MOTHER'S DAY

It seems that every time I tell you all what we plan to do in the future, we change our mind and then I have to tell you that I fibbed. Well, I fibbed. We are still at Ocean Reef Resort in Freeport, Bahamas. The weather looks better for crossing to Florida on Tuesday rather than Monday. So, we shall see.

Today we spent the day at the pool. Because this place is a time share vacation place, the guests turnover on Saturday. So, we are meeting a whole new batch of people. We met 2 couples from London, Ontario. They are both here on their boats and did not know each other before coming here. It's holidays like this that make being away from home harder.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The morning was spent doing ironing for me and washing the boat with fresh water instead of salt water for John. Then I worked some more on my quilt. The top is sewn together now. The border is all that is left to do. I spent the afternoon swimming. There is a pool and a hot tub, so I went from one to the other and back again. Everyone we've met here have been so friendly. Most of the people own time shares here and come every year. So, they know a lot about what there is to do and how to get around. They are happy to share that information with you. Tonight we went to Grouper's for dinner and to watch the Kentucky Derby. That was some race! I wish I had bet a lot of money on the winner. He paid rally good odds. After dinner, we went for a walk around the complex and I took some pictures which I am sharing with you now. We are getting ready to leave here tomorrow, providing the weather is going to be good tomorrow and Monday. This will probably be my last blog until Monday night or Tuesday. Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are Mothers.

FUN DAY!

This morning we started out walking to Port Lucaya on the Bell Channel. We walked about a mile when a charter bus stopped and asked if we wanted a ride to Port Lucaya for $1 each. So, we rode the rest of the way which was about another 1 and 1/2 miles. We had breakfast at Le Med and watched all of the cruise ship passengers parade through on their way to their shore excursions. We heard one couple say how rough it was on the ship the previous night and that they hoped tonight that they wouldn't be seasick. We walked through the shopping district and the straw market. There were 2 ice cream stores in the shopping district and the one even had sugar free ice cream. Then we went across the street to the casino. We couldn't figure out how the casino stays in business. There were very few people gambling and it's illegal for the Bahamians to gamble. I ended up being $1.95 ahead. Woo Hoo! But, that's better than losing. We bought a bottle of Ricardo's Banana Rum, a loaf of bread, and a dozen eggs. Then we took a taxi back to the resort.

Later, we both went swimming. And then we played Texas Hold 'Em with a couple named Hank and Diane who are from Ontario, Canada. What an enjoyable day!

(John lost at the casino, but I don't think it was much.)

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Today we had rain showers off and on all day. We did chores and had launch at the restaurant here at the marina. I went swimming this afternoon and met some very nice ladies who gave me more information about things to do and where different things are located. One lady named
Donna told me that a boater named Diane is planning a grocery trip to a new grocery store. Supposedly, it is newer and cheaper than the one the marina runs shuttles to. The shopping trip is Saturday morning at 10:00. Milk, bread and eggs are all I really need. Some fresh fruits and vegetables would be nice too. Tonight the resort had a movie at the outdoor pool side restaurant. It was called "Limitless" and had Robert de Niro in it. That was one weird movie. John only lasted for about 30 minutes before he gave up on it. I stayed to the end, but I didn't like the movie. Well, that's it for tonight.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

We left Great Harbour Cay Marina this morning at 6:00 A.M. and had a wonderful cruising day. The waves were small, the wind was nonexistent, and the temperature was around 80 degrees. It doesn't get better than that. We went 74 miles in 8 hours and 43 minutes, arriving at Ocean Reef Resort and Yacht Club near Port Lucaya (Freeport). This harbor has a lot to offer. It has free WIFI, free water, electric (55 cents a kilowatt), a pool, a restaurant, a dive shop, laundry facilities, car and bicycle rentals, and condos they rent out. A couple named Maggie and Jim who also have a 42 foot Jefferson, helped us with our lines upon arrival. They were really nice and told us a little about the marina. They are from Nevada and have been here since December. We are glad to be here. We walked around the facility to figure out where everything is. They have scheduled activities each day and a shuttle that will take you to the grocery. Now, if I can just find ice cream. I am so hungry for ice cream. It's been so long. Who knows, maybe ...........

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tonight is Tuesday night and we are hoping to be moving on in the morning. So far, it seems to be favorable for cruising, but we will reevaluate in the morning. It feels weird to not be consulting with and traveling with Norm and Sue. We did get an email from them today. They got to Marsh Harbor yesterday. We were happy to hear that they are safe and sound. Not much else is happening. We plan on taking off tomorrow at 6:00 A.M., weather permitting. So, it's going to be an early night.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Wow! We heard the news this morning about Osama Bin Lauden. Amazing after all this time. We are still hanging out at Great Harbour Cay Marina. It looks like we will be moving on the day after tomorrow (Wednesday). John and I had dinner Saturday night at the pool bar restaurant. We met several people sitting at the bar. One couple from England were sitting next to us. They had a 7 and a 10 year old daughter. We enjoyed all of the conversation and meeting people from all over the world.

I spent all morning yesterday and today sewing on the quilt I started last year. All of the squares are finished. Now it's time to join them together and put the border on it. I can't wait until it's finished, so I can start something new. Til tomorrow.