Green Turtle Cay

We made a long run to Green Turtle Cay because a cold front was predicted & we expected the weather to get pretty nasty. We wanted to be in a a safe harbor. It got pretty rough on the way over, but nothing too bad, just a little uncomfortable. The marina is nice & very protected. The weather never got too bad, just some wind, dark clouds & a little rain that didn't last too long. We have to stay put for a few days & wait for the wind to die. We want to head further south, but there is a dangerous passage we have to make out into the ocean called "The Whale". We are told The Whale should only be traveled when the wind is right.

We rented a golf cart to tour the island. There aren't too many cars here, most everyone travels by golf cart. The roads are all coral, narrow & very bumpy. We had such a rough ride Al needed 2 hands on the steering wheel to keep us under control. We took Hooper on his first golf cart ride. He loves a car, but he wasn't sure about a golf cart. We had him in back at first & I was afraid he would fall out. Then we put him up front with us, but his tail was dragging outside the cart & I was afraid it would go under the wheel. We finally got him turned around & he really enjoyed the ride. We were able to explore the small town on the other side of the island & see all the beautiful beaches. We stopped at a beach & Hooper was able to run free & swim. I got to do some snorkeling. Everyone here is exceptionally friendly. You can't go by without waving & saying hi.

We've met so many nice cruisers here, they feel like family. We've been with Ron & Jane, on the boat Rachel since the day we left Palm Beach. They were staying in the Sailfish Marina. We've been docked right next to them in both marinas in the Bahamas. We met Brian & Jeanne on the sailboat Clairvoyant & they also travel with a Golden Retriever. We all meet in the bar at night & have dinner together. The marina has a special deal, the more we eat & drink, the less our dockage fees cost. So everyone has plenty to drink at the bar & restaurant.

The sailboat Clairvoyant had multiple problems on their boat. The chart plotter & depth sounder went out, & they had an engine leak & overheating problem. Al, Ron & Brian spent most of the day trying to fix the electronics, then had to make a gasket for the water pump. Unfortunately it still leaks. Tomorrow they will try to put a sealant on the bolts if they can find the right stuff. For the first time since Al left work his hands were black with grease, but it's more fun fixing boats here than in New York under a pile of snow.

The wind is supposed to lighten up on Tues. so will head out & probably go to Treasure Cay.