Monday, May 2, 2011, Day 218.  The wind is predicted to last for the next couple of days.  Escapade’s crew decided that we needed to move.  Hope Town harbor seems as though it has nice protection.  A call on the VHF radio confirmed that there were moorings available. 

The only problem is that the entrance is very shallow and we would be at mid-tide and falling.  We’ll take our chances. 

As Escapade approached Hope Town, she passed her sister ship, Maerin, leaving (photo right).

Hope Town

is a famous village on Elbow Cay.  The streets are very narrow and remind one of a New england village.  Golf carts are not permitted in the center of the village, but are the primary means of transportation outside of the village center.  All Buildings must adhere the “Bahamian Architectural Code”, as interpreted by the village planning board.

Hope Town’s most recognized landmark is one of the last operating kerosine fueled lighthouses in the world (see banner photo).

The harbor is filled with privately maintained mooring balls, so tightly packed that we swung within 15 feet of our neighboring boats, but we never touched.  This is the most densely packed mooring field we’ve ever seen.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011, Day 219. 

After reading in the sun all morning, Escapade’s crew took a courtesy car to White Sound at the southern tip of Elbow Cay for lunch at the Abaco Inn. Their slogan is “Tan your toes in the Abacos,” so we had to take the plastic glasses embossed with the slogan! 

We had delicious lunches on a breezy outdoor patio overlooking the Atlantic.  Later on our return to Hope Town, we climbed to the top of the light house for the spectacular 360 views and wonderful breeze.  There’s us with Escapade in the background over Linda’s shoulder.