A Run To Shore

Nassau     

What a difference a day makes. As anticipated, the morning brought a new gathering of cruise ships. For the record there was one Royal Caribbean (the huge Freedom of the Seas), two Celebrity, and two Carnival vessels at the dock. Clouds and a light rain replaced yesterday's beautiful blue sky, but did not deter our mission of going ashore. We lowered the dinghy and headed west under the two bridges to Nassau Yacht Haven where we paid our landing fee (which also included disposal of our bag of trash). Barry had our worn anchor roller with him that we were looking to replace. We hit five marine supply stores with no luck. We did, however, pick up a few ideas on how to rehab this one to last a few more months. Our final stop was the grocery store located in a large shopping center. We quickly and easily picked up a re-supply of bread, milk, lunch meat, and more fresh produce. In case you're wondering they had plenty of eggs, although at $12.49 a dozen there was hardly a run on them. 

While leaving the shopping center, we stopped to peek into Bahama Hand Prints. We found this company equally as interesting as the Androsia Batik factory we visited last week. Here, a colored ink pattern is applied to white fabric, while in batik wax is added to resist the dying of the fabric -- opposite takes on a similar process. Although no production was occurring this morning, a little internet research provided some interesting photos. White fabric is stretched across long tables. A large screen slides on rails to replicate the continuous pattern. The company was founded in 1966 and still uses the same tables and method, with minimal mechanical help. They have over 150 unique print designs inspired by the culture, people, and colors of The Bahamas. 

We were back onboard by 10:30. We brought the dinghy up and began to reassemble the anchor roller as the rain continued to fall. All went back together without issue. We let out some more chain in preparation for the upcoming high winds. While wet, I tried to give Crossroads a wash to remove some of the black stains we picked up while in the Dania Beach boat yard. She looks better, but to get her looking sharp again will require a lot more elbow grease, a healthy supply of rubbing compound, and a couple coats of wax. At least I have job security. A heavy rain fell throughout the afternoon so we were thankful that StarLink gave us our favorite channels and internet. All of the cruise ships departed. Tomorrow will bring the strongest wind and waves as the front passes through. We're ready to head to the Exumas as soon as Mother Nature allows.