Marsh Harbor( spelled Harbour here) at Last! Sat. Feb. 18th

Mother Nature had been kind to us the past three days. We needed three calm water days to reach Marsh Harbor and we enjoyed three beautiful days. We have since spoken to boaters that were forced to spend a week at Green Turtle Cay because the waves kept them from coming through "The Whale". The whale is a required passage for all boaters heading South and is the most talked about in the Abacos.  Whale Cay occupies the exact spot where the Sea of Abaco becomes to shallow for boaters to pass. It is here you must navigate out and along the Atlantic side of the Cay then back into the Sea of Abaco. In heavy weather, strong North winds, the Whale is said to be at "rage". Waves can easily clock in at 8-10 ft. We experienced waves of 1-2 ft coming through.  Laughter brought us safely  into Marsh Harbor about 11:00 am. A large harbor with lots of anchorage area and several marinas. We have now learned that Marsh Harbor usually fills up when a cold front with high winds is predicted. it is a popular safe harbor. Because we came in following several good weather days we had our pick of spots to anchor. We had been anchored for just a few minutes when a dingy pulled up to greet us. Mike and Harriott on Duel Dreams.  We had shared many a happy hour on the wall in Demopolis together and were excited to have friends here to help us acclimate to the area. While talking with Mike Tom spotted a  young Bahamian gentleman going from boat to boat in his wooden boat.  Tom thought he might be selling Lobsters so he yelled and motioned him over. No lobster, he was selling conch, pronounced konk. The bottom of his boat was filled with conch shells. Tom bought three of them and I asked to keep the shells. The gentlemen slit the shell, cut the muscle that holds the critter in his shell and pulled him out. He cleaned them for us and Tom handed him a baggie to put them in. Tom was excited! Cool, conch for dinner! My response was "I don't think so!. We have no idea how to prepare them, you learn while I am at home and we can purchase more when I return.  A short time later the conch was in the frig and we wondered up and down the street that ran along the harbor then met Mike and Harriott for a celebratory drink during happy hour at one of the local hang outs. Snappas. We were actually in the Bahamas on our own boat! An accomplishment these two Indiana Hoosiers were pretty excited about!

Young Bahamian gentlemen selling conch from his boat

                                         A celebration drink with Mike, Harriott and Lee