Back to Staniel Cay

After three days at Compass Cay, the weather improved, so we headed out back to an anchorage by Staniel Cay. Cat's Paw, Oconee, and Alexia stayed in Compass Cay.

Once back at Staniel Cay, we found the wind picked up again and we spent a couple of "bouncy" days at anchor, unable to leave the boat. We did not have Internet at that location, which is a bummer for me. I like to be in touch. At least I had time to finish the book "Cocaine Wars" which talks about the use of Norman's Cay in the Bahamas as a transfer point. We are so thrilled that this problem was resolved and it is safe to cruise these beautiful islands.

I had ordered a necklace from a lovely young artist named Sarah Hocker at Staniel Cay. It is another sea bean painted with a fish. Sarah does great work and we learned that she spends 6 to 8 months a year on Staniel Cay and 2 to 4 months in Woodbridge, VA where her boyfriend owns a marina.

We went to her house to pick up the necklace and I got to see all her lovely artwork. We shared information about supply sources and methods. I have not done any jewelry, so it was interesting to see her set up. I have added her website to the list of websites on the blog in the right column. Her artwork covers animals and fish unique to the Chesapeake area and the Bahamas. We had them over for dinner and we happened to have one of the most beautiful sunsets ever.

 

The mailboat that brings everything from building supplies, vehicles, and all grocery items to the islands was delayed a day due to the strong winds. It arrived on Thursday and we went in to the General Store to buy our fruits and vegetables.
After the first of year, many of the large boats headed back to the states, while many of the cruisers, headed on farther south. So the number of people at the store was significantly fewer now.

We are waiting for 3 packages to arrive at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club to arrive, so some of the boats that waited to cross over after Christmas or New Years may catch up to us. Among those is Ed and Dee on Sea Fox X who have radioed from Wardwick Wells that they will be here soon. We are looking forward to having them "catch up" with us.

We had a little excitement on Saturday morning when we were boarded by a group of the Bahamian Defense Force. They were very courteous and just checked our papers and looked over the boat. It was still a little unnerving. We were just happy to see them doing their job.

 

The Bahamian Defense Force leaving our boat

 

Another photo of that beautiful sunset!