After sailing all night to escape Hurricane Nicole and rallying to go to George Town to clear customs, we were bushed. We were thrilled to have Freya safe and sound on a mooring in Hurricane Hole 3. Finally a full night's sleep was in store! The next morning, I saw a couple take their dinghy to the dock at Kavali resort, which was just 100 yards from Freya's stern. When the couple returned from their trip ashore, I waved and they stopped by to say hello. Doug and Sharon are a warm friendly couple from Canada who live on their catamaran, Dream On, in Hurricane Hole 2 from November - April. They've been coming to George Town since 1994 and every winter for the last 14 years! They gave us the lay of the land (and water) and the scoop on the hurricane holes.
We were eager to get off Freya and stretch our legs. We took the dinghy to shore and walked through the defunct resort and up to some killer views of the hurricane holes! The boats in these photos spend hurricane season on these moorings. Norman watches over the boats in Hurricane Hole 3 for their owners while they are away - most from Canada and the U.S.
We walked over to the ocean side beach of Stocking Island. We walked this beach several times last winter and it was just how we remembered it - incredible! We swam in the turquoise waters, soaking up our surroundings.
We can't believe we were back in The Bahamas. Just a few weeks ago, we were in Annapolis for the Sailboat Show when the temps dipped into the low 30s at night! That's cold when you live on a sailboat. I was wearing long johns and my down jacket to bed! Now, back at 24 degrees latitude, the air and water temps are both in the 80s. Lucky us! It's amazing how bright sunshine and warm weather quickly helped us forget the challenges of our offshore passage.
We invited Doug and Sharon over for happy hour and served Todd's yummy hummus. Cruisers always bring their own drinks and often an appetizer to share when they are invited to another boat. Food and drinks are expensive in the Bahamas and often hard to come by. Cruisers etiquette is to bring you own. Sharon brought peanuts from Canada that were coated in potato chips. Might sound strange but they were delicious! We had a lovely evening!
The next day, we took advantage of the calm water in the Hurricane Hole and I went up the mast to repair a few things from our passage. I love going up the mast! Luckily, I'm not afraid of heights and the views are always incredible!
That afternoon, we walked to the southern end of the beach and crossed over the island to Sand Dollar anchorage and a fun "ship's shack," where cruisers gather for potlucks and bonfires.
In this cruising lifestyle, we basically live outdoors. We see every sunrise and sunset. I take way too many sun photos...but this sunrise shot is worth sharing!
After three nights moored in the hurricane hole, the winds from Nicole had calmed down enough to move to one of the anchorages. We left the hole at high tide and anchored at Monument anchorage. So called because at the highest point on Stocking Island, there is a monument that was once used as a navigational aid for ships. Once anchored securely, we swam to shore and walked the beach north to another cruiser's hang out. On the way back, we ran into Tom, a close friend of Scott, the previous owner of Freya. We met Tom briefly at Waterford Marina in Texas when we were living on Freya during the fall of 2021. Tom sailed Freya a bunch over the 10+ years Scott owner her. Tom had seen Freya moored in the hurricane hole so knew we were around. Crazy small world!
After a couple nights anchored at Monument, we moved up to Sand Dollar anchorage to be closer to George Town. One of our favorite things about Stocking island are the hiking trails. Sand Dollar is close to Moriah National Park where there are a bunch of different trails to the ocean side.
We had our sights set on sailing to Cat island and wanted to stock up on fresh produce before we left. George Town is a great place to resupply with two grocery stores and a hardware store. It's also home to the Driftwood Cafe, owned by two Italian guys who make the best pizza we've ever had! After a great week getting reacquainted with Stocking island and George Town, we are ready to explore another island. Cat island, here we come! Go Freya!
George Town and Stocking Island are some of my favorite memories. Many many years ago the Lake Cadillac Yacht Club went there. One of my first times snorkeling on the prettiest coral I had ever sees. I think your parents were on that trip as well. I am vicariously young again in my dreams. I enjoy your posts. Ken
That beach! 😱. Gorgeous. Soak up the sun for us!! Thank you for the continued updates-love them!
Cruising life definitely agrees with both of you!! With our “winter” so far, sailing seems like a great alternative!! Keep on enjoying!!!
Sounds quite perfect! Wish you were hanging out a while longer so we could catch up. Safe sailing!!