A Good Feeling

Today was the Man-O-War Fair and Flea Market which benefits the primary school on the island. The school receives little government funds so they need to really supplement in order to get supplies, etc. Since we now have numerous friends and ties in MOW, we really wanted to help out. After meeting the principal, we felt that this huge annual event would be a very worthwhile cause to donate Dave's windsurfer and our Hunter Liberty sailing dinghy for their silent auction (since Dave's accident and our aging bodies make it more difficult and uncomfortable to use them). We met several of the bidders in the auction and both items were sold to very happy and excited new owners. Both live in MOW and seeing them used there, where we have had so much fun sailing, is just what we wanted to happen. In the end, the principal and school were so appreciative of our donations because the sailboard brought $200 and the dinghy brought $600 into the school's much needed funds. We couldn't ask for better results!

It's A Small World

Cruising around in the skiff just outside of Hope Town we came across a trawler with a familiar home port. Come to find out they live a few miles away from us!

More Rage Racing

Dave is getting good at being on the bow of the Rage and guiding the skipper and crew. The good news is that even though it is extremely tough on his body, he hasn't had to take any Aleve in quite some time. The healing progresses!

 

Photos courtesy of Will Heyer and Catherine Allin

Stretchhhhhhh

Dave has been getting so sore with all of his activities, and several people thought it would be a good idea if he joined some of the yoga classes held here at the marina. Phyllis the instructor graciously tailored the class to him and other beginners. Later that evening she even wrote to make sure that he wasn't too sore.

First she started with breathing in scented to oils to relax. As you can see, Dave wasn't even the only man there.

Then it was on to stretching and basic Yoga. Some of the moves Dave definitely couldn't do, but he did feel better after the class and will continue once a week (the class lasts about 2 hours).

 

And me? Well, I am a power walker and being able to take the trails to the main road is such an advantage living here at the marina. It is great to just come back and cool off in that inviting pool and do some water aerobics. I think that Dave would enjoy the water exercise too, but there is so much going on with the sailing club, Sunfish, Abaco dinghies and the Rage, that it it is hard for him to make time. This has been our busiest season ever.

Racing Again

Dave is back sailing on the Abaco Rage again and today was his first day of racing. He doesn't have the strength to haul in the mainsheet so he is on the bow and even out on the pry.

 Thanks Will for the great photo of the Rage crossing the finish line!

Chat 'N' Splash

The weather has been so warm and perfect for swimming at the marina's pool. It started out as just the women, but now you never know who will join us. Today Catherine even brought a water aerobics tape. She also deserves the credit for all these great photos...

Our hang-out.

It looks so inviting...

Chat 'N' Splash has become part of our daily routine. Catherine really wants this hat!

 

 A rare sight...Dave at rest!

Even the hot tub is fun, especially jumping in it after doing laps in the refreshing main pool.

Welcome from the gang...wish you were here!

Bringing Back A Tradition

Welcome to the newly formed Abaco Wooden Boat Association! The Abaco Dinghy repairs and restorations are in full swing, as they are readied for the first race of the season next Sunday. Over the past several years, the enthusiasm for racing these dinghies has been waning and in fact there haven't been enough out on the course to hold a race. All that is changing thanks to Race Committee Chairman Heinz W. He has been diligently working on several of these beautiful boats, and they will be available for others to sail and race. More and more of the boats are coming out of retirement and everyone is really excited about bringing back this tradition.

Now that the slipway and pump house have been cleaned out, this area makes a great workshop at the base of the lighthouse.

 

Visitors are always stopping by on their way to the lighthouse to see what is going on and get a bit of history on Abaco Dinghies. These wooden boats make for perfect opportunities too.

 Thank you and well done Heinz!