Guana & Lubbers Trip Report - a little late!

[Travelgirl3]

Well, I can't believe we've been home for 2 weeks already. We were in Abaco for 2 weeks this time, and coming home to 'reality' has been really hard. Our travel plans worked like a charm, and we arrived without incident. I figure you can never over plan, or check too many times to see if your flight or hotel is still confirmed. We flew into West Palm this time, and found it to be a nice alternate to Ft Lauderdale. We had hoped to meet up with Elcahun in Marsh Harbour to exchange CD's we had made, but I guess our timing was off as it didn't work out this time.

Our first week was back on Guana, again staying at Coconuts Cottage in in the settlement. The owners had made some updates since last year, including a couple of extra kitchen cabinets, a large deck, and a nice size BBQ. Although I did enjoy BBQing over the open pit last year, the BBQ with side burner came in handy during the many power outages that rule Regatta Time in Abaco. The weather left a little to be desired, due to a tropical wave which had stalled right over us, and with the humidity came the mosquitoes, and dreaded no-see-ums. We had no issues with them last year at all but they sure were out in full force this time. As we hadn't experienced them last year, we foolishly assumed the season was over and never brought the baby oil everybody talks about here. Well, let me tell you, in a pinch, vegetable oil will work just fine, long as you don't mind smelling like a french fry!

We had a lot of fun the first week, re-exploring Guana, and visiting a few old haunts. We spent some time snorkelling up at High Rocks, this year taking a walk just past there onto the beautiful beach of Orchid Bay. We had lunch at Nippers, the boys fished at Guana Sunset while I supported the local economy by partaking in a few Grabbers, stopped by to visit Milo and got some take out from Miss Luv's kitchen (which was excellent) walking home by moonlight. We also giggled each time we drove by The Anchorage where Elcahun had stayed the week before, as he had duct-taped Norvell's CD to the fence, and by the end of the week, it was still there!! Only in Abaco! But as nice as it was to be back on Guana, although none of us would admit it until later, we spent much of the whole week wondering what week #2 at Watercolours on Lubbers was going to be like.

Coconuts Cottage
Dock at Guana Sunset
Beach at Guana Sunset
Nippers Beach
In the Settlement

[toledopirate]

Woo Hoo! I've been looking forward to your report.

[Travelgirl3]

Week #2, on to Lubbers.

We couldn't have picked a nicer place for our first visit to Lubbers Quarters. The main bedroom is upstairs in the loft, which had windows on all 4 sides, allowing for a great view of the island and the Sea. From the bedroom window, we could see all the way across to the castle on Tilloo. The second bedroom is on the ground level, and was self contained, with its own bathroom. This was perfect for the kids as they could hang out down there in the evening and have their own space. There was also an area at the front, under the deck, which had a couple of chairs and a huge hammock. Up the side stairs was the main part of the cottage with a screened deck, living/dining room, well stocked kitchen and bathroom. The cottage has electricity, backup solar power, a backup generator and a gas stove, but I guess BEC got things all worked out, as the power didn't go out once during week #2.

Watercolours from the road
Side view
View from the deck, across to the castle on Tilloo
The Dock
Hammock for afternoon naps

[P2Pooz]

Great job! Just makes me sigh, and hit the search button for airfare. Can't get back there fast enough....
Take care,
Patti Puzo

[Travelgirl3]

We spent the first couple of days getting settled, while the boys fished, having lots of luck catching little grunts and sargeant majors. We swam and snorkelled off the dock, seeing several stingrays gracefully gliding through the water, right under us. On Monday, we got our little 17' Whaler from Seahorse Rentals, which opened up a new world for us, as we were now able to do more exploring. As this was our first time boating in Abaco, we were a little uncertain about things like 'just how shallow is it', and 'how to dock without coming back later and finding your boat submerged'. Luckily, JONES (Chris) and his new bride Tamra were staying at the other Watercolours cottage, and I swear, Chris must have been born on a boat. The only time we saw them was first thing in the morning as they headed out, then again at dinnertime when they returned, telling us all about where they had been and what they'd seen. Chris was terrfic at explaining the details of docking and manouvering our little boat around, even going with Leigh the day we (they) picked up the boat.

Admittedly, we did leave the boat docked for 2 days, as it was just a bit too breezy for us. Next time, we'd definitely rent a bigger boat, and probably an Albury, which I understand from Mark, doesn't bang around quite as much. The Whaler was great fun, but even in a slight breeze, you'd get wet. No problem, unless you've got all your bags in it and heading to the airport. We did venture out to Hopetown one day to meet Apoggi (Ann) and her friend Kim. We had met Ann on Guana last year, and it was great to see her again, and catch up. Another day we headed over to Sea Spray for lunch and more exploring. For those of you who know Abaco, you'll know we didn't venture far from home, but I said, we're newbies!! We managed to tie up better and better each time, and it's amazing how quickly you gain confidence, just by getting it right. If you've never rented a boat - do it! Even for a couple of days - it was a blast!

