Guest Debra Ross
Ross' 60th birthday cruise on board the Stray Cat. After a beautiful 40 minute plane ride with Robbie Robinson to Staniel Cay from Nassau, we met up with Mark and the Cat at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. We just missed the rain by ducking in and ordering a round of rum punch.
The Cat looked beautiful harbored at the end of the dock. Clean, pretty and ready to go - Mark greeted me with a big hug, joined us at the Yacht Club for a rum and then off we went to a cozy harbor "around the corner" where we grilled salmon, drank rum and wine, took a swim in the azure colored water and watched the far away lightening blaze the sky with "God's light show". Ross and I fell asleep in the net, until a light sprinkle woke us up and cajoled us into our cabin.
September 09, 07 - Happy Birthday Ross! Woke up at 7:00 a.m. to make coffee and start preparing breakfast - eggs benedict, and fresh fruit. Then we took the dinghy to Fowl Cay, met the new manager (from England) who told us about the lodgings and the restaurant (which is closed on Sunday). Went back to snorkeled the grotto - famous for being in the 007 movie "Thunderball". Amazing colors of coral, fish aplenty and it is so intriguing to go into the cave- lit from above. We arrived at low tide so we missed out on the 20 seconds of underwater swimming usually required to enter the grotto. It is unbelievable in the grotto - a must see for anyone near these islands!
We headed out to find ice and sunscreen - to Sampson Cay only to discover they close the general store on Sunday at noon. But, Jane and I found the perfect spot for a picnic lunch - a gazebo with beautiful Adirondack chairs, a view of the pristine beach, swaying coconut trees and a lovely breeze to cool us all. There was even a sea gull perfectly perched on a dock piling to complete the scene. We brought lunch to this bucolic spot and relaxed. Afterwards, Ross and I took a stroll along the beautiful path to a sandy beach where we went for a swim in the cool water.
Back on board, we head back to Staniel Cay where we decide to have dinner for Ross' birthday celebration. We anchor offshore, where the breeze is cooler and take a swim in the gorgeous water - until Jane and Mike spot a curious barracuda - swimming over!
The timing if perfect though - because it gives us time to get ready for dinner. What is interesting about dining at Staniel Cay Yacht Club - they have one seating - 7:30p.m. You must tell them what you want for dinner (from the menu) by 5:00 p.m. Cpt. Mark chooses conch, we all take the catch of the day with peas and rice (chik peas and brown rice).
Jane and I decide to dress up - that means we wear skirts and a bit of make up and put on shoes. We have a birthday toast on board and head over in the "kitty litter" for dinner.
Our pilot is at the bar so we buy him a drink - we enjoy pina' coladas and wait for the dinner bell to ring. When it does, we are seated at a great table with a hand painted tablecloth and brought conch chowder - what an amazing taste. Next is salad then main course (snapper cooked beautifully) and dessert is key lime pie. Ross and Mike are served pie with a candle and they sing happy birthday.
Heading back to Stray Cat - we notice the sky - stars are abundant. The Milky Way looks like it was poured right in front of us. All this time we have been looking at the sea and haven't noticed the beauty of the heavens. The sky has been Carolina Blue - last night a bit of red behind white puffy clouds as the sun began to set. ("Red Sky At Night - Sailors Delight")
Ross and I assume our nightly position in the net - and of course are rocked to sleep once again. We make our way back to the cabin and don't wake up until I smell Mike's breakfast being prepared in the galley.
September 10, 07 - Staniel Cay.
Breakfast - Cpt. Mark announces that he needs to make some way toward Miami and would like to head to Nassau and take us with him - we are all for it. We are going to sail on in instead of flying back from Staniel Cay. We couldn't be happier. Jane and I go with Mark to get last minute provisions - more coke, trash bags and souvenir t-shirts. (Hey- there is always shopping on these little islands - and you never know when you will find something quite unique.) The woman behind the counter at the general store is an artist, Joan Mann. I bought one of her prints at the Yacht Club the day before. I tell her and she seems pleased. We visit with the store owner - talk about the weather (an important subject for a sailor) and head back to the Cat to ready for our sail to Nassau.
Once again, a beautiful adventure with Captain Mark. I can't imagine being at sea with anyone but him. He is confident, competent and courteous. Mark is a wealth of knowledge, of humor and exudes gracious hospitality. He is not only our captain, but an offshore member of our family. He has known us since our daughter was 8 (she is now 18)- has met and embraced our friends and their families. We can't imagine not having Mark a part of our lives - at least on an annual basis! Where Mark takes the Stray Cat - we will follow!
Signing off to get some sun,
Debra Engelhardt-Nash
For Ross, Jane Parker and Mike Rhyne.
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