Monday, March 18, 2013

Day 154-155 Mar 17-18 Orchid Bay Marina Great Guana Cay Abacos

At the time being we will be here until Tuesday....then....the weather will give us directions....
The settlement at Great Guana Cay is one of the smallest in the central part of Abaco, but it is growing.  The 1990 census reported only 95 persons living on the cay; by 2000 the population was 163.  Today less than 200 people live here year around.  The cay's principal asset has long been its beautiful ocean beach, which is one of the widest in Abaco and extends almost the entire 5 1/2 mile length of the island.

We have rented a golf cart to see the island.  Again the roads are narrow and you are lucky if two golf carts can pass let alone a car or truck.

Our first stop is Grabbers Bar and Grill, located on the peninsula between Settlement Harbour and Fisher's Bay.  The hallmark "Guana Grabber" rum drink is a reason to stop.  Being the weekend it is hopping.....


Want a Guana Grabber
 
 
I'm here
 
 
Saw Man playing
 
 
Dancers
 
 
Bar is packed
 
 
Something to do at Grabbers
 
 
Maybe I'll try this
 
 
Another band at Grabber's
 
 
Another Marina but no power...you can get a good deal
 
 
Nipper's Beach Bar and Grill opened in 1996 and it is a must stop.  Nipper's is located a short walk from the settlement high on a dune overlooking the beach and the reef.  On Sunday they have a Pig Roast buffet and the annual Barefoot Man Concert is held here.  That is going on now and the island is a busy place.
 
 
Sign in town to lead you down the path
 
 
 
Nipper's Beach Bar and Grill
 
 
Capt looking for a beer
 
 
Boar's head
 
 
What a beach
 
 
The colors
 
 
You can walk for miles
 
 
 
Known for its swimming pool
 
 
Yard Art on the road
 
 
Someone crashed his golf cart onto the beach
 
 
A group pulling it up on shore
 
 
Milo's
 
 
Saddi didn't walk here
 
 
Very nice homes....no trash
 

 
Great Guana Cay has a grocery store, a church, a couple of gift stores, out-door cafes......everything is open on the weekend because that is when the people come to Nipper's Pig Roast.   The Ferries are full and the harbor is full of boats.  Come Monday most all the shops close except Grabber's and Nipper's. 
 
 
A little nap
 
 
Neighbors back from fishing...Wahoo
 
 
And Mahi Mahi
 
Orchard Bay Marina is very nice....if you stay 3 days the third is free....$1.50/ft.....$.45KWH and water was $.35/gallon.  The marina has recently reinforced their breakwater across a good part of the harbor opening.  This makes this an even better protected harbor (Class B), however it can be uncomfortable when winds are from the west or northwest.  We experienced this Monday afternoon and yes we rocked and rolled to the point cooking dinner on top of the stove was impossible.  Rik went to the grocery store and provided us an elegant dinner....Stouffer's Lasagne for $27.75.....  Most of the boats left Monday and now we know why....we're learning
 
 

Nice time on Great Guana Cay
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

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