On Saturday (Feb 9th) we moved into South Side Marina along with several other boats since they were predicting higher winds over the weekend. We were also just looking forward to renting a car and enjoying the island for a few days, which we have been doing. Immigration lets you stay for a week for a $100 fee but if you want to stay any longer it jumps an additional $300. Our plan is to move on anyway so we’ll be heading out later this week.

Turks & Caicos is far more commercialized than the Bahamas and has several upscale resorts along the north side of the island. They also have amazing ponds with the most fantastic colored water. Close to 60% of the businesses are owned by Canadians and at one time during the week most of the boats in the marina flew Canadian flags. We even met one young girl from Barhaven. Is there anyone left in Canada?

From the T&C people come from and leave to far more remote places. One boat beside us left yesterday for Cuba. Another couple from France came from St. Martin and will tour the Bahamas before making a two week passage, non stop, to Grenada. It’s quite interesting hearing everyones stories of where they’ve been and where they are headed. People are so open and friendly within the cruising circles and they are always willing to help each other out. There are lots of impromptu get togethers often around a sundowner at the end of the day.