waterfront lifestyle PRIVATE ISLAND, SANDY CAY WEB: 4000035714
Largest selection of unique waterfront properties in the Abacos. Visit our website at
SIRbahamas.com
HOpe TOwN elBOw Cay
242.366.0163 242.366.0035
MaRSH HaRBOuR 242.367.5046
TReaSuRe Cay GuaNa Cay
242.577.0298 242.359.6885
Head Office: Nassau, Bahamas | 242.322.2305 | info.Bahamas@SothebysRealty.com
Miles from everywhere... But close to home. Your true out island experience awaits.
Come and experience your true Bahamas with all the luxury you deserve. 242-367-2158 • www.abacobeachresort.com
Dis cover TREASURE CAY RESORT
Our Bahamian Out-Island is home to the quaint village of Treasure Cay and the laid-back resort of the same name. More than three miles of award winning sleepy white sand beach anchor a genuine Caribbean paced experience; reminiscent of a truly relaxed way of life.
150 - Slip Marina - 18 Hole Championship Golf Course 3 Restaurants/Bars - 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Full Function Suites Boat Rentals & Charters - Scuba, Snorkeling, Fishing Direct Daily Flights from Florida Abaco’s Guaranteed Lowest Fuel Prices Seasonal Rates - Dockage Specials - Instant Credit Offers
1-800-327-1584 or 1-954-525-7711 242-365-8801 (locally) www.treasurecay.com T RE A S u re C ay g o l f
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The trusted authority in
BAHAMAS REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE SALES • RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • APPRAISALS Marsh harbour hope Town
242.367.5454 242.366.0700
Sales@HGChristie.com
www.HGChristie.com
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Specializing in Elbow Cay - Great Guana Cay No Green Turtle Cay - Marsh Harbour rt hw Scotland Cay - Treasure Cay eSandy Point
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Ah, The Abacos!
Relax and enjoy what it feels like to be in Paradise. Take a ferry to the outer cays or spend the day in Treasure Cay. There are so many possibilities!!!
In Every Issue
Visitors’ Services ................... 12 Ferry Schedule....................... 13 Calendar of Events................. 14 Things to do.......................... 24 Golfing.................................. 35 Diving................................... 36 Marina Information................. 42 Map of Abaco......................... 49 Where to dine........................ 50 Where to shop....................... 54 Map of Marsh Harbour............ 66 Where to stay........................ 64 General Information............... 80
Features
Floyd Lowe............................ 18 Artists - Sally Sweeting........... 47 Fredreka McIntosh..... 51
Cover Credits Jaime Cash - Sweeting “Sailing Fun in Hope Town”
Publisher Ruth Saunders - Execuprint Ltd.
Tel (242) 367-3202/4 or 357-6836 US (305) 394-8274 Fax (242) 367-3201 P.O.Box AB-20968 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas http://www.destinationabaco.net Email:destinationabaco@gmail.com Editorial:rudiecs@gmail.com
Contributing Writers Canishka Alexander, Kristen Pearce Samantha Evans Photography Jaime Cash-Sweeting, Rhonda Pearce Blair Saunders, Canishka Alexander Robbie Bethel, Mandy Roberts Melanie Leneghan
Destination Abaco is published bi-annually by Execuprint Ltd. ©Copyright 2015 by Execuprint Ltd. Destination Abaco is distributed free of charge to all visitors. You can locate a copy at airports in Abaco, Nassau and Freeport, all ferry offices and throughout businesses in Abaco. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.
Destination Abaco Destination
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Abaco
Sales, Marketing and Research Blair Saunders, Caniskha Alexander Meghan Clarke. Marlee Mason Art & Graphic Design Ruth Saunders, Nicolette Russell Jermaine Strachan
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! e m o c l e W Wynsome Ferguson Manager Abaco Tourist Office 242.367.3068 242.699.0152 bahamas.com wferguson @bahamas.com
Destination Abaco
It is such a great pleasure to have you visit the wonderful island of Abaco, Bahamas. The Abacos, as you may already know, is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in the Bahamas. Even though relatively small in population, there are many exciting activities you will find available to make your memories unforgettable. Scuba diving, beaching, boating, festivals, hiking/exploring and snorkeling are just a very few of the interesting things to do while you are here, which will guarantee your return, over and over gain. Apart from our breath taking beaches and fun filled activities, Abaco has an amazing history and lot of historical sites that usually capture the attention of many interested tourists. Cays such as: Hope Town, Man-O-War, Green Turtle and Great Guana, are locations featuring our most popular tourist attractions. Man-O-War is best known as Abaco’s boat building center in a Loyalist settlement; and Green Turtle Cay, the first sanctioned ‘historic community’ in the country, is the home of the Memorial Sculpture Gardens and the Albert Lowe Museum, an area ideal for an historic walking tour. For those visiting on a Sunday, beside finding a church of your choice for worship, take a ferry ride to Great Guana Cay, to the world famous Nippers’ Beach Bar & Grill, where the popular ‘Pig Roast’ is a must. Hope Town, famous for its candy striped lighthouse, is also a fantastic destination, especially for quiet getaways for families, couples and travelers seeking tranquility. Unlike many large, typical tourist destinations, these cays are free from aggressive street vendors, massive resorts, and beaches with tolls. On the main land of Abaco is Marsh Harbour, the city of Abaco, which is the hub of the island providing easy access to the many cays with great shopping and waterfront dining. Treasure Cay is also a must stop on the mainland, as its three and a half miles beach is rated as one of the top ten in the world. Other nature-based locations include a visit to the Abaco National Park to see the Abaco Parrot in its natural habitat; while the more adventuresome might wish to explore one of our spectacular underwater ‘blue holes.’ You will never fully fathom the amazing attributes the Abaco Islands have to offer until you have experienced it for yourself. Those of you who are here, we invite you to enjoy and to those planning a visit… come see us soon; we promise you an interesting time! Please be sure to visit the Abaco Tourist Office for more information.
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Visitor’s Ser Airline & Charter Services
MHV Fire & Rescue (MH)...........367-2000 Fire Department (TC)................365-8919 Bah Air Sea Rescue Assoc..........366-0282
American Airlines / American Eagle US Reservations..........1-800-433-7300 Air Gate Aviation (MH)...............367-3636 Reservations.............. 1-386-478-0600 Air Flight Inc Charters......... 954-359-0320 Bahamasair Marsh Harbour Airport..........367-2095 Boomerang........................ 904-404-8108 Cherokee Air Ltd. Aviation...............................367-1900 Craig Air Center Marsh Harbour.....................367-3522 Flamingo Air..............699-0312/351-4963 IBC Airways ...................... 954-848-2300 Silver Airways Marsh Harbour Airport..........367-3415 Treasure Cay Airport.............365-8615 US Reservations......... 1-800-231-0856 Sky Bahamas............................367-0996 Reservations.............. 1-242-377-8993 Sky Limo........................... 954-651-6376 Western Air...............................367-3722
Long Distance Services
AT&T USA Direct............. 1-800-872-2881 Canada Operator............. 1-800-463-0501 MCI Customers................1-800-888-8000 Sprint Customers............. 1-800-389-2111 UK Operator.....................1-800-389-4444
Medical Services
Abaco Family Medicine...............367-2295 Abaco Medi-Center....................367-9999 Auskell Advance Medical............367-0020 Chiropractor - Dr. Lewis.............367-0020 Corbett Medical Center..............365-8288 Integrated Medical Center...........367-1304 Health Therapeutic Massage.......375-8416 Contineto Massage - Sheryl........436-0043 Satori Massage, Yoga................367-3591 Government Clinics Marsh Harbour......................367-2510 Cooper's Town......................365-0300 Green Turtle Cay...................365-4028 Hope Town...........................366-0108 Sandy Point..........................366-4010 The Kidney Center.....................367-3310 Marsh Harbour Medical..............367-0050 Out Island Chiropractor.............367-2584 Agape Family Dental Centre.......367-4355 Diamente Dental Clinic..............367-4968
Banking & ATMs
Commonwealth Bank....... 367-2370 - ATM CIBC First Caribbean Int’l Bank Marsh Harbour........... 367-2166 - ATM Royal Bank of Canada Marsh Harbour........... 367-2420 - ATM Treasure Cay............. 365-8119 - ATM Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd....... 367-2141 - ATM Fidelity/Western Union (MH)......367-3135
Travel Agencies
US & CANADA..... 1-(Area Code)-555-1212
A & W Travel Agency .................367-2806 Diamond Travel..........367-0097/225-9014
Embassies/Consulates
Visitors Info
Directory Assistance
Ministry of Tourism.....699-0152/367-3067 People-to-People.......................367-3067 Chamber of Commerce..............367-6279 Post Office................................367-2571 Administrator’s Office................699-0000 Time................................................ 917 Weather.................................VHF CH 68
United States Embassy.... 1-242-322-1181 ................................ 1-888-407-4747 Canadian Consulate......... 1-613-232-1724
Emergency Services ‘919’
Royal Bahamas Police Force.......367-2560 Emergency Medical Services.......367-2911
www.destinationabaco.net Destination Abaco
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rvices
For further information contact the local tourism office at 699-0152 or 367-3067
TIPS
on Traveling on the Ferries! ALL FERRIES LEAVE ON THE SCHEDULED TIMES *** Be at the ferry dock at least 10 mins before departure to allow time for parking and walking to the ferry dock. *** If taking luggage, be prepared to tote it to the ferry boat allowing ample time to load the vessel. Pets need to be crated. *** If travelling from Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay Ferry Dock allow driving time of about 30 mins and another 10 mins to park and walk to the ferry dock. *** Taxi Cabs are available at both ferry docks for transportation to various destinations. *** If visiting for more than a week, inquire at the Albury’s Ferry office about a Frequent Travel Card (5 roundtrips/10 one ways) Charters are available if your travel time does not meet the schedule. For more information call Green Turtle Ferry at 365-4166 Albury’s Ferry at 367-3147
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Destination Abaco
Calend July
26th
Sands ‘Man in the Boat’ Sculling Championships Treasure Cay, Abaco
3rd - 10th
39th Regatta Time In Abaco Contact (242) 367-3202 Ruth Saunders
Contact (242) 367-2936 Lynden Johnson
The Regatta Time sailing event is hosted between the American and Bahamian Independence celebrations linking both important commemorations. This event that involves primarily American sloops bringing dozens of sailing enthusiasts to the Abacos for a fun-filled and exciting racing series beginning in Green Turtle Cay and ending in Marsh Harbour. Opening this sailing event is famous Fiddle Cay Beach Party that is hosted by the “Stranded Naked” Sports Wear. www.regattatimeinabaco.com
Abaconians will once again be vying for the ‘Man in the Boat’ title, when Sands host their Abaco round of the championship on Treasure Cay Public Beach. In addition to witnessing the art of sculling and other water-based activities, attendees will also be able to enjoy live entertainment and a variety of Bahamian dishes.
