Due to forecasted high winds for a few days, we have stayed here at the marina on Great Harbor Cay. The visit has allowed us to get to know a bit of the island and some of it’s interesting history which includes development of a large hotel, resort and golf course for the rich and famous along with some colorful times related to drug trade. The resort has long since died out along with drug trade activities. Now the island population consists of many of the native population providing services for cruise ships on a nearby island and many Americans with vacation homes here.
The day after arriving, we were out exploring a bit and happened by the government dock where a great deal of the island population was present for the arrival of the mail boat. Apparently this only happens every few weeks and it is quite a social event. It was interesting to see.
Later that evening, we had been invited to participate in the Christmas party for the marina employees. It was held at one of the island bars and seemed to include anyone that was around. The bar continued to sell drinks but there was complimentary beer, wine and rum punch provided by the marina. They also served food, conch fritters and macaroni and cheese which was sliced into pieces you could pick up – never had Mac and Cheese as finger food before.
Friendly Game of Patanque
We met some of the Americans that have vacation homes here and spent the next evening playing a game of Petanque in the parking lot of a restaurant. It’s a French game similar to Bocci ball and seems to be popular here. It was a great evening.
We have also spent time with the other cruisers here in the marina, including a Christmas pot luck this afternoon. We continue to meet amazing people along our journey. It surprises me over and over again how connected we feel to people we meet, maybe it’s like minded people… it will be hard to say goodbye to in the morning.
Christmas Eve tonight. We plan to ride in our our dinghy around the harbor to a church in the village to celebrate. Almost a full moon. Should be beautiful.
Stephen did a follow up on the News of our travels. You can view it here. Thanks Stephen!
It’s been a great stop here…we continue South tomorrow.
Merry Christmas – Jeff and Mary