Happy Holidays

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Pipes Cay, Exumas

Well, where to start? Sorry, for the lack of updates recently.

For the past 2 weeks, My Sharonna, Mattina, Different Drummer and Independence have been anchored in this beautiful little cove that seems to be ours alone. We have great protection from the NE winds that have been howling for about 20 days now, and believe it or not, we are perfectly happy in our daily routines with no interruptions from the “outside world”, other than the small planes flying overhead to land at nearby Staniel Cay.

Mattina,
Different Drummer
& My Sharonna

Now that I have returned from a quick trip to Miami for treatment for my inflamed herniated disk, I can hopefully get back to a more normalized activity on Independence. I sure do count my blessings, when I am faced with physical handicap, and begin to recover!

I am so overjoyed to be back on Independence that I have begun my Christmas baking in anticipation of my beautiful daughter and her family joining us over the holiday!

The pace of living is our own. Morning, is single side band radio time. Listening in on the weather forecast, then possibly chatting with some far-off friends. The girls who are not back-traumatized usually head to the beach for early morning yoga, while the others pick at some breakfast and a second cup of coffee, or maybe tackle some repair or maintenance project on the boat.

Depending on wind and tide, the day’s activity may consist of packing up the whaler (shared by DD and Sharonna) with loads of kite gear and some coolers and heading around to the windward, yet shallow side of the island. This requires about 20 knots or higher, so there has been a fair amount of kiting these days.

Debi, Wayne, Kristina, Matt & Paul

Winding up dinner on Independence

Today, however, with one of the first days of less wind, there is a dinghy headed out for some diving and hunting. Let’s see if the guys come back with some lobster, or grouper, or conch or all of the above. Or nothing, which is also ok—we do not starve around here!

So Greetings and Happy Holidays to all our friends. Whether you are skiing, shopping, Christmas caroling, baking, or just enjoying receiving your holiday greetings- we hold you in our thoughts, and wish you an absolutely beautiful New Year!

All the best from Sue and Paul on our floating home, Independence!

Emerald Rock

The following post is actually an older entry (as dated) that is only now being posted, along with a more current entry. Apologies for the old news…

Monday, December 5, 2011

Emerald Rock at Warderick Wells

Exuma Land and Sea Park

The Park, a no take zone by land and sea, was established in 1958 to preserve and maintain the delicate ecological balance of marine life in the Bahamas.

This is a direct quote from their literature. They also provide, for a charge, moorings throughout the different anchorages in the area, as well as wi-fi, which is only accessible if you are moored near the park headquarters.

There are many maintained and marked trails, as well as beautiful snorkeling opportunities. Unfortunately, the strong weather system that has kept us here the last 3 days, has also kept us out of the water. Hikes, however have been a daily activity, and yoga on the beach, and for the intrepid few- some kite-boarding and wind-surfing.

Two nights ago, we met some of our floating neighbors on the beach for a Happy Hour gathering. One young family on a charter was supposed to be back to Nassau by today, but the weather has been prohibitive. The rest of us, who are here for the season, pretty much take it in stride, and enjoy each sunset and appreciate each rain squall for it’s rinsing properties.

Cali and Farley, the anchor dogs...