Passover fun — Cupcake Afloat

The word from the Abacos is “kid.” As in “kid boat” that we met and played with for a few days.

After some time at Black Sound where we hid from some west wind, we took the opportunity to move to lovely Manjack Cay. At Manjack we took Mr. Flowerpot up a channel in the mangroves and looked for turtles. Saw plenty of turtles, but more importantly we met an Israeli family exploring in their dinghy as well. They were staffed with not one, but a pair of nine-year-olds. Twins. Said hello to them and were invited to visit their boat the next day. Which we did.

When we left the Israelis on Con el Viento post-visit, we dinghied back to the nearby bay where Cupcake lay at anchor. On the way Ellen insisted we visit the only other boat in the bay. They were a big Beneteau 42 charter boat. We chatted briefly and then were invited to have drinks with them. Cruisers typically have limited resources. We know Cupcake is nearly out of beer and bourbon. There have been no chips aboard since December, no pistachio nuts since February. I can’t remember the last time I ate a cracker. So we were reluctant to drink up the booze on the Beneteau until the crew reminded us that they were only aboard for another week and if we didn’t help polish off the supplies, they would all go to waste.

We did not need another invitation. Our hosts were British, so we had the singular pleasure of drinking gin and tonics mixed by authentic Brits. Marvelous. Then they invited us to stay for dinner. It was a super pleasant evening passed in the company of some interesting, friendly sailors.

Over the next few days we enjoyed many hours hanging around with the crew of Con el Viento. They are the first Jews we met since setting sail last year, and just in time for Passover. So we all pitched in for a seder aboard their boat. Actually, while Moss played with the twins aboard Con el Viento, Ellen and I returned to Cupcake to make some noise with the pots and pans. Those of you enjoying a week of matzoh should know that in this climate, a box of matzoh goes stale and soggy in well under an hour. Matzoh ball soup, on the other hand, is always a welcome and tasty treat.

Transporting the food to Con el Viento. Look at Ellen’s pretty dress. I’m wearing a button-down shirt, all dressed up. — Transporting the food to *Con el Viento*. Look at Ellen’s pretty dress. I’m wearing a button-down shirt, all dressed up.

We walked through town with Con el Viento, hung out at the pool with them, and enjoyed their company aboard their catamaran. Simon wanted me to ask them how they could have elected a racist, corrupt, right winger to lead their country. I decided it would be hypocritical of any American to broach the subject.

After Con el Viento headed on their way to Florida we checked out White Sound at Green Turtle Cay and found it to be an easy, pretty, protected anchorage. Dinghy access is super, and it is just a short walk to a beach bar with happy hour rum drink specials and free wifi. We have not tried sneaking into the pool at the Bluff House Marina, but think we can do it. Paradise.

Moss hanging out in New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay.

Today we headed back south through the Whale Cay Passage, intending to take advantage of what looks like a week of calm weather. We wanted to explore Great Guana Cay (where we are currently anchored) before heading north of the Whale for the last week or so before we collect our pal Christopher and sail to North Carolina. That’s May 4, a lifetime from now.

In the meantime, we may have dodged our last significant cold front (if the weather reports are to be believed). Last weekend a front blew through that was predicted to bring squalls with winds over 40 knots. We certainly got more than enough wind and rain. But Cupcake was secure in Black Sound, so the weather was nothing more than an interesting and wet diversion.

Maintenance update: installed the new alternator (thanks Masons!) and our charging issue is resolved.

Risky Business indeed. — *Risky Business* indeed.

Tropic Breeze came to the dock to deliver fuel. To get the fuel to the tanks ashore, first the crew runs a line from boat to shore, then they haul a big hose along the line. Cruising tip of the day: never take your boat between the fuel tanker and t… — *Tropic Breeze* came to the dock to deliver fuel. To get the fuel to the tanks ashore, first the crew runs a line from boat to shore, then they haul a big hose along the line. Cruising tip of the day: never take your boat between the fuel tanker and the dock, just in case the hose is in the water.

Ellen really doesn’t look particularly tranquil. Kind of nutty, actually.