Slow Boat to Richmond

Well finally here is an update... We arrived in St. Augustine, FL, but headed a little north and stopped in Jacksonville Beach at the Beach Marina. It was St. Patrick's Day... We had a great dinner, steamed shrimp and  1/4 bushel of oysters, Gary was in heaven. It was great having a nice hot shower and a good night's sleep.  In the morning off we went to Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island) to check in with customs and to shop a little. We moored out and enjoyed the town which is kind of a throwback to 1960's. Fun to just walk thru. 

Off again in the morning to Jekyll Harbour Marina where we met a fellow Richmonder who went to Douglas Freeman. We started playing the name game and she knew Dacre, Holly & Katherine. Also, some friends from the Bahamas last year heard us on the VHF and called us. It was great hearing from Deb & Ed. We met for happy hour on Taravana and went out to dinner to catch up. We had so much fun with them that the next day we motored over to Brunswick Landing Marina (which is where Deb & Ed keep their sailboat, Ariel).  Again we had a fun day with our friends, touring  St. Simon's Island and having a great dinner on their boat.  

Off again, the weather was supposed to be nice, but mother nature said 20 knot winds in your face all day, so we finally anchored in Walburg Creek under a tree line - the wind was blocked and the anchorage was quiet and nice, except for the Georgia no see ums - they had a good feast on us if we left the boat salon. The island is part of a zoo and keeps gazelles, Madagascar turtles and parrots - but alas, we didn't see or hear any.

Off again in the morning and Gary ran over a crab pot and locked up the port engine. The water was 58 deg and too cold and murky to dive into, so we hobbled on one engine to Thunderbolt Marina, near Savannah.  Capt. Walt dove the next day for us and freed up the rope on the prop and we were good as new. We then went to Savannah for the afternoon, had a great trolley tour to get a quick overview... What a beautiful town... Met some people at Tubby's Tank House that afternoon who had been at our marina that morning and had seen us = small world - enjoyed talking to them - they have a power boat and cruise the 1000 Islands in Canada and NY.  Had dinner at The Cotton Exchange and Alison had the best Shrimp and Grits she had ever had - and Gary's low country boil was also excellent. Took a taxi cab back to the marina and was entertained by our driver, Rockin' Romeo, who played the spoons for us, played great country music, and talked our ears off all the way!!

Out to the ocean we went the next morning, the morning was light winds and smooth motoring, the afternoon kicked up to 20+ knot winds in our face, the admiral said "head in," so we did. We flew in at 10 to 12 knots and stayed at B & B Seafood on Mosquito Creek. Alison decided that the ICW is sometimes boring, but very calm. Canned soup for dinner and sleep...

The next day, we continued north and ended up at The Isle of Palms Marina after going through a light rain in the Charleston Harbour.  Very nice place and the happy hour food was great, mussels (Alison's new favorite) and more oysters for Gary. Joe joined us for dinner and we had a nice time catching up with him.

Next morning we were headed to Georgetown. Finally we had the tide and a good wind and are now tucked safe in Georgetown. Hot Showers and apps, this is pretty nice. We may stay here a day or two if the storm comes (with lightning) or we may try to get to Myrtle Beach, more on that later...

Back in the US

Well we made it from Abaco to St. Augustine, Fl. It was a nice sail until the last 6 to 8 hours and then the front hit us and it was a bit rough, but Taravana and Alison held up great. Sleeping and moving north now. Will update more later...

Here is the update:

We left Marsh Harbour on Sat., Mar. 14 after putting Will & Todd in a taxi to the airport with First Lady. Sailed north and watched their plane fly by... Alison was waving like crazy, even got the American flag out in case anyone in the plane could see her waving! Sailed north and docked at the Green Turtle Club on Green Turtle Cay for the night - wonderful dinner inside a beautiful marina! Early the next morning, we took off for the US... great sail, smooth waters, fair winds!

First night at sea was uneventful EXCEPT for the shuttle launch at sunset - it was truly amazing to see in person... 

Second day at sea, the skies got a little cloudy and the wind picked up, we saw a water spout behind us about 10 miles, then things got a little bit rocky that evening. Then we plowed our way in to St. Augustine the next morning and started motoring up the Intracoastal Waterway...  

Monday thru Wednesday

Monday morning found us exiting Guana Cay and heading toward Fowl Cay for a great morning of snorkeling. We anchored out on the ocean side of the island and found a great reef to dive on. Many fish were seen and a sea turtle graced us with his presence. Todd enjoyed his first snorkeling experience as we spotted numerous types of colorful fish. From there we headed to Hope Town to enjoy the view from atop the lighthouse followed by a stroll through the town, a few Kaliks at a fine local establishment, and some conch appetizers which we washed down with a few more Kaliks... After a fantastic afternoon we headed back to the boat briefly to drop the old folks off and ventured back to Cap'n Jacks for their Monday night Jacks (Bingo) game. Alas, we did not find the winner's circle but had a great time anyways. A nice quiet evening ensued as we had a delicious Grouper dinner and relaxed on the boat the rest of the evening. 

