2012- 04-27: Darrell's Visit

JR's Restaurant

DB flew into Puerto Plata & joined us aboard in Luperon

We immediately took off for the Turks & Caicos.

After an overnighter, anchored at Big Sand Cay.

Sailed all the way.  No motor!

Quick swim to the beach & hit the sack.

Nice 44 inch Mahi, DB!

Next day, on the way to the Caicos Banks, DB caught a nice Mahi.

We crossed the shallow banks, only bumping bottom once.

South Side Marina

Pulled in to South Side Marina in Provo, Caicos.

Had to enter at high tide.

South Side is a nice laid back spot.

Bob, the owner was most helpful

& Customs & Immigration was painless.

Dance Aweigh in her slip

Marina entrance from above

Tony & Carrie Lancaster

We were wined & dined by DB's friends, Tony & Carrie.

Lunch on the beach, loaner car!

Thanks a lot guys - really appreciate it.

Beach at Provo

Luncheon View

Tuna at dawn - nice job, DB

After Provo, we slept a night at Mayaguana

before another overnighter:

this time to Crooked Island.

Just after dawn, DB got a nice Tuna.

Bird Rock Lighthouse

Passed Bird Rock Lighthouse on our way to anchor

at Land Rail Point, Crooked Island, Bahamas.

Small boat basin

Dinghied in to the settlement.

Tied up in the small boat basin.

The cruising guide assured us that Crooked Island

is a Port of Entry for the Bahamas.

Alas, not so!

Gibson's Restaurant

Walked to Gibson's Restaurant

where the local matriarch, Willy,

could help us clear in.

Tony's Taxi

Tony (Willy's husband) has a taxi.

Took us to the Administrator.

What a ride.  What a character.

Surprised the car made it.

The Administrator was very helpful.

After many phone calls & faxes to Nassau

we got a packet of papers

allowing us to proceed to the next real Port of Entry.

Next day, Darrell had to leave us to fly back to work.

We sure enjoyed his visit

and all the wonderful meals he fixed.

Thanks for coming DB - always a pleasure!

And then it was just the queen & I

- & the birds on the beach.

Next stop, Clarence Town, Long Island