Neither she nor we enjoyed the next few hours as much. The wind was a-blowing and the boat was a-sailing, but unfortunately that combination usually ends up with the boat a-heeling. You can see the angle of the boat compared to the horizon, about 20 degrees...not much fun for 5 hours, but we did get to sail and we did make good time.
Aaaawww.....finally at Black Point. Smoke found a new hiddie-hole - the cube where I keep some of my knitting. Looks pretty comfy, huh?
Although the economy seems to have improved since our visit 2 years ago, Black Point is a poor settlement, but the people are lovely and always kind to the cruisers. Although we didn't go, one of the restaurants had a chicken/ribs bbq tonight for the cruisers. Looks like they had a good turn out based on the number of dinghies at the dock.
Within a couple of blocks, the island boasts a little grocery store (think convenience store), a couple of bars, an internet gambling room, a couple of restaurants, an all-age school, a bank (about the size of your bathroom and open only a couple of days a week), and the piece-de-resistance Ida's Laundry/convenience store/haircuts/showers/home-made cake store. The view of the anchorage is lovely. The anchorage at Black Point is on the western side of the cay. It is a deep V shaped cove, giving protection to boats from all directions except west. With strong southern and eastern winds the past few days, there are at least 40 boats tucked in here. Can't tell from this picture, as this is the far outer edge of the anchorage.
Luke took Ida up on a haircut on the back porch of the laundry.
I did laundry - 3 washing machine loads for $25....cruisers tend to wash things out on their boats a lot of times!
While at the laundry, a US Coast Guard helicopter rumbled into view, low and circling the anchorage. Several times. We are told that they are really being diligent about drug smuggling through the Bahamas - found tons of pot on a sailboat last year.
Off later in the afternoon to a walk to the beach on the windward side of the island. Note the earlier picture of the anchorage -- calm waters. Note the windward side - rough waters. Still, it was a nice walk on the beach.
On the path to the beach, we passed the blowholes. First - spray. Then - water bursts out of the blowhole.
We also passed bushes of "7 year apples". We are told that they are so bitter, if you every taste one, you won't do it again for 7 years. Apparently, nothing on the islands eat them. The apples just rot.
The plan is to head north for about 7 miles tomorrow to Staniel Cay. Our VHF radio is not happy these days, so we've ordered a new one. Few islands have reliable, regular air service for packages but Staniel has a flight in twice a day from Ft. Lauderdale. Otherwise, it would have to ship on the mail boat and that is NOT a good idea. So - off to Staniel tomorrow!
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