August 1st - 3rd
2nd Annual Schooner Bay E-Class Invitational Schooner Bay, South Abaco
9th
Bahamas Independence Celebrations, Marsh Harbour
Contact (242) 366-2048 Schooner Bay
The 2014 E-Class sailing invitational will take place in the harbor village of Schooner Bay. This competitive, friendly and fun weekend will not only highlight our rich sailing tradition, but will also show-off the craft of sculling, Bahamian music and many native dishes. The event is sponsored by Bahamian Brewery and Sands Beer.
Contact (242) 699-0000 Administration’s Office
The Bahamas will celebrate 41 years as an independent nation. Events are planned across the Abacos in commemoration of this significant event in the life of our nation.
11th - 13th
2nd Annual Fire Road Fishing Tournament & Festival Fire Road, North Abaco
October 11th
Contact (242) 475-1865
Abaco Open Water Swim Marsh Harbour
Local and visiting fishermen show off their skills by competing in this tournament that is both amusing and competitive. The event also features live entertainment, native games, an awards presentation and other cultural activities in a down home setting.
Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
Professional and non-professional swimmers of all ages are invited to compete in Abaco’s Annual Open Water Swim Race. The race course is located in the waterway of Marsh Harbour near Albury’s Ferry and is 5K in length. Persons can also sign up to compete in the paddle board and kayak challenge. The post race celebration will include great music, food, drinks and awards.
18th & 19th
Barefoot Man Concert Guana Cay
Contact (242) 365-5111 Nipper’s Bar and Grill
Free summer outdoor concert at Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill featuring the distinctive and enjoyable sounds of the Barefoot Man. The concert is known to attract a huge crowd of devoted fans and concert goers who are seeking a good time under the sun.
Destination Abaco
11th
2nd Annual Pink Rose Ball Marsh Harbour Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
As a Breast Cancer Prevention Fundraiser, the event features a cocktail reception where guests walk the Pink Carpet in formal attire and are photographed like the celebrities 14
dar of Events they are. The event is complimented by a silent auction and classical music is provided by a pianist and saxophone player as those in attendance mingle and dine. Last year, the Pink Rose Ball raised $10,000, and the funds were presented the Abaco Cancer Society. Please show your support this year by attending the 2nd Annual Pink Rose Ball on Oct. 25 at Great Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina.
GROUP LTD CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
November
ESTATE SERVICES
nick sims
8th
PRESIDENT & ENGINEER
Annual Guy Fawkes & Bonfire Celebrations Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Contact (242) 365-4336 Annabelle Cross
DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Featuring the historical Guy Fawkes Competition, where judging of the Best Guy and Dancing of the Guy will be the highlight of the night. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to feast on delicious Bahamian food & drinks and gather around a huge bonfire with family and friends. Funds raised from this event will assist the Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival held annually the first weekend in May.
Planning, Management Execution of all Stages of Residental, Commercial Infrastructure or Renovation Projects
ENGINEERING DESIGN & CONSULTING Structual & Civil Engineering Licensed Professional Engineer
8th
4th Annual Kayak Challenge Little Harbour, South Abaco
ESTATE SERVICES
Contact (242) 367-2721 Friends of the Environment
Paddlers can choose from three courses – 5 miles, 8 miles or 13 miles that will take them through a wild and scenic creek. After racing their course, the competitors are welcome back with a beach party at Pete’s Pub. Funds raised from the Kayak Challenge will support the Abaco Cancer Society and Friends of the Environment.
Property Management & Maintenance Abaco Shopping Center P.O.Box AB 20200 Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas jnicksims@gmail.com
13th - 16th
2nd Annual Abaco Open Golf Tournament & Family Weekend Treasure Cay, Abaco
242-577-7467
Contact (242) 365-8801 Treasure Cay Resort
Golfers will be able to compete and demonstrate their skill level on Treasure Cay’s 18th Hole Championship Golf Course, while enjoying a fun-packed weekend with their family and friends in a beautiful location.
Tel/Fax: 242-367-sims
BETTER BUILDING SOLUTIONS 15
Destination Abaco
Calend 28th
and visitors who travel from the mainland to enjoy the elaborate costumes, music and lively performances that are paraded during this night time event.
15th Annual Arts & Craft Festival Elbow Cay, Abaco Contact (242) 366-0095 Hope Town Harbour Lodge
This annual celebration of arts & crafts is held at the lovely Hope Town Harbour Lodge, where local and international artists display their paintings, jewelry, carvings and other unique creations. While shopping and enjoying the beautiful scenery, one can also satisfy the appetite by sampling an assortment of tasty hors d’oeuvres and sparkling drinks.
29th
Hope Town Box Cart Derby Elbow Cay, Abaco Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
Box carts of all description are designed and constructed by local Elbow Cay contenders and other patrons, in time to participate in the annual ‘Big Hill Box Cart’ challenge and family fun day. Participants can compete in the junior or senior category, which officially begins at 12 noon at the Big Hill race site.
January
December
New Years’s Junkanoo Parade Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
11th Annual Abaco Christmas Festival, Marsh Harbour
Abaco begins the New Year with an explosion of colors, sounds, movements and rhythm through the historic streets of New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay. The event blends the traditional Junkanoo music with local variants of this community to provide a truly unique experience for residents and locals alike. The celebration kicks off at 12 noon with Green Turtle Ferry providing transfers from Treasure Cay over to the festivities.
1st
6th
Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
The very popular Christmas Festival is known to kick off the holiday season here in the Abacos by bringing together family and friends from near and far. General holiday activities at the festival will include: early Christmas shopping in the Arts & Crafts Bazaar, a Food Court filled with Bahamian Dishes, performances from Choirs, Quartets, Soloists, Marching and Calypso Bands, a Junkanoo Parade, a Dog Show and other Festive Activities
23rd - 25th
Art for the Parks Marsh Harbour
Contact (242) 367-6310 Bahamas National Trust
Embrace the opportunity to view and purchase a wide selection of fine and unusual Bahamian creations at the well organized and attended Arts for the Parks fundraising event that is held at the Abaco Beach Resort Grand Marquee. This year’s event will feature more than 30 Bahamian Artists and Artisans, a Silent Auction, a Bahamian Heritage Lecture Series and Live Entertainment. The event will support Abaco’s six (6) Land and Sea National Parks.
TBA
4th Annual Christmas Junkanoo Competition Elbow Cay, Abaco Contact (242) 366-0095 Sea Spray Resort & Marina
Sea Spray Resort & Marina brings Junkanoo to Abaco during the yuletide season, featuring a number of local groups who compete for top honor and bragging rights. Residents of Elbow Cay are joined by locals Destination Abaco
16
dar of Events February 22th - 21st
Abaco ‘Love Rush’ Junkanoo Weekend, Marsh Harbour Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Tourist Office
This competitive event evokes excitement and passion amongst Bahamians and visitors through the traditional music, costumes and dance that are displayed and paraded by local Junior and Senior Junkanoo groups. The two day event will begin with the school groups and will end with the community groups that are all competing for supremacy on this uniquely Bahamian stage in downtown Marsh Harbour..
