Marsh Harbour and Elbow Cay...and a reunion (or two)!

With a few days of strong winds in the forecast, we had a decision to make! We had friends coming to Lubbers Quarters, friends in Hope Town on Elbow Cay, and several anchoring options. Hope Town would require us to time entry/exit on high tide and we didn't want to be trapped. But then a fellow cruising family offered us a mooring at Man-O-War Cay so we decided to try that very skinny, shallow entry out! The ball ended up not working out so we decided to head for Marsh Harbour--we trust our ground tackle and anchoring there would allow us to get some provisions even in bad weather. We were pleased to find plenty of room and ample depth there! 

Along the water in Marsh Harbour. The anchorage was clear though.

Marsh Harbour definitely still showed scars from Dorian. Several beached boats and piles of rubble line the coast, but many businesses are back up and running, too. Maxwell's Grocery Store was a shock to the senses with it's American-sized building and large selection! Some marinas are back in business, as are some old restaurants (and a few new ones!). We didn't need to stray far from the public dock to find what we needed--great conch salad at Fatty's and great happy hour specials at Colors! We made water, did laundry, provisioned...and then we got a little adventurous!

So much selection at the grocer! And boy, did we east well!

With our anchor holding well went ashore in 20+ knot winds, double-tied the dinghy to the dock, walked 25 minutes to the ferry port, and had a surprisingly comfortable ride on the local ferry over to Hope Town! The ferry dropped us right at the lighthouse upon request--this was on my "list" for while we were here and I'm glad we got to walk up to the top and enjoy the view and the classic construction of this historic lighthouse! Learn all about it at Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society. Our friend Ian from back in my Navy days generously ferried us from the lighthouse to town so we could explore a bit before joining him and his wife, Caroline, for lunch at Cap'n Jack's. We really enjoyed wandering around this quaint village and seeing our friends! It was a great "side trip" from our anchorage and the ferry service was great!

A wonderful day full of history and good friends!

When the wind started to subside we headed back to Tilloo Cay for a few nights so that we could visit our friends Ladleah and Shane at Lubbers Quarters. We have enjoyed their hospitality in Maine and passed a great afternoon here in the Bahamas with them and their friends Keryn and Mike. I'm so glad the weather and our schedules lined up!

I love these peeps! Can't wait until our next "MMA reunion!"

We are starting to see a window to slip back to the U.S. on the horizon. We don't want to rush out of here, but we don't want to be rushed this summer, either. It's a balance!

~Jo, 1st Mate