a 'cold front' moves in

7 Feb 2016

don't forget to click on the pix for larger images

Well, a big change in climate today, as a cold front moves across the islands, bringing high winds overnight, heavy rain squalls and a 10 degree drop in temperature. But then, as we like to say, we didn't come for the weather . . . . hmmm

Still, brightened up enough after lunch to take a stroll around the town.

Looking back, you can just see the widows-walk of Summer Magic emerging from the tree tops.

A short cut through to the ocean side, and despite the blow, a spectacular stretch of sun kissed sand.

The odd reminder of Abacos Colonial settlers' roots, and miles of unsullied beach. Surely one of the reasons to keep coming back. Apart from the incessant sound of the surf, peace and quiet.

And no thoughts of voodoo . . . .

Up through the hole . . .

4th Feb.

We explored a little more of our accommodation yesterday afternoon. Newer houses on Elbow Cay tend to be built upside down to ours back home. Here, bedrooms and bathrooms are on the ground floor, with kitchen and living room on the second storey.
Summer Magic, the name of the house we’re staying at, has an additional floor, an attic overlooking the second storey living room.
The attic is accessed by a ladder, a space saving device, set against the wall. To reach the attic you must climb through a hatchway.



Once in the attic, a delightful hide-away, you discover a further ladder, this one leading to a hatch in the roof.



Emerging through the hatch, you're suddenly on top of the world.



The house is constructed with a widows-walk crowning the roof, allowing a spectacular panoramic view of Hope town, the harbour, and most of the Cay.

A slower pace.

3 Feb

An early evening stroll around the village yesterday revealed that nothing too much has changed within the past year. A couple of new houses going up, but apart from that much as it was the last time we stayed.













Our ‘home away from home’ . . .



With spectacular sunsets from the upper veranda, overlooking the harbour.

Elbow Cay - 2016

1st / 2nd February

First full day here on Elbow Cay, after a long, full day of travel. Not that it’s that far from home, considering other more distant destinations. But it requires a combination of transportation modes, none of whose schedules easily match.
Still, the internet to the rescue, and although an early morning start, a combination of Air Canada, Sky Bahamas, taxi and Aubrey Ferry services, here we are, tucked away in Elbow Cay.
A little drama on the first of two landing attempts by our AC Airbus pilot into Nassau.
Our arrival coincided with a wicked rainstorm and high winds. We’d almost touched down after a bumpy approach when the Captain decided prudence was best, and powered up through the storm to go around and try again. Nothing like a little excitement to get the adrenalin going . . . .

Nassau’s new terminal was an oasis of calm once we were through immigration – what a friendly, welcoming lot, with a 3 piece reggae band – to wait for our connection, and for someone to spend a bit of time on their new i-toy.

Still raining when we boarded our connection, but at 21ᴼC, no complaints.

No, not ours. But a nostalgic sight to see a Dakota still in service. Must be 70 years old if it’s a day.

Deplaning in Marsh Harbour, then taxi to the ferry via the grocery store for supplies and onto to Hope Town on the last ferry.
A long day, but we’re here!

To wake to this view from the veranda this morning. Not too shabby.

A family mini reunion . . . .

A few couldn't make it, but will be there the next time we hope.

Afternoon Tea, that quintessentially English thing, at Sopwell House, and cousins all, with spouses, met for a chinwag and family catchup.

A delightful way to share time together.

A day trip to Cardiff . . .

Couldn't have picked a better day for a visit to Cardiff . . . bright, sunny and warm. Met at the station by Di and Chris, and whisked off for a whirlwind tour of the city before arriving at Di's new home. What a pip! Seventh floor up, and panoramic views of Cardiff Bay.

Then to Penarth, and lunch in the beer garden of Chris' local, the Captain's Wife. Down to the seafront for an after lunch ice cream on the pier before returning to the station and train back to London. Great day, and good to catch up!

No chance to visit John Lewis . .. next time, perhaps . . . . .

Back to the 'Big Smoke'

Back in London now, and serious socializing commences . . . .

A day out up town, matinee performance of 'The Book of Mormon', and dinner out with Debs and the family . . .

Another day, and more rels, this time Lindsey, Aimee and Ed . . .

then Sunday, and an opportunity to meet up with the guys at the Milton Keynes show.

Monday, and a day out with Robert at the Imperial war Museum, Duxford -

Then meet up with Vivette, Janet and Peter for . . . another meal!

Can we keep up this frantic social life?