Bahamian SideBars

· The Bahamas are a series of islands and cays (pronounced key) that are grouped together in regions. We are in the region known as the Abacos which are the northern most group of islands and cays, closest to the USA coast. This is the area which we are cruising.
· There are many things that distinguish islands from cays but one of the most important is fresh water source. Islands have a fresh water source (like an artesian well, natural springs, etc) while cays have to either import, catch from rainwater or use RO (reverse osmosis) to make fresh water for their daily needs.
· The US dollar and the Bahamian dollar are direct exchange … i.e. they take their value from the U.S.
· Green Turtle Cay should be renamed Rooster Hallow due to the extreme amount of chickens and roosters that roam around freely and are the morning alarm clocks. Turtles? Never seen one there other than statuary!
· VHF Channel 68 is the Cruisers Net from 0815 until approx. 0915 Monday thru Saturday. All kinds of useful info starting with the weather report can be gleaned from this morning show. Other topics are events around the islands and cays, celebrations, newcomers & go’ers and emergency messages. This is strictly for the Abacos area but is a great service to the boating community.
· The BEST bread to be had in our opinion is the coconut yeast bread. Use this as the basis for French Bread and its absolutely the best breakfast you’ve had lately! Top with syrup or better yet, your favorite jam! Yummmm!
· Hopetown’s Anglican Church plays two hymns from its bell tower daily . . . noon and 1800 hours. A large variety of hymns are played, most of which we recognize. All activity stops as folks listen to the beautiful music of the chimes.
· A sea turtle seems to have taken up residence in the Hopetown Harbor. This wiley creature is quite quick about his surfacing for air so that even with a camera handy we’ve yet to catch him on film!
· Candy cane striped Hopetown Lighthouse is a Bahamian Landmark and is an active working lighthouse since it was built in 1863 by the British. It graces the Harbor entrance and is seen from both the Sea of Abaco and the Atlantic Ocean for a distance of 20 miles. Its fired by 2 kerosene lanterns that are tended by 2 Lighthouse keepers who rotate their duties. The light mechanism must be hand cranked every 2 hours while in use during the evening and night hours.
· Whenever there is a questions about a cultural or procedural item that is different from what we Americans are used to, its casually dismissed or explained as . . . “It’s a Bahamian Ting!”