TBA
People to People Winter Residents’ Reception Marsh Harbour
Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Touist Office
This event presents an opportunity for local People to People Ambassadors, facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism Abaco Office, to meet and interact with visitors and winter residents in an annual ‘get together’. This year’s reception will take place in Marsh Harbour at Mangoes Restaurant from 6:00pm-8:00pm and will highlight Bahamian music, food and other cultural expressions..
March TBA
FRIENDS Reef Ball Marsh Harbour
Contact (242) 367-2721 Friends of the Environment
TBA
Hope Town Heritage Day Elbow Cay
Contact (242) 366-0293 Wyannie Malone Museum
TBA
Barefoot Man Concert Guana Cay
Contact (242) 365-5111 Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill
TBA
4th Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend, Treasure Cay Contact (242) 367-3067 Abaco Touist Office
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Destination Abaco
I
t has once been said that Floyd Lowe ranks high on Abaco’s list of great men like Captain Leonard Thompson who have made vast contributions to the island’s continued growth and development. In his recently published book, A Man of Many Firsts (Second Edition) written by Jack Hardy, a record of Lowe’s life events including many successful endeavours and the
Destination Abaco
great loss of children, siblings and his wife have been chronicled. Born on Nov. 14, 1919 to Edwin Jrome Lowe and Alice Missouri Lowe on Green Turtle Cay, Lowe remains a modest man who has led a rewarding life from the completion of his formal education at Grade Six followed by employment. In his lifetime, Lowe survived the devastating hurricane of 1932
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By Caniskha Alexander
and began his first job of shark fishing at 14 years old. However, one of Lowe’s greatest and most memorable accomplishments was his marriage to Zeddith on June 30, 1942. During that time, Lowe took on managerial and accounting positions with Owen Illinois’ Abaco Lumber Company, and it was there that their first of seven children named Sandra (now deceased) was born.
His other children are: Debbie (deceased), Eugene, Larry, Nigal, Judy and Fearnley. Former Bahamian Prime Minister the Hon. Hubert Ingraham wrote in a tribute that as a respected and loved leader in his community, Lowe’s life “records the social and economic development of Abaco.” Meanwhile, Brother Nicolas grew to appreciate Lowe for his gifts
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Destination Abaco
and generosity to the church. Lowe’s commitment to feeding the hungry and caring for the sick led Brother Nicolas to bestow the title – Servant of Christ – upon Lowe. His longtime friend Dave Ralph was impressed by his ability to see opportunities and develop them into viable business operations. Michael Lightbourn’s tribute was a simple yet powerful statement of Lowe being Abaco’s finest son and a “man among men.” Lowe didn’t like being put on the spot about what child was similar to him. Nevertheless, using this analogy, he said that the same way that our fingers and toes are different, no two of his children are alike but they all work to do their part. He was appreciative of the care they have given him over the years. “They were all good children, and I give their mother credit for that while I was busy,” he reflects. “I once told them they needed two daddies – one to play with and one to go to work. Not long after working at the lumber company, Lowe was hit by a car while riding his bicycle in Nassau and he had to have a steel pin placed in his left leg. It is an account that he still remembers to this day particularly on days when his legs start to bother him. Still, Lowe enjoys some mobility and can often be seen driving his golf cart around the small community. A distinct contrast to his heyday, Lowe was extremely busy operating several companies after Owens Illinois transitioned to raising sugar and the lumber project moved to Andros. Lowe soon took Dave Ralph’s advice of opening an automobile company for the sale of used cars, and he became the owner of an inDestination Abaco
20
surance agency through J.S. Johnson Insurance Company. He was also the owner of a general store and chicken farm. When he moved to Green Turtle Cay in 1978, Lowe sold the insurance company to Patrick Bethel. He says of Green Turtle Cay: “There is no place like this place so this must be the place; Green Turtle Cay has a lot of history and ties to places like Connecticut, New York, Key West and other States.” In between operating the Green Turtle Ferry Service and Abaco Seafood previously owned by his brother Harold, Lowe assisted with Central Government activities and served on church and local boards. On Nov. 14, 1987, Lowe was instrumental in the establishment of the Memorial Sculpture Garden, which commemorates early settlers and distinguished Bahamians. There is also a bust of Floyd Lowe among the legends there. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP), and in 1992, he earned a Certificate of Honor. In 1998, he became the recipient of the Silver Jubilee Award for National Development, and in 1999 the Award of Queen’s Honour making him a Member of the British Empire. To add to his accomplishments, Lowe received the Cacique Award for Transportation in 2005. In 1999, Lowe was recognized by church members for his work in the church with a Christian Statesman Award. Lowe retired as an elder of New Plymouth Gospel Chapel in 2007, but before retiring he helped build a new chapel that was dedicated on May 7, 1995. Ten years later his daughter Sandra died, and six months after his last surviving sibling, Nellie, died at 91. Floyd and Zeddith celebrated their 21
Destination Abaco
plished, salvation was his priority. “I came to a place where I had to do it right, and it was the start of a new life and a good life.” In his book is an early account of his faith and acceptance of Jesus. In June 2008, Lowe recommitted his life to Jesus and was baptized. Lowe noted that his gift as a Christian has been to give and help people although it is not something he brags about. He remembered being fussed about giving so many copies of his book away when they could have been sold, but he said it is his gift to those who want to know how they lived years ago. “I simply tells things to people in the hopes that they will pattern their own lives after it,” he frankly states. “As Christians, we will be judged by
65th anniversary before she passed away in 2010 of congestive heart failure. When Jack Hardy interviewed him for his book, Lowe said he cried many times. Come what may, though, Lowe adhered to his motto: “Never give up. Make it work.” Two days before the book was published he included the story of the boy and the cross – a story he said basically sums up the message of the Gospel for believers. Certainly the loss of his loved ones in such rapid succession impacted his life greatly, but Lowe was about to encounter a lasting change. Another important reason for writing his book was “to straighten out his life,” he said. In all the things he had accomDestination Abaco
22
He vividly remembers his younger days of sailing boats, and how had always wanted to build two dinghies exactly alike and have the young people learn to sail them. Lowe also had also set aside a parcel of land to build a home for the aged, but missed the opportunity because he was involved in so many things. “In 94 years of life, I still seemed to run out of time,” he observes. “I forget things sometimes too, but I guess I’m entitled to at 94.” According to Lowe, his doctor believes he is still in good health, so he expects him to live well into the 100-year-old range. “I know he was speaking from a medical standpoint, but I told him that you don’t hold that in your hands, someone else does.”
what we have left like the story of the widow’s mite. It was a smaller gift, but it was all she had. Accept Jesus as your Saviour because it is the beginning of what you should do.” After a bout of illness from an infection in his mid-80s, Lowe’s family had to assist with caring for him and operating the businesses. He resolved to never take family for granted, so on every birthday there is a gathering that includes a combination of his surviving children, 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Of course, Lowe’s full life is always cause for celebration, and on Nov. 14, he will be 95 years old. “I happen to be the oldest person on island, and there’s no one to dispute that,” he quips. 23
Destination Abaco
Things to do Eco-Adventures
Mangroves Due to the flat land and typically shallow waters, The Bahamas largely consists of wetland ecosystems, making them the most important ecosystem in the country. Wetlands, often referred to as swamps or marshes, are areas that are regularly flooded with salt or fresh water, even though they are sometimes permanently or temporarily dry due to tides or arid seasons. Wetlands can either be coastal or inland. Coastal wetlands are influenced by the tides. The plants found here are very salt tolerant and protect the coastline from storm surges and run off into the sea. Inland wetlands are cutoff from the sea and are more influenced by rainfall, rivers, or ground water. Mangroves are the trees that can be found in these wetland areas. Worldwide, there are over 50 species of mangroves, four of which can be found in The Bahamas. The Red Mangrove is the most water loving of them all and can be seen on the coasts of the salt water. Easily identified by its reddish colour and branching prop roots, the Red Mangrove has oval, green leaves that grow opposite each other, and yellow-cream flowers. The Black Mangrove often grows just behind the Red Mangrove, but it is also salt tolerant. It’s extended, horizontal roots easily identify it, from which grow vertical “breathing roots.” The Black Mangrove often has a blackened bark, longer and narrower leaves and produces a small cluster of white flowers. The White Mangrove is the least salt tolerant, and therefore it prefers drier conditions and can be found growing more inland behind the Black Mangroves. The White Mangrove is easily distinguished from the other mangroves by its rounded, lighter green leaves and its pinkish stem, with two visible glands called nectarines, which are thought to prevent it from herbivorous attacks. Destination Abaco
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The flower is very small, white, and bell shaped. The Buttonwood, also known as the Grey Mangrove, prefers much drier land and can be found further inland than the others; however, it is very salt resistant. The Buttonwood is found in two colour forms: green and silver. The flowers are “button-like” and develop into brown fruits. The leaves are alternate from one another and also have sugar secreting nectarines, which are thought to defend against herbivorous attack. All mangrove trees not only protect the island from erosion and coral reefs from pollution, they also serve as a nursery, shelter, and protection for many embryonic crab, lobster and fish.