JONES (Chris & Tamra)
17' Boston Whaler
Apoggi (Ann), Travelgirl3 (Penny) & Kim
Harbour's Edge Restaurant
Hopetown Lighthouse

[Travelgirl3]

Back at Lubbers, we did some exploring on the island itself, just walking along the many paths. One day we hailed Dee Albury at Sunshine Shack and ordered some goodies and a pizza. When I ordered, I assumed she'd just make up the pizza and deliver it when she had time, and we'd have to heat it up. We ordered on Monday, and Dee informed us that she had Thursday available for hot, fresh pizza delivery!! What a great surprise! And I must say, it was one of the best pizzas we've had - real homemade taste, with lots of cheese. The best! We also ordered brownies, as well as chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, which were all excellent.

Friday was our last night as it was for Chris and Tamra too. They suggested we get together around 6 down at the 'Sunset Bar' for a pot luck with our leftover food which wouldn't keep. The Sunset Bar is a great covered deck Mark built down by the water, which overlooks the dock, and provides a fabulous view down the Sea of Abaco to the South. Chris had some huge Idaho steaks (which I had read about here - they were divine!), and between the 2 cottages, we had a great assortment of cheese, fruit, nachos, chicken, and for dessert - some of Dee's chocolate chip banana bread. What a feast! It was a nice way to end our week, and spend some time together, as we were all leaving first thing in the morning.

Like I said, it's been really hard to readjust to life at home. We're already thinking about next year, as we'd love to spend another week at Watercolours. The cottage was perfect for us, and although Lubbers is remote in that there are no ferries going there yet, with all the boats going by, we never once felt isolated. Mark and Patti also work with BASRA, and Patti is a Registered Nurse, so it was very comforting to know they were always standing by on Ch. 9.

I've posted more of my pics on Webshots, so feel free to have a look.

http://community.webshots.com/user/Travelgirl3

Looking forward to next year!

Penny

Dee Albury of Sunshine Shack
JONES BBQing some steak
Sunset Bar at Watercolours
Local wildlife
I'll be back tomorrow!

[Travelgirl3]

Toledopirate & P2Pooz, thanks - it took a little longer to post than I'd hoped. I think I slept for the first week we were home - being back at work stinks.

Penny

[wregle]

Loved the pics - it was good to see Dee. We ordered several things from her when we were there and she was always such a joy to talk to. How is her pregnancy progressing? Also who is the daschund? We did not see him when we were there - we are a 2 daschund family and he just interested me. Glad you had a great time - we stayed at Lubbers our entire week and loved it. We were also first timers but that will change!

[norvell]

Great trip report and pix! Thanks so much! Do ya think that CD will still be there when we return on 9/1? LOL!

[Travelgirl3]

Loved the pics - it was good to see Dee. We ordered several things from her when we were there and she was always such a joy to talk to. How is her pregnancy progressing? Also who is the daschund? We did not see him when we were there - we are a 2 daschund family and he just interested me. Glad you had a great time - we stayed at Lubbers our entire week and loved it. We were also first timers but that will change!
Thanks Wregle & Norvell!

Yes, Dee is a sweetheart - what a nice lady. I didn't realize until she got alllllll the way to the top of those stairs that she was 30 weeks pregnant! But she's managing fine, and looking forward to new adventures with the baby. The dauschund - well, from what Dee said 'she isn't very nice'... my kids tried to be friendly, but she'd have no part of it, and growled a little at them. I guess Dee has 3 dogs, and maybe this one's used to being the Queen?

Norvell, your CD will probably still be there! I burned another copy of mine when I got home, and I happened to read the packaging while waiting..."avoid exposing the disc to direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, dust or dirt".... so I think it's toast. I'm sure Elcahun can offer a replacement - he left one for us at Coconuts, and it's great!!

Penny

[DaGoose]

Travelgirl, sounds like you all had a great time! Rick & I are thinking of doing the same thing, stay on Guana one week (with another couple) and then back to Lubbers for one week by ourselves. Watercolors looks beautiful. Did you happen to check out the smaller cottage across the street that they own? We're still trying to decide where to stay, there are SO many options! It must have been fun to hook up with some fellow ACMB folks too.

My brother is in Abaco right now looking for a house or some property. Hopefully he'll find something turn key and we'll be able to go for 3 weeks next year!

Thanks again for the trip report and the beautiful photos.

