Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Day 198.  The weather is beautiful with light winds and temperatures in the mid- (night) to upper- (day) 70s.  We left the Lubbers Quarters area and cruised 13 miles to Marsh Harbor, which is the third largest town in the Bahamas (behind Nassau and Freeport) with a population of about 5,300.  It is focuses on tourism with a variety of restaurants and shops.  Sunsail and Moorings (boat charter companies) have their Bahamas base here.

We arrived around noon and were able to anchor in the harbor itself, which is relatively small and shallow.  We dinghied to town, walked along Bay Street to scout out restaurants and shops, had lunch at Snappa’s, a causal open-air waterfront restaurant (see banner photo).  We both got professional haircuts (picture above is the BEFORE version).  We walked a long way to find the post office, hardware stores, and liquor stores.  Linda’s feet were blistered at the end--not used to wearing shoes!  It’s clogs from now on, even on land!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011, Day 199.  The weather remains beautiful.  Although it did threaten rain most of the day, we got only a few sprinkles.  The forecast was for calm winds when it actually blew about 10 to 12 knots from the west most of the day.  Marsh Harbour is so well protected that it barely kicked up any waves.  Ken loves this nice protected anchorage with easy access to town.  We made four trips into town.  One: to do laundry and drop off an empty propane bottle.  Two: to get the towels that we forgot in the dryer.  Three: to get gas for the dinghy and to check out the Jib Room for dinner.  The space was great for those staying in the marina and, in fact, there were folks at the bar and folks playing Mexican Train dominoes.  But for a restaurant it was very small, and the menu was very limited -- pork chops, chicken, and ribs.  And, four: to pick-up the propane bottle and to get more cash from the bank.

While the trip with Jim and Sue was a lovely adventure, the scenery, except for Pete’s Pub, was depressing.  When we got back to Marsh Harbour, we drove past the town a ways, out onto a promontory of well-kept homes with beautiful views and felt better.  At least some people were maintaining their properties.

Cocktails on Escapade and a digital book exchange to Jim’s Kindle (thanks to Nancy A’s brother) put a lovely ending on the day.  We went to bed early and enjoyed pleasantly drifting in and out of the Rake ‘n Scrape music from Snappa’s restaurant

Saturday, April 16, 2011, Day 202.  We had intended to leave Marsh Harbour today, but one of the weather predictors is calling for 20 knot winds from the west tomorrow.  Since we are in no rush, we decided to stay in this nice protected harbor another two days.  We went into town to buy Dremel parts so Linda could begin to polish the sea beans that Ken and Barbara (Barbara) gave her.  It’s a time-consuming task, and we have lots of time!  In the evening we dinghied to the Jib Room to be entertained by a rake ‘n’ scrape band and a limbo contest.  Sorry, no pictures.  We forgot to bring the camera.

Sunday, April 17, 2011, Day 203.  We remained in Marsh Harbour because we are not in a rush and the predicted 20 knot westerlies.  It did rain as the front came through but the winds never made it above 10 knots.  By evening it was calm.  In the afternoon, the Bahaman Defense Force came by, told us we were anchored in the channel, and asked us to move.  We believe we were not in the marked channel, and if we were, there were at least two others further in the channel who were not asked to move.  We moved.