Birding
With more than 65 species of birds native to Abaco, it truly is a bird-watcher’s paradise and the only place in The Bahamas where you can find the green Abaco or “Bahama” Parrot, mainly in South Abaco near Hole-in-the-Wall. Other birds you’ll encounter are the Bahama Yellow-Throat Warbler, Cuban Emerald Hummingbird, Woodpecker, Red-Legged Thrush, OliveCapped Warbler and Flamingos. Abaco National Park - This national park, comprising 22,500 acres in Southern Abaco near Hole-in-the -Wall, has been designated a preservation area by the Bahamas government and is managed by the Bahamas National Trust. Included are 5,000 acres of pine forest
Tours
Lucayan Nature Man Bird Watching Tours Enjoy a drive into the Abaco coppice to see the Abaco Parrot, Warblers and other native species of birds. Plus take a ride to the beach to spot some of our beautiful shoreline birds and perhaps pick-up some sea glass. Half day trips begins at 7 am. $95.00 includes a light lunch. Contact Reg Patterson at Tel: 367-2749 or 3673180 - Cell: 477-5953 Captain Plug’s Adventure Want to travel the Seas of Abaco, visit the local beaches, catch some tropical fish, or go bar hopping on the cays? Stafford Patterson a.k.a. Captain Plug, the owner and operator of Sea Horse Boat Rentals, will guide and assist you, either on board one of his own boats or on your own. Stafford has over 40 years experience on the Sea of Abaco, and he guarantees you a fun time. Tel: 366-0023/577-0273
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– the nesting area and habitat of about 1000 endangered Abaco Parrots. The parrots once lived on as many as seven islands in The Bahamas, but now only exist on Abaco. A similar species is found on Great Inagua. Black Sound Cay National Park, a two-acre mangrove reserve, was established in 1988. It is located on Green Turtle Cay. Although small in size, this national park is an important habitat for waterfowl and other avifauna which winter in the region. The Tilloo Cay Reserve, established in 1990, is an important nesting habitat for seabirds with an approximate size of 11 acres.
Abaco Wild Horses In many of the Caribbean islands, wild Spanish horses can be found, Abaco being one of those islands. After Columbus’ second voyage, the Caribbean held important breeding stations for horses exported to North and South America. Shipwrecks were very common, allowing the horses to take up residence on the island, and in Abaco, over a dozen Spanish ships were wrecked. The Abaco wild horses, also known as Spanish Barbs have managed to survive through time, nature, and man. With just one horses left, they are the most critically endangered breed of horses on the planet. The three mares and two stallions roam freely inside the 600-acre preserve. Personal tours to visit the horses can be scheduled from Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay by calling (242) 367-4805. Also, feel free to visit www. arkwild.org for more information or to make a donation to this non-government funded cause. Abaco Neem Native Bahamian, Nick Miaoulis founded Abaco Neem in 1993. After initially being interested in Neem for timber, he began to realize its health benefits and his vision became more focused on health care. Along with assistance from Albert Albury, Nick was able to establish the Abaco Neem Farm on 120 acres of land near Casuarina Point. Today there are 6,500 Neem trees on the farm, and Abaco Neem’s health care, body care, pet care, and home and garden products are sold all over The Bahamas. The farm is set up to provide tours for any who would like to visit. Please visit www.abaconeem.com to schedule your tour today. Tel: (242) 2251745 or 367-4117. Carleton Point at Treasure Cay This spot was the founding settlement of Abaco and is located on the northeast peninsula of what is now Treasure Cay beach. Six hundred American Loyalists, built the settlement in 1783 migrating to The Bahamas because of their allegiance to Great Britain after the American Revolution. It was named 25
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Carleton Point after Sir Guy Carleton, a British military commander of North America stationed in New York. However, in 1785, a hurricane struck the settlement, and it was later deserted. Archaeologists have uncovered remains of the Loyalist settlement and in September 1983 a bronze plaque was officially unveiled to commemorate the site. Plans are to construct a national monument and tourist attraction here. Cholera Graveyard In the 1850s, a dark cloud covered the community of Hope Town when residents were exposed to the Cholera epidemic. This highly contagious and incurable disease spread rapidly through the community resulting in 100 lives being lost. Although grief stricken by the tragic lost, the community rallied together and assigned a burial site for their love ones. Today the graveyard remains in existence at its original site, but with no gravestones marking the graves. Preserving this part of their history allows visitors and locals to pay their respect to the lives lost. Visitors can pick up a booklet with information on the location and some historical facts at Vernon’s Grocery Store in Hope Town.
The Peggy Thompson Welcome Center The opening of the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center on Feb 18 on Hope Town is an enduring tribute to the contributions of the late Peggy Thompson, who was a well-loved and active member of the Hope Town community. She wholeheartedly supported tourism and travel to The Bahamas. In keeping with Peggy’s generous spirit, the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center is managed by Jessica Mullen, and conveniently offers ticket purchases for all the Albury’s Ferry routes as well as informaDestination Abaco
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tion about the cays and freight service. Island concierge services are provided at a cost of 20 percent of the bill. Since its opening, the center has helped to promote business on the cays, and visitors and locals take full advantage of the services offered. The Peggy Thompson Welcome Center business hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and is located downstairs in the Sugar Shack Building directly across from the Post Office Dock. Telephone contact: 366-0888. Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden This garden, located not far from the Albert Lowe Museum in Green Turtle Cay, is the brainchild of Alton Lowe and was built with funds raised by the New Plymouth Historical Society. The garden is a monumental tribute to those who played a significant role in the history of Abaco - the Loyalists and their slaves, who despite hard times, survived and made a new life in The Bahamas. The garden contains 24 busts of prominent Bahamians (representing various Bahamian islands), surrounding the life-size bronze figures of two girls, one black, and one white. One child holds a conch shell, an important Bahamian symbol, while the other holds the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. Artist James Mastin sculptured the busts and two large figures. The figures represent a new beginning in The Bahamas for the thousands of Loyalists of the American Revolution in 1783. Monument to Fishermen In October of 1988, the community of Cherokee Sound erected a monument dedicated to the Cherokee fishermen and their smacks (locally-made fishing boats). The people of this community once thrived from the fishing industry and distinguished themselves by carrying five sails rather than the usual seven on their fishing smacks. Scripted on the monument is information dating back from the mid 1800’s to the late 1950’s that includes the history of the fishing industry in that community, the names of the fishermen who drowned during a fishing trip, and the names of the smacks operating during that century.
Things to do
Hummingbird Art Centre and Gallery’s The Hummingbird Art Centre and Gallery’s grand opening was attended by artists and art enthusiasts on January 5, 2013 on Hope Town. Hummingbird Art Centre owners, Jim and Christy Young, restored the centre with a vision that it would foster art education in the young and old, and inspire the youth to become artists of the future. Abaco’s first destination arts centre, Hummingbird Gallery displays the work of instructors and “spotlight artists,” who participate in the educational workshops and art classes available for adults and children.
Paintings feature nature and underwater scenes along with scenes of Hope Town Harbour, the Hope Town Lighthouse, and old Bahamian architecture by local artists, professional painters and world renowned artists like Walter Bartman of Maryland, Amos Ferguson and Brigitte Bowyer-Carey of Tilloo Cay. The Hummingbird Gallery will soon feature works of pottery and wood carving. The Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre and Gallery is located in Hope Town Harbour on Gillam Street behind the Post Office, and is operated by Robbie Bethel, Art Centre Manager. Gallery Hours are from Monday to Saturday at 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Phone contact: 366-0272. Lumber Camp Ruins There were six lumber camps in Abaco, starting at Wilson City in 1905, followed by Norman’s Castle, Cornwall I, Cornwall II, Millville, Cross Harbour and Snake Cay. Lumber activities gave employment to Abaconians during some of the years from 1905 to 1965.
Managing National Parks –
Bahamas National National Trust Trust Bahamas
Preserving our Future The Bahamas National Trust is a non-profit membership organization with statutory responsibility for management of 26 national parks and protected areas. The BNT is a unique collaboration of the private, scientific and government sectors with notable conservation accomplishments over the past 50 years. ESTABLISHING the Inagua National Park in 1965 to protect one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of West Indian Flamingos. DESIGNATING the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in 1986 as the first no-take marine fishery reserve in the wider Caribbean. CREATING the Abaco National Park in 1994 to protect the northern breeding habitat of the endangered Bahama Parrot. ANNOUNCING the Fowl Cays Land and Sea Park in 2009 as the newest national park in celebration of the BNT’s 50th Anniversary. WORKING with scientists to continue to monitor the breeding population of the endangered Bahama Parrot on Abaco.
DOUBLING the size of the national park system in 2002 to over 700,000 acres throughout the archipelago – an unprecedented conservation achievement. DEVELOPING award winning environmental education programmes for teachers and students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The MANAGEMENT of 26 national parks is a huge responsibility. As we plan for the future, we ask for you to support our national parks by becoming a member of the BNT so that we can continue to protect and manage the biodiversity of The Bahamas for future generations of Bahamians.
