Finally a break in the wind!

  This last week we had a real blow out with 50+ mph winds in the Abacos. Freedom was moving side to side and around in her slip testing the lines to their limit causing some sudden stops that caught us off balance on a number of occasions. It was enough movement that it reminded us of crossing the Gulf Stream at the end of December but only in an amusing way. It wasn't like we had to crawl around on our hands and knees to prevent injury but it was enough that balance and composure were challenging to maintain. In spite of the rocking and sudden stops caused by taught lines, we managed to get the stereo installed, the electronics station on the bridge cleaned up and its face repainted.
  We did not hear of any damage being done but we all had to make certain the boats were adequately tied up. Those out on the hook moved to more protected areas like Marsh Harbour or the West coast of Abaco to be in the lee of shore thus mitigating the affect of the winds. It was a time to hunker down and keep an eye on the boat. Along with the wind the temperatures got down into the 40's and we were fortunate to have reverse cycle air conditioning aboard Freedom. At this point of Winter we think we have used the heat more often than we have in all years past. Hopefully this is not an indication of how the Winter will continue once this break from the cold fronts has concluded.
 Given the opportunity with this recent calm and warmer weather we were able to get a good walk along the Atlantic shore from Hope Town down to the Abaco Inn for some of their specials. It was comforting to learn they still make darn good conch fritters and their seared tuna is still a stand out special that can't be beaten. Others may try but the Abaco Inn has a lock on this dish.
 Since the weather window was good for a second day, and the second day was more calm, we took the dink out to the reef at the North End of Elbow Cay and looked around. It was calm enough we didn't need the look bucket or need to snorkel. The water was clear and calm enabling us to merely putt around looking at the coral heads and the fish living near and within them. There were a few encounters with nurse sharks and some large snapper that made us wish we had gear with us to capture some good eats. While we did not see any lobster antennae I'm thinking we might have found a couple if we were to throw the hook out there and dig around under the coral heads.
 Eventually we had seen enough and I pointed the dink at Snake Cay where we were hoping to see some of the large spotted rays but the sun hid behind the clouds by the time we got there and we could not see deep enough into the dark water to pick them out.
 Perhaps if  we had not stopped to help a sailboat that ran aground in Tilloo Cut we might have had sun light at Snake Cay but boaters have to help each other out if they can. They were hard onto the sand and grass with the tide going out, and they had a mess of kids on the boat with them. We pushed and tugged on their boat with all we had but we could not budge it. The captain elected to spend the day there waiting for tide and we moved on after wishing them good luck.
 Regardless it's all good and on the return to Hope Town we stopped off at Sea Spray for some of their awesome conch salad and blackened grouper sandwiches washed down by a couple of ice cold Kalik's.
 Days like this are tough to beat.

 The garmin data is up to date.