Hello from Black Point, Exumas, Bahamas

Hi Everybody,

Today is an even day so Joy is going to write most of the blog today. I thought I would put in a few words. We arrived here in Black Point Settlement in the Central Exumas yesterday morning after 5 days at Staniel Cay.

Black Point is more of a native area, very little commercial buildings or rich homes up on the ridges or along the beaches. There was a plan to develop a large marina but it is suspended due to lack of money. We may go over there tomorrow on our way to Little Farmers Cay( our last stop going south)

We are having a very nice time, travelling with very nice people and just enjoying the perfect weather. It is about 78 degrees,little clouds and a happy hour starting in 90 minutes across the street.

Here's Joy

Joe

Last night we went to Lorraine's Cafe for a barbecue for St Patrick's Day which included ribs, chicken, grouper fingers, and lamb, with salad and rice and peas all for $15.00. Two boaters provided entertainment- one with guitar and harmonica who has been here before and another, Rich, with guitar who is travelling with our group. Some 50's music as most of us are from that era and some Irish ditties. Lorraine grew up in Blackpoint, one of 10 children, and her mother lives in the back house, and is the bread maker in town. Lorraine started her cafe 13 years ago when only about 6 boats would be in the harbor. Today there are about 30. She is quick to add that she has kept her prices down, which is obvious as this was the least expensive meal we have had in the Bahamas.

We also had a chance to do laundry in the largest laundromat in the Exumas- at least 10 washers and 10 driers. The building was built by Ida's husband and Ida runs the place. She will also do laundry for you for $10 plus the cost of the machines- $3.50each. We knew about the laundromat as it is well known By cruisers who share all kinds of information.

Many adults leave Blackpoint for jobs on other islands, either daily by boat, or long term to Nassau. It is not uncommon for grandparents to participate with raising children, especially when parents work in Nassau. Others, men and women, do straw work, sitting in the shade making rolls of straw stripping that is then shipped to Nassau for the women in the straw market to make bags with.