A gusty sail up to Hope Town, Elbow Cay

The wind picked up during the night but we didn't experience much of a surge, so the sleeping was comfortable and cool. We pulled the anchor at 9:00 and retraced our steps through the shallows of the Sea of Abaco back almost to Marsh Harbor before heading east to the entrance at Hope Town. We sailed the whole way under jib alone and made 6 knots most of the way. The approach to Hope Town Harbor isn't all that deep so we asked Pekabu III to lead us in - calling out the depths over our handy walkie-talkies. Digression - - these walkie-talkies have proved to be invaluable. We can chat back and forth without any interruption or interference and have them set to a unique "CCYC" channel so calls go out to the whole group. We made it into the harbor without any trouble but were told by Hope Town Marina that they didn't have 3 moorings left. Luckily we each found a mooring as there are several marinas that handle moorings in this tight little harbor.

Hope Town Harbor is picturesque and crowded at the same time. Boats are packed in like sardines.

As soon as we were securely moored we began preparations for our Fish Feast. Pegg seasoned Dan's catch from yesterday and Dan and Jay grilled it while I made German potato salad and we still had taboule from yesterday. It was truly the best fish I ever tasted! I meant to get a picture of the feast, but we ate it too fast.

After lunch all of us headed into the Lighthouse Marina for a trip up the famous Hope Town Lighthouse. It was quite windy but mostly clear, so the view was spectacular. Unfortunately it also gave us a good view of the fires that continue to burn on the island of Great Abaco. These winds aren't helping at all.

Here's the lighthouse by day and by evening. We learned how they cranked a weight to the top -not unlike a cuckoo clock - to keep the light rotating all night.

As we started our ascent I looked back down and decided this could be an add for Tilley hats! Dan started up the stairs just as I snapped the picture or there would have been 4 showing.

Starting lower left, we entered the harbor passing in front of the small island with a house on it, came past the Flamingo Villas with all the brilliant colors. Center top and bottom both look out to the west showing Marsh Harbor and also the amazing kaleidoscope of colorful water in the Sea of Abaco. Upper and lower right show the left and right sides of the harbor and center is Brunelle, cozied in among all the other boats.

We were back aboard by 4 and relaxed until 6 when Andiamo joined us for heavy hors d'oeuvres. Pete and Kathy declined as Kathy wasn't feeling well, so we had way too much food, but managed to eat most of it anyway! We waited to go below until we were sure the lighthouse was working properly and are glad to report it is! ~~~_/)~~~M&D, J&P