Life Aboard Persephone: 3/3/18

Our view of the cave and the palm trees lining the beach on the south end of Rudder Cay.

Sailing along the banks in light winds.

Our view of the sandcastle anchored here near Black Point.

The pictures above are from the last few days as we head north. See below for pictures to go with these words from Marianne's February visit.

With a freezer full of lobster, hog fish and conch we left the Jumentos. Marianne, the original owner of our boat, would be arriving in Georgetown for a visit! Her initiation to this salty cruising life was an exhilarating mile + dinghy ride across the choppy harbor from the dinghy dock at Exuma Market on the west to our anchorage on the east. Our dinghy captain, who was soaked by the time we arrived at Persephone, had a done a wonderful job of keeping me and Marianne dry.

We enjoy having guests to remind us of the wonders around us that we sometimes take for granted. Marianne was fascinated with the silty aquamarine blue of the water that changed to various shades of blue, green, and tan depending on the depth, the bottom and the sun. Every sunset had some colors or shapes to gaze at in awe.

One afternoon we set up the watercolors in the cockpit and Marianne masterfully created the vista capturing the colors and beauty.

The winds were forecast to settle down by the end of Marianne’s week with us so we waited for those winds to go out sailing on the Exuma Sound. We started the sail heeled over with 20 knots of winds going 7 + knots. We had the real Marianne at the helm instead of the autopilot we named Marianne! The winds abruptly died and we motor sailed back to the anchorage just in time to hop in the dinghy and go to a party! The tourism department had a reception for “winter people” who come to the area. Traditional foods such as conch, conch fritters, mac & cheese, peas and rice filled our plates. Part of a junkanoo band arrived with drums, horns, and costumes to entertain in lively Bahamian fashion. What a fun way to finish the day!

Of course snorkeling, reading, playing games, singing with the guitar, soduko puzzles were a part of the week too.

Another project: Jerry pulled out his grinder, dremel, and the conch we found at Buena Vista Cay in the Jumentos. Skillfully cutting with precision he removed the pointy end of the shell – just enough to make a hole to blow through. Every day Marianne practiced blowing with and without the conch to master the art of conch horn blowing at sunset. It was such fun to see the determination! She will have more practice time to master the sound when we deliver the horn to her this spring.

When two people live on a boat it is always exciting when a guest is coming. We’ve already heard each others stories time and time again. Marianne came with new stories! We listened intently of Marianne’s reminisces of growing up in Germany, meeting her husband at medical school in Germany, hitch hiking Europe, stories of her 3 kids and 8 grandchildren and a labradoodle (Wolfie). She has traveled all over the world and participated in choral presentations in Europe and the US. Lots of interesting tales we were so thankful to have her share. Thank you Marianne. We look forward to your next visit.