Still in Georgetown

We are still in what many consider the "Mecca" of the Exumas, Georgetown and enjoying the things that are available here. Most of these things exist because of the influx of the seasonal cruising community and are available for these folks' enjoyment and anmnual seasonal occupation. The main harbor, which is several miles long and may be a mile wide has several designated anchorages. Each anchorage has a "theme" as in Volleyball Beach for the beach volleyball crowd, Sand Dollar Beach, which seems to attract those less interested in group activities, and Red Shanks, which is very remote and attracts those who really seek freedom from the crowds at the other anchorages. Red Shanks, where we anchored for several nights is beautiful and very protected from winds in all directions. It is harder to get into due to the shallow areas one must pass through and around, but affords one a very calm and relatively wind-free anchorage.

We are planning on staying here at least a week or so. Then we will decide if we should continue south down to Trinidad area (off of South America) where we could leave the boat on shore for the summer hurricane season, or stay in this general area until we decide to turn around and start back north for the summer season. We just want to make sure we have time to get either direction completed without feeling like we've just blown through and not had time to enjoy stops along the way. We'll keep you posted as we make decisions. I will add to the blog before long and discuss this in more detail but thought you might like to be in on our thinking before we make the final decision.

This place is really interesting. It seems to be a lot like Sun City, etc. as there are lots of people who come for the entire winter season, less the time it takes them to sail/motor from the states or Canada. Every morning there is a scheduled program on VHF Channel 68 where the local cruisers net announces the day's "doings" and let's everyone new have a moment to announce their boat name, home port, and such. Kind of like a welcome wagon thing. I guess it lets others hear where you're from and if one is returning they can reconnect with others they've met during earlier visits. The announcer/moderator really got a chuckle out of our boat's name "Allergic to Cities" when we checked in our first morning.

We're still doing well and enjoying this area, although we are beginning to feel like we're anxious to move on to see new stuff. This is pretty organized for us free-spirited types but the area is quite beautiful, nonetheless.

DECISON MADE

Today we decided we wouldn't attempt to go the entire distance to Trinidad this season, and would opt to stay closer to the states, venturing maybe no further south than the Virgin Islands before turning north for hurricane season. We feel that making the commitment to go all the way to South America this first year might have been too aggressive for our initial outing. We know we are capable of doing it, we just feel that for the first year we might make better use of our time honing our skills and not just racing past some of the places we have wanted to stop and enjoy. Next year will be another year and all options will be back on the table.

The boat has been handling beautifully, even with the sporadic mechanical issues, it was a perfect choice for our first boat. Perhaps a bit more luxurious than needed, but what the heck, we're worth it! :)

The Outdoor Recreation show in Salt Lake City was a huge success, evidently, as our rep company The Duck CO. said the had a great reception to the new line. Sales were moderate but encouraging and they feel that with the follow-ups from their field reps, sales should be where they'd hoped when all is said and done. Said the show produced a lot of "looky-loos" but that was typical of these shows. They thought the response to the line was on target so they (and we!) were very pleased. They produced a catalog specifically for our line and I'm anxious to see it. It is in the mail awaiting our arrival in Steamboat Springs.

We have sent out inquiries to several marinas regarding costs and availabilities for storing the boat for the summer. Places as varied as Puerto Rico and Savannah are being considered. Currently we plan on returning to Steamboat Springs for next summer and aren't quite sure how/where we'll stay once we're back in town. Our rental house is being occupied by a very nice family and we don't want to displace them when we return. Our land could be where we stay but we'll need to get something a bit more substantial up there beyond our Tipi and a port-a-potty for summer needs. We would love to build a barn with apartment above for our use but that wouldn't be available for occupation until later inm the summer if at all this year. So.... We have many decisions to make before too much longer. But for now, I think we'll dingy ashore and go for a hike. That's enough decision making for now!