Literally.  There was a tornado warning in the northern Abacos and they closed the schools.  We got a little wet on the dinghy coming back to the boat but we were able to visit the coffee shop, pick up our propane tank and drop off trash before returning.

The trash truck comes three times a week for only an hour. The propane guy comes by the grocery store dock and picks up the tanks whenever he gets the urge, so you have to check each day to see if the tanks are back yet.  The bank is only open on Tuesday for 3 hours, no ATM so if you need cash you show up then.

We took a little dinghy ride the other day outside the harbor, down Elbow Cay to see the other marina.  We were met going out of the harbor with a big cat coming in – “Salty Boys.”  I think they were more sweet than salty – Europeans for sure, one wearing nothing but a thong, standing on the bow of the boat surveying the harbor like a hood ornament.

Yikes.

We were out there on the Sea of Abacos for awhile before I realized we forgot the life jackets and handheld radio.  We made it as far as Fireflies and stopped for a snack before I made Ed go back.  I was a little nervous out there- thankfully the dinghy behaved.

Not so the next morning, when we set off for the Lighthouse Marina to do laundry. The little primer bulb on the dinghy engine had fallen apart and we couldn’t start the motor.

So we started paddling to the marina.  A kind man drove up in his dinghy and gave us a tow. Will -his name- showed Ed a few things to do as a temporary fix.  But I wanted a more permanent fix so we called the marine supply company on Marsh Harbor and they had the part we needed.

Miraculous!

So Ed took off on the ferry to Marsh Harbor to get the part.  Ziggy and I visited the Hopetown Historical Museum.

Interesting fact- the lighthouse was built in 1864 when the government was adding lighthouses throughout the islands to encourage more shipping trade.

But the local wreckers who made their money salvaging wrecks protested and tried to stop the lighthouse.  They would be out of business if the ships coming in didn’t wreck anymore.

Well the government won and the lighthouse runs today.

We joined a cruisers’ party at the Harbor Inn and Marina for BYOB drinks and snacks. Nice crowd!  Cruisers like to party.