The next morning we headed to Little Harbour on Great Abaco Island where we met up with the Richmond folks. Mike and Kathryn Oden, Mark and Jean Claud, Brad and Maria Jones, and Charles and Susan Terry joined us on the boat for a morning of debauchery which of course ran into lunch at Pete's Pub and continued beyond. It was great seeing some familiar faces and exposing Todd to the world of Mike Oden. The morning of fun turned sour in the afternoon as Todd and I managed to flip the dinghy in the waves as we searched for a good snorkeling spot. Luckily we had a handheld VHF and were able to call the boat for help. Gary and Alison rushed out and rescued us and we managed to flip the boat over. That afternoon was spent trying to get the engine to work (which we finally did) and relaxing after the whole ordeal. A quiet night obviously ensued as we cooked cheeseburgers for dinner. Later in the night we taught Todd to play Mexican Trainwreck and hit the hay fairly early. 

Wednesday morning brought a whole new outlook to the trip. Mike and Charles drove over to the harbor to pick us up and take us back to the house they were staying in. A day of drinking, eating, and laughing took our minds off of the day before and rose our spirits to new highs.  The rest of the day we relaxed and napped the rest of the evening. Pizza for dinner and a relaxing evening as we searched for the night NASA launch to no avail

"You have to start with whatever you want to start with."

--Alison Cosby

It is Monday, 924pm.  I do not know the date.

This is my first time on a boat...and it has been a wonderful experience so far.

I have been told to list all the things I have done for the first time, so yeah here goes:

--been on a sailboat

--been snorkeling

--seen a lot of fish in the wild

--tasted a gin and tonic/bloody mary/RUM PUNCH

--had grouper

--had conch

--seen a shark in the wildlife

--been on a plane with a propeller

--taken a pill that made me not sea sick

--rocked on a boat

--seen a husband and wife that thoroughly enjoy one another's company while living on a boat

--been in the bahamas

--play bocce ball (and won, by a lot)

--had kalik

--been made fun of by a professional comedian, and more than once

--been woken up by two females (with high pitch voices) from baylor university

--seen gary intoxicated...oh wait

--seen gary dancing...while intoxicated (and alison refusing to participate)

--blogging

--swam like a turtle swims, while swimming above the turtle

--seen a star that is green and then red and then white

...yeah you get the picture, and i have only been aboard for a couple days

This has been one of most unique experiences of my life.  This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life...and it has only been two days.  I want to officially thank Alison and Gary for providing me with this one in a lifetime experience.  I am sorry to sound so cliche, but seriously, this is awesome.  I also want to thank their (good) son, Will, for asking me to come join him on this expedition.

Here is a brief explanation of my travels so far:

Friday, "Go to the Bahams Day"

--I went to Hampton, Virginia to serve witness to an amazing musical after-party for the Phish (band) reunion.  I was driven to the airport in Richmond at 4am in the morning...without any sleep.

Saturday, "Barefoot and Manny Day"

--I flew with Will to the Bahamas...yeah I flew to the Bahamas, it was awesome.  We got a ride from the airport to the sailboat from a very cheerful lady.   Upon arriving to the sailboat (and the exuberance of Alison/Gary) I had my first real taste of seafood (really, I had never had actual seafood...and I'm going sailing for a week...let's go).  I started eating and then the boat started rocking and then my stomach starting feeling 'different'.  Honestly, doing this blogging thing is hard.  I do not know if it is the alcohol, or if it is the time that flies while I am having fun, or whatever--but expressing the immensity of fun I have been having throughout this weekend is impossible to write about.  But yeah, Saturday night we attended a Barefoot Man concert at Nippers.  For anybody that does not know, Alison LOVES Barefoot Man...but for good reason.  I have heard that he is the Jimmy Buffet of the Bahamas, but seeing him in person, he is so much more.  He introduces all of his songs with a story, joke, punchline, etc.  Then he sings the songs, which make you laugh, dance, bob your head, and have a few more drinks.  Barefoot Man also had several concert 'shoutouts' to Alison and Gary...they saw him on their honeymoon however many years ago...and he made it a point to tell the audience how special of a relationship they still have.  Dinner at the concert was delicious, I was a poor sport and had steak.  A comedian somehow follow the impressive performance of Barefoot Man (who was in fact...you guessed it...barefoot).  The comedians name was Manny.  He was HILARIOUS.  Like many comedians, he engaged the audience by involving the audience in many of his jokes.  I have to say, I was the source of several of his attempts to gain laughter from the audience.  I was made fun for looking young for my age, being freshly shaven, being in the teaching profession, and being in the Bahamas with a friend's parents.  Impromptu fireworks followed the performance, and then a (staggering) walk back to the boat to call it a night.  It was the first time I got to sleep in two days.

