Adding our name to the famous boaters tree on Allen Pensacola

May 13-14, 2012

A visit to Allen Pensacola was a must.  On the Cay was a tree that was the home of a hundred plus signs made from material found on the beach. Each sign had the name of the person or persons, their boat and the date they visited. Some were on the tree, others around it.  The tree was located on the ocean side of the Cay.  We had to walk the distance on a narrow sandy path with many branches of unknown bushes and trees hanging in our path. This made me a bit nervous as I did not want to come in contact with a poison tree. The result was a rash much worse than poison ivy and known to reappear several times after you thought it was finally gone.

We packed a small cooler with water, took a marker for writing our name and went to shore.  The start of the path had been decorated with floats, ropes and such that people had found which was helpful.  it was a warm day and the walk was a long one. Fortunately with the overhanging trees and bushes we were not in the sun the entire time.  Once on the ocean side we explored the area. The beach was covered in drift wood and there was quite a bit of debris, making it easy to find a suitable piece to write our name on, decorate it with bits of rope and place it on an agreed upon spot on the tree. We spent a little time reading all the other signs finding several people that we knew. Peanut played and played on the beach. When it was time to head back she started to slow down, then would stop and vomit. By now it had to be 90 degrees, and i was really afraid she was overheating. after the second time she stopped and vomited I picked her up and carried her back to the dingy. Tom put her in the water to cool her body temperature down and we headed back to the boat. Once on the boat she drank some water and found a place in the breeze to rest. By nightfall she was back to her old self, thank goodness.

This make shift structure was near the beach at the anchorage. Notice there are chickens living on the island, the only inhabitants.

                       The trail                                           our sign

                                 the trees

             The ocean side beach

Spanish Cay – A different kind of place

May 11-12
When asked about Spanish Cay, the answer was ‘don’t bother’.  The guide books indicated it was a private island with a very nice marina. A full page add indicated it was open to the boating world, so we choose to check it out despite negative boater comments. There were two boats in the anchorage outside the marina harbor which made it easy to find.  We were a little disappointed with the anchorage.  We were on the same side of the Sea of Abaco as we were at Powell Cay but the water was much rougher. We hoped it would calm down by nightfall. Now late afternoon, we dinked to the marina, tied up at the dock and checked out the little store, bar/ restaurant and amenities.  I was quite impressed.
While I took Peanut for a walk Tom struck up a conversation with two gentlemen who were in the pool. They have been coming here to fish for the last five years.  A while later we watched the boat captain clean their catch of the day and feed the scraps to a group of six or seven Bull sharks that gathered under the dock for supper.  Watching the sharks fight over the scraps was quite a show and the price of admission was right. i kept Peanut, on a short leash as she wanted to hang over the side and watch the shark show as well.
The restaurant chef was going to prepare the abundance of mahi caught in a variety of ways and we were invited to join the fishermen and their wives for dinner. We declined dinner but agreed to come back for a drink afterwards. Our dingy was tied near the area where the sharks ate dinner so we waited until we were sure they left the area before climbing down the ladder.The thought of becoming dessert in the event one of us slipped on our climb down made for a very slow and careful decent 
We returned after dinner and had a great visit. The ride back to the boat in the dark was a little nerve racking, now that I knew there were lots of sharks close by, but soon we were safely back on Laughter.  The next morning we completed a few jobs around the boat then headed to shore to use the computer and check out the beach. i made the mistake of asking permission to leave my computer in the marina office while we walked to the beach. We were respectfully told that it is a private island and only guests staying at the marina or in the condos could move around freely. He also explained that anchored boats are welcome to shop in the little store but are not really supposed to use any other part of the facility, including the restaurant/bar. A shame because boaters enjoy gathering at a bar.  We sat on the rocking chairs talking with other boaters anyway then moved to a table to get online to pay some bills. We bought a couple of drinks to show that we were patronizing the bar, hoping that would keep the peace a little.
When the fishermen returned from today's  trip we walked out to the dock to watch the feeding of the sharks again. We learned that these gentlemen are free divers. no poles and bait, they spear the fish. Tom and i had never heard of free diving before coming to the Abacos, but have since met several free divers. The Abaco’s are a popular spot for free diving.
  Because we were not really welcome at the restaurant/bar we left for the boat when all the fish were cleaned.  We departed the next morning headed for Allen/Pensacola Cay.
  A few tidbits of information: The owner of Spanish Cay is from Texas. He also owns Richmond Yacht company and 11 restaurants. We were told his purchase of Richmond Yachts resulted from a conflict he had with an employee of the yacht company. He had gone to check on the progress of his yacht. He expressed his displeasure that the progress was behind schedule. The employee stated to the buyer that he didn’t know anything about building yachts, that they are often behind schedule and stick to what he knows. The frustration resulted in the buyer buying the company and announcing that timelines would now be met. We were told he is a really nice guy and when he is there he hangs out and cooks at the restaurant for those staying there. The Cay has a landing strip for small aircraft that has been there for years. It was apparently used for drug running at one time. The fishermen that we met fly in on their plane several times a year.                                                         Spanish Cay Marina Pool
                                     Spanish Cay Marina as we approach the dock                                           One of several gliders at the marina
                                             One of the Bull sharks being fed
                                          A bull shark going after the fish skins
  The fish they speared while free diving the long ugly one with the teeth is a barracuda
                                          Brian holding a hog fish he speared
                                  Laughter is on the left at the Spanish Cay anchorage                                             The owners Yacht

