the days slide by

Gosh, two week gone already. Time just slips by once you’re unwound enough to ease into the pace of life in the islands. 

 

Beach walking becomes a major occupation, with company of course . . .

Whether paddling . . .

Or snacking . . .

Watching cruise ships on the horizon (they don’t stop here) . . .

Or neighbours glide by . . .

There’s always something to catch your eye.

 Meanwhile, down at the farm, an unexpected treat of wonderful, fresh grown veggies!

And if you like fish – no better place to shop than at the seawall.

Stone crab, snapper, grouper, mackerel, lobster, tuna, barracuda. 

What’s your fancy?

Always time for a coffee at Baccus, and catch up on email messages. Looks like someone just learned she’s been offered a new job!

So a last visit to the beach, before heading home to snow and work. Mixed feelings!

Three days in, and checking for Pirates  . . .

Day’s end always spectacular, particularly in a warm climate.

Then there’s the beach view. Not exactly a beach resort with umbrellas, but then to be honest, that’s not what we’re looking for these days. Look right, look left . . . nobody!

The reality is that the Bahamas, or at least Nassau, is only a three hour flight from Toronto. Thus to reach some of the outer islands, which needs carefully scheduling for sure, is not such a stretch. So, if you want to escape the ‘package vacation’ rut, in reality it’s not so hard. House rentals are easy to research through the internet, and if you’re willing to do your own cooking, or seek out local restaurants, then your reward is a truly different vacation away from the tourist route.

Deserted beaches abound, and just wait to be explored.

So pack your knapsack, and head south, where virgin beaches are washed clean every tide, waiting for you to plant your footprints.

  

Eleuthera - here we come!

Longish trip, but we’re finally away from the snow and slush. Nassau airport looks good from its recent renovation.

Just one more hop, and we’re almost there, Eleuthera.

Only 19 miles from Hope Town, Mike!

 

Not so hard to take . . .

16 April - last day at sea!

Lisbon tomorrow, as our cruise comes to an end :(

. . . and onto new adventures!

15 April - Casablanca

Following a day at sea we arrived in the port at Casablanca. Now, I know the very name conjures up all kinds of thought associated with the movie, but the reality is so very different. For starters, the port is a modern container terminal, noisy, dusty, and all rather blah.

It’s also a very modern city, with traffic, high rise buildings and a busy commercial downtown.

But, beyond that, some of the magic can be recaptured by wandering the souk, the oldest part of the city, which probably hasn’t changed that much in a couple of centuries.

Bustling enough indeed to enjoy a return to the yacht for some lunch, and ponder the voyage to date.

Then, late in the day, waving farewell to the crowd at the end of the pier, we set sail for Lisbon, 350 nautical miles to the north, and 33 hours away. To round out the day, a celebratory bar-b-q on deck prepared by the crew, an excellent bunch, and top marks to them for taking such good care of us all.