Tina

[Travelgirl3]

Thanks Tina, we did have a great time. Splitting it up like that was great too, as the 2 cays are quite different from each other.

The 1 Bedroom cottage is closer to the water than the 1 we stayed in. I was only in it for a few minutes while we cleared away our pot luck on Friday, but it looked nice & cozy. I'd be glad to answer any questions, just PM me.

Penny

[elcahun]

Great report and pics. Just one question, how do you manage to go on a two week vacation and not have one family picture?

Definately go with the bigger boat with four of you. Bet now you are really ready to explore.

[flatscrazy]

Penny - Glad you enjoyed Watercolours as much as we, as you can see we left the place in one piece for you! We can't wait to go back, maybe next year if not sooner. Mark and Patti are the best! We rented an Albury 20 which was pretty nice, next year I think we'll get an Albury 23 for when it kicks up a little. We managed to run up to Guana a couple times and out to Fowl Cay for snorkeling. Our boys were "legal" age in the Bahamas so they really enjoyed Hope Town, I only had to pull them out of a bar once. Adapting back to normal life is tough.....


John

[Travelgirl3]

[QUOTE=elcahun]Great report and pics. Just one question, how do you manage to go on a two week vacation and not have one family picture?
QUOTE]

LOL! The pic I posted with Apoggi and Kim is the only one (of more than 300) with me in it!! I use the still camera, while Travelguy runs the videocam - so there's a little more of me on video, but truth be told, probably more of the ground from when he forgets to shut it off.....

John, Glad you had a great time too! The cottage is a perfect spot, isn't it. Lubbers is secluded and quiet, but only about 10 minutes to Hopetown, and very central for hopping around.

Penny

[wregle]

DaGoose - We stayed in the Summit of Abaco on Lubbers. It is across the "street" from the lovely yellow house that Travelgirl 3 took pics of. It is on the highest point on Lubbers. It is a beautiful home! Highly recommend it (though I do hate for the word to get out!) It comes with a golf cart so getting to the dock was never a problem. It would be a short walk anyway.There was just the 2 of us but we rented a 23 Albury. Glad we had one that size as we are novice boaters and enjoyed the size when we encoutered some wind and waves. Never felt in danger at all. I have some nice pics of the house and area. Let me know if you want me to send them to you.

[momshell]

I MISS LUBBERS! Pics and report are great! Makes me want a loaf of Dee's choc. chop bananas bread for breakfast. Looks like your trip was( no surprise here) a smashing success- hard to wrong in Abaco.

[JONES]

Hey Penny,
I have not done a trip report so that you would not feel bad about being slow.
Now I have no excuse.
Thank you for being good neighbors, nice things said in your report, and the Abaco CD.
We listened to that almost non stop while we were there and here at home we will always be able listen and charge our memories. Many great tunes which are some of my favorites. Very nice unexpected gift.
Guess I will have to do a trip report now since you left out how Leigh hooked the shark at the dock. And thanks for not mentioning how the ACE boat driver got flipped off the bow into the water.
Thanks for the picture of us in the boat. It is the only one that we have with both of us in it on our entire honeymoon.
Thank you!

Jones

[Watercolours]

Penney,
Thanks for the great Pictures and the nice post. We love the picture of the two boys on the path with the tubes! Looking forward to your return in the future.
Mark & Patti

(http://www.watercolourscottages.com)

[Seaglass]

I sit on my back deck every afternoon in Marsh Harbour, and have a perfect view of Lubbers; however, after reading the Lubbers Trip Report and viewing the beautiful photos, I must say it makes me want to take my vacation over there, instead of off island. Mark, did you do the palm tree cut outs on the steps? Very cool....

[Watercolours]

I sit on my back deck every afternoon in Marsh Harbour, and have a perfect view of Lubbers; however, after reading the Lubbers Trip Report and viewing the beautiful photos, I must say it makes me want to take my vacation over there, instead of off island. Mark, did you do the palm tree cut outs on the steps? Very cool....
No I did not do the original Coconut Palm or Pinapple cut outs for the stair railings. A guy working with us did them when we built the cottages. I just replaced some broken ones and did make the replacments. Not a hard job just made a cardboard stensil then traced them on to the wood and cut them out.

[FlatFish]

We have been going to the Abaco's, and Lubbers specifically, for a number of years. However, we haven't been in there in a little over two years and I have a question as to just where the heck is this Pura Vida place? It must have popped up in a very short time or I'm having wayyyy too many Kaliks!
From their website it shows it on the south tip, but when we were there last there were only three long docks. One completed house, one being built, and another being planned. Forest in back was being cleared for some sort of rentals or something I think. Can you give a better picture about where it was?
Most curious!
Thanks,
Mark