(Monday at 1017pm)

"What do you think about life on the boat so far?"  --Will Cosby

"It kicks ass!"  --Me

Sunday, "Gary Dancing Day"

--We began the day with snorkeling!  By the way, snorkeling is awesome, although it can be a little bit tiring.  I got to a see things I had never seen before in my life.  Whether it was the coral, the shape of the rocks at the bottom of the sea, the large amount of wildlife, or my fellow snorkelers, it was awesome.  I know I keep using this word, but as anyone knows, being on this boat in the Bahamas with these people lends one to describe the activities he or she participates in as 'awesome'.  We made our way to a neat spot on the island called Grabbers.  Gary had a drink.  A band from Coco Beach, Florida called Coco Locos was playing there all afternoon-evening-night.  Then, Gary had a drink.  They covered conventional island songs and played several original songs that were perfect for the atmosphere of the place.  And Gary had a drink.  We stayed there for a good portion of the day and came back briefly at night.  Will and I played bocce ball against Alison and Gary...and won, although I do admit, Alison and Gary were quite the formidable duo.  At this point, Gary had a drink.  They forced us into overtime in one of the games.  Then, Gary had a drink.   I saw my future wife at this place as well.  She was wearing a long, colorful, tie-dye dress with ankle bracelets made of shells that jingled every time she walked...and she had long brown hair...she was awesome.  And her friend, another future wife of mine, danced liked the world was going to end tomorrow.  It was a great place, and the Kalik and rum punch flowed freely (Gary).  We had a delicious dinner this night, compliments of Alison and Gary.  It consisted of a chicken piccata, tiny pasta, and broccoli.  We went back to Grabbers that night...and I remember Gary trying to persuade Alison to dance with him, but to no avail.  It was one of the funniest hours of my life.  

It is Monday night, and I will post my adventures from today and the rest of my trip at some point.  It has been a wonderful few days at sea for me.  I have already made some great memories and seen some things that I will never forget.  Alison and Gary are two of the nicest, most accommodating, cheerful, heady, and fun people that I have ever met.  If anyone has the opportunity to come aboard the Taravana (or Motu, the dinghy)...please do so, you will never forget your time doing so.  I can promise you, it will be as memorable an unforgettable as you want it to be.  You are on board with people who LOVE TO ENJOY LIFE...bottom line.

~Todd, second to last mate

Bingo Monday at Hope Town

Well another cold front blew thru so we are at Hope Town in 65 deg weather. In Richmond there is a foot of snow, no power and a tree down in our yard. We left Fishers Bay two days ago and headed back to Hope Town to weather out the front. Alison's highlight this week was having lobster 3 nights in a row - yum!! We had some great Conch Fingers at Harbours Edge and tonight we are at Captain Jacks, Alison is playing BINGO, the pot is up to $250, and she is ready to win. Alison thought she had won, shouted out "JACKS", but then found out that she lost b/c  it was not "double bingo" but an H shape and she was in the restroom when the instructions were announced, oh well!!  More later>>>>>>>>

Tuesday we headed to Tilloo Cay but it was a bit of a rocky and noise anchorage, so we didn't stay - but headed back to the "other" side of Marsh Harbour and anchored just south of  Sugar Loaf Cay. We took the dinghy into the mangroves and Gary went bone fishing while Alison rowed. The fish didn't bite, but it was a beautiful afternoon. Then off to Marsh Harbour while the wind still blows from the northeast and we await Will and his roommate, Todd, who arrive Sat. afternoon!! This afternoon we are at the Jib Room for happy hour (hopefully will connect with Jason who can burn Pineapple Wine on a CD for us), then heading back to the boat for stone crab claws for dinner tonight.

Lazy Daze

We are all alone and miss our past company. We have been taking it easy, sleeping, eating & a little cleaning. We left Marsh Harbour Wednesday and went to Treasure Cay for two nights and anchored in the harbour. It is still very much like we saw it 18 years ago. We did go dancing to some local music Thursday Night, it was fun to get out. Friday off we went to Bakers Bay for a quiet day and to work on the guest toilet. We believe it is now much cleaner and the room smells of vanilla. It was a very calm anchorage and the stars were out in full force. We watched the crescent moon set cupping Saturn - truly a remarkable sight!. Today off to Fisher's Bay for lunch at Grabbers, Alison said she had the BEST fish sandwich yet and my Cuban was pretty good also. Up to Nipper's to overlook the ocean, what a brilliance of blues. It is such a gorgeous, clear and calm day - wish we had brought our snorkel stuff with us. Now time to find ice and lobster... 

