Back in the USA!

Well we are back in the good ole USA!  Stanwood and Janet spent ten days with us in the Abacos, and we visited Marsh Harbor, Hopetown, Little Harbor, Man O War and Green Turtle Cay.  We ate our way through the Abacos, with the many excellent restaurants available, and had great meals.  Grouper was the favorite choice, many styles, and we had a great key lime pie contest.  The Abacos are so different than the Exumas, with more people and facilities.  The Exumas win for the raw beauty, but the Abacos win for facilities.  Potable water and marinas are more plentiful, and cheaper in the Abacos, and of course, the restaurants.  Snorkeling in the Abacos is good, but most places are in the Atlantic, so calm days are required.  Fortunately, we had many, and we snorkeled over a dozen sites.  While the water is not as clear as in the Exumas, the coral formations are outstanding.  Miles of Elkhorn coral reefs to explore!

Stanwood and Janet took the ferry from Green Turtle back to Marsh Harbor and flew home Thursday.  We left for the US and arrived in Stuart, FL late Friday night.  We are now in the Okeechobee waterway headed to the west coast of Florida.  It is bewildering to be in such a confined canal, with locks, after being in the Bahamas for two months.  Although we loved the Bahamas, it is nice to be back in the US with fresh foods, Wi-Fi, free water and electricity that actually works!  We forget that the Bahamas consists of over 600 islands, with a population of less than one million.  It does remarkably well having such a broad area, and a limited tax base, but it still is third world compared to the US.  One realizes how much we take for granted, after spending some time there.  However, the people in the family (Abacos) and out (Exumas) islands are some of the friendliest and helpful I have met.

I now have to concentrate on my boat list.  Every boater has a list of things that need fixing, and mine grows daily.  Serenity has done remarkably well, but the Bahamas are hard on a boat.  Two days ago our small generator had an electrical fire when it started.  I quickly turned it off and disconnected the battery, but we have that burnt wire smell lingering in the boat.  It has been added to the list.  We will arrive Longboat right around July 4 (boats everywhere) and head home, so that is it for now.  Below are some pics to close out.  

Treasure Cay Marina.

These guys are everywhere.

Treasure Cay beach.

Shopping in Man O War.

Hopetown Marina.

The famous Hopetown lighthouse.

Up we go!

Hopetown from atop the lighthouse.

More shopping....

The great sand-dollar quest.

New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay.  We had lunch at Harvey's-great grouper....

The Loyalist Park-a different perspective on the American revolution.  Green Turtle was founded by Loyalists who fled the newly formed USA after their side lost.  According to the historical plaques, my forefathers were a lousy lot...

Stanwood and Janet depart via ferry.  

Back in the US we take down our Bahamian flag after clearing customs.  It is tattered from much use, and a great time.