For membership information contact us at:
Nassau: P.O. Box N-4105 | Ph: 242-393-1317 • Fax: 242-393-4978 Abaco National Park: Ph: 242-367- 6310 • Fax: 242-367-6309 www.bnt.bs • Email: bnt@bnt.bs
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and artifacts. Local pottery and ships’ china recovered by wreckers and household antiques are housed here. Extensive genealogy records are available for Bahamian families. Tel: 366-0293 Man-O-War’s Heritage Museum
Museums
The Albert Lowe Museum on Green Turtle Cay charts the history
of Abaconians from the Loyalists of the 1780s through the modern-day development of Abaco. It also features handcrafted ship models and paintings by local artists. Once a home, this 150-yearold structure was transformed by artist Alton Lowe in memory of his father. Tel: (242) 365-4094
The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum in Hope Town exhibits the cay’s history from the 1780s to the present and is named after the Hope Town founder from South Carolina. The museum is packed with manuscripts, photographs Destination Abaco
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is located on the Queen’s Highway in the heart of the settlement. The recently opened museum holds artifacts, photos and family treasures of yesteryear. The building itself is one of the oldest on the island at 100 plus years. And like all older buildings, it has its challenges. Donations are being accepted for the roof restoration project. Visit www.mowmuseum.com to stay updated on the progress of the museum. You can also “like” them on Facebook. Johnston’s Bronze Art Foundry
Using a 5000-year-old wax process, Pete Johnston has been specializing in bronze sculptures ever since it was introduced to him by his father, the late Randolph Johnston in 1952. Today both Pete’s and his father’s work are known worldwide and can be seen in such places as the Vatican’s Museum in Rome, Rawson Square in Nassau and many domestic and international art galleries. The foundry is still in operation and remains as the only
Abaco’s Lighthouses
Cay Beach has a tall dune, Abaco Beach Resort’s sand is shaded beneath palm trees, and Sandy Point Beach has lots of shells. Casuarina Point Beach Crossing Rocks Beach Hope Town Beach Long Beach Manjack Beach Pelican Beach Villas Beach Sandy Point Public Beach Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay Treasure Cay Beach
Things to do
bronze foundry in The Bahamas. It is tucked away in the unspoiled and secluded location of Little Harbour that also offers a family-owned pub and art gallery. Call them at (242) 577-5487 or 954-3532465 pete@petespub.com
Out Island Excursions
Hole-In-The-Wall Lighthouse was built in 1836, but with its original mechanism dismantled, the lighthouse now has an automated light. Some interested residents hope to restore the beauty of this once proud beacon of light to ships that sailed on our beautiful waters of the Atlantic. The Elbow Cay Lighthouse is probably the most recognizable landmark on Abaco. This 89-foot high candystriped edifice was built in 1863 and is one of two hand-wound kerosene-burning lighthouses still operational in the world. It is worth viewing.
Beaches
There are many spectacular stretches of sand here, most notably Treasure Cay Beach’s stunning white sand that was voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world. Tahiti Beach, Hope Town, has soft white sand, seven-mile-long Guana
Bahamas Fast Ferries From Sandy Point, one can take a trip to Nassau, the capital and most populated city of The Bahamas, in under fours hours on a state-of-the-art, airconditioned, high-speed ferry. The fast ferry runs Friday and Sunday most of the year. However, the schedule does vary throughout the year so be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip. Visit www.bahamasferries.com for more information and to book a trip. Pinder’s Ferry Service It is possible to take a ferry to Grand Bahama, the neighboring island, where the second most populated city is found, Freeport. Pinder’s Ferry Service travels twice daily from Crown Haven, Abaco’s northernmost point, to McLean’s Town, Grand Bahama, which is 50 miles away. From there you can catch a bus or taxi to Freeport. For more information call (242) 365-2356.
Cultural Activities
39th Regatta Time In Abaco Regatta Time In Abaco is a five-race series held each year incorporating the American and Bahamian Independence Day holidays. Its primary focus is to encourage cruising sailboats to compete. The races are held on the waters off different communities from Green Turtle Cay to Hope Town. The shore activities include street parties, Junkanoo and hosted parties at a different location each night for the 9-day event. Check us out on Facebook. www.regattatimeinabaco.com 29
Destination Abaco
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Homecomings Every year various settlements or towns throughout Abaco host local homecomings. These homecomings give residents, past and present, an opportunity to showcase their community spirit and give visitors a chance to enjoy the festivities. Some of the communities that stage such homecomings are Sandy Point, Blackwood, Cedar Harbour, Moore’s Island and Murphy Town. Man-O-War Cay’s Independence Day Every July locals and visitors participate in a variety of old-fashioned games and activities in celebration of Independence Day on Man-O-War Cay. Swimming events are held along with popular games where all participants are rewarded. A traditional cookout concludes the day’s events. Annual Pink Rose Ball The first Pink Rose Ball was held on October 26, 2013 at Great Abaco Beach Resort to help raise funds for the Abaco Cancer Society (ACS). As a Breast Cancer
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Prevention Fundraiser, the event features a cocktail reception where guests walk the Pink Carpet in formal attire and are photographed like the celebrities they are. The event is complimented by a silent auction and classical music is provided by a pianist and saxophone player as those in attendance mingle and dine. Throughout the evening, a video presentation of heart-rending testimonials from Abaco’s breast cancer survivors is shown, and survivors are honoured. Last year, the Pink Rose Ball raised $10,000, and the funds were presented to the Abaco Cancer Society. The Pink Rose Ball committee is comprised of amazing individuals: Melinda Pinder, Laura Albury, Brenda Sawyer, Theresa Albury, Ruth Saunders and Wynsome Ferguson, who organized the worthy cause. Please show your support this year by attending the 2nd Annual Pink Rose Ball on Oct. 25 at Great Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina. For more information contact Melinda Pinder at Buds n Blooms 367-2837.
Sandy Point Conch Fest During the first weekend of June, the Sandy Point Development Association presents the annual Sandy Point Abaco Homecoming and Conchfest. The event highlights the Bahamian sloop sailing regattas and showcases cultural activities, games, food, drinks, and a church service. The Conchfest also includes performances by Bahamian musicians. Junkanoo
Hope Town Box Cart Derby Every November Hope Town becomes the venue of a major event called the Big Hill Box Cart Derby. The competition consists of junior and senior categories, and the selection of homemade box cars entered vary in design, size and colours. The event is a popular one drawing those with competitive spirits and scores of spectators. Food and beverage stands are set up. Earnings from the event assist in youth sports development in the community, particularly the Taylor Park Ballfield and the Abaco Junior Sailing Program.
Things to do
“Sojer” Day Every other year residents of Man-OWar Cay celebrate their Heritage Day called Sojer Day – in recognition of the residents who are nicknamed “Sojers.” Throughout the day, locals acknowledge their history and rich heritage through food, skits, musical selections, artifacts, tours and booths that reflect the cay’s reputation as The Bahamas’ boatbuilding capital. The next Sojer Day is scheduled for April, 2016.
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The Junkanoo Parade, the traditional Bahamian dance with elaborate costumes, is held in Marsh Harbour for two nights in February and several weekends in June and July. Green Turtle Cay has an annual Junkanoo Parade on New Year’s Day. Sea Spray Resort also holds an annual competition in Dec. in Hope Town. Listen to the sounds of the horns and whistles and feel the pulsating rhythms of the goatskin drums and cowbells. Join in a rushout with local groups like the Spring City Rockers, Supreme Dancers, Green Turtle Cay Rockers and the Treasure Cay Explorers. Annual Christmas Festivals The Christmas Festival is held the first weekend in December on Marsh Harbour. Treasure Cay the festival is celebrated on the second weekend in December. These events involve the community with a family day that offers lots of games, music, Bahamian food, various local talents and live entertainment. It showcases community spirit to bring in the Christmas cheer with visitors having a chance to enjoy the culture of the Bahamian people. Island Roots Heritage Festival
Join us as we celebrate our connection with our sister city, Key West, Florida. It’s a festival full of delicious Bahamian treats, unique Bahamian crafts and fine art, informative speakers and displays, not to mention our fabulous Bahamian entertainment that will not disappoint you! The complete schedule of events for the weekend will be posted on the website the month before the festival and will be posted in the April Abaconian issue. For more information, please contact The Abaco Tourist Office at 367-3067. You can also visit www.islandrootsheritagefDestination Abaco
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estival.com. See you there! 8th Annual Green Turtle Cay Christmas Festival of Lights, Fair and Boat Parade The event will begin early evening at Settlement Point with a Thanksgiving dinner and an exciting stage program ending with a torchlight procession. Come and see their quiet village transformed into a fairyland and experience the cart parade and jingle bell trot. Later, join them for the Lite the Nite Boat Parade. The route will take the boats from Black Sound, White Sound, and Settlement Creek to the Main Dock at Settlement Point. Bunce, Hail’em gal and a Junkanoo rush will be performed along with another late night of bingo. It is guaranteed to be three weekends of fun. Call Erin Albury at 365-4395 or Marilyn Saunders at 3654120 for more information. 9th Annual Cancer Society Art Show and Auction Held in Green Turtle Cay at the Green Turtle Cay Club, the 8th Annual Cancer Society Art Show and Auction will feature local art, jewelry, sculpture and much more. For more infomation email: abacocancersociety@gmail.com or call 3673744. North Abaco Boat Race The North Abaco Summer Festival and Power Boat Race has been held at the Green Turtle Cay ferry dock for the past six years. Recently Abaco boats have competed in the races that had previously consisted of boats only from Grand Bahama. It is a popular three-day event, which draws food vendors and local partygoers as well as visitors from around The Bahamas. Junkanoo Summer Festival Summertime on Abaco means Junkanoo Time. This festival, staged by the Ministry of Tourism throughout the summer months, highlights everything that is truly Bahamian. Local residents and visitors get to sample the flavour of the islands. In addition to the variety of Bahamian dishes and drinks, there are performances by the world famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and local Junkanoo
Art For The Parks The Bahamas National Trust, Abaco Beach Resort, local artists and corporate supporters have come together to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to Abaco to view and purchase the works of more than 30 talented Bahamian artists on Jan. 23 - 25, 2015. The event features artists who work in all mediums with a number of high-end jewelry and craft artisans participating. Saturday and Sunday features a variety of food, an interactive children’s crafts area, and local musical talent. All funds raised at the event help to maintain the six Abaco National Parks and support conservation education initiatives on Abaco. Contact the Bahamas National Trust at bnt@bnt. bs, or call the BNT Office in Marsh Harbour at 367-6310.
