A town of Hope and a Ride to Remember

In the last couple of days we have done so many things that have completely blown us away, we have experienced so many things that we will never forget due to the sheer beauty behind the things we have seen.

We wake up in the middle of the ocean on a beautiful boat surronded by the bluest water either of us have ever seen, and decide it's time to venture out in the canoe. We didn't really have a destination and we were both simply interested in getting as close to the amazing houses as possible in hope we can catch someones eye and score an invite for thanksgiving breakfast. After much procastination and the final realisation that we weren't getting any such invite we decided to venture back to the boat.

Simon then took us for a closer look at the "world famous" Hopetown lighthouse built in 1864 and still with its original clockwork mechanisms. After climbing the 101 steps, and insisting on counting every single one on the way up, we were able to see for miles in all directions across the Atlantic Ocean. The views were truely breathtaking, and we were able to get a near birds eye veiw of the island, Elbow Cay.

An island that we later cycled the length of on some borrowed bikes that Simon managed to acquire for us. The bike ride, although gentle, was very exhilerating and allowed us to get an even closer look at the quaint pastel coloured village and the larger than necessary mansions of the rich and famous.

After about an hour of cycling we found ourselves on Tahiti Beach where we had been canoeing that morning and where we anchored the night before. We went for a paddle in the warm water and once again settled for a breif sunbathe, before cycling back towards the dinghy dock. All the way following signs to the Sugar Shack, which  turned out to be a very momentous event, for both us and the shop, as we became the first EVER customers to take on the challenge of the triple decker waffle cone icecream. A challenge I am happy to say we both dominated with ease. Although after a very strong rum and fruit punch served to us by the very friendly bartender, Gary, we began to feel the large amount of ice cream settling in our stomachs. However, nothing a gentle cycle down to the dinghy dock, where Simon collected us to return us to our floating home, could sort out.

 

 Another day in paradise...

A leisurely start (6a.m) and a slow morning we eventually surfaced and once again made our way into the picturesque Hopetown where we quickly found our spot next to the fresh water pool. We enjoyed the serenity there until early afternoon and then cycled up the road a bit and wandered down to the beautiful, vast, empty beach. The bright turquoise ocean lapped at our feet and enticed us, against our will into the gentle swell. The Bohemian ocean is obviously too intense for a little olympus camera as it managed to break the indestructable thing that has been around the world a couple of times. Luckily the chip is fine.

 

True to form a day couldn't go by without encountering a strange homeless drunk. While waiting for Simon to pick us up from Dinghy Dock we were happily basking in the sunshine when a leather faced drunk stumbled towards us with the assistance of his walking stick and a beer in his hand. After questioning us on our names he decided to go get us something and demanded we waited for his return. Unsure on whether to run away or sit it out we watched as he abandoned his walking stick and dissapeared up the lane. on his return he handed us flowers and called us beautiful, although flattered, we were both still scared and ran away at the next opportunity.  

So the day of relaxation was over and it was time to get back to the real work. Well, you could say that, or you could just say we cooked dinner for the first time since arriving. A very exciting event as it meant we got to use the epic BBQ on the back of the boat. a very successful dinner of Lamb chops, vegtables and potatoes.


A day on the boat
Having enjoyed two lovely days in Hopetown we set to set sail towards Fishers Bay in Great Guana Cay, not without stopping on a lovely reef to do some snorkelling where we saw some lovely fish and enjoyed the 26degree waters.

 After swimming amongst the fish we then proceeded to kill two for dinner. Our first catch of the trip. As one of us held the rod the other wound it in. we were happy to see a healthy sized mutten snapper hanging from its torn lips. Perfect for dinner.

Caroline couldn't help but take a picture of this mans squatting position.

On the way into Hopetown

Kat being attacked by a wave

Caroline being attacked by a wave

Cycling to Tahiti beach

Looking out into the vast ocean

View from the lighthouse

Land Mermaids and Cruising the Islands

After three days of travelling and sleeping on airport floors we finally made it to Observation, a rather large, beautiful sailing yacht. We spent the first half the day sleeping, only waking up in time for dinner and half of School Of Rock.

 

Today however has been amazing. We both woke up nice and early (6.30ish) due to our 14 hour sleep the day before (but it's ok waking up early on a yacht). Breakfast was typically American, Cheerios and raspberry iced poptarts.

We then got ferried into the bustling city of Marsh Harbour, well we wouldn't quite call it that, more a clam town. Although calm, it was not uneventful.

Our first experience with the locals:

We were happily walking down the street to Maxwells, the local supermarket, (which I do have to say we were both impressed by the vast variety of food, especially 7up cakes and cheese in a can) when a black Bahemian man was swaggering towards us and as he passed swiftly turned to join us on our voyage. We didn't really know what to think, and when he started talking the confusion grew with every word. Statements such as; 'When I saw you I thought I saw mermaids on land' and 'I can't breathe' follwed by 'I dont know what I just said,' he led us to assume he was rather drunk at 10.00...am. We continued walking in silence, unsure what to do or say.

Our second experience with the locals:

We were rather nervously walking along the road being tailed by a mysterious sweet talker who was NOT making sense, when a car pulled over infront of us. Sorry Mum, as we are about to break the first rule you ever taught to us when entering the big wide world. We clambered into the safety of the car after the kind lady offered to save us from the big scary man. After our many thanks, she stated that she thought we needed saving as she could see us slowly inching our way into the middle of the road away from the scary man. She safely dropped us off at Maxwells and wished us luck on our walk home.

Our third experience with the locals:

We were both completely in awe of the various workers of Maxwells, all of which were tall dark and handsome (well not quite but you get the picture.) While doing the typical tourist thing of taking a photo of eachother in the isle with a thousand different types of juice, one of the men noticed our camera and pointed out that we shouldn't take photos of strangers. We smiled laughed at his not so-funny-jokes and walked on. However that was not the end, as true to new found tradition the man followed us to the end of the isle and struck up conversation casually asking when we think we will next be dropping in. As if we roam the supermarket to pick up.

So all in all the locals are very friendly, perhaps too friendly at times, but we will reserve our judgements till we have explored other roads, cars and supermarkets.

Back on the boat for a few seconds, Simon then took us to pick up some bikes for exploring the many Abacos Islands that we are soon to encounter.

We are set to set Sail

Anchors up and motor's running we make our way to the first of many snorkelling spots, Mermaid reef (quite appropriate, maybe the big scary black man was right), after much deliberation as the water was rather chillier than desired (we are just wimps as it was actually about 22 degrees C) we jumped in with the camera in one hand and a bag of cheerios in the other, we gently swam over to the reef. It was beautiful. The fish were amazing, so many different kinds in one small area, each seemingly with a very strong passion for the crunch of our favourite breakfast cerial.

After lunch, the sails went up and we are now anchored in Tahiti Beach surrounded by the most luxurious mansions and about to have fresh lobster for dinner (be jealous Mimi).

Off to see a lighthouse tomorrow and to put those bikes to use.

Bye for now.