Feb. 15-20 We had a nice quiet week and just enjoyed being down here in the warmer climate. Several fronts of course went through but we were tucked in at our regular spot between the islands. Some friends, that captain and crew on a bigger trawler, arrived and we were able to catch up briefly before the boat owners came. There was also the usual search for food at the various stores and snorkeling expeditions.

Feb. 21 Our next set of guests, Joe and Kathy, arrived in the afternoon and we were very ready for them. The laughs started as they got off the plane and met us in the “baggage claim area”. Our friend, Steve, was leaving to go back to Florida so he invited us all for a drink at Staniel Cay Y.C. Doug joined the group and we had a jolly farewell. Then we all loaded back into the dinghy and took our guests to the boat for cocktails on the aft deck looking at the sunset followed by a welcome duck a l’orange dinner.

Feb. 22 We moved up the chain of islands a short way and anchored behind Bell island to be protected from the wind that was coming that night and next day. We played Mexican Train dominos before and after dinner and laughed.

Feb. 23 Even though in was gray and windy, we had come to snorkel so snorkeling we went. We were in Exuma Land & Sea Park territory which is great for snorkeling as all the fishes are protected. There is a semi circle island that has a nice coral garden in the middle that is protected from any current and there is current all around. After enjoying all the fish, we moved over to an old plane wreck and saw a big nurse shark, turtle, and 4ft across ray hiding partially in the sand. Back on the boat for hot showers and homemade cream of tomato soup (with cognac in it). Later the weather cleared and we took another exploratory dinghy ride and enjoyed the sunset. The guests learned our Biriba card game and we started a tournament- boys vs. girls.

Feb. 24-25 Because another front was coming, we moved back down to our anchorage to get a good parking space. Well, it sure came through and blew for about 24 hours but we were cozy on the boat. Kathy and I worked on a big jigsaw puzzle and the boys read. Later, we played cards and had dinner and a movie.

Feb. 26 The sun was out! and the wind was gone! Off to Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling and then to my new reef nearby for another snorkel. After a hot shower and lunch, John took Kathy and I to the shell beach for one last attempt at finding some good shells. Cards, dinner, and a movie rounded out a beautiful day in paradise.

Feb. 27 Boo Hoo, it was time for Joe and Kathy to leave. They treated us to a last lunch at Staniel Cay Y.C. only this time we all had Mahi Mahi sandwiches and a side salad because we had decided to “be good” after all the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the boat. We saw them to their golf cart that would take them to the airport and bid them a fond farewell. Back on the boat, we raised the dinghy and its engine to the top deck in preparation for our trip back north. Over the next few days, we will work our way up to Freeport/ Lucaya to the marina there. I will fly to NYC to be with my mom in Greenwich, CT and John and captain Peter Murphy will take Windermere back there to meet up with me.