People to-People
Bahamians love meeting new people and making friends. When you join our complimentary People-to-People program, you’ll be paired with a Bahamian ambassador who will show you our culture and way of life in a memorable, one-of-a-kind vacation experience. It’s the perfect way to really get to know our islands. Make the most of your visit to The Bahamas by joining our free People-to-People program. Enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal. Share stories. Go sightseeing. Meet Bahamian children. Listen to rake and scrape. Our program does more than introduce you to our culture. It lets you experience The Bahamas through the eyes of a Bahamian.
Things to do
and dance groups. Fire dancing, limbo, hair braiding and native crafts are also displayed.
Fun Run/ Walks
Several times in the year, the people of Abaco get together for 5K running challenges. The challenge is to run or walk 5 kilometres, all to raise funds, with the aid of sponsors. There were several 5K events that took place in on Abaco in
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2013. The Anglican Church hosted a 5K in October. Also the Christian Counseling Center hosted a 5K and optional 10K in November of 2013. With the help of sponsors and an entrance fee, each challenge was a success to raise money for their organizations. Both of the associations hope to host the same event annually for years to come.
Water Sports
From “busy” Marsh Harbour to elegant Green Turtle Cay to the exclusive private island of Walker’s Cay, these islands offer rich, shallow reefs and encounters with friendly fish. Explore old wrecks and beautiful stands of elkhorn corals while snorkeling near many of the cays. Abaco Dive Adventures Abaco Paddleboard Abaco Eco Kayak Adventures Brendals Dive Center & Adventure Watersports Dis & Dat Tours Dive Abaco Dive Guana Froggie’s Out Island Adventures Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina Water Sports
Art Galleries
Bahama Dawn Design Working studio for a variety of handmade items including quilting, handmade glass beads, fused glass, jewelry and ceramics. Classes offered in quilting, silk painting, jewelry and ceramics. By appointment only. www.bahamadawn.com 367-4648 Blue Sky Gallery The Blue Sky Gallery offers fine Bahamian art, prints, professional framing & photography by Tuppy Weatherford. Additionally, you will find the displayed artwork of Lou Lihou, Anne Ray, Fritz Keck, Beth Sweeting and Zyandric Jones. This gallery is located on Don MacKay Blvd. in Marsh Harbour. Call 367-0579. Lovely Island Tings Lovely Island Tings specializes in straw work. Fine items such as straw bags, wallets, handbags and hats as well as household items like mats, cushions and Destination Abaco
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bath accessories can be found here. It is located on Don MacKay Blvd in Marsh Harbour. Call: 367-4297/551-7453/3673442. Abaco Ceramics Established in 1983, Abaco Ceramics continues to offer a wide range of beautifully hand-painted functional and decorative ceramics created in its workshop located on the road into Treasure Cay. Abaco Ceramics is open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel: 365-8489. www.abacoceramics.com Abaco Island Artists Works from Brigitte Bowyer Carey, JoAnn Bradley, Lillian Cash, Leanne Russell, Donna Spadafora, Marjolein Scott, Bob Zwickel, Tim Higgs, Donnie Wood, Jeep Byers, Zyandric Jones, Attila Feszt, Louis Schneider and Colyn Rees can be found at Mangoes Boutique and Palm Cottage in Marsh Harbour. These friends are loyal supporters of the Abaco Cancer Society’s Art Shows. The group believes in the artistic talent of The Bahamian youth and encourages and mentors aspiring local artists. For more information on Abaco’s artists, visit their Web site at abacoislandartists@gmail.com or call 367-3744. Pete’s Pub & Gallery Located in Little Harbour, the Johnstons produce bronze art in their foundry. Clients and visitors are welcome to tour the foundry, then visit the Gallery where the finished sculptures are available. It is open from November through August beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, call 577-5487 or 954-353-2465. www.petespubandgallery.com Edna’s Handicraft Edna’s Handicraft features works of art fashioned from material exclusive to Abaco’s environment. Located on Forest Drive in Marsh Harbour, Edna Kemp’s collection boasts sand-blasted vases, shell floral arrangements, beaded coconut, Abaco glass jewelry, hair accessories, and colossal mirrors delicately outlined in an exquisite display of native shells. Call: 554-9905.
THINGS TO DO
Abaco Club on Winding Bay
Golfing
Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club The golf course at Baker’s Bay has been receiving enthusiastic reviews as one of the premium courses in the Caribbean. Designed by Tom Fazio, this Par 72 course plays 7,327 yards from the back tees and features dramatic water views from most of the holes. Baker’s Bay provides 244 custom home sites, 35 beachfront cottages, and 44 boathouses. At Baker’s Bay you can experience an ocean front golf course, a private family beach club, a first-rate spa and fitness club, a private watercraft, and superlative dining. Baker’s Bay also provides a seaport village, equipped with a waterfront cantina, a Caribbean-style hotel, and many gift shops and boutiques. Visit www.bakersbayclub.com, call (242) 577-0635, or email info@bakersbayclub. com for more information. Treasure Cay Golf Course The Treasure Cay Golf Course is an outstanding 18-hole championship course designed by Dick Wilson, one of America’s most renowned golf course architects. With several classic courses, the golf course consistently ranks in Golf Digest’s Top 100. With 186 acres and tropically landscaped, Treasure Cay golf course was the last Dick Wilson planned. After he died in 1968, his assistant, Joe
Lee, completed the course and went on to become a famous golf course architect. At 6,985 yards from the blue tees and with 66 strategically placed sand bunkers, the Treasure Cay course presents an impressive challenge. With ocean winds, tight fairways, and a layout that makes you ponder every club selection, you certainly will want to play more than once! Whether you are single and looking for a partner to play with or have a partner already, the Treasure Cay Golf Course is perfect for you. Tee times are not necessary! During the winter season, homeowner tournaments are often held at bi-weekly intervals. Guests are welcome, as it can be a fun way of meeting new people. Very attractive golf packages are available to guests staying at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina. The Abaco Club on Winding Bay The Abaco Club on Winding Bay features authentic links courses, meaning it has been built on land that is beside the sea and been shaped by wind. Therefore, the course has been designed and is maintained so that it is fast running and firm. Some would even call this course a tropical links, due to the tropical location next to a pristine two-mile beach and many dunes. Designed by Peter de Savary, Tom MacKenzie, and Donald Steel, this course is described as the envy of many seaside courses. 35
Destination Abaco
GOLFING
Par Yards Food Pro Golf Bar Shop Pro
Designer
Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club
72 7,327
X
X
X
Tom Fazio
4
15
Treasure Cay Resort and Marina
72 6,985
X
X
X
Dick Wilson
8
10
Holes
Tough Easy
Great Guana Cay Tel: 365-5802
Treasure Cay Tel: 365-8045
The Abaco Club on 72 7,183 X X X Winding Bay
Cherokee Sound Tel: 866-605-8681 or 367-0077
Amenities at the Club include a clubhouse and infinity pool, European spa, deep sea and bonefishing, tennis, children’s activities and numerous water sports. The Club’s private plane and air terminal, as well as sport and leisure boats, are available to members and guests. The Club welcomes non-members to enjoy the private club once only. Exquisite cottages are available for rent. Estate lots and exquisite turn-key cottages are priced from $875,000 to $4 million. Non-resident membership is also available. For more information, please contact the Membership Department at (888) 303-2765 (US Toll Free) or (242-) 367-0077 or email info@theabacoclub.com or visit www. theabacoclub.com.
