Down in the Islands

Freeport Bahamas, also known as Grand Bahama, is the largest of the over 200 islands that make up the Bahamas. And being the farthest north, I was a little skeptical of the weather and water temps, but why should I be? After all, anything would be better then where I was coming from. But much to my surprise it was downright HOT w/water temps of 75 degrees.  I have been swimming in the ocean for 7straight days and have now officially dove the 3 largest reefs on the planet (bucket list...check!).  I've explored and explored and explored some more. And as I'm wrapping up the final days of this vacation there are a few shout outs that I would like to mention; wayward Hayward, Old Blue and my girl Casandra.  

Casandra, the bartender/server here at the resort, was my first friend on the island. Well, she and Miss Haddie, but Miss Haddie was just being friendly in the hopes I would buy a timeshare.  But Cassandra was great. Not only did she keep me stocked up on chicken quesadillas and Sands beer, but we shared many a story and many a laugh. She is a beautiful strong woman, doing her best to survive and provide for her family... as is the case w most of the women I've met on the island.  

Then there's Hayward... a 3rd generational tour guide who also deserves an honorable mention. He scouted us out on the second day and subsequently became our personal taxi driver for the duration.  He carted us all over the island, pointing out sights, spouting out bits of history and fun facts, and took us off the beaten path to local hangouts so we could get a taste of real Bahamian life.  

But if my destination was w/in a few miles of the resort then to heck with Hayward.  I would call upon my trusty steed Old Blue to get the job done.  A rickety ole rusted out beach cruiser, Old Blue is one humdinger of a bike, and quite a challenge to ride. In fact a 2 mile ride on this fine piece of machinery seemed to equate to one of my 22 mile spin classes. But none the less, if u were up for the task she was always ready and waiting. Need a quick trip to the liquer store? Old Blue. Feel like exploring surrounding beaches or crashing neighboring resorts?  Old blue.  Want to take a ride into town to do a little shopping? Old blue.  Banging and clanging the whole way, switching gears on her own, and virtually no breaks to speak of, Old Blue proved herself through and through... gonna miss that old clunker. 

Gonna miss it all really. The warm weather, warm water.  The beautiful beaches, beautiful people.  It was another fantastic vacation and many more memories were made. A giant thank you to all who contributed to that.  Now it's back to the cold and snow, but hopefully for only a few more weeks.  Spring is right around the corner and soon enough the sun may even feel warm New England.  

Ps dive blog to come soon, waiting until I can download my underwater pics... Giant reef sharks, woot woot!