Regatta Prep: Setting the Mast
Greetings, Better Lifers! Regatta week is upon us now!
In our last post, we saw the Captain and crew readying the sailboat and launching her into the sea. A few weeks after that occurred, it was time to set her skyscraping mast.
Helpful Mail BoatAs you may recall, the mail boat passes through our chain of islands every week or so, bringing everything AND the kitchen sink. To onload and offload particularly large or heavy items (e.g., trucks, small boats, heavy stacked pallets, etc.), the boat uses a large onboard crane.
One afternoon a few weeks ago,… Continue reading
Behold the Islands of the Bahamas – by Mail Boat
Lately, the Bahamas has been making the news (in good ways)!
Behold The Islands of the BahamasDid you notice the oh-so-pricey, but very well done, advertisement that the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism aired during the Super Bowl? Beau and I were watching the game (and commercials!) at a local bar. As one particular ad began, we were struck by the beautiful waters being shown. We each thought the same thing, “That looks like the Bahamas.”
As the footage rolled, he recognized the islands depicted. When the commercial concluded, “Behold the Islands of the Bahamas” and the logo for… Continue reading
Visit to Long Island, Bahamas
A few months ago, my beau and I took a trip with friends to Long Island, Bahamas.
Although my beau had been numerous times, and our friends were from there, this visit was a first for me. Long Island is aptly named – the island is approximately 80 miles in length and only 4 miles at its widest point. Long Island is south of the islands of the Exumas, where I live (and it’s split by the Tropic of Cancer!), but it is only a short ride in a small plane.
Our friend – with her cat and… Continue reading
Regatta Photo Tour
My Dearest Better Lifers, thanks for your patience as I get caught up after a whirlwind regatta!
As you know, I’ve had Regatta Fever and have been posting Champion Sailboat Journals, Sailing Videos Clips and more. Finally, I have sifted through more than 600 personal photographs of the race week to cull them to a far-more-manageable 59 to share with you. These pics capture the essence of an incredible week. Of course, NOTHING can convey the excitement, adrenaline, pride and sheer pleasure of being there, but I hope to give you a taste.
Just one picture of many you’ll… Continue reading
Return from Regatta & Sailing Video
Hellooooooo, Better Lifers! I’ve missed you!
Regatta was wonderful, and I’ll fill you in soon. Weather was pretty tricky – the same front that saturated Florida also doused the Bahamas. Thankfully, Mother Nature granted enough of a respite that the boats were able to race, but then she kicked in again and delayed our return by several days. Upon my return, I was greeted with a flooded downstairs in my own home. Thankfully, my visiting mother had stanched the tide. I helped with the cleanup and enjoyed the remaining days of her visit.
It’s also been hectic around here as… Continue reading
Regatta Farewell
Dearest Readers, consider this my TEMPORARY farewell. Regatta fever continues. Now my adrenalin is really racing as we are about to set sail! Literally. We are leaving on a friend’s sailboat and leisurely headed down to the Regatta. (My family is visiting and taking care of the house and Angel, and I’ll be delighted to spend more time together upon my return.)
I won’t bother taking my computer with me, and I don’t have any mobile gadgets other than a very basic cell phone. Upon leaving the States, I gave up the old Blackberry! While Bahamians also have all… Continue reading
At Home With A Champion Sailboat
Regatta fever continues! While I ready myself for the trip, I thought you might enjoy some journal excerpts from our local sailboat from earlier this year . . .
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Gently, I bob in the turquoise waters of my home in the out islands of the Bahamas. All 28 on-deck feet of my wooden hull bask in the new year’s sun, while my seven foot draw drifts on a single keel below and my 60 foot mast stands regally above. The massive canvas sheet which serves as my mainsail is drying out on land nearby. Thanks to… Continue reading
Gorgeous Aerial Views
Welcome to a new week! I was in Nassau over the weekend, running errands, visiting with my beau’s family and attending the funeral of a friend’s son. As tragic and sad as that was – a life cut far too short – it was a good day with family and friends. Reminders in so many ways, large and small, to make each and every day count!
The flight home from Nassau is about 30-40 minutes in a small, single-engine plane. After dozing as we left Nassau yesterday, I roused myself for the last 15 minutes to enjoy the spectacular aerial… Continue reading
Stateside Errands and Small Plane to Paradise
I’ve had a whirlwind of travel lately. A bit too much for my liking, actually. When I’m back in Florida for visits with friends or family, and the ever-present island errands, I’ve described how hectic these Stateside visits can be. My latest trip last week was the most hectic yet!
On Monday, I took a morning flight from the island to Florida. Upon landing, I hopped in my little beater car and drove a few hours to meet friends who were visiting Florida on their kids’ Spring Break.
At dinner, with Theresa (and Kevin behind the camera).
Theresa and Kevin… Continue reading
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