) organizes the local ladies and they serve all sorts of dishes: three kinds of "peas 'n rice", curry mutton (goat), ham, chicken, fish fingers, mac 'n cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, mixed green salad, deserts (including an incredible sesame cookie), and other sides. All this was served under an open air, thatched assemblage decorated with fish nets, fish floats, and assorted nautical flotsam and jetsam. And, not to forget the humongous speakers from which was blasting Bahamian music (mixed with some good oldies).
In turn, the cruisers raised money by contributing to an organization team for the meal and then donating items and holding an auction. It was amazing what came out of the assorted boats (some 35 in all) to be auctioned: flippers, fins and masks, wine, new pillows, crocks, fishing gear, hand-made jewelry, etc. In all, about $3000 was raised, some of which was paid to the women for the food and the bulk was contributed to the school so the children can take a trip to someplace special. (Last year, they went to Disney World!)
All in all, it was a delightful day, and the weather could not have been better. We felt most welcome and pleased to do our bit to help this little community