LEAVING THE ABACOS

Leaving ABACOS is not quite the same as leaving VEGAS, although there are similarities, one of which is that the wallet is no longer as thick as before you came. We are the last of the yachts still around, and the anchorages are empty, though the soul is filled with awesome memories. Even the weather has improved remarkably, with trade wind breezes from the South-east. What little sailing we have done, has still necessitated keeping the awning up. IT IS HOT. This morning was "check-out" time with Bridget, presenting the paperwork to Customs and Immigration for official clearance into the US. While there, I did a quick repair job on the security system. Have to keep my hand in........at the rate we spend, I just might need to go back to work before long. Shortest retirement in history. We came upon a "real" classic yacht in Marsh Harbour. Hate to think what that would set one back, but it is bound to be a few sackfuls of coupons. This "Cherubini schooner" called HARMONY, out of Vero Beach, FL, is magnificent, inside and out, and the detail is exquisite. What a pity you have to put it in the salt water instead of in a glass case.



Some are out there sailing still including charter boats and us, sort of..................on the left,........ and the picture below, is a locally-built schooner, used by the Boyscout Association to provide kids with an exhilarating experience for a week, with a different anchorage every night, in unforgettable locations. The scouts come from all over the US and Canada.







Just as we were leaving Green Turtle Cay, after clearing Customs, a barge came in with the weekly supplies for the island. High activity at the dock with forklifts flying down narrow alleys. We have been in the ABACOS Islands, three months and a day....................and whereas we should be in ANTIGUA by now, here we are heading to FLORIDA, to weather another huriccane season. Two weeks from now should see us back again in Green Turtle Cay, to collect our other beautifu yacht SVEA. How do you describe something like that........ Could you call it an "inconvenient truth" or simply just a "painful blessing"..................