Backtrack

It was great to return to Treasure Cay. This is a hub of activity and, aside from its safety features, no matter what the weather there is always something to do. While it was overcast we put the clear plastic “sides” up around the cockpit creating a “sunroom.” Here Vince read from our huge collection of books, while I began making earrings from some of the prettier shells we had found. When the sky cleared we walked for miles along various beaches on firm white sand. At low tide the water recedes for a quarter of a mile in some places and it’s fun to stroll out along the shallow strand and see what the waves have washed up. There are few shells to be found at Treasure Cay but I did find a small pocket at the northern edge of the crescent where there were small scallops and many “Atlantic Sundials”. I’ve found that each island in the Bahamas tends to have its own different type of shells common to it--sea biscuits at ManJack, milk conchs at Powell, Ceriths & Augers at Spoil Island, Sea Urchins at Green Turtle and sundials at Treasure. Vince doesn’t always accompany me on these walks--which can last for hours, preferring instead to read--either under one of the thatched beach palapas or, if the wind is kicking up, back at the boat.

On one of our joint forays out we stumbled across an ENORMOUS thatched “great house” with smaller “treehouse cottages” connected to the main edifice by raised wooden walkways through the palms. The entire compound stretched over several acres directly on the beach but was virtually hidden away behind a low rubble wall and masses of flowering foliage. It was like something out of a south pacific movie set and I would’ve given anything to have been invited inside for a tour of the grounds. The owner could be seen tinkering away at some project when we passed and it would’ve been rude to alert him to our presence so we simply continued on our stroll along the beach drooling with envy!

Actually it’s very easy here to meet people and receive invitations. If you should pass each other anywhere--beach, roadway, shopping--and make eye contact, there is always a reciprocal smile, greeting and opportunity to make a new friend. And here at Treasure we have done just that. While walking the beach I ran into several cottage owners who invited me back to proudly show off their homes and have a visit. Many of these people have been here for decades and are now passing their cottages/condos on to the next generation. And everyone who lives here loves it. At Mariners Cove we even met a couple from Vince’s home town of Waterdown! Ian and Daryl invited us in for coffee and home made cookies and we spent the better part of the morning with them having a wonderful visit. The next day Ian arrived at our boat with the keys to various condos presently for sale here and we had a great time poking around beautifully furnished units while he did his utmost to convince us to “put in an offer.” Prices have dropped considerably with the recessionary pressures in the US forcing many Americans to sell their 2nd homes--many of which are located here. The Abacos are to Miami what Muskoka is to Toronto. This is where Floridians go for THEIR summers as the temperature here is 10 degrees cooler than Florida and the constant winds cool things down even further. Unlike the Muskokas however, prices here have never been better and we looked at several beautiful units in the $250,000 range. I was very tempted! But Vince still has that wanderlust. This would be a great place for wintering 5-10 years from now when we’re read to slow down. Hopefully prices will also be down when we’re ready to buy. Until then, we can always do what many other cruisers are doing here--take a slip at $500/month and enjoy all the amenities at Treasure Cay without the condo fees, capital outlay and future commitment. And if family and friends wish to join us, there are always units available to rent.

When we first arrived last week, we were surprised to find “Missing Link” still here and doing just that. They invited us to join them at their dock for the “party” which happens every day there at 5:00pm. When we arrived we found more than a dozen other cruisers who had also taken slips for the season, enjoying the sunset and each others company. They hail from England, Thunder Bay, Muskoka, Chicago, Montana, South Carolina and New Brunswick. The couple from the maritimes--Pat and Emery sold their boat “Honeywind” a few years back and purchased a condo at Mariners Cove, but they still enjoy partying with cruisers every night and with their newly acquired “run-about” enjoy the best of both worlds.

Every Wednesday is “Movie Night!” at Treasure Cay with first run shows projected onto a huge mobile screen set up in the parking lot. The condo owners all arrive in electric golf carts and the cruisers borrow chairs from the bar. Last night, almost 100 people showed up and we enjoyed watching “The Kings Speech” sitting under the stars and

munching on popcorn. On our way over to the movie we passed a big group of residents “line dancing” to Caribbean music and this morning there was yoga on the beach. Yesterday I was invited to water aerobics in a gorgeous heated pool and there is golfing during the day and “games” to watch at the sports bar each night.

On Sunday we went to church. It was packed! Before the sermon, announcements were made about community events--breakfasts, benefits, outings, concerts, clubs, etc.--and everyone was invited to join in. Afterwards we were enthusiastically welcomed by members of the congregation and personally invited--along with offers of rides--to several of the events. Treasure Cay is not an enclave for the geriatric set. Most of the residents we’ve met here seem to be about the same age as we are--some younger and a few older. There are groups of thirty-somethings here for fishing and always a handful of children frolicking on the beach with parents and grand-parents.

The day after we first arrived here “Legacy” joined us. They came over to pick up friends who were due in a few days time for a weeks holiday aboard their trawler. But before they came we spent some time together again enjoying the beach and having lunch aboard “Fortnight.” Before they headed off they left us with a trilogy of great books--the first one being “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” which Vince has had a hard time putting down. We had some very bad weather this week and we were grateful to have some good books. We are also grateful for “Spinnakers”--the wonderful restaurant right on site just a short walk from our slip. When we wake up to rain, we go over there for a hot leisurely breakfast and afterwards, with coffee and books in hand, retire to their lovely lounge and have a good read. When the weather breaks and the sun comes out, so do we! An unusual innovation at Spinnakers is a different menu for each day of the week--except for Thursday when it’s closed for “Pizza Night” at the bar. This provides variety to the resident cruisers and cottage owners and keeps them “coming back” for something different each time they decide to eat out.

On Thursday Jan 27th the winds dropped significantly and so we decided to head back out to Guana Cay for a few days at anchor before we were due at Boat Harbour. It had been over a week since we’d ventured out in our boat and we had forgotten the “rush” we get whenever we set sail. As the boat skimmed across the smooth turquoise sea I had to give my head a shake and wonder what madness had taken hold of me to even CONSIDER giving up the cruising lifestyle for a condo, in ONE place on land. When the sun is shining, the weather is warm and the winds are right, there is absolutely NOTHING that feels as good as sailing from one interesting place, staying a few days then moving off on a new adventure. “Same old, same old” just doesn’t cut it!