March 27 - ??, 2009 -- Marsh Harbor, Abacos

Now for the big wait. We will watch the weather window for an opening which is favorable to our crossing the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic, to reach Florida’s East Coast. Until then, we will spend a few days in Marsh Harbor, and then make our way to West End, about two to three day trip, which is the jumping-off point for the Gulf Stream crossing.



There’s plenty to do here as we wait. Saturday morning, we went out for breakfast at a local eatery, Jamie’s Place. The Bahamian specialty for breakfast is Chicken Souse, which we ordered for the first time.


This dish is similar to a chicken stew or soup, with chopped chicken (bones and all!) and potatoes in a flavorful broth. It is served with sides of grits and Johnnycake, which is not cornbread here, but rather a sweet soda bread.



Next, it’s on to the art fair at a nearby resort, featuring lots of paintings, prints, sculptures and handmade jewelry by local artists.



Along the sidewalk, the local conch man has a stand where he makes conch salad from his catch. The salad is diced raw conch and vegetables, marinated in lime juice.


He also collects other interesting shells during his conching, like these Helmets and Tritan Trumpets.




On the dock just across the fairway, the marina’s two guard beagles make several patrols daily, sometimes alone just checking out the scene. At other times, they accompany boaters as they walk to and from their boats.



Rumor has it that they are big mooches, and have even been known to board visitor’s boats and eat the boater’s pet’s dog food.