Once again... it is really a small world

Day 75-76 (Wed - Thurs,  Jan 25 - 26, 2012): The previous evening we met a gentleman from Philly, actually Chads Ford. He had a thoroughbred farm. We chatted for a bit. He had sailed the Bahamas for over 50 years. He started as a boy with his parents. Great stories. He suggested that we head up to Norman’s Cay to tuck in a nice anchorage prior to some weather we were supposed to get. We took his advice and headed out after breakfast. It was short hop to Norman’s. Now for the tricky part. It was a pretty tight entrance, quite a bit of current and we used two anchors for the first time. Remember freshman… We got the Rocna set without any issue. Then put out the CQR and our chain/rode line. Patrick took the dinghy out and dropped the 2^nd anchor over. I pulled it tight. All looked good but we would tell once the current and tide shifted. We then went exploring. Lots to see but I especially loved the little island with the single palm tree. There was a bench dedicated to a couple that loved the islands. Very touching. Oh, and I did dive on the anchors but wow the current was strong.

That evening, we met Bert and Maria Elena. And boy is it a small world… Burt worked for Al at the Dalrin Navy base. Great people. She is from Venezuela. They met about 6 years ago when Bert was cruising and ended up in Venezuela.

Day 2 at Norman’s saw quite a few more boats arrive. We explored the wrecked plane and had a very nice lunch at the restaurant. Burt and Mary Elaina joined us. We also were joined by the two folks we met at Highborne on KAOS (kids aboard “0” Sex). Susie and her hubby. Will have to fill in names as I am sure we will run into Susie again. We had so much fun talking. 3 engineers at the table. Conversation was everything from sailing, boats, airplanes, rockets, the planet, politics and our US news media. Wow!!! On the walk back I found a small gold dolphin charm on the runway (oh, yea… you have to walk across the runway to get to the restaurant. Be sure to look both ways). Someone must have lost it from an ankle bracelet.

At sunset we had drinks and munchies with Burt and Mary Elaina. She is quite a chef. Bert’s boat is a 38 ft Pearson - he has really done some amazing things with the space. They have a washing machine, tons of room, exquisitely organized.

I slept a bit better but still worried about the current and the 2 anchors. All was fine but still worried.