Allen’s/Leaf Cays to Norman’s Cay

Sunday, January 16, 2011


It was a wonderful sunrise this morning. I had never realized it, until talking to Jean & Tom, but you can get a green flash at sunrise as well as sunset. I found myself looking toward the horizon to see if I could catch that elusive green flash, and then realized duh, the island is in the way (laughing). Silly girl. But they now have me looking to the horizon in the morning not only for the sunrise but also for a flash of bright green!

I just missed saying goodbye to Georgia E. I thought I heard a motor and when I looked up from the cabin, they were pulling away. I yelled across, but they didn’t hear me. I’m pretty sure we’ll run into them again somewhere down the line. I always love meeting fellow Bayfielders.

I decided to make some cinnamon rolls for breakfast and have some orange and apple slices with the sweet rolls. I was thinking how nice it would be to call Azaya over to join us when low and behold – there they were. I had to laugh because they said that the smells wafting over to them smelled soooo good, and was I making French toast? I loved that they made it over and were able to join us, even if they’d already eaten breakfast.

We weren’t able to hear the Park Office once again, but could hear the boats calling in for moorings. Aurora was able to hear them and called in to put our three boats on the waiting list for tomorrow. Today we’re off to Normans Cay.

We got into Norman’s around 3pm and Aurora, Azaya and Kolibrie all dropped our dinghies in the water and went ashore. I was hoping to introduce them to McDuff’s but the place didn’t appear to be open. I guess they’re open for lunch from 12-3pm and then dinner from 5-8pm. Since we got there at 3:30pm we decided to hike across the airfield (no planes here today) and go in search of Carlos – the drug lord’s old place. We found first one ruin - that wasn’t it, then the old McDuff’s that was on the protected bay where the plane wreck is, then finally found Carlos’ compound. If it’s possible, it’s even in worse shape than when we were here two years ago. The tiles were all gone, the stainless counters, and gas tanks were gone from the kitchen, and the ceilings more collapsing. The bullet-ridden walls were still a testament to the DEA/Drug Lord’s shootout a few decades ago.

When we got back to the other side of the island, the restaurant/bar still wasn’t open. Wayne said that the place looked like it was falling into disrepair with broken lights and an unkempt look that I don’t remember it having. We decided that instead of hanging around that we’d come back to Kolibrie for beers instead. So Azaya and Aurora never got to see the little Gilligan’s Island setting. It’s a shame. I remember it as a cute and cozy little place with friendly people and friendly dogs.

We had a nice evening aboard Kolibrie. Cheese, sausage, artichoke/cheese dip and crackers, dates, almonds and chocolate along with of course, beer and wine and wonderful conversation discussing the worlds problems rounded off the day. Tomorrow, we’ll see where we head or if we stay here. I fed the bread starter this morning and put some dough together to rise tonight. Hope it’s still viable!