Green Turtle Cay for the Weekend

Friday morning, most of us went to Cap'n Jack's for breakfast, then we set sail for Green Turtle Cay. The Whale Cay Channel was OK that day, a little "rolly" so we waited until almost at Green Turtle before we had lunch (saltines and cheddar cheese and then fried bologna sandwiches - yum!). Docked at the Bluff House Marina in White Sound and rented golf carts. Off to New Plymouth to visit Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar (Goombay Smashes), the lobster man, and ordered a pie for Ed's birthday the next day. We drove up a couple of dirt roads to view the beautiful but windy beaches on the bumpy ride home. Back to the marina for dinner at the Jolly Roger Bar & Bistro. Fun waitress, Whitney, who danced with us at the end of dinner to our new local Rake & Scrape favorites, Shake It Up and Boom Hiney Wine! Saturday morning was the beginning of Ed's birthday celebration with Eggs Benedict and Mimosas. The boys then took off on the golf carts to town for the lobster and pie. When they returned, Paige, Bill and Alison took the 2 golf carts to town while Ed, Robin and Gary took the boat over to an anchorage off New Plymouth. We wanted to be there in time for the Stranded Naked 20th Anniversary Party. It was basically a cook out to benefit the local fire station - a burger in paradise never tasted so good. DJ was good, but we decided that we would have more fun on our golf carts, so we went for another ride to the beaches - discovered several paths and mostly deserted beaches - and enjoyed rum punches along the way! Back to New Plymouth to turn in the golf carts, then over to the Wrecking Tree for some conch fritters. We then moved up to Coco Bay for the night - beautiful, quiet anchorage. Stars were glistening off the water that night - and phosphorus glowed in the water! Lobster and beef tenderloin for dinner that night, then a fresh, homemade coconut cream pie for the birthday dessert - it was so deliciously sweet that we could only eat small slices, but somehow were able to finish it for breakfast the next morning! Early the next morning, we set sail for Baker's Bay (on the northern tip of Great Guana Cay). It was a glorious day - water was so calm and so clear and various shades of turquoise you could see the coral below.  The water was cool, but that didn't stop Paige and Bill from swimming to shore and back. The beach at Baker's was smooth and pink - great for walking and swimming. After lunch, we followed a mother dolphin and her baby for a short while watching them feed and swim around us. On to Marsh Harbour for the night - anchored, then dinner at Curly Tails - everyone was mellow as it was an early morning on Monday for the flight home for our guests.

We are currently staying put for a couple of days - resting, cleaning, shopping, doing laundry, and reading a LOT ! May head off soon to Treasure Cay to check it out ...  we will put some pictures with this when we go ashore and have faster internet speed!

Little Harbour and back to Hope Town again

After a good dinner moored in Little Harbour (near Pete's Pub) , we enjoyed teaching Bill & Paige how to play Mexican Train. Off to bed at a reasonable hour. Next morning was very lazy and relaxing...reading our books, waiting for the tide to come in and Bill & Paige went for a walk on the beach (Bill brought a lot of the beach back to the boat with him - and it was a mystery for a long time as to where all the sand came from)! Set sail for Tiloo Cay and anchored in a lovely spot for the night near Tavern Cay. Grilled chicken salad for lunch, then beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli for dinner - what more can you ask for in a beautiful place than lots of rum, sangria, red wine and beer??!!  Tonight was the official start of the Mexican Train tournament (Whoo ohhh ohh ).  Early to rise on a clear, calm, and exquisite morning. Breakfast of bacon and egg "mc muffins" (with tomatoes and cheese!) at Tahiti Beach, Elbow Cay - what a gorgeous site! Headed back to Hope Town b/c the wind is supposed to pick up tonight...got a great mooring = but in front of us is a "power cat" that we have seen before (Fisher's Bay) - and boy did they have the rap music turned up and are apparently another boat with a drinking problem!! We enjoyed lunch at On Da Beach, then walked on the beach as the aqua waves crashed all around us. Another walk thru town, then back to the boat for a relaxing afternoon. Saw our friends we met in Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar today at Harbour's Edge - and chatted with them for a few mintues - they also own a Lagoon 38 and are from Albuquerque - Mucho Gusto.  Back on the boat, Alison made her black bean and corn app, we enjoyed drinks as the sun set - what a bright blue the sky was all day long - not a cloud in the sky. Now the boys are all taking turns blowing the conch - it is a tradition to blow a conch shell as the sun sets - and they have some kind of  lung power! Looking forward to Paige's marinated pork tenderloin salad with freshly baked Abaco bread tonight!  And some of the boys are wearing their Pareos tonight - hope the breeze doesn't pick up too much!

Strokin Dancin and Brown Tip

Nipper's Bar Need More Kalik w/ Atlantic

Before we left Grabbers in the afternoon, Robin narrowly defeated Bill in a Bocce Ball match (but no, we are not old - at least it was not bingo or shuffleboard - and it was overlooking a gorgeous harbour with palm trees).  Then.... Oh what a night! We arrived with the boys wearing illuminated and flashing tiaras (they were really meant as a Valentine's present for the girls but the boys looked so cute in them that the girls made the boys wear them) and we got the party started!! Every lady there was envious of the Valentine embellishments!  We danced all night with Brown Tip.  Many dances to "Strokin" (Ed's favorite song--and he knew every word). The band was so nice to let us accompany them:  AliHaHa on the bongos, Robin on the saw and Bill on the maraccas. Oh my word, it was a sight to see! Only one casualty on the way home when Nohu took a dinghy dip on the way back to the boat. After a "rocking" night, we took off for Elbow Cay and moored at Hope Town. Cloudy and a bit of drizzle along the way. Bloody Marys kept us warm. Lunch at Harbour's Edge, naps, then dinner on board (rock fish - delicious, thank you, Bill). Next morning, up to the top of the Light House, then rented a golf cart and drove to the south end of Elbow Cay - Ed was our main driver, but he allowed Alison and Paige to drive just enough to give us all a little whiplash. Down to Tahiti Beach and a quick stop at Sea Spray Marina (bought all the boys matching shirts - thank you , Junior and Rodney). Lunch at Abaco Inn overlooking the beautiful Atlantic. Back to Hope Town and walked around. Dinner on board (Gary's chicken piccata - yum!), a little music and a game of Mexican Train, then early to bed. Next morning, the girls dinghied to town to do a little shopping, then met the boys and the boat. Off to Little Harbour we went - a little bit of a chilly and beautiful sail. Great mooring... Delicious lunch thanks to Paige's butternut lasagna, relaxing afternoon... dinghy rides around the harbour, trying to catch up with the turtles... some of us went to Pete's Pub to get some Blasters to go, and Ed climbed up on the roof to write "Go Hokies" - wish we had a camera with us to take his picture! Anticipating shrimp with red wine reduction and kalamata bread for dinner tonight...

