Man-O-War Cay April 4

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

 The weather forecast for today was for a beautiful day and in the Abacos.
So we unloaded the dinghies and headed across the "Sea of Abaco" to Man-O-War Cay for lunch and sightseeing.
It didn't take Annie but a few minutes to find a couple of beauties along Bay Street.

More on that weather forecast later....

We wandered around town awhile, the girls went in and out of the many small shops along Bay Street.

Christine was determined to find the "Sail Shop" she found 5 years ago.
It was still there, unchanged....and in business 58 years.
She wanted Michelle to see these ladies sewing sail cloth bags and other goodies.

The gals had a good time looking around the shop while the ladies continued sewing. 

Christine said the Sail Bag she bought five years ago for $60 was now $125.00.....guess inflation has officially hit the Islands.

As we were strolling down the street we came across one of the many boat shops hauling a boat out on this track system.
The Albury family came here in the early 1800's and started building boats..large and small. Man-O-War Cay became the Boat Building Capital of the Abacos. The Albury Boats are still being built in small shops along Bay Street today.

Then out of nowhere this woman pulls alongside me and Annie and introduces her dog "Lady" to "Annie" and offers her a drink of water. After all, it's a hot day in the Abacos.

After a little small talk she offers to show us around the Island on her golf cart....free, she says.
Well, we took her up on that deal.

This fine lady named Carol Weatherford took us over the hill to the Atlantic side of the Island. Here she showed us this old cemetery.
A beautiful Sea-Side Memorial to many of the original settlers.
The well kept grounds and head stones appear new.

The reason they appear new is in the story below.

This placard explains how the cemetery was rebuilt after the many hurricanes that ravish these Islands. Check out the number of Albury's on this list...

No explanation needed....


Just a town full of friendly, caring, hard working people.

Michelle even got to do a little bit of sand sifting....she is looking for Sea Glass...

That's pieces of broken glass that has been tumbled over and over by the surf until it is smooth. It makes beautiful jewelry...

Some locals following our personal guided tour thru the back streets of Man-O-War.

How lucky are we? To get our own tour guide to show us places we would never have seen had not been for the friendly Miss Carol.....

A big Thank You to our new friend Carol. She has made our day more enjoyable than we ever expected.
Carol owns "Island Time House and Boat Rentals" here on the Island.
She said her husband recently bought her this 6 seater golf cart because she loves to meet new people and show off her Island.
What a gal....
Classycz@aol.com

Now about that weather forecast...clear, calm skies with a 20% chance of light showers...

We made it back to a waterside restaurant as it was starting to rain.
I know you can't see it....but when this picture was taken it was raining so hard you could not see out the windows..
We just kept eating and hoped it would go away...

Meet Trey.....
Without a doubt, the finest 12 year old host, waiter, busboy, etc. you would ever want to meet.
This is a fine young man that would make any MAMA happy.
Michelle fell in love with this guy. What professionalism he displayed.

And it's still pouring a "Gully Washer" outside...

Now for more on that weather forecast.....As we were eating a very strong squall was building over the Sea of Abaco...the Island needed the rain bad, the cisterns were about empty. But...But we didn't need the 5 mile dinghy ride back across the Sea of Abaco in 2-3 foot swells. So we waited until the sun popped out and we took off....only to find the squall turning around and coming at us with all it's fury..WOW...did we get a wet and wooly ride back to the marina....The day ended with a basket full of memories and some new Island friends...
SORRY, no video of this episode..Had my hands full....but Christine never said a word on the trip back....in fact, she still hasn't said a word and it's been two days now...just kidding, she and Annie did great under their Ponchos....