Voyage 2023: Chapter 1

31 Dec 2022, Junkanoo and New Years, 26 45.612 N/ 077 19.8 W

In Green Turtle Cay, Junkanoo is normally celebrated on New Year's Day, but this season it was performed a day early (probably because 1 January fell on Sunday in 2023). As the island is still recovering from Dorian and Covid, the festival was lower key than in the pre-Dorian years. But the smiles and the excitement were everywhere. Glad the Cat and I could make it. Harry and Sheila had to leave, but maybe these pictures will give everyone a flavor for Junkanoo, Green Turtle Cay style.

10 Jan 2023, Spending Time on GTC between Friends and Family, 26 45.552 N/ 077 19.788 W

Now Mattie and I are alone in the Yellow cottage but our days are full. Mattie guards the house while I do what I always do here: relax, go on long walks, chat with local friends, and cruising friends, and enjoy good food and company at the many fine restaurants and cafes in New Plymouth. I went on rides/walks looking for good photo opportunities for our next guest. Also, started walking with the ladies on their 0630 walks to Long Bay and back. From time to time, I went to the boat yard to see how Modaki and Sandy's Way were progressing.

Ann and I had many traditions such as Pizza Wednesday, Legacy Thursday, and Happy Hour Friday. I did not disappoint Ann as I continued the practice. The only disappointment was Happy Hour Friday. Before Dorian, cruisers and a few other visitors were welcomed to the "Liquor Store" (Plymouth Rock Liquor Store and Cafe) after normal hours to chat, eat, and of course drink. But Dorian and Covid put an end to that. Maybe one day Happy Friday will be back.

Pizza Wednesday is alive and well. Ann and I made a habit and tradition to go Sundowners for drinks, and view beautiful sunsets, and a great pepperoni pizza. When we ask Brian and Caroline what day it is, they come back with "Pizza Wednesday". This is the first time I did it alone; and it is still "Pizza Wednesday". And the sunsets and the wine are as good as ever.

And there is always Legacy Thursday. Legacy is the "Mailboat" for Abaco. MV Legacy (BS) is a freighter which frequents Great Abaco Island, Great Guana Cay, and Green Turtle Cay to deliver mail and supplies from Nassau and Marsh Harbour. As you may guess, it usually comes on Thursdays. Ann and I enjoyed standing and gawking near the Government dock to watch the crew unload the stuff and the businesses and residents and taking the freight back the shops and homes. I am a Legacy addict and for three years have been reporting her position, ETA, and delays every Thursday to interested parties. It's appreciated.

On 4 January, I moved to the Rose Cottage, the place Ann and I stayed last year. It is located on Parliament St. near the Liquor Store and Sid's grocery store. It was called the John Lowe House and was built in 1866. Julie Farrington is the landlord and she is a friend. She provided us strength when Ann was foundering last year. When Mattie arrived at Rose Cottage, she knew she was home. She loves this place. It has so many nooks and crannies and windows where she can explore. The front of the house faces Parliament St. while the rear borders the other main street, Bay St. It is a beautiful home that has survived many really awful hurricanes including Dorian.

Mattie and are getting excited. Ann's niece, Karen, is coming for a two-week stay at the Rose Cottage. I convinced her that she could hone her photography and painting skills. She is flying into Marsh Harbour and I'll pick her with a rental car. She got the bedroom with the best view overlooking Settlement Creek. Best room in the house. Hope she likes GTC!