New Crew

Valentine's Morning                        Palm tree @ Grabber's                       Sea Star in Sea of Abaco

Thursday evening we had a good dinner at Mango's compliments of Ed and Sharon.  Then over to Snappa's to listen to Brown Tip, the Rake and Scrape band.  Their only instruments were saws and knives as scrapers - pretty amazing.  Lots of energy!!!

At 5:30 a.m. the next morning, we said goodbye to Ed and Sharon, cleaned the boat, emptied the liquor store, did laundry, grocery shopped and waited patiently for the new crew.

Ed Miner, Bill and Paige arrived better late than never.  The party started with Alaskan salmon, rum punches, cheese and moved on to sauteed Halibut cheeks (breaking rule #18-675 - cooking fish indoors).  Early to bed with the sounds of Brown Tip singing Strokin'.  Woke up to Valentine's breakfast, decorations included, and a gorgeous day!  Back to the liquor store just to be safe then off to Great Guana Cay for a "Grabber" but enjoyed another swim in the Sea of Abaco on the way (see picture of sea star).  Now we are off to Nippers, to view the Atlantic, walk the beach and have a Kalik...

A great day for swimming

Another wonderful day in Abaco. The weather has finaly turned warm, 80 Deg the last two days.

It's been very interesting. When we arrived, there was no one, I mean no one, except Taravana out on the water. It was cold, windy, and uncomfortable. But Capt. Gary and mate Ed insisted on going out. It was well worth it. The experience has been well worth the trouble.

But, three days ago, everything changed. The temps changed, and winds died down. Now there are boats everywhere. The water is so clear you can see down many feet. 

We've been very impressed with the way Gary and Alison have kept Taravana in top shape. She is beautiful. And they have made the boat very welcoming. Which is not easy to do. With different types of people as crew, they are easy-going and graceful. For example, I get up at 5 and, if I'm quiet, I can just sit around and read as the sky turns from dark to violet to blue. Outstanding. Others get up as they awaken and no one is put out by this. That is the sign of gracious and understanding hosts.

Around 7:45 Gary is up and starts the generator -- for fresh coffee -- and a hot shower for Alison. Then its breakfast and time to lounge around as we listen to the cruisers' net.

We usually get underway around 10 and just have the best time in world.  Lunch happens somewhere around noon and then we anchor around 2 for an afternoon of Train Wreck, reading, touring around or swimming.

Then dinner comes around 7 pn. Of course, since we're all old fogies, we're in bed no later than 9. Ed got a call at 9:30 last night, and he was so sound asleep he took a while to wake up and take it. 

This is our last night on the boat, and while we've had a great time, it seems to have flown by, and also seemed very long. Both very good things to feel.

What is our favorite anchorage? By far, it is Hope Town. I love the name. And the town is so cute and traditional. If we ever come back, we'll definitely make Hope Town our home-port.

Tomorrow we head back to VA and winter. But in the meantime, we'll treat the crew to dinner at Mangoes.

Hopefully this won't be the last blog entry. I'm hoping that Gary and Alison bring the boat back to the US around Easter so I can help bring Taravana up; the Ditch to beautiful Gloucester.

Ed and Sharon Walker

Robin arrives and we set sail for the sea of fun!

Back in paradise...that means Taravana.  It was worth the trip from the west coast just to see the Virginians!  It has been a bit chilly but nothing that a little of laughter and rum can't overcome.   Yes, Alison's rum punch sister has arrived!  It is beautiful here.  The water is amazing.  The sun is hot, the breezes cool and the rum is yum! Picked me up at the Conch Inn Marina on Sun. afternoon (thank you , First Lady), then off we went to Great Guana Cay. Dinghy ashore to Grabbers for a Grabber on the Rocks, then down the street and over to the ocean side to Nippers for a Nippers on the Rocks. The ocean was at least 20 different colors of blue and green - gorgeous. Then the moon came out and shone so brightly on the water, it was amazing. We had to dance to Van Morrison's  What a Wonderful Night for a Moon Dance. I (Robin) saw Orion walking on the water - it was so clear. And what an amazing sunset that night!!! The next day we went to Green Turtle Cay - it was the most beautiful water we have seen thus far. Beautiful warm day, mooring in Black Sound. Had fun exploring  New Plymouth. Conch fritters at The Wrecking Tree and Goombay Smashes at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar (couldn't find Gary's hat that he left 18 years ago). Back to the boat after Pineapple's was not open to grill hamburgers w/ Abaco buns (so sweet!) and then played Mexican Train. To bed early except me (Robin) who's still on west coast time. Finished books, good night's sleep. The next day, the girls dinghied ashore to take trash, go to grocery store, then nab some lobster tails and champagne for dinner!! Set sail for Fisher's Bay on Great Guana. Happy hour on board, then dinghied to Grabbers where we are now posting this blog... later...  Here is a lesson for all you youngsters and oldsters... Cherish your friendships, they are priceless! :)  Robin

Jay & Leslie Leave Taravana

Sherman of Abaco Charters at Elbow Cay Hope Town.

