Big Surprise

It has been uncommonly windy in the Bahamas over the last couple of weeks. Strong easterlies at 20-25 knots with swells over 10 feet have limited everyone’s travels. Emerald Bay Marina, just north of Georgetown, is a beautiful place, but I find myself getting used to hot showers, a fitness facility, and free happy hours. That will not do for the rest of our trip!

We were delighted to have our neighbors, Suzanne and Billy Bumpus, with us for the week. The windy conditions allowed us to take advantage of the sights of Great Exuma. The marina is connected to Sandals (the couples only resort) and offers a day pass for boaters. Don’t believe the ads – not everyone there looks great in a bikini. We took advantage of the beach and the 6 all-inclusive restaurants and bars. Generally a 2 ‘drink-drunk’, I remained quite sober – don’t know what they put (or don’t) in those drinks. It is a pretty romantic place, with lots of couples smooching and canoodling in the hot-tub.

Took a motor boat tour (it was fun to be fast!) of the islands. Swam with the pigs on Staniel Cay, snorkeled in Thunderball Grotto (site of James Bond movie), and had conch salad on the beach. A great day until the boat we were in ran out of gas – a distinct disadvantage for power boats.

We will be making our way north in the Exumas over the next couple weeks – destination Eleuthera.