Powell Cay

May 9-12, 2012

On the morning of May 9th we said goodbye to Coopers Town and headed to Powell Cay. It is another uninhabited Cay with pretty beaches to explore.  We anchored took the dingy to shore and looked for treasures. This was another Cay that had a walk through path to the ocean side.  We of course followed the path to the ocean. As the sun began to set we enjoyed watching beautiful cloud formations pass colored by the setting sun.

                                                           Approaching Powell Cay

Coopers Town on Election Day

MAY 7, 2012
We had heard mixed information about Coopers Town settlement. There are no marinas, dinghy docks or beaches. The docks that protruded off shore were destroyed by the last big hurricane and never repaired or rebuilt. The anchorage area is open so we will have to monitor the winds and weather closely while here. 
To dingy ashore you have two choices. Pull your dinghy up on a small rocky shore area next to the destroyed marine services dock or go down to an old dock down a ways and carefully climb up an old ladder.  On our first visit to shore we did notice a stack of lumber sitting near the marine services dock and a group of gentlemen rebuilding on a bar on the water front.  A rock wall lined the waterfront protecting the street and sidewalk on the other side. There were several benches along the wall and a gazebo type structure. During our two day stay we noticed that groups of men gathered throughout the day on the benches and in the gazebo. On our walks down the waterfront it appeared most of the conversations were politically centered. This made sense as today was election day.
The schools and many businesses were closed. Children and adults walked along the water front in their red shirts, the political color for the present prime minister.  Red flags adorned the cars that went up and down the road. it appeared that the entire settlement was supporting the present prime ministers reelection. occasionally you would see a car with the opposing candidates colors, purple, but that was rare. A gentleman from a  boat anchored near us told us that we were all invited to a rally that was to take place in the park following the closing of the poles. Tom was excited about it but not knowing the climate of the area i said i was not going unless we went with the other boaters. Evening came and we dinked over with our fellow boaters. We were greeted on approach by several local Bahamians and treated well. It was an interesting people watching event. Everyone in their red shirts discussing politics.  When the final poll results were in the present prime minister had lost. Next thing we know cars with purple and yellow flags were coming down the street honking their horns and yelling to brag that they had won.They drove around the park then left.  I was concerned about how this was going to play out but found there was no need. Everyone in the park remained quiet. They did not respond verbally or with hand signs. All remained calm. I was impressed.
The following day we walked to the local grocery. Tom stood outside the store and enjoyed a beer. He asked what a case of it costs.  $72.00 was the response, ouch! No beer for Tom.  Tom went back to the boat and i remained to walk the rocky shore looking for shells while the tide was out. There was an area on the rocks that was covered with conch shells that had been cleaned. i climbed over the wall to check them out and was joined by four children who were playing on the rocks on their way home from school and picking up these very large snail type shells. I asked why they were picking up the big snails and was told their mom boils them for dinner.  We had a great conversation about school. These little guys were so cute. They kept picking up conk shells and announcing “how bout dis one”.  I bet they followed me up and down for 45 minutes. It was great fun.
i was amazed that most of the houses had boards covering several of their windows or at least the holes where windows were supposed to be.  I am told they have been up since that very bad hurricane in the 2009? Most houses had the front door wide open.  “I  asked the kids how they kept cool in the summer since it was obvious here and in most of the Cays that air conditioning is nonexistent and the only air flow was through the front door here in Coopers Town. Mind you the temperature today was 80 so I can’t imagine the heat in the summer! We walk up and down the waterfront  to catch the breeze off the water was the response.  We love these real life experiences with the people of the villages we visit here in the Abaco’s.