Can't believe how fast a week has gone.  What a blast being with good friends.  We are all empty nesters and feeling good about how well our children are doing on their own.  Yesterday the weather started out well and we put on shorts and bathing suits, sunscreen too.  As we sailed, the sun went behind the clouds and the sweatshirts came back out.   I got to drive, but I'm quite sure that's not what its called.  We spent the night in Hope Town in Elbow Key, under the watch of a 1700's lighthouse.   Celebrated Leslie and Jay's last night by going to Captn Jacks for a dinner of lobster, peas and rice, macaroni and cheese and keylime pie.  Alison had a close encounter with a mouse.  Might have been a little confused when we dinghyed back, we left the anchor out for half the trip.  Slept like babies.  This morning we are off to Marsh Harbour - Leslie and Jay are flying home.  

Southbound to Little Harbour

We woke up to another cool and windy day in Marsh Harbour. After a quick trip to the airport to pick up Ed and Sharon's luggage -- thank goodness it arrived -- we set off for Little Harbour -- a four hour sail. We saw winds gusting to near 30 but mostly in the upper-teens. Because we were in Abaco Sound, there were hardly any waves. But the wind chill must have been in the low 50's -- brrrrrrr!!!

We arrived in Little Harbour about 1:30 and tied up to a mooring. Then to Pete's Pub for lunch and 'blasters,' their famous drink akin to a Bahama Mama. Then games of Mexican Train Wreck back on the boat.

Little Harbour, like Marsh Harbour, seems to be empty of people. We hear that the cold temperatures are keeping people in their boats and homes.

Since Ed and Sharon had not spent much time with Jay and Leslie in a long time, they have had quite a bit of 'catching up' to do. What fun it is to all be together again.

Ed & Sharon Arrive

lunch at On da Beach yesterday overlooking Atlantic Ocean - Leslie (and the rest of us) finally eat fish - grilled wahoo - young crowd last seen at Nippers shows up - tame evening at last with dinner and a movie and then early to bed - very windy all day today beginning with motor back over to Marsh Harbour to meet Ed and Sharon Walker - plane arrives late and without their luggage - to cap a thirteen hour day, First Lady (taxi driver) has a flat tire as soon as she pulls out of the airport with Ed and Sharon - at least they finally make it to Harbor View Marina and the rest of us on Taravana for a late dinner of grilled pork tenderloin, new potatoes and salad - wind still over 25 and chilly as we all go to bed anticipating better weather and luggage (both scheduled to arrive early tomorrow morning.

First Mate Jay

Elbow Cay - a surfing kind of day!

Leslie wanted to try her hand at surfing, so off we went to rent a board. They gave her a very light weight short board that was way too light and unstable for any human being to try to balance and maneuver! (See attached pics!).  Then Jay tried to surf for a short minute - off to the reef we all went - only a few fish to be seen. Water was a bit chilly - wetsuits certainly came in handy today! Found a place that bakes key lime pies - we hope to snag one tomorrow. Fresh fish from the locals only to be bought on Fri. mornings, so we hope to be back here then. Moorings are hard to come by this week due to the wind coming tomorrow and the regatta here on Wed. But we lucked out and have a beautiful spot. It has been a truly gorgeous day in paradise today!!! Chicken on the barbee tonight w/ ratatouille and green beans. Perhaps we'll head in to Capt. Jacks for bingo later on!! Or not... It was NOT, We had a good dinner and danced to Janice.

Fun Sunday

Well we can finally leave Marsh Harbour after the front came through - plenty of wind!!  Fueled up & full of water, and we are off to Great Guana Cay and will anchor in Fishers Bay and then will head to Grabbers (the best Rum Drink, next to the Taravana mix). Jay the grillmiester cooked some great burgers for lunch and then we went ashore for a walk. After Grabbers, we headed over to Nippers to see the ocean, call our children (they have free phone calls to the US - Will,  you didn't answer 3 times and your mother is not happy), then headed back to Crossroads for a beer. Alison & Leslie dropped off their beers and off shopping they went. Walked to Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina - pretty spot. Then we all met back at Grabbers and watched the Super Bowl Pre-Game Show for a little bit while munching on a few hors d'oeuvres. Back to Taravana for a steak dinner - then Leslie and Alison stayed aboard to read while Jay and Gary went back to Grabbers to watch a little bit of the Super Bowl.  

Martinsville Virginia is On Board!

