The Honeymoon Couple Trip Reports

[elcahun]

Honeymoon Couple Part 1 -- Wednesday


Well, the plane actually took off and we are on our way to Marsh Harbour. We have spent the last two days in Fort Lauderdale on Continental's dime. God Bless my new bride for her phone work with the airline. Looks like we will be coming back soon with our free roundtrip tickets.

Basically, they told us on Sunday night and again Monday morning they would be flying into MHH. It wasn't until we got to FLL that we learned the truth. By Tuesday morning we had them cold in their lies and were given seats for today.

On the plane we met Peter and Amy. They are going to Hope Town to check on a friend's house and stay a bit. When we told them our story they remarked "Oh, you are the 'Honeymoon couple' we read about on the board."

The airport terminal was closed still, but the damage was not as bad as reported. It was to reopen on Thursday. Once we landed, we got a cab ride with Peter Burrows. Remember that name and never get in a taxi with him.

The drive through town showed the mess. Almost any business on the ground floor had water damage. All the trees were leafless. But the water was on, power was back up for many, and the grocery stores were open.

Since phones were still down, we asked to make a couple stops. First on the list was Harbour View Marina/Blue Wave Rentals. The place was completely trashed, along with Mango's and the Conch Inn. We talked with Maurice and he says our boat will be ready in the morning. We then stopped at the Lofty Fig, but no one was around. We needed to make sure that the Hope Town Harbour Lodge was okay, and also wanted to get something to eat. We had two hours until the ferry left. Peter took us to the Abaco Beach Resort. From there we radioed the Lodge. They were up on a generator and our room was waiting.

We asked Peter if he could come back in an hour and take us to the ferry and he said "yes" and even offered to let us keep our bags in his van. We appreciated his help and went off to the bar to have a drink and get some food. We were a few minutes too late though; the Resort was shutting off power for an hour to check the generator. So we had a couple cold Kaliks and got news from the bartenderess. Apparently, the reports that there was no water were wrong. It was shut off purposely for a short time.

She seemed surprised that anyone would have told us not to come. We ordered one more beer and took a walk around the grounds. They survived well, and the marina was in good shape. Seems that the majority of damage was on the inner harbor, since Jeanne came from the north during high tide. Clearly, the devastation was profound. But life was moving along and we are glad to be here.

Peter was waiting for us and drove us to the Ferry docks. They were undamaged. When we went to settle up. Peter told us the cost was $50.00. (Yes, that is not a typo.) I asked him why and he said something about 'wait-time.' I knew we were getting ripped off but the ferry was leaving and I was not in the mood to argue. My bride had no idea and even tipped him another $10.00, our first contribution to the relief effort.

While getting on the ferry we once again saw Peter and Amy. He saw the Kalik can in my hand and whispered "Unless it's an emergency NEVER drink Kalik from a can." We also met Kitty and Dave(?), who were also going to check on a house. It seems we are about the first tourists since the hurricane.

I cannot adequately describe our first glimpse of the Abaco Sea and the Cays. I have never seen anything like it and no picture does it justice. During that twenty minute trip I fell in love. It was everything I believed it would be and more than I imagined.

As we entered the Hope Town Harbour different places were pointed out to us. Pete's Place was being painted, the Harbour's Edge dock was destroyed, Froggy's was closed. Most places had no power. Most of the dock?s were damaged and we had to call for HL to come get our bags.

There were several people in their golf carts picking up friends, yet no one had a bottle opener so they could properly greet them with a cold Kalik. Fortunately, I am a man of many talents and popped a few open with my fist and a hard edge. (By the way Peter, you still owe me a beer!)

Our bags are picked up and we make the short walk to the Lodge. Sand is everywhere. We are greeted by Candice in the office. They have already extended our stay an extra two nights. Once again, we are told we are certainly welcome and she can?t understand why anyone would be so negative and tell us not to come.

We meet Tom, the General Manager, who apologizes for the shape of the pool area. It looks like it is blanketed in snow. But it is that white powdery sand. Several workers are busy cleaning it up. So there will be no swimming in a pool; but who needs it when the Atlantic looks so inviting.

We check into our room and are once again captivated by the views from our balconies. While a little worse for wear, we are certainly still in Paradise.

