wrote in message
ups.com...
On Apr 18, 11:57 am, John wrote:
To anyone here who has been to Hope Town more recently than me (which
may be almost everyone on the group):

Many years ago, my dad took us into Hope Town. One of my most vivid
memories was going some place in town and having Manhattan-style
conch
chowder that was simply outstanding. As I recall it was a house
speciality. Does anyone who has been there recently, know if such a
place might still be there?

To (the original poster): if we can come to some
consensus on where such a place might be, do NOT fail include this on
your itinerary.

Another memory from the same trip: Sitting on the dock with my
girlfriend in New Plymouth, just down the street from the bakery,
using a dive knife (no . . . not the suggested implement) to cut and
butter the fresh, still hot Bahamian bread. Once you try that bread,
you too will understand what all the noise is about. Do not miss it.

Thanks in advance and take care . . .

John

Thanks very much to everyone who posted this information. You guys
are a great resource!

I hear what some of you are saying about steering for Memory Rock and
heading straight for Great Sale instead of fighting the current down
to West End. That sounds like a good option, but it sounds like I
won't be fishing for two days. I love to troll for fish, and I
usually cook what I catch. I'd hate to sail almost the breadth of
the Sea of Abaco to Green Turtle Cay committed to not fishing unless
the fishing is usually not worth it. Anyone able to comment on that?
If the fishing is worthwhile and trolling from a sailboat before
checking in is something strictly forbidden, that's a reason to check
in at West End.

I'm also a big believer in "smelling the roses" along a cruise rather
than putting miles under the keel, and I generally plan itineraries
for less than a full day unless it's just unsafe to stop sooner. One
of the guide books says Mangrove Key provides a suitable lee. If so,
I'd be more inclined to anchor there after checking in at West End on
the first day, and to take my time reaching Green Turtle to allow more
time to sleep late, swim and snorkel in the morning, have that extra
cup of coffee, and lolligag my way across the bank than to commit to
an early morning start and a late afternoon arrival at a farther
destination. That's just my approach to cruising, though. I realize
others may prefer otherwise.

You have the right attitude but may I suggest two weeks to get to Marsh
and back home is not enough time unless you put more miles in per day
than you seem to wish to. Try to get a month off if you expect to be
able to smell the roses. I spent three weeks one time just getting from
West End to Marsh. The wind was always howling right on the nose and I
stopped in this lee and that lee to smell the roses for days at a time.
Sometimes this is what you run into getting to Marsh from West End. I
got stuck at Allans/Pensacola for five days. The wind never blew less
than twenty knots right from the southeast. If this happens to you and
you start to run low on supplies or snacks remember Fox Town to the
southwest. Few stop there but the anchorage is sheltered and groceries,
fuel and ice are available. Oh, I'd recommend you get an Explorer
Chartbook of the Abacos. Very worthwhile for navigation.

Wilbur Hubbard