Leslie and Jay Hervey got here around lunchtime.  We dined on conch fritters, shrimp, yucca fritters and chicken wings - with lots of Kalik beer.  Its windy and cool, so an afternoon nap was definitely in order.  Tonight we will dine on shrimp over pasta, caesar salad and wine.  Leslie is picking brains trying to catch up on old Richmond friends and their children.   Most of us have empty nests now, but you never stop being parents.  

This island is more developed than Exuma, our last trip.  We were on board 20 minutes and I felt at home immediately.  Well provisioned, this will not be a spa trip.  I just want to go home without the winter gray complexion I came down with.  Life is good with friends you love.  Looking forward to Sharon and Ed Walker coming on Wednesday.

Cant wait to try out my new wet suit.  Look out coral reefs - here we come.

I'm finally here, Abacos!

I arrived early yesterday to blue skies and warm air - w0w, sure beats the snow and ice that was headed for VA! First Lady was at the airport to meet me and promptly whisked me away to Union Jack's Pier where my sweet Gary was waiting with open arms to greet me! Dropped off luggage on the boat and headed to Mango's for a grouper sandwich and an ice cold Kalik - it doesn't get any better, does it?! I loved hearing all about the voyage down here with Page, Stuart, Carrie, Joe, and Will - fun times for sure!!!  Back on the boat, Gary was ready to leave the harbour after 5 days anchored...so we headed over to Great Guana Cay. Sun warmed me up nicely - I actually got hot on the way - what a nice change! Found a nice anchorage in Fishers Bay and dinghied ashore to Nippers' dinghy dock. Walked thru Settlement Town to find the famous Nippers (which is on the ocean side) and found a small crowd at the bar. There seemed to be 2 couples with their teenage daughters - and since Gary was wearing his Geronimo Lacrosse t-shirt, the girls asked if he was a lacrosse player!!! And of course he said he just coached it!!  It was a bit breezy, but I enjoyed a Nippers on the Rocks (aka Rum Punch) and it warmed me up nicely! Internet connection was great and fast there and they also offered free calls to the US and Canada!! We'll be back, for sure - in fact, the Barefoot Man plays there on Mar. 6 & 7, so I'm certain we'll be there!! We saw him on our honeymoon in the Cayman Islands 27 years ago and he apparently plays here every March - can't wait - Will and Todd will be here on the 7th, so they will have to grin and bear it with us!! Back to the boat and grilled out for dinner - early to bed since I had been up since 3 AM the night before (couldn't sleep) - a bit of a rocky night, but a gorgeous and relaxing morning. I just have to insert this now... listening to Jimmy sing "Mexico" right now as I'm writing this...don't you wish I could call you and sing it to you, Mikey?!?!  Late morning today (Tuesday), we sailed over to Man O War Cay - beautiful, calm, quiet, clean, quaint, and dry! Went for a walk into town, then along a great stretch of beach...back to the boat for a nap, then grilled fish (salmon and Bill's rockfish - yum!)...now under the stars and a sliver of a moon, listening to one of my favorite golden oldies CDs (just heard Janice now!)  Wish all of you were here!

xoxo Alison  (First Mate)

Still Waiting

Marsh Habour and Abaco have been absolutely beautiful the last few days and is supposed to be this way for the next four or five days. Temperature is 68 to 71, bright sunshine and clear water. Too bad Joe & Carrie did not get this weather before they left. Well the laundry is getting clean, two loads and one to go. The boat is actually getting cleaned also. Mostly though I have been relaxing reading 'Wind from the Carolinas". Cannot wait to see Alison, Ed M. suggested she give me a lecture, I cannot wait. Well Roadhouse is playing, it is pretty relaxing, sorry Ed W. no 'Tears in my Beer".  I have been having trouble uploading pictures, I will try to take my computer in closer to the signal. Stay warm & take care.

Capt. Gary

Alone & Waiting

Hello from Abaco, It is quiet here now. Joe & Carrie flew out this morning and now I am waiting for Alison to come down to where it is warm. 

We had a few quiet days, two fronts blew thru and the temperature has dropped to a cold 65.

Taravana stayed at Hope Town on Elbow Cay while the wind blew from 20 to 30 and then it was gusting higher. We did go to town & then to the ocean, both are very nice. Joe & Carrie found Captain Jack's Restaurant for a light lunch and to watch Obama be sworn in. We returned later for some hot conch fritters and conch chowder, Carrie had Pasta Alfredo. It has been fun having all the young adults aboard for several weeks and I hope they learned some things about sailing and teamwork. I am now anchored in Marsh Harbour just off Mango's Restaurant, great conch burgers. It supposed to be cool the next few days but I have to clean the boat, do laundry and fix a few small things that invariably break in ocean sailing.

