Hello again… playing catchup here. Continuing on…We arrived in Marsh Harbor and Fast Betty was already there. They made it across the Gulf Stream while we were still finishing up in Stuart. They are here to pick up Paul and Sue, more cruising friends who are not on their boat this year. They all decided to join us for the Hopetown Music Festival.
Once all aboard, we moved to Hopetown, and got our slip at Hopetown Inn and Marina. We will be here for a few days and looking forward to the Music.
Elbow Cay Lighthouse, Hopetown. It is the last active kerosene burning lighthouse in the Bahamas, and the only active and manned light station in the world that has not been electrified.
The Hopetown Combustion Music Festival was started in 2014. It brings songwriters and artists who have collectively written hundreds of #1 songs to Hopetown, all as a fundraising event for 3 local charities . In the past few years the festival has added support for rebuilding Hopetown after the devastating hurricane Dorian hit the island with 185mph winds in 2019. We were happy to be here in 2021, and had such a great time, we made it our mission to come back again, and this time on the boat.
The Music Festival was 3 nights. First night at the Hopetown Inn and Marina, 2nd night at a waterfront restaurant called Firefly and the last day was a great concert on the lawn of the beautiful Abaco Inn. It was an amazing event that was very successful in raising money for all 3 charities. Check out the video at the end of the blog…
Such a blast, and very excited that some of these artists have decided to come join us again in Los Barriles for the Songwriters Music Festival in March! This will be to support the East Cape Guild and local deserving students with scholarships for High School and College. They came last year, and we expect this one to be even better! Can’t wait!
Sad to say goodbye, but we are heading to Spanish Wells. One of our favorite Islands that we haven’t been to since 2010. It’s another ocean crossing and looks like we have a good opportunity to get there the next day.
As our forecast was good, we had an amazing day for crossing and fishing.. Fast Betty wins the tournament with a Wahoo. We were skunked and paid up with a case of beer.
Well… what was meant to be a week in Spanish Wells, turns out to be a bit more time. Weather making our plans again… and will give us some time to do a few boat chores.. We found out we needed to replace our anchor chain, so we ordered it and will wait for it to be delivered before we move on. That’s ok. We love it here
Weather ? who cares… the kiting is fantastic!
Spanish Wells is a really quaint old school kind of town. Simple houses line the streets, everyone is very friendly, and so cool… They love to decorate for Christmas! We took the golf cart out to check it out… Amazing
Also quite nice to have a large grocery store to keep the fridge full… and… the island is lush with fruit trees everywhere… the locals are very generous and have no problem sharing…
Below are a few video clips from the Music Festival… For all our Los Barriles Peeps, some of these guys are coming back to town in March!
That’s about it for now… Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a happy and healthy New Year to come!!
Hi Sharon and Wayne This was amazing, can’t wait to see you!
Chanin
Sharon-
So fun to follow you around on your adventures! Thanks for sharing your experiences and photos with us! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Great photos, and thanks for taking us along the venture. Nice kite day, say hi to Bruce and Debbi for us. Merry Christmas ❤️ Rob&Andrea
Beautiful photos and video. We’re looking forward to the music festival in Los Barriles in March. Last year was great.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
Great blog and Photos,,,thanks for the share,,,excited to hear some of the great talent in March!!!! Rally on!!!!!!!!! Mary
More amazing photos and beaches, Sharona! Thanks for sharing 🥰. What a great life you and Wayne are living! I love seeing and hearing about all you do and the fun people you’re meeting.
Merry Christmas to you and Wayne 🎄. Safe travels always 😘
Wow, it looks so fun. Love the photo’s and descriptions. And the video is amazing. Those musicians are really good. Thanks Sharona! 💖
Wow, great blog Sharon….I could feel the warm air and waters and soooooo glad you guys remembered how to kite!! Enjoy the clear, warm waters!! Merry Christmas!!
So fun reading your blog! Spanish wells looks amazing, it all looks amazing. Can’t believe how calm the water looked
That is totally awesome Sharon!! Loved every photo and the video is terrific! xoxo
You are in my favourite childhood waters. Enjoy!
Great job, Sharon. Photos are wonderful, so happy to relive that time!
Your photos are stunning, and your writing makes me feel like I am there. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!