Later we have a fabulous dinner and chat with some of the other guests, who are all homeowners on Elbow Cay. Spirits are high and everyone is as nice as can be. We later take a short walk on the beach, enjoying the sounds of the ocean and the light of an almost full moon.

My bride and I agree that our decision to come was the right one. And we look forward to whatever the week may hold.

[elcahun]

Originally Posted by elcahun

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You're attachments don't seem to be working.

TT

[flyingdogs]

how absolutely wonderful that y'all are going with the flow and enjoying the adventure put in front of you! a great time to be in Abaco - and hanging with locals and 2nd home owners, you will learn the real reason we all love it there - have a great time - don't forget to go down to tillou and up to nippers on sunday

To the honeymoon couple............You Rock!!
My husband & I were married in Hopetown and we have property in Marsh Harbour. Although we live in Flordia - the Abacos are the best. I am glad you enjoyed it!

[elcahun]

They work for me but I would rather they just show in the message.

Got it figured out.

Views of pool area at HL.

[Mary O.]

Enjoyed reading your report and seeing the photos. So glad you are feeling the love of Elbow Cay as we did when we honeymooned to Hopetown in 1966. Thank you for sharing and look forward to your next chapter! Mary O.

[elcahun]

I got up early to catch the ferry and pick up our boat from Blue Wave. The ride over was just as beautiful as yesterday. I walked the mile or so into town and noticed right away the Castle. As I approached the Harbour the activity grew. People everywhere cleaning up.

There was already a barge at Harbour View Marina pulling up the pilings and demolishing the docks. Talked with Maurice and they were on their way to get my boat. It would be a couple hours.

We had planned on staying a couple nights at the Lofty Fig, so I went over there. Met Sid and we talked awhile. He did not have power or phones yet. But the damage to his place was a few inches of water and some shingles blown off. He asked me if this was my first time to the Abacos. I told him yes and that we were on our Honeymoon.

He replied "So you're the ones I read about on the board."

He also commented that there was a lot of misinformation coming out. He had even heard that the ferry docks were destroyed. His hope was that as people came and left, they would get the word out that they soon will be open.

He also mentioned that we were seeing views that no one has seen in years because all the trees were bare. I mentioned the Castle and he said "yes, I haven't seen it before like that."

It was a pleasant talk and he offered to store our bags if needed before we headed home. Hopefully on the next trip we will stay there.

Next I stopped by the Conch Inn. The bar was open and since they had no power, beers were two for $5.00. They too were cleaning up. All the rooms were being emptied out and cleaned. I guess they got about three feet of water. Most of their docks were damaged.

Went back to Blue Wave and they were prepping the boat. Two or three others were across the street on the ground. I met Troy, who told me he had lost everything, so he was just giving us the boat with no contract. He only asked that we return it and we would work out payment later. He did appreciate us stopping by and still wanting a rental if possible. We were the first ones that had.

"I cried Sunday, but now its back to work," he said.

And work they were doing. He was going to raze the entire dock area and new pilings were going to start being put in on Tuesday.

A short time later the boat was ready. They even washed it out, which I told them wasn't neccessary. "It's got to be done sometime" was the response.

After a quick rundown I was off to Hope Town to pick up my bride. I was finally in the Sea of Abaco, tooling along in its gorgeous emerald waters.

(to be continued)

Pics

The boat that's likely still there in front of Sapodilly's
The barge at Harbour View Marina/Blue Wave Rentals
Boat by Conch Inn
Troy recovering a chainsaw

[DrGecko]

You and your new bride certainly had a honeymoon experience to remember - I am glad you have been bedazzled with the Aabacos (which implies the wonderful people of Abaco!) as most of us have been! Many years of happiness to you both - cherish your special 1st visit - I am sure it won't be your last!
oh and thanks for the pics!

[brock]

Yo Doc, your house is fine. Just a shingle or two and some gutters just like you were told. Have pics if you would like. Same for the house next to you going north.