Capt. Gary

Relaxation

Gary, Carrie, and I are currently sitting peacefully in Hope Town listening to the church bells chime to tell us telling us that is 6 o'clock pm.  The chicken is on the grill and the liquor is flowing and the game is on, could it get much better than this? We had a great day today. The day started with a relaxing motor to Guana Cay, where we sat for a few hours reading and basking in the sun ( 75 degrees today with a slight breeze). At around 11 we took off in the dingy and traveled around the point to go check out the "place to be" on Sundays, Nippers. We arrived on the island, docked the dingy, and headed down the sandy road. We arrived at Nipper's, which was a beautifully colored bar/rest. that was filled with people. Carrie and I headed down to the ocean - very soft sand. There were some reefs out front, so I took the waters while Carrie walked down the beach and Gary enjoyed the scenery from the bar. When we came back up, we had some beers. Gary made friends with some old folks , which seems to be the majority of the people down these ways, and we headed back to the boat. After a quick lunch, we headed over to Hope Town, where we are currently posted up for the night. Carrie and I made a quick trip up to the lighthouse and got a view of the entire harbor and the ocean, which we will definitely see tomorrow. Taravana out.

We lost two in Abaco

 

Will & Stu had to fly home today, it was great having them on the trip and I know Will did not want to leave. Taxi 151 ╨ First Lady took them to the airport while I shopped for dinner. It was a restful morning, Joe & Carrie cleaned the boat & topped off the water. They then went wandering thru town and returned to Snappers for a burger and hotdog. We cast off the marina and headed to a nice quiet anchorage at Guana Cay on a white sand beach. The day was about perfect, 72 deg, sunny, light breeze. I took a nice two hour nap after we walked the beach. The sunset was the topping of the day.

Conch Anyone?

Hawks to Whale to Conch

After leaving the ‘old folks retirement community’ in Hawksbill Cay, we began our passage towards Marsh Harbour. After half a day’s ‘not so rigorous’, but relaxing sail, we laid anchor near Whale’s Cay on a deserted island that, in the near future, will be the home of a island resort and marina. All of us chillin dinghy’d ashore with the help of dinghy masta Stu. Whilst Carrie and Joe walked along the shore towards the marina construction, Will attempted to go spear fishing, with Stuart watching and laughing at him realizing that he needed the equipment Stuart had told him to bring. While Carrie and Joe were away, Will was able to find a conch and a wonderfully colored hermit crab trapped inside a beer bottle. After Stuart’s unsuccessful attempt at following a fish (but not able to keep pace), Joe and Carrie returned, and Joe guided us back on Motu (Polynesian for island- our wonderful but slow (according to me, Stuart) dinghy), thank you Dacre for the name. After our island voyage, we sailed over to Marsh Harbour and tied up at the marina. Gary went up to the marina to make us legally welcome to the Bahamas, while the rest of the crew prepared the boat for the night. After a good shower, we headed over to Mango’s for a wonderful dinner where we discovered that Carrie likes conch (yay seafood!). Joe got upsided by his gumbay smash punch while I finally got the Kalik I had been waiting for for two weeks (I was wearing my kalik t shirt the occasion). After dinner, we headed to Snapper’s down the street, a lively little club that sported folks of all ages. Much to our chagrin, there were some elderly couples feeling each other up on the dance floor, whose actions caused Carrie and myself to wonder. After a fun night of drinking and dancing (everyone but Joe got on the floor with Carrie), we all headed back to the boat for some cards and a good night’s sleep. Sadly, Will and myself will be disembarking from the voyage to head back to school, but we will the crew and all future visitors the best of weather and lots of fun aboard the Taravana. Bon voyage.

January 16th,

After leaving the ‘old folks retirement community’ in Hawksbill Cay, we began our passage towards Marsh Harbour. After half a day’s ‘not so rigorous’, but relaxing sail, we laid anchor near Whale’s Cay on a deserted island that, in the near future, will be the home of a island resort and marina. All of us chillin dinghy’d ashore with the help of dinghy masta Stu. Whilst Carrie and Joe walked along the shore towards the marina construction, Will attempted to go spear fishing, with Stuart watching and laughing at him realizing that he needed the equipment Stuart had told him to bring. While Carrie and Joe were away, Will was able to find a conch and a wonderfully colored hermit crab trapped inside a beer bottle. After Stuart’s unsuccessful attempt at following a fish (but not able to keep pace), Joe and Carrie returned, and Joe guided us back on Motu (Polynesian for island- our wonderful but slow (according to me, Stuart) dinghy), thank you Dacre for the name. After our island voyage, we sailed over to Marsh Harbour and tied up at the marina. Gary went up to the marina to make us legally welcome to the Bahamas, while the rest of the crew prepared the boat for the night. After a good shower, Carrie was visited by an unknown stranger trying to get into her room, we headed over to Mango’s for a wonderful dinner where we discovered that Carrie likes conch (yay seafood!). Joe got upsided by his gumbay smash punch while I finally got the Kalik I had been waiting for for two weeks (I was wearing my kalik t shirt the occasion). After dinner, we headed to Snapper’s down the street, a lively little club that sported folks of all ages. Much to our chagrin, there were some elderly couples feeling each other up on the dance floor, whose actions caused Carrie and myself to wonder. After a fun night of drinking and dancing (everyone but Joe got on the floor with Carrie), we all headed back to the boat for some cards and a good night’s sleep. Sadly, Will and myself will be disembarking from the voyage to head back to school, but we will the crew and all future visitors the best of weather and lots of fun aboard the Taravana. Bon voyage.