Diving & Snorkeling Snorkeling Sites • Angelfish Reef • Blue Strip Reef • Crawfish Shallows • Elkhorn Park • Fowl Cay Reef • Hobias Head • Hope Town Reef • Jeanette’s Reef • Meghan’s Mesa • Mermaid Reef • Pelican Park • Pirate’s Cathedral • Sandy Cay Reef • Sanka Shoal • Smugglers Rest • Spanish Cannon • Spiral Cavern Destination Abaco
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• • •
Tom MacKenzie 3 & 11 6 Donald Steel
The Pillars White Hole Wreckers Reef
Diving Operators
Abaco Sailing Adven...............366-0722 Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).........365-4411 Dive Abaco (MH)....................367-2787 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Dive Time (MOW)..................365-6235 Froggies Out Island (HT)........366-0431 Spanish Cay (SC)...................365-0083 Reef, Cave, Cavern, Wrecks, Walls & Blue Hole Diving Much of the water that surrounds The Bahamas is less than 20 feet deep, making it home to numerous reef dive sites. The Aquarium - This site is located on the outside of the reef north of Shark Ledge and is frequented by friendly Caribbean Reef Sharks and Groupers. There are interesting coral structures to explore. Cuda Alley - This is a beautiful reef located at the north end of Guana Cay. There are beautiful coral formations, lots of fish and sometimes schools of barracudas hanging about. The reef has a huge ledge which leads to a beautiful cavern room that’s filled with silversides in the summer. Grouper Alley - Numerous tunnels cut through and beneath a monstrous coral head in 40-foot depths. Guppy Garden - These are two beautiful coral heads located near the maze off Scotland Cay. The maximum depth is 30 feet. The heads have lots of fish, corals
huge Green Moray. The Tower Garden - This site is called “Fly Wheel” in the Cruising Guide. There are lots of Chubs and Yellowtail Snappers here. The site has interesting coral formations with nice well lit tunnels running through them. The Towers - The site is located outside the reef near The Tower Garden and is home to Caribbean Reef Sharks, Rays and Turtles. There are huge coral heads that come close to the surface from depths of 60 feet, plus tunnels and caverns. The Tunnels - This site is called “Tombstone” in the Cruising Guide. There is a memorial to Skeet Lachance’s son under one of the ledges. This is a nice coral head with lots of fish and coral. Twin Sisters - These are two round coral heads near The Tunnels. There are nice corals and colorful fish on these heads. It is a nice reef for beginners and snorkel divers. Wayne’s World -This is a tour of the outside of the barrier reef in 70 feet of water. The Catacombs - A 20’ shallow sunsplattered cavern with abundant tropical fish.
37
GOLFING
and interesting crevasses to explore. Kristin’s Crannies - This is a beautiful coral head located near The Cathedral. This site has lots of fish, corals and very interesting crevasses and tunnels running through it. The Maze - This is a beautiful site near Scotland Cay. The reef structure here has six or more very long, wide tunnels running through it like a maze. The tunnels are quite large and well lit with many large openings in the overhead. The maximum depth is 30 feet. Sandy Cay - This site is located in the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park. It is a beautiful coral reef with lots of fish and the occasional Spotted Eagle Ray. The Skyscrapers - These are dive sites on the outside of the main reef at the north end of Guana Cay. These sites have a maximum depth of 60 feet. Each is unique with amazing coral structures that reach the surface from the bottom at 60 feet. Here you will find beautiful tunnels and caverns hidden behind some of the huge cliff- like formations. Black tip sharks, eagle rays, tarpon and other life are often seen on these reefs. Tarpon Reef - High-profile corals provide a home for a school of Tarpon and a
Destination Abaco
Bonefishing Guides
DIVING
Are you an avid bone-fisherman? Or do you want to have a guide teach you the basics to bone-fishing? With miles of flats, many professional guides on hand, access to the world-renowned “marls,” and large numbers and sizes of bonefish, Abaco is the perfect place for bone-fishing. There are a number of bonefish lodges, tours, and guides across the island, some of which include Rickmon Bonefish Lodge, Pinder’s Bonefishing, Bonefish Heaven, Abaco Bones, Jr’s Bonefish, and Abaco Fly Fish.
The Cathedral - This site is located in the reef on the north end of Scotland Cay. There are gigantic cavern rooms with formations resembling the inside of a cathedral. Large openings overhead allow light to stream through to the sandy bottom and shafts of sunlight dance on the ocean floor. Guana Coral Caverns - This cavernfilled reef is located on the north side of Guana Cay. Beautiful colorful coral gardens with many varieties of fish surround this horseshoe shaped reef. The reef features large numbers of caverns and tunnels. Some are very dark and lead to well lit caverns with no visible openings large enough to get outside. Divers should go here with a guide and not go beyond where visible openings to the outside can be seen. Dive Shops & Equipment Diving on Abaco is definitely a must. You do not want to miss the magnificent, peaceful experience that the waters of Abaco have to offer. Equipment can either be brought along with you or rented from the local dive shops. Even the most experienced divers are advised to use local dive operators to help you explore the dive sites of Abaco. The many dive shops also provide instruction courses, from beginner to dive master certification. Some of the dive shops on Abaco include Dive Abaco, Abaco Dive Adventures, Froggies Out Island Adventures, Treasure Divers, Brendal’s Dive Center and Brigantine Bay Villas. Destination Abaco
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Cherokee Sound Dana Lowe........................366-2275 Donnie Lowe.....................366-2275 Lionel(Dee) Albury.............366-2018 . Maxwell Sawyer.................366-3058 Marty Sawyer.....................366-2115 Will Sawyer........................366-2177 Randy Sawyer....................366-2284 Robin Albury......................366-0278 Coopers Town Drexel McIntosh.................365-0132 Kirk McIntosh....................365-0150 O’Donald McIntosh.............365-0126 Fire Road Ken Gardiner.....................365-0266 Sheldon Gardiner...............365-0117 Green Turtle Cay Ronnie Sawyer...................365-4070 Abaco Fly Fish....................365-4261 Hope Town Maitland Lowe...................366-0234 Tom Albury........ 366-3141/477-5243 Marsh Harbour Jay Sawyer........................367-3941 Danny Sawyer....................367-3577 . Buddy Pinder.....................366-2163 Justin Sands......................359-6890 Sidney Albury....................477-5996 Terrance Davis...................375-8550 Richard Albury...................577-0313 Jody Albury.......................375-8068 Mount Hope Herbert Thurston...............365-4205 Pedro Thurston..................365-2405 Sandy Point F. Burrows.........................366-4133 Kirk Bain............................475-1982 Rickmon’s................. 366-4233/4477 Nicholas Roberts................366-4486 Pete’s Guest House............366-4119 Patrick Roberts...................366-4285
Deep Sea Fishing Guides
Casuarina Point Junior Albury.....................366-3058 Green Turtle Cay Rick Sawyer.......................365-4270 Eddie Bodie.......................357-6784 Hope Town Robert Lowe......................366-0266 Ira Key..............................366-0245 Truman Major....................366-0101 Lubbers Quarters Michael Schreiner...............366-3143
Treasure Cay Clark Burrows....................375-3543
Bareboat Boat Charters
Charter a live aboard boat that will help you experience beautiful Abaco and its surrounding cays. The Moorings (MH)............... 367-4000 Abaco Bah Charters(HT)........ 366-0151 Abaco Multihull (HT).............. 366-0552 Abaco Gal (TC)..................... 365-8571
DIVING
Val Adderley......................366-4308 Spring City Edmund Williams...............367-7123 Treasure Cay Carey McKenzie..................365-8313
Boating & Sailing
With an entire chain of enchanting islands arrayed around a warm, calm sea, Abaco Islands are one of the world’s best cruising and sailing areas and have been
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Destination Abaco
Brendals Dive Center
Green Turtle Cay, 365-4411
Dive Abaco
Marsh Harbour, 367-2787
Dive Guana
Guana Cay, 365-5178
Dive Time
Man-O-War Cay, 365-6235
Froggies Adventure Hope Town, 366-0431
Treasure Divers
Treasure Cay, 365-8571
Certification
Training courses
Tanks
# Boats
Instructors
Blue Holes
Walls
8 8 8 8 8 8 4 3 50 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 2 1 50 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 2 2 75 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 2 1 35 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 2 3 80 8 8 8 -
8 8 -
The Bahamas’ boating capital since colonial times. Whether you’re a sailing purist willing to tack until the last gasp of wind or a powerboater who throttles up to ensure you’re at the anchorage by happy hour’s first call, this is truly a yachtsman’s heaven. Boating Information The Cruiser’s Net, Abaco’s most popular radio information site - VHF 68 at 0815 Use the VHF to stay in touch. • Channel 16 - Calling Only • Channel 06 - Taxis • Channel 68 - Cruiser’s Net • Channel 83 - Medical and BASRA • Channel 72 - The Elbow Cay Rescue Squad, Emergencies only When you hear someone on VHF 16 answer “Go Over”, you can bet they are going to “their” channel. In fact, you know you’ve finally arrived when you know where “over” is.