The marine services dock and bar                 A photo from the anchorage


Local home, typical in size and shape                            Sunset behind the town


The present Prime Minister, who lost the election.  I met him earlier in the month.this is his home in Coopers Town.
 

Manjack

May 6, 2012
This morning we headed out from Green Turtle to Manjack Cay.   We had been told by many boaters that there is one house on the Cay and that the couple in the house are former live-a-boards that love to have boaters come and visit.  We anchored in a very pretty cove and took our dingy ashore to see if we could connect with the couple.  The gal was actually at waters edge when we arrived so we were able to meet her.  We didn’t walk up the hill path to the house because they were expecting company. I was impressed with how they had fixed up the shoreline to welcome boaters. There was a little beach and a really nice swing and trails that they had cut going through much of the wooded/jungle like area surrounding their home. We explored around the Cay by dinghy stopping on several little beaches to look for treasures, Just before sunset the couple and their company sailed around the cove in a beautiful little sail boat as we enjoyed another beautiful Bahama sunset.

Here Piggy Piggy – A Day at No Name Cay

Saturday May 5th.  Another beautiful day in paradise, The sun was shining and the water flat so we decided to motor to No Name Cay for the day. No Name is uninhabited except for some pigs that were brought there by someone.  We dinked to the beach and proceeded with our regular routine. Tom sets up camp with his chair and cooler then he starts down the beach one way and I the other looking for treasures. The sun was hot so rather than follow us, Peanut choose to dig a hole in the cool sand under Tom’s chair and hunker down there. As I approached an area with benches and a structure that resembled a very tall table all forward motion stopped. There under what was obviously a shelter four heads popped up to watch me. Not knowing whether these were wild boars or domesticated pigs I slowly turned around and headed back towards our little camp.  On our way back to the boat we dinked back over to the pig encampment for a few photos. When the pigs heard the dinghy motor they came running out to the beach then into the water!  They were obviously expecting a snack, and not having one with and not wanting to be the snack I strongly suggested we back up into deeper water.  When the pigs realized we did not have food they returned to their spot under the table/shelter. In turn we went on to the far side of the Cay to continue our treasure hunt. My red treasure bucket in hand I started down the beach. As I came around the corner I realized I was back near the pig encampment but not seeing any little ears I decided to finish the area to that spot. Next thing I know here come the pigs, this time following me down the beach!! Then I realize, Darn I am carrying a bucket!  Just about then two dingies pulled up and yelled “Hey are those your pigs?” I laughed with a loud no, but continued to walk. The pigs decided to investigate the dinghies which gave me the opportunity to power walk back around the corner. Tom felt the pigs were domestic and used to being fed so I decided  to feed the pigs before we left the Cay and get a few more pictures.  We took Peanut to the boat, gathered some scraps and went back to the beach. Unfortunately no sign of the pigs. I guess they figure after four all the boats leave( it’s a day anchorage) so no reason to hang out for hand outs.  I went up on shore and started calling “Here Piggy Piggy” Tom yelled “Souie” from the safety of the dinghy, I might add. In a few minutes here come two pigs a runnin, and so was I! When they reached the waters edge I threw out some celery and a bisquit. The pigs swam out to the food!  It was funny to watch them try and catch the celery as it floated away.  Tom encouraged me to feed them but I wanted to keep all my fingers so I dropped the food to them. One of them did let me pet his head.  A few days after our pig visit I was telling the story and he responded with a story about a boater trying to feed the pigs at Staniel Cay in the Exumas recently. She lost three fingers!

