Thursday, March 27, 2014

Stocking Island, Georgetown, Exuma

SignGT
Volleyball Beach Georgetown, Exuma
     For hordes of cruisers, Georgetown, Exuma is their quintessential winter outpost. In early winter, Georgetown becomes saturated with the arrival of boaters from the States and Canada who descend on the anchorage around Christmastime. Many spend months anchored in the harbor until after the Family Islands Regatta in mid-April when most depart for northern destinations back in the States.






IMG 8943
Contrasting textures and shades on an east facing beach


      Georgetown's amenities abound with adequate anchorages, free water availability, provisioning, laundry, internet service, pristine beaches and a multitude of activities. Each day after morning announcements on the VHF cruiser's net activities begin on Volleyball Beach which is the site of most cruiser gatherings in the harbor. Yoga is the first daily beach activity beginning at 8:45. I'm usually perfecting my yawning technique and downing my second cup of coffee at that time so, I haven't made it to yoga. Beach volleyball begins around 10:00 AM. I'm always afraid some knucklehead will elbow me in the teeth while attempting to impress some young thing on the beach with a diving save. So, I haven't been to volleyball yet either. Spontaneous beach parties such as ARC (Alcohol Research Committee) get together monthly at one of the beaches to actively evaluate and compare favorite adult beverages. Now that's an activity I can handle! On a more serious note several cruisers meet to play bridge, attend ladies Bible study, learn crafts and attend Beach Church on Sunday mornings. There's usually at least one beach seminar offered each week. Joe attended an excellent free diving talk offered by two world class free diving champions. Their web site is www.evolvefreediving.com

GOPR0392
Michele hiking on Stocking Island's east facing beach
     I prefer the less structured free spirited activities of beach combing, hiking, and swimming with friends on the gorgeous east facing beaches. Since we've begun cruising full time, aggravating schedules tend to crimp my style. I don't own a watch and prefer living life without time awareness. Days and dates have begun to rate even lower than time.
GOPR0424
Michele enjoying a natural bubble bath experience

 



Sandollar3
Underwater sand dollars on Sand Dollar Beach
     A favorable weather window arrived about a week ago. It was an opportunity to head south toward Thompson Bay, Long Island. This island is considered one of the Far Bahamas group of islands. After hanging out in Georgetown for nearly a month feelings of wanderlust had returned. On the morning of our departure several cruisers upped anchor along with us. Most headed north in the Exuma chain closing the gap toward final destinations in the States. Along with the Simple Life a few cruisers sailed south of east to Long Island and the Jumentos Cays delaying their northern migration for a few more precious weeks in the idyllic peace of the Bahama Islands. That is until our weather router Chris Parker forecasts the arrival of the next major weather front.

No comments:

Post a Comment