Abacos: Mangrove to Green Turtle

Our crossing (on the second try) was very nice and gentle. We crossed with 6 other boats from Lake Worth, leaving at ebb slack at 2:00 am and arrived in Mangrove Cay the afternoon of the following day. On the crossing, Mahi were nearly jumping into every one's boats. I heard at least three calls of "fish on" delivered via VHF. We started the phenomenon by landing a small female on our boat. My gaff job was less than pretty and she bled all over the cockpit. That afternoon we anchored with our crossing comrades at Mangrove. Raising our Q flag that evening was a right of passage that we had waited two years for. Our initial crossing group splintered off into separate groups. We buddied up with Jim and Tammy & crew on Sweet Chariot. Early the next morning we headed out with Sweet Chariot for a long slog to Spanish Cay for clearing customs. Once cleared, we exchanged our yellow Q's for the Bahamian courtesy flag - another sigh of relief, and another badge of honor. At this point I finally allowed myself to say "Phew! We really made it." That evening we anchored with our buddies Jim, Tammy and gang right outside the marina at Spanish Cay and snorkeled around the boats in the morning. It was so cool to be able to see the anchor laying on the sea floor below. After splashing around several hours we pulled anchor and headed to Green Turtle. Our ECSA friend Walt told us in advance of our trip to Bahamas that Wednesday was the night to be in Green Turtle. Well as luck would have it, we arrived on Tuesday and stayed there through Thursday. Wednesday evening found us loaded up in our dingys, headed for the Green Turtle Club for a little dancing under the tree. The Gully Roosters entertained us with their unique blend of island music - something between hillbilly and reggae - and made it impossible to keep our feet still. After a night of dancing like we were on hot coals, we enjoyed a day of snorkeling and beach combing. On our snorkel adventure we saw a Lion fish and many nice-sized lobsters. The spiney creatures taunted us, obviously well aware of the fact they were out of season. After our underwater adventure, we combed the white sugar sand of the nearby beach. Ahhh, I think I am going to like this vacation.
(note: this post is dedicated to Carla - my friend who thinks I am a slacker when it comes to prompt posting on my blog. I still luv you girl!)