Nassau Layover

•Back to the city• 

And, I can't say that's at all bad; we most always enjoy our time in Nassau.

After our run up from The Exumas and arrival at Bay Street Marina, we looked up and spotted 'Beacon Won' on her way in; old buddies, Bruce and Sheila
Some of you may remember from our blog, Captain/Mate, aboard the charter boat, "Bahama Star" are now sailing 'Beacon Won'. Their charters were doubling head count so an increase in the size of their vessel was in order to keep up with demand.

For years we've bumped into these two in The Exumas and Nassau. Bruce always the, happy pirate , invites us over for Fried Turkey; he and Sheila always lay out a great spread.

This was the end of the cruise for this charter, so one last photo op of the whole crew was composed.
About 3 hours later the next charter showed up. And, they were all from Memphis. We had actually met several of the young folks a few years ago at Compass Cay. Bruce gets a lot of repeat business.
He and Sheila are busy folks. Week long charters, one after the other, with just a couple of hours in between.

During our brief stay at Bay Street, we ran into several folks we haven't seen for a while. Captain/Crews like it here. 3 bar/restaurants at the top of the hill? What's not to like?

Also, walking back from lunch at Mckenzie's and shopping at the Funky-but-Fabulous Potter's Cay we heard someone yelling, "Bob Taylor, Bob Taylor!", it was Jamal, Tucker's son and the manager of Compass. We spoke briefly, but traffic wouldn't allow us much time. Potter's is always busy; it's a local favorite.
Mel and I were glad we saw Jamal, he was off the island when we left. So a proper farewell was made.

Potters Cay with Atlantis in the background for contrast.

So today, Crew Istaboa will make way for The Berry Islands and head back to Great Harbour Cay.

The seas are predicted to be relatively smooth and we're happy to be visiting our new friends at Great Harbour.

This cruise is winding down. It's been a great one so far.

More to come.

Adios,

Istaboa

With Heavy Hearts

Pulling away from Compass Cay was a bit doleful. It was a beautiful morning, but the during the process of untethering Istaboa, all involved were quiet and somber. As we motored away, I glanced back to see Loan and Preston still standing on the dock we had just left, still watching, I think they were almost as sad as we were. Or, they wanted to be sure we were gone. (We prefer to think the former.)

This long stay went by way too fast, as they seem to do these days. They just don't make months like they used to. In the blink of an eye a whole month will just disappear as if compressed into a .zip file of memories and stored away.

bahamas2015.zip

Ahh... the Sharks... they're Nurse Sharks; oddly docile and quite friendly.
Really; after all these years and hours and hours of watching them. I think they truly enjoy the interaction. Of course, a lot of the attraction for them is food, (not us thankfully), but they do seem to enjoy laying about the fish cleaning dock, having their backs scratched.
Many times I've been snorkeling the reef just under the docks and had them swim very close, brush up against me, and follow me around. At first, I must admit it was a bit unnerving, but soon it became apparent, they mean no harm. They're simply coexisting as they do with the many other fish at this fish friendly, sanctuary like, marina.

At Compass Cay there's no fishing of any kind and no harassing the Sharks. If a predator swims in; a Lemon Shark, Black Tip, or Barracuda, it will be prodded and forced to leave... or speared and taken out to the sea if it doesn't.

And there's the famous pigs of Big Majors Spot. Yes, they are internationally renowned. Google, 'Exumas Pigs'.
You'll see them enjoying the attention and handouts of good grub from movie stars, sports stars, super models, and us normal folks too. This trip, there was a film crew at Big Majors shooting a commercial using the pigs roaming around the beach in the background — for Angry Birds? Not sure what that's all about. We're told there's going to be a movie.

Anna Mae at anchor - Big Majors Spot

So, maybe now you can understand why Crew Istaboa treasures this tiny dot on the map.
This place really is magical. Swim with friendly sharks, movie star pigs? Where else in the world can you find things like this?
Mel and I never tire of Compass Cay and Pipe Creek. We always arrive excited and we always depart remorseful; planning our return.

We don't think it's for everyone. I've been asked many times, "How can you stay as long as you do and not get bored? No restaurants, no bars, no island bands, how do you do it?".
Our answer: It's easy if you have the time. Just sit under the shaded overhang next to the office where the breeze is priceless; be still, be quiet, be aware of your surrounding, and soon, you too will learn to BE at Compass Cay... it doesn't take long and it may forever alter your perspective on many things.  When you tire of that or the bugs come out, walk back to your boat, read a book or take a nap or both; go snorkeling with the fish in a marina that's better than any aquarium, chit chat with interesting folks from all over the world, hike around the island — then saunter back to the overhang and get back to the business of BEing. > Repeat.

