Feb 22, 2007 Is it really better in the bahamas?

There was an ad campaign a while ago that used the catch phrase "its better in the Bahamas" ... I am having a hard time understanding what is better. The Abacos (North Bahamas) don't cut it as a better place. It is full of folks that are intent on regaining their lost childhood. There are few if any "local" folks that are not involved with the tourist trade. Most services are provided by imported labour. The majority of businesses and homes owned by outsiders or recent work permit holders. I have
not seen an official (Police or otherwise) outside of the immigration office staff since we have been here. There is one radio station that gives the weather at 0700 and 0800 hours daily. The "cruisers net" offers local events and weather at 0815. The net is run by an American embassy "official" who tries to maintain a certain amount of control over the cruising folks. They want everyone to check in and checkout ... shades of the Coast Guard. Most days of the week have a "special" offered by one
of the local bars ... (they all seem to have their own days) ... the going minimum price seems to be $20 per person regardless of what is offered. The weather is consistent ... five days of high wind and 2 days of calm. The high winds always have a westerly component and there are very few secure anchorages available. In most cases people head for March Harbour or Treasure Cay to pick up a mooring ball or dock. Public access to beaches is difficult to find ... most beach front property (US owned)
is posted with warning signs if not guards to keep the riff raff from coming on the beach. Water access via dink is only possible at a government dock if you can find one... The Yanks have landed ... heaven help the country. Brian

Feb 10, 2007

The Bahamas ... interesting place if you are into adult summer camp. Every morning at 0815 the cruisers net comes "On Air" on channel 68 to detail the weather, events and where you should spend your money. There are 15 major eating establishments within 8 miles and they all want you to be there for the 1 pound steak specials ... or maybe it's the lobster specials or maybe it's the special drink specials. There are no fish, there are few birds, there are few living things on the bottom of this vast 12 foot deep sea. This part of the Bahamas is beginning to feel like a month long warm water bath except I don't have my rubber duckie (ref. Hitchhikers Guide). There is a major storm every week, so in every 7 day period there are 3 days of pleasant weather and 4 days that are unsettled. The group dynamics continue from the ICW days. The local US ex-pats have taken the organization of the cruisers as their life mission. They set the rules and agenda for what goes on, quite independe
nt of the local authorities. In any event it is nice to sit here in shorts waiting for the next rain storm hoping that it will bring some long awaited fresh water to rinse the salt from the decks ... The authorities make a big deal out of boaters declaring any weapons that are aboard as if they have a low tolerance for firearms ... however we have heard semi-automatic and automatic weapons fire at both Green Turtle Cay and at Man-O-War Cay very close to anchored and moored boats. I guess the local authorities have to practise their marksmanship somewhere. brian