 

Schools I visited in the Abacos

  Being a retired educator I was interested in learning about schools in the Abacos. I also thought it would be marvelous to try and set up pen pals between students in the Abacos and students from Kolling Elementary. While on a visit home I asked students from Kolling to write to Bahamian students and brought the letters back to the Abacos with me.  Most islands appear to have both private and public school options. I chose to visit public schools. I also heard quite a bit about ECC, Every Child Counts in Marsh Harbor, a special education school and was very excited about visiting there. To date I have visited a primary school on Man-O-War and in Hope Town.  The buildings were very simple and the classrooms small.  Because of the small population on the islands both schools have multi-grade classes. Technology appears limited, I did not see computers in the classroom but honestly I am not sure if there would be room for anything but an IPAD or lap top.  In both schools that I visited one of the teachers also served as principal. The children were very polite. When I entered two of the classrooms the entire class stood and greeted me with "Good morning welcome to our school". They wear uniforms and every sentence ended with mam or sir.  The playgrounds had very little equipment and what they had was old.  One of the playgrounds included hopscotch printed on the street behind the school. Children brought their lunch and ate at benches on a porch like area of the school. Several of the teachers I met were from the states. In one of the schools both the principal and one of the teachers had come over on their sailboats more than 15 years ago and are still here. I must admit having less then a dozen students in your class would make teaching here tempting. As I left one of the primary school I passed a new private high school. Some students were enjoying a snack break with their teacher on the front porch so I stopped and chatted. The teacher I spoke with is the teacher for students in grades 7-11. Fourteen of them. Next year they will have their first 12th grader and a graduation class of 1. I talked to the students about Lake Central High School for a few minutes, explaining that it has a population of almost three thousand students, then offered to try and find a few penpals for them if they were interested. My mind was on overdrive as I walked through the schools and talked with the teachers. The schools I worked in throughout my career had so much more but there was a common denominator, happy laughing, children.  While in Green Turtle I met three parents who are active members of the PTO for Green Turtle primary school. All three of them moved to Green Turtle from various parts of the world because of the village atmosphere and back to basics life style. I talked with them about education opportunities in the Abacos.  All three moms felt that they are able to supplement in areas their children need or are interested in through the Internet at home right now. Their children are between the ages of seven and ten. All three do plan on moving back to the states or their own country to make sure their children receive an education that will enable them to attend a college of their choice. Until about ten years ago children with severe disabilities such as Down Syndrome or autism did not attend school because they could not be accommodated. This changed because of the drive of Mrs. Lynn Majors, who worked with an area minister and a professor at Florida International University to establish ECC, Every Child Counts. The school is the only one in the Abacos serving children who cannot be mainstreamed.  The are completely self supporting and have only this past year received funding from the government to pay for one teachers salary. There are 103 students that attend the three building complex. The classrooms are small and the only technology I saw consisted of about eight computers in an area outside the office. I visited with Mrs. Majors,founder and school administrator about their progress, hopes and goals. It reminded me so much of my first years of teaching in the early seventies. Technology was nonexistent, facilities simple and materials self made. In fact my first teaching job was similar to ECC. A complex of three buildings that was transformed from boarding school to special education school for students ages 5-18. As I visited the classrooms and strolled around campus the care the students showed for each other, the smiles they shared with us and the dedication of the staff made me tear up. I was reminded of how much I miss those early days of working with these very special children. Mr. Mars, worked with the oldest students,in a workshop type setting. Students were folding napkins around plastic ware and placing them in small bags for a local restaurant. He invited me to come back and visit his class after I was done with the tour. I went to get Tom who had been waiting with Peanut near the entrance of the school and the three of us went back to Mr. Mars classroom. We were introduced but of course Peanut was the most popular. We were encouraged to visit with the students and pitch in if we wanted. Soon after entering the classroom a young lady came in to get a little extra help on a math problem she didn't understand.  Mr. Mars had Tom help her work through it. I enjoyed watching as they worked the problem on the blackboard. Tom was really enjoying himself.  As we were leaving he looked over at me and said, I could do this. I love it. One of the stand outs in the class was Eric. He is 21 and lives on Green Turtle Cay. He rides the ferry to school everyday and was very proud to tell us about it. He also told us that he enjoyed spending his evenings on Facebook. We have met Eric's parents who manage a bar/restaurant here at Green Turtle and have had several great visits with them. If you would like to learn a little more about ECC visit their website, Every Child Counts Abaco.org

                                                            Man-O-War primary school

                                              The post office is next to the school

                                            Marte Albury High School in Man-O-War 

Sign in front of the new high school

                                           Playground at back of Hope Town Primary school

                                                The lunch room on the porch of Hope Town

                                                  Classroom at Hope Town Elementary

Hallway at Hope Town primary school

One of the ECC buildings, originally a convent

                                            The main building of ECC of classrooms and office

The workshop classroom

The playground at ECC