s/v Serendipity: 04/30/11

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Staniel Cay

Thursday was the day to visit the island for the first time in a few years. We walked through the town with Rusty and Nancy, visited a few shops, talked to the locals, and ended up finding Bob and Stephanie in Big Dogs waiting for their fresh bread to be ready. After a short visit there, we headed back to Staniel Cay Yacht Club for happy hour and a great dinner. Stephen and Pam joined us for dinner, and Joe and Julia showed up later for a post-dinner happy hour.

The town is so neat, with a combination of both beautifully groomed and junky-looking lawns, colorful cottages, and unique shops and homes. The foliage is also gorgeous, with a surprising combination of plants.

The bougainvillea bunch

the clinic

the school

the church

poinsettias growing wild

cotton (!!)

beautifully groomed cottage

if this isn't named the dreadlock plant, it should be

Happy People restaurant

well said

Even though Stephanie told us to "get a life," Bob and I thought this was a wonderful invention -- baby seat attached to the lid! And the coast was totally clear when Bob went in the Ladies' Room with me to see it and take a photo.

'Nuther favorite place and some favorite folks

We reluctantly left Warderick Wells, but had a great incentive to travel further south. We love Staniel Cay also, and had good friends there waiting patiently for us to catch up with them. Bob and Stephanie on September Song had been hailing us on the VHF for days, but couldn't hear our response. We e-mailed when we could, telling them we were headed their way when the weather gods allowed. Wednesday was the day, with favorable winds (but not the sailing kind). We arrived in Staniel early afternoon, just in time to head for the beach where firewood was being gathered for an evening bonfire. We weren't sure if it was Redemption Island or Exile Island (it was Wednesday, after all), but the beach was great. We caught up with Bob and Stephanie, Stephen and Pam (m/v Tide's In), Patrick, Amy and Aspen (m/v Island Girl), Bob and Elaine (m/v Mar Azul), Barb and Dave (m/v Hallelujah), Linda and Al (m/v Signature), and Joe and Julia (m/v Sea Pearl). Rusty and Nancy (s/v Summer Wind) traveled with us, so there was quite a crowd on the beach for fun, sand, cooking, sharing dishes, and of course an adult beverage or two.