Tues. Feb. 28thTouring Great Abaco Cay by Car

Today was supposed to be overcast with a good chance of rain. Ron wanted to rent a car to see the island so we were off. We headed South to Treasure Cay. It is at the center of the island and the beaches are said to be rated 4th in the world. I wasn't sure what we would see driving but was sure it would be interesting. There were small houses, lots of scrub area and no commerical to speak of.  The trip to Treasure Cay was about an hour. We pulled into the marina and checked it out, of course. We enjoyed our lunch at one of the tables in the Tiki Bar area then left to look for beach access. We found a little dead end road that had a car and a few golf carts at the end. There were several people sitting at their easels on a little sand dune so we parked and ventured that way. We had come upon a small art class of ladies. We had a great chat about the area then walked past them to the beach. The cloudy skys had cleared and the sun was bright and warm. The water was amazingly beautiful!  The blues and greens paired with the white sand was breathtaking. We spent some time walking on the beach and swimming. Then it was off the other way.  We decided to drive to Sandy Point, the northern tip of the island. The scenery was lots of scrub and forest. There were several side rodes but we did not venture off.  It was a very very long and boring drive. Sandy Point on the other hand was very interesting to say the least. There was a sign that said marina so we pulled in. The parking lot barely had enough room to turn around in, there was a large dog lying on top of an old picnic table, a building half boarded up with locals sitting outside and a small wooden dock! We didn't get out of the car! Ron spotted a tavern with two boarded up windows and bars on two others. He dared Tom, I'll go in if you do"! We didn't stop there either.  On our way out of town we stopped along the road to take a walk to the beach. There were shells galore, especially conch.  There was an area that looked as if it used to be a picnic shelter. Ron and Natalie were exploring it when a pick-up truck full of men drove by. Ron ran behind the bar and left Natalie standing. She then ran and hid with him.  The truck stopped and the men called out "Why you hiden man". Ron popped up and said we just playin. Their response was "Ok man as long as you havin fun". We laughed about that for two days!.Our last stop on the way back to Marsh Harbor was Petes Pub, another famous island hang out that also has a museum.  After three wrong turns we finally found the correct road, if you want to call it that. The road was down hill, narrow and eaten away from rain. The gal at the rental car place had told us we could'nt take the car to Hole in The Wall because of the road but never said a word about this road! By now it is getting dark and we are all hoping nothing will come the other way because there is nowhere for us to move to. We are also hoping we don't blow a tire in one of the ruts. We knew that Petes Pub was on the water and when we got to the point we could see water we thought we were ok. Then the road seemed to turn to grass and head for some houses. Tom yelled out the window at someone on their front porch, "Are we headed in the right direction for Petes Pub"?  She laughed, yeah, just up the road. I'm thinking, what road?  We did find Petes Pub, a bar on the sand with a large roof over it, tshirts of all kinds hanging from the rafters. We had one of their rum specialty drinks, walked around a bit and headed up the dreaded road back to the marina. Thankfully we did not have to pass anyone on our way out either!  We were to tired to even unload the car. We stopped in Snappas, had dinner then headed to the boat!

enjoying the beach at Treasure Cay

a view of the rocks down the beach

Petes Pub

Inside decor of Petes Pub

Monday, Feb. 27th, The beginning of a fun filled or should I say Rum filled week!!

I flew home the day after we arrived in Marsh Harbor to celebrate my grandsons first birthday and get my "grandma fix". I returned the 26th, the next Sunday with my younger brother Ron and his partner Natalie.  Ron had reserved a slip at Conch Inn and Marina for the week because he wasn't sure he could handle the constant movement that takes place when you anchor out. It was a nice surprise and a nice break for us.  On Sunday we settled in on the boat and went to Snappas for happy hour. We started our island/Cay hopping on Monday morning. The weather forecast was calling for choppy seas so we chose to take the ferry to Man-O-War Cay rather than the boat. Man-O-War is a small island and has been the center of boat building and repair for many years. Ron was excited about seeing the wooden boat building business but unfortunately we didn't find it but he did find a shop that makes fiberglass boats.  We spoke to two gentlemen who live on the island. They explained that they like the island the way it is, few tourists, quiet and peaceful.  Liqueur is not sold here but it was made clear that you are welcome to bring your own. We strolled the narrow streets that are only used by golf carts and bicycles, visited the two shops which sell clothing and carrier bags of every size made from sail cloth then walked over the hill to the ocean side to enjoy the beach which was beautiful. We enjoyed the lunch we brought with us hunted shells then headed back to the ferry dock. Tom was not excited about the long walk back to the marina so we took a cab.  The cabs in Marsh Harbor are well used mini vans, they line up at the ferry docks each morning and afternoon hoping to pick up tourists who are traveling to and from the islands(Cays). We grilled out on the boat and planned tomorrows activities. I have photos but cannot get them to load so will post them another time.

                                           A street big enough for Golf Carts at Man-O-War

                                                   Brother Ron & Natalie on the beach