The Exumas, North Bound, May 2011

Georgetown, Exumas
Elizabeth Harbour was much quieter than our previous visit in December. The snowbirds have migrated north for the summer, leaving about 60 or 70 boats at anchor, a far cry from the winter peak of close to 500.

Our overnight stop in Georgetown was short but with unexpected events:
Arriving in Elizabeth Harbour just before noon, we anchored in front of the Chat-N-Chill, and headed ashore for lunch.



Chat-N-Chill anchorage

Our timing was good, arriving just ahead of the visitors coming in by boat and water taxi for the Sunday pig roast.

Shortly after lunch, we were approached by the captain of S/V Moon Shadow, asking if we were from “Kaos”. Once confirmed, he thanked us for rescuing him and Moon Shadow in 2008, by pulling him free, when his boat was aground, just outside of Boca Raton, Florida. It was nice that he remembered our good deed, especially since it was almost three years later.

Later in the afternoon, Alan and Tim took the dinghy to town and stopped for a drink at a local bar, where they were approached by a couple of Canadians, asking where they were from? Following the usual banter, Alan discovered the young woman he was chatting with, was from his home town of Sarnia, and turned out to be one of his younger sister’s teenage friends.

Lisa & Vince aboard Kaos

 Lisa and her husband Vince visited with us later aboard Kaos, where a phone call was made to sister Gil, reconnecting her and Lisa after many years.

One just never knows when, where or how paths may cross, but rest assured they will!
I am repeatedly surprised at how small a world we live in, and how frequently we unexpectedly connect with people from a past era, and once again, this was no exception

After a quick trip to town for fresh produce, we were underway once again,.bound for Little Farmer’s Cay, one of our favorite stops.

Little Farmer's Cay
We arrived in Little Farmer’s Cay about 4pm, after a perfect day of cruising the Exuma Bank from Georgetown. The seas were flat calm, with light winds from the SW; cruising days don’t get much better than this!



The cut

 As we navigated the current through the cut, we saw a sport fish yacht, who cut the corner and ran aground. Attempts to pull him free were unsuccessful, so he was left to wait for the tide to rise and float him off.
Once the anchor was set, we headed ashore for Happy Hour at Ali’s Bar. As we docked the dink at the pier, we met one of Ali’s brothers, who was cleaning conch, and gave us a quick demonstration.

Ali’s Bar has to be one of the tiniest bars I’ve been in, with maybe six bar stools around the perimeter of the room and no room for a table,but it is big on character, warmth and friendship. Before we could order, Ali poured a shot of vodka for “his friends” as he said. Jan declined and the rest of us joined Ali with “bottoms up”. Alan wasn’t sure he could keep it down and quickly chased it with a beer, and Tim apparently has an allergy to vodka but took it like a man and Susann just downed it like a pro!

Ali received a phone call, so Tim jumped right in and certainly enjoyed his time behind the bar. Upon Ali's return, Tim proudly purchased and poured Ali a drink.

 

Tarbender Tim

 Later that afternoon, we met three of Ali’s beautiful grandchildren.  
Before heading back to the boats, we also had the privilege of meeting elementary school teacher, Devi Jagroo and her husband, the School Principal. We were blown away by the passion and dedication of these two committed teachers, and were delighted when we were invited to visit the school the following morning, an invitation we gladly accepted.
As we were departing, Jan mentioned to Ali that she was looking for a fresh coconut, and before we knew it, two coconuts, fresh off the tree arrived at the bar, complete with the outside husk removed, and ready to eat.

Little Farmer's Cay School Visit
After meeting Farmer’s Cay elementary teacher Devi Jagroo and her husband, Principal Jagroo, it was an honour and delight to visit them at the school and see them immersed in their element. It is evident that their teaching profession is truly their passion. Little Farmer's Cay is lucky to have this caring and dedicated couple educating the island's youth and future residents.
The previous evening, we made the decision to donate Susann's aging, but functioning lap top computer to the school, along with some school supplies that we have been carrying for such an appropriate recipient.

Upon arrival, we were greeted and welcomed by Principal Jagroo, who introduced us to the senior class, preparing to write a national exam.



Seniors



Principal Jagroo believes it is never to early to learn, and although the seniors are not required to write this exam until next year, he believes in getting the students prepared and understanding what is expected of them.

In the kindergarten class, we met a delightful four year old named Nathan, who along with his sister, recited poems learned for the Bahamas competition.



Kindergarten



The adjudication team from Nassau were expected the next day to see and hear just what Little Farmer's Cay students have been working on all year. In keeping with Principal Jagroo's theory that it is never to early to learn, he told us that Nathan had been comming to the school with his Grandmother; an employee, who was looking after him and brought him with her to work everyday since he was two. The Principal felt it was time to get him a uniform and enroll Nathan in the kindergarten class. He is a bright, energetic and articulate youngster, who I am sure is destined to be a leader.

Junior Class

Ali's grandson, Spencer is also in the kindergarten group, and though somewhat more reserved than Nathan, is destined to be a trend setter and leader. The only girl in the kindergarten group, when asked what she would like to be when she grows up, said "I'm going to be a big girl, like Kenya". Kenya, is one of Ali's grand children and the only other female student in the school.


Teacher, Devi Jagroo



The previous evening, Ali told us that Farmer's Cay is very fortunate to have the Jagroos teaching at the school. The island's previous teachers had not been so committed, nor encouraged the children to compete off the island. He felt it was important that the students learn manners and respect in addition to their academics. This was clearly demonstrated when we walked into the classrooms and the children stood and all said "good morning".

The Jagroos teach students from kindergarten through grade 8, with 13 boys and 2 girls attending tha All Age School. They were proud to show their local crafts and display the many trophies awarded to the school. As a thank you for our visit, we were invited to pick something from the student's craft table.

This was a most enjoyable and rewarding morning, visiting this enriched learning environment. Thank you to both the extraordinary teachers and students for their friendship and hospitality. We encourage all visitors to Little Farmer's Cay to take the time to visit the school. You will be glad you did.

We walked the short distance back to the pier to board the dink and head back to the boats. As we headed to Black Point Settlement, just eight miles away, we bid au revoir to Little Farmer's Cay, but not goodbye. We'll be back someday soon, and spend a couple of weeks in this special place, that feels like home.

Black Point Settlement

Black Point Settlement welcomes cruisers, and encourages participation in the after school reading and homework program. This visit was short due to the gusty west wind, which made the anchorage rolly, hence no visit to the school.  

 

This was Tim and Jan's first visit, so we walked town, visiting and chatting with the local women, sitting outside enjoying the breeze as they braided thae palms into long strips, that are shipped to Nassau to make baskets, hats etc.

The town appeared quiet, and other than the small grocery store, not much was open.The restaurants were closed, but one of the local women called someone to open up for lunch.

After lunch, the sky looked like rain was iminent, and thunder could be heard in the distance. Quickly, we headed back to the boats, weighed anchor and headed for the protection and calm of Pipe Creek, just a few miles north.