Brock

[DrGecko]

hi Brock - thanks ...actually jim went down today hoping to find not much work needed on L'il G but being there to help some other folks/settlement out some. I would love to see pics ...alderman@dmv.com
also - are you going to be at the warehouse on saturday? i have offered my body but i think mindy and janet thought i was better suited to chid care than PT equipment breakdown????? they are a dedicated bunch - i can't wait until i am retired and spending more time at great Guana so i can give some time to ECC!
kathy

[elcahun]

Thank God for the Dodge Guide!

I was starting to wonder about my route to Hope Town, but it quickly put me back on track. I made it to the (damaged) HL dock and as I approached I could see my bride on the deck outside our room. She was a little worried it had taken four hours and I was remiss in not radioing the Lodge.

We packed up our stuff and then made a stop at Vernon's and the liquor store for beer. Vernon has got to be one of the sweetest individuals i have ever met (and he too had seen posts about 'the honeymoon couple.' I'm trying not to get a big head over it).

We bought some bread and lunch stuff and then I went to the liquor store while my bride went back to the boat. When I walked into the store, a young lad (10-12) wearing only shorts and what appeared to be a raccoon tail growled at me. He then proceeded to ask if I needed ice and showed me his beach glass collection. I tried to go with the flow, and since his mom/sister/keeper was talking to a local, I listened as he explained where each piece had come from.

Because of Jeanne, they only had Kalik Light left, so I handed over my $45 and took it and the ice.

Now supplied, we headed south towards Little Harbour. I knew Pete's was closed, but figured it was as good a direction as any.

What a ride! The sea was unusually calm and we made the run between Lubber's and Tilloo. We had to stop the boat several times just to stare at what was around us. I have never seen water so clear and colorful. Unfortunately, Troy had lost all his snorkling gear, so we had to be content with just jumping in the water and swimming when we felt like it.

We made it to Sandy Cay and we both got a little nervous about the passage. I just wasn't sure of the approach. We decided to go no further and watch the waves and swim some more. (We also hit a sandbar.)

After floating, eating and swimming we turned back. We took it slower and I enjoyed pointing out all the things I'd read about but was seeing for the first time. My bride is quite the boater I discovered. Quickly picking up the nuances of trim, speed and direction.

We headed to HT looking forward to a drink and our deck.

[elcahun]

We made it back to the HL and did, IMHO, a great job of dropping anchor and tying up the boat. (Thanks for the tips Dr Ralph.) Even though there wasn't as much as a dingy in sight, we didn't want to hog space.

The next couple hours were spent relaxing and then we went for dinner. Since the HL was the only place open it was a no-brainer. The food was excellent, but I wish they had some more variety. Seems like prices go from $6 for soup to $25 for steak. Where's a cheeseburger when you want one?

All in all, it was a great day. The people, the sea, the islands...We could not be happier with our decision to come.

Photos...sunset in Hope Town

[norvell]

Elachun: In the midst of all the sadness and damage, it's very refreshing to read your trip report, and see the pictures of an Abaco slowly emerging from the storm's destruction, coming back to life. All the best to you and your lovely bride, and welcome to the Abaco's!

Originally Posted by elcahun

We made it back to the HL and did, IMHO, a great job of dropping anchor and tying up the boat. (Thanks for the tips Dr Ralph.) Even though there wasn't as much as a dingy in sight, we didn't want to hog space.

The next couple hours were spent relaxing and then we went for dinner. Since the HL was the only place open it was a no-brainer. The food was excellent, but I wish they had some more variety. Seems like prices go from $6 for soup to $25 for steak. Where's a cheeseburger when you want one?

All in all, it was a great day. The people, the sea, the islands...We could not be happier with our decision to come.

Photos...sunset in Hope Town

Elcahun - Love reading your detailed report of activities, conditions, people and the Sea of Abaco !! I almost feel as if I'm back there. I'm so glad things aren't quite as bad as we had heard . At least people have a chance of recovering and getting back to "normal". And your pics make me wish for the quick passage of time till I get back to MHH next Easter. So glad you've fallen "in love" -- with your bride and with Abaco. Here's wishing you many years of happiness with both....

[MeyersNpineapple]

Glad you all are enjoying your time in the Abacos - and thanks for the pix - wish I was there right now! Good to see things under repair and slowly getting back to normal, and know that any influx of visitor spending will help get the economy moving again...