More entertainment arrives with the tourists from Georgetown. Their look of amazement is priceless. They feed and swim with the sharks as Tucker and the boys grill them the best burger they've ever had, all the while slamming as many Kaliks as possible before jumping on the fast boat and heading back to Georgetown.

I've got tons and tons of memories and photos to share before I .zip them up.

So, like always, with remorse and heavy hearts we left the Exumas and crossed the bank back to Nassau.

With Nassau comes free high-speed internet, so I'll post more soon. And, Tucker has been here for the last few days so we hope to catch up with him before we head out for... ???

Adios,

Istaboa

Beach Boyz

Sad — it's time to move on. The weather's nice, the seas are flat, and we've been here for a month. Compass Cay and Pipe Creek are magical places — but like a flipped switch or a button pushed, we both know, at the same time, it's time to start preparing to leave.

But, before taking off, with all this flat water and calm winds, we're going to make the most of the next couple of days.

Today, we loaded up the dink and took the boys across Joe Cay Cut to let them play in the warm shallow waters and the beach. We all had a lot of fun. Mel and I love to watch them play and they had a blast.

I think Muddy's found his beach groove. The boy's gonna be alright.

Radar calmly stands by as Little Mud has his moment.

  Great beach

Radar, looking back laughing. I know he's saying, "Thanks Man, I love this stuff!".

And off they go...

Yes, we think Muddy's finally joined the club.  He's definitely getting his beach on.

I know, I know... We're more foolish about our dogs than most folks are about their kids. Sorry.

So now it's time to start the process of figuring out what to do next. More island life or head back to the USA and check on reality? Both, I guess.
This has been a great month at Compass and we hate to end it, but it's all good.
Even the ride home will be a continuation of what we enjoy most — and the end result will be Jupiter — so there will no be complaining.

We'll see.

These days and their memories are like little gems that we treasure. This crew loves Compass Cay so much, it truly feels like home. The big yachts that have taken the place of the smaller boats like Istaboa have made a change, but it's not a bad change, just different. The cast of characters that create the ongoing performance that's Pipe Creek are still the same, they joke with us, tell us stories, bring us fish, even loan us their boats when it's too rough to go out in our dingy, but we know, as it's been said many times — Time changes everything.

Maybe better?

We'll just enjoy it, as it is, while we can...

Adios,

Istaboa

Bird's Eye View: Exumas

Our hood from above. Beautiful from every angle — more BLUE!



Great drone video of Compass Cay, Shroud Cay, Big Majors Spot, and several other points of interest around the Exumas and Pipe Creek area.


Thanks to Michael Leonard/Bahamas Charters for the video.

The Smoke Has Cleared

A big fireworks display ended the 4th of July celebration at Compass; one of the large yachts put on quite a show last night.
On the beach less than a 100 yards away, for more than 30 minutes, we got the rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air.

A great show with paradise in the background.




Transition time for us staying on the island. All our friends from Jupiter are leaving and heading back to The Bluffs. Flowergirl and Dusty Seas will be making way towards points north tomorrow.
It was fun sharing time and Compass Cay with them all.

Cheers,

Istaboa

Happy Birthday, America

Thanks, GT

Radar's Day At The Beach

Radar loves the beach and always has. Muddy, not so much, never did. (though he's acquiring a taste for salt water)

So with nothing else on my busy schedule, I grab Radar and a camera; we're off for a walk across the island to the ocean side...  leaving little Mud on board to enjoy Mel's company and Istaboa's A/C.

On this afternoon, it's just two old boys out to enjoy a walkabout Crescent Beach.

Since a pup, Radar's been coming to Compass Cay and he knows exactly which path will eventually lead to the beach. With a spring in his trot he leads the way and only stops to look back and tell me to hurry up.

He always enjoys our time alone, as we once were.



I've said this several times, Crescent Beach at Compass is one hell of a beach; while walking the water's edge you'll most times be completely alone.

But just look at it.

The Planetarium

A fellow named Dave, on a boat named Livin' Large, is quite an artist. Dave built this mobile that we all call the Planetarium. He also constructed Hester's Livin' Large Gym that I put up in the last post. 

I've never met Dave, I don't think, but he's obviously a talented/creative dude with a lot of time and energy. All on the island appreciate his work.

Amazing!!

This day is a hot day and it's a long walk, but Radar is clearly up for it. He may be getting a little older, but a walk to the beach? He's always ready.

You can see the happiness in those eyes... the boy truly loves this stuff. 

