Allure 16/17

[Frank]

There is no definitive "why" or "how" it started.
Some think a take off of a folk legend here "John Canoe"
Others think it is a twist of a French word.
Most think it started when the slaves celebrated during their minimal time off over Christmas years ago here (empire loyalists settled BAHAMAS)

[CharlieJ]

Try Bimini on Easter weekend. It's homecoming, and pretty much the same- food booths all over, marching bands, the whole works. Made it purely by accident one year. Pretty kewl weekend

[Frank]

As much fun as it's been....time to move on, so sailed to Guana Cay today. Just needed a change od scenery and to feel water moving under the keel 😄
Will go in for sundowners shortly.
Off to Rib night at the Jib Room in Marsh Harbour tomorrow.

Allure anchored at Guana

[Frank]

Up early and had a nice close winded sail to Marsh Harbour this morning.
There will be several cruisers at rib night tonight so it will be fun.


Sunset last night

Sail over this morning

[lance on cloud nine]

oh man! that looks appealing!

[Bubba the Pirate]

Very nice!

[Frank]

Rib night was great!
Cam n Jan are heading further S.....maybe Cuba. Hope to see them on their way home. Others are scattering around... 
Cruising is intense. Hard to explain if you haven't done it......but you build tight-temporary friendships on the bond of being "water people". We "get each other", are there for each other, have fun but know.....when one sails off...we may never see each other again.
I've been lucky to see many again.... But not all....

Marsh harbour is busy so I left after breakfast and had a nice, if slow sail, back up to Green Turtle. High winds coming Saturday....once settled... I'm heading N.
Old friends at Allens P and hopefully talk a few into further N to Grand etc.
Will see how things unfold....

Pic is the sail up today.

[Frank]

Just chatting with da lads...
My stairs are slightly offset...BUT...
A box of wine fits exactly to port....a water jug to Stbd... garbage under
Perfectly imperfect!

[Frank]

OK...... I'm surpised now other longer term cruisers didn't jump in on my comments on the intense, if temporary friendships formed while cruising.
And they are intense..... You help each other out...you have a bond....
No one cares how much money you make or how big your home/boat is... you're a cruiser and that's all that matters and creates the bond!!

Ran into a great couple tonight!  Met them many years ago.... They bought a island Packet 27 new about 29yrs before.  Maintained it "like new" to the end and health forced a sale 2yrs ago.
Tonight they walked into Sundowners bar.....like ROYALTY!!
They flew over, rented a dirt home for a few weeks, but everyone knew them! They were overcome with hugs and greetings !!!
I'm sure they felt overwhelmed....
Yep......the cruising community is small....but tight....
They were "home".....

[Frank]

Started blowing hard saturday and looks like very little relief until mid next week. Not really bad but 20's gusting 30's gets tiresome after a while. At least it's warmer today 😄
Will help an old buddy launch today and probably sail up to Allens Pensacola tomorrow. Should make for a fast reach going up!

Pic is last night

[Frank]

Beautiful day to sail to Allens Pensacola.
Friends there contacted me to "bring carrots and rum" 😄

Pic is just now....I'm feeling blessed

[Frank]

Carrots and rum delivered.
Nice sail up... Anchor down and over to Sheena 'just' in time for sunset.
Was treated to a fish dinner! A few drinks and nestled back on Allure.
Great day!!

[Frank]

Mike has a 30ft trawler....nice, roomy boat! Last night we had "movie night" complete with pop corn....seemed like such a treat at a remote out island.
Sunset was amazing again

[CapnK]

Here's an easy-to-consult map of the Abacos so you can see where/what Frank is bouncing off of down there.. ;D

http://www.abacoescape.com/OffPath/AbacoMapMed.jpg

[Frank]

Cool Kurt 😄

If wind is right I'll pull anchor and head to Double Breasted or Grand Cay tomorrow.
Top NW of the chain.

A dull, wet day here today.

[Cyric30]

we need a Frank tracker :D

kinda like NORAD does Santa at Christmas :)

[Frank]

Pulled anchor and sailed from Allens Pensacola around 5:15am. Very bright with the moon and nice to get a bit of a 'night sail' in for an early start. It's 38ktm to Grand and it has been an awesome day! Sun is out, Stbd tack the entire trip and currently about 20minutes put so making good time. The ole gal has done better than expected today 😄

Sunrise underway this morning

Beam reach all the way!!

[Frank]

Anchor down at Grand Cay.
Hoping for a cold beer 😄😄
Great day!!

[Bubba the Pirate]

Thanks for the updates! And keeping us all stocked up in warm sailing thoughts.

I'm always in Florida or Georgia these days, so I know there are others around here appreciating the 'warm' part more than I.

[Frank]

QUESTION.....

OK.... Mona was mobile, but I think now hunkered down for winter.
Are there any other members mobile right now?
(I think Maxii Swede is)