Still at Green Turtle Cay

We are still at Green Turtle Cay because we are just having too much fun here.  We arrived on Monday and tied up at the dock so we don't need to launch the dinghy.  First thing on Tuesday Cori got up and out to look for shells on Gillan Beach.  She has a better idea of where to find sand dollars so that is the latest pursuit.  I stayed back and did a few small projects like servicing the batteries.  In the afternoon we made the trip into town.  Later back at the boat we kicked back and waited out a small rain shower.  After the rain we made our way back to town since it was barbecue night at Harvey's.  We were the only customers there and the ribs were outstanding, I wish I had ordered a full rack but would never have been able to eat them.

Wednesday Cori talked me into going shelling with her.  The plan was for her to walk the shallows and for me to snorkel out a little further looking for sand dollars.  It worked and we came back with quite a few shells.  I unfortunately I was not wearing a hat and sunburned my head.  I have been careful of sunburns on this trip trying to get just the right amount of sun so I am not pasty white but not burned.  In the afternoon we headed into town to hit the library and to pick up some eggs.  The library was not open even though it was scheduled to be.  It is only open three afternoons a week.  I dropped a book off but didn't get a chance to look for more.  I am going through a lot of books on this trip.  Cori needed eggs to make a batch of brownies and an angel-food cake for a get together we were invited to in the evening.  Back to the boat we needed to get things ready to leave early on the high tide.  We had an appointment to have the bottom cleaned and Donny needed the dock space for a couple of boats coming in.  We just went up to White Sound and picked up one of Donny's mooring balls for two days.  We didn't bother to launch the dinghy but Cori took the kayak to explore the shallows.  In the afternoon Cori made another batch of bread since we would need some for sandwiches.

Friday the diver showed up to clean the bottom and we left to go fishing.  Donny had agreed to take the morning off and take us out fishing.  He drives a boat like a maniac, especially to us sailors that only move at six knots.  This was the fastest we have moved since we sold our cars and headed out on this trip.  It was a quick trip up to the inlet and out past the reef to his favorite spot.  We were in about 500-600 feet of water and were bottom fishing.  To keep things simple he only rigged one rod and dropped it down.  As soon as it got to depth we had a hit.  This continued with a quick strike every time we dropped the line, only bringing it up twice without a fish.  At these depths it takes forever to reel in the line so you use an electric reel and let the motor do the work.  In no time we had eight fish and headed to shore for lunch.  After lunch we made a fast trip back looking at the ocean side of the islands.  We were back to the boat by 2:00.  the diver had finished and we just spent the rest of the day taking it easy.

Saturday we left the mooring early to head back to the dock, again needing to be there at high tide.  We were early and stopped at the fuel dock again to pick up some gasoline for the generator and outboards.  We waited there until one of the boats left the dock and we maneuvered back and tied up again.  After that Cori helped Donny with a couple of projects and then headed off to Gillan beach again for some more shells as the tide was dropping.  I made a run into town to hit the hardware store and the grocery store.  I got almost to the store and realized I forgot my wallet.  On the way back to the boat the rain started.  I was able to get out of it and it was only about a ten minute shower.  Back at the boat I got my wallet and started over again.  By my estimation it is about a half to three quarters of a mile into town.  Once back on the boat it was time for some maintenance.  I changed the oil, checked the transmission, v-drive and the belts.  All necessary for our return trip back to the States. In the evening we got together with a group and had grilled fresh fish.