Radar, once again, is telling me to hurry up.  My boy's still lookin' good, isn't he?

Below are a few photos from one of Radar's first trips to the islands.

That same, hurry up!, look.

Elbow Cay 2007's Cruise

So it's established, Radar is absolutely nutty about the beach.

He's calmed down a bit since those days back in '07, (we all have except for poor Muddy), but he can still bust a move when he wants. These days, Radar likes to go in about chest high to cool off and search for things that crawl. He doesn't bother them, just watches.

And check out that swagger, he's on his beach and he knows it.

Beach Dog

This, my friends, was a nice day. Just an old boy and his dog.

We sat under the Tiki Hut for a while enjoying the view, the shade, the breeze; hell, just the pure unpolluted sound of the surf was amazing enough...  then we hiked back to the boat to wash off the sand and salt. We didn't see another being until we got back to the marina.
Solitude if you want it.

 Radar, cooling his heels before heading back to the boat.

One last shot: Where it all started.

Sadie and Radar

An early morning on the Tennessee River. This was Radar's first boat trip. Little did he know what was in store for him. Such a cute little guy and what a beautiful girl Sadie was. Sweet, sweet Sadie

Here's a link to another good day on the beach... Tahiti Beach

This shot warms our hearts and puts a lump in my throat...

Adios,

Istaboa

When In The Islands •

• and need a gym  ≈  No problem

Hester's Livin' Large Gym¡

Lot's of changes and improvements at Compass since our last stay.

You'll never have to wait,

It's nice to be back.

Momentary Interruption

Hearing the young fellow, who's supposed to be finishing up our house project, saying, "Don't worry, it's all good. Enjoy your trip in the islands, I got this.",  didn't sit well with us. I hopped a plane and I'm now back in Jupiter. Probably a good idea I did. It wasn't bad, but all good?? Not entirely true.

I'll take this opportunity to pick up a few things while here.

Flying up to N. Eleuthera so the plane could refuel before returning to Ft. Lauderdale, we flew low over some of the shallows and uninhabited islands; it was incredible.
A nice clear day and a low tide allowed us to see that nature truly is the ultimate artist.
The patterns and colors created by current, waves, and time make for some amazing visuals.
Of course, I didn't take my good camera, but I managed to use my phone to do some video.
Using an app called Capture, (YouTube App) I easily mashed up a little video. It was fun to play with; by the time I landed in Ft Lauderdale , it was done and almost completely edited.

Bahamas Fly Over




It feels so weird to be in our new house without Mel and the boyz... like I'm staying in someone's home and they have the same tastes we do.

Won't be here long.

Island LIfe

We've been tied up at Compass for a few days now and Crew Istaboa is getting on with the business of being in the islands and what all that entails.

When at Compass Cay and part of the family, everyone pitches in. It's a family run island and sometimes the staff thins out and comes down to one or two. So all us longtime Compass Cay patrons help however we can. Tuck has a way of extracting our individual talents and using them in ways to better the island. Maybe mechanical, maybe technical, maybe helping tie up other boats when they all arrive at once. There's no payoff for these acts of kindness other than being guaranteed a slip during busy months and maybe fresh fish or lobster, but most of us chip in because we have the time and we see help needed. And, why not?

Our first day back, Tucker and I loaded up a family of folks in his Albury to take to Staniel and catch their plane back home. The kids seemed so depressed about leaving; I really felt sorry for them.
After dropping them off, we motored on to Black Point to drop off a letter. Tucker wanted to show me his home so we walked the short distance to the house where he raised his family.

A pic was from several years ago; Tuck and me going out fishing. The Albury appears to be floating above the water, huh?

Walking around these islands with Tucker Rolle is like hanging with the King. The rich man on the fine yacht or the poor man sitting quietly under a shade tree, they all smile, wave, and speak when Tucker walks by. He's a revered native of the Exumas and folks from all walks of life speak to him with respect and admiration. Tuck always takes time to kindly respond to them.
It was interesting to see his modest home, Tuck picked a few Mangoes from the trees in the back yard to take back to Mel. He then handed some money and an envelope to one of his daughters and quickly fixed the hot water heater before we left to walk back to his boat.
On the trip over, we discussed our mutual business and our thoughts on how things should be; it's interesting that two fellows from different backgrounds and worlds can think so much alike. I guess, bottom line, we want the same thing so going about making the same situation better in a similar fashion is not so odd.

So, yes... we're throttling back and easing into our island mindset... like putting on an old pair of flip-flops.













But, there may be disruption soon... we'll see.




Adios,

Istaboa