Marina Information
Customs Procedures Upon entering The Bahamas, the captain of a vessel must take the vessel to an authorized port. The vessel must first clear customs prior to any crew coming ashore or the unloading or loading of any cargo. The boat’s Temporary Cruising Permit Destination Abaco
Reefs & wrecks
Snorkeling
Shark Encounters
Night Dive
FISHING
Dive Information
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8 1 2 48 8 8
is for one year from date of entry and may be renewed for up to two further years if desired by written application to Bahamas Customs, Nassau, prior to expiration and payment of $500 per year. To leave your boat in The Bahamas permanently, you must pay an import duty of 10% for vessels of any size. Since there is no income tax in The Bahamas, there is usually a 35% duty, plus shipping costs, added to most consumer goods. If you experience anything contrary to this, call Comptroller of Customs in Nassau at 242-302-3302. Immigration Procedures No person is to land in The Bahamas from a foreign territory without permission of an immigration officer. All vessels must be landed at an authorised port of entry. Radio Communications When using VHF radios, use Channel 16 as the calling channel to initiate communications. Weather Information Daily forecasts are broadcast on VHF16 on the Crusiers Net. Bahamas Christian Network channel 55 broadcast between 7:00 - 7:15 am. The official hurricane season starts June 1 and ends on No-
Fishing Regulations
Arriving by Boat Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at one of the nearest designated 32 Ports of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival immediately. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until the vessel has been cleared. When Customs and Immigration Officials come to your vessel, everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. U.S. citizens can present a passport and an official photo I.D., such as a driver’s li-
cense or voter’s card. Before leaving The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit. If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it on arrival with Customs. You must provide the serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. You are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, but you cannot take it off unless you have a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law is dealt with severely.
FISHING
vember 30. Information on tropical systems is available from many sources four - five days before these weather conditions are experienced in The Bahamas. The Weather Channel, BCN television and Radio Abaco 93.5FM issue regular updates on any tropical disturbances. Additional information can be obtained via the internet.
Entry Fees Cruising fees of $150 for boats up to 31 feet in length and $300 for boats over 31 feet, will be valid for two entries during a 90-day period. This covers a vessel with four persons or fewer. The fee covers the cruising permit, fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $25 per person departure tax for up
41
Destination Abaco
to four persons. Each additional person above four is charged a $25 departure tax (for each additional person above four departing Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Regular hours for Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are oncall during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge. Permits You can receive fishing permits from Customs officials at any of our 32 ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you’re allowed to fish six rods at a time. Marine Vessel Limits Lobster or Crawfish - Limit of no more than 10 tails at any given time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg -bearing female crawfish are protected. Conch - Limit at any given time is no Destination Abaco
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Wi-Fi
Restaurant
Laundry
Groceries
Showers
Ice
Electricity
200 158 38 72 40 37 36 62 28 6 29 28 80 66 10 60 40 150
Water
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina (MH)... 367-2158 Baker’s Bay Marina (GC).............. 365-5802 Bluff House Marina (GTC)............ 365-4247 Conch Inn Marina (MH)............... 367-4000 Green Turtle Club (GTC).............. 365-4271 Guana Hideaways Marina (GC)..... 365-5070 Harbour View Marina (MH)........... 367-2182 Hope Town Inn & Marina (HT)..... 366-0003 Leeward Yacht Club (GTC)........... 365-4191 Lighthouse Marina (HT)............... 366-0154 Mangoes Marina (MH)................. 367-4255 Man-O-War Marina (MOW)........... 365-6008 Marsh Harbour Marina (MH)......... 367-2700 Orchid Bay Marina (GC)............... 365-5175 Other Shore Club (GTC)............... 365-4226 Sea Spray Marina (HT)................ 366-0065 Spanish Cay Marina..................... 365-0083 Treasure Cay Marina (TC)............ 365-8250
Fuel
Slips
MARINAS
Marinas
O O O O O - O O O - O O O - O - O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O O O O - O - - - - - - O O O O O O - O - O - O O O O - O O O - O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O - O - O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O - O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
more than 6 per vessel. Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited. Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna - Migratory species shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time. Demersal Species - Demersal species (grouper, snappers, etc.) - No more than 60 pounds or 20 scale fish. Stone Crabs - The minimum harvestable claw is four inches. Harvesting of females is prohibited. The season is closed from June 1 to October 15. Turtles - Illegal to import. No vessel shall have onboard marine turtles. Spearfishing - Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. You are not allowed to use scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish or other marine animals. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile of the coast of New Providence, within one mile of the south coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and within 200 yards of the coast of all the Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.
The Official Gamefish Chart of the Bahamas
MARINAS
Location
Blue Marlin
Offshore
White Marlin
Offshore
Sailfish
Offshore
Swordfish
Offshore
Dolphin
Offshore
Wahoo
Offshore/Reef
Kingfish
Offshore
Mackerel
Offshore
Allison Tuna
Offshore
Bluefin Tuna
Offshore
Blackfin Tuna
Offshore
Oceanic Bonito
Offshore
Bonefish
Flats
Permit
Flats
Tarpon
Flats
Amberjack
Reef
Grouper
Bottom/Reef
Snapper
Offshore/Reef
Barracuda
Any
Shark
Any Excellent
Destination Abaco
Jan.
Good to Excellent
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
Good
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May
Jun.
July
Occasional
Aug.
Sept.
Fair
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
None
Destination Abaco
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ABACO ARTIST
P
erched on the serene Man-O-War Cay harbour, Sally’s Seaside Boutique has been open to the Abaco community for the past 41 years. With a profusion of vibrant colours inspired by each of the Bahama Islands, Sally’s offers an extensive collection of designs and colours in the Androsia Batik Print and Bahama Hand Print fabrics. The boutique is owned by Sally Sweeting, who has operated the business for more than half of her life. In fact, the original Sally’s Seaside Boutique was built in the same location, but two additional sections have been added to the building over the years. During that time, Miss Sally has experienced the loss of two husbands, and with two of her eldest children married, the store has provided a comfort of sorts and a catalyst for creativity. “I felt like I wanted something different from house work to do on the side,” Miss Sally reminisces. “One of the American ladies – Dottie Sawyer – and I were talking about the Bahama Hand Print fabric. She encouraged me, and said: ‘Why don’t you get some material, and I’ll get you to make me a couple of tops.” From beginnings as humble as she is, Miss Sally decided to order two bulks of material, and her sewing business took off from there as she sewed for a couple of other American visitors. As she happily notes, it was a good investment. “When I started it, I didn’t have the money, so I borrowed $200 from Mandy’s husband, [Philip Sands], my oldest son,” she reluctantly admits. “I bought two bulks of material, and when I sold that, I kept adding on to it.” Her initial inventory consisted of Bahama Hand Print tops and women’s dresses, and she also sold towels that featured the company’s signature conch and sand dollar designs as well as four recipes and a bush medicine design. “They also had a wall hanging with three different sized sea stars that said: ‘Sand in your shoes and a dollar in your pocket,’ she delightfully recalls. Gazing off into the distance, Miss Sally awakened memories of old friends like Ella Pinder from Treasure Cay, and Helen Astarita, an artist, who developed the Bahama Hand Print brand along with Berta Sands in 1966.
by Caniskha Alexander
“Helen did the designs, and her husband was the head of BASRA at that time,” she expounds. “She was a nice lady, and we got to be good friends.” Sally’s began selling Bahama Hand Prints followed by Androsia Prints fabrics, which feature new designs each year and utilizes varying techniques. Miss Sally explained that the technique for creating the Bahama Hand Prints involves silk screens, mixing the inks, hand printing the fabric, designing and sewing the final products. The company also offers Custom Printed Fabric from its vast design collection to include cotton poplin, twill, cotton-linen blends, linen and outdoor fabric for finished products that translate into stunning, colourful art expressions. The Androsia Print on the other hand, incorporates unique hand waxed and hand dyed batik fabrics and garments representative of not only the beauty of the islands, but the cultural aspect of The Bahamas as a whole. The Androsia emblem is prominently displayed on each yard of the cotton fabric that is hand crafted with an element symbolic of the country’s marine life to its flora and fauna. Miss Sally’s delicately aged hands suddenly grasps a weathered photo of a group of women and a male modeling a variety of finished garments as she points to a friend named Byrle wearing the Androsia Print. “Byrle opened Ebb Tide in Hope Town many years ago, and she invited everyone selling Bahama Hand Print over for lunch at Wally’s Restaurant,” she recollects. “Byrle came over when they did a new print with the lighthouse and the islands.” Sally’s Seaside Boutique has become Miss Sally’s way of giving back to the ManO-War community, and she has enjoyed great success. She is assisted by daughterin-laws Mandy Sands and Brenda Sands and three additional part-time employees. “Mandy is so good with colours, and she makes all of the bags,” she compliments. Customers are also welcome to purchase the fabric of their choice by the yard. The mention of fabric prompted Miss Sally to remember an occasion when she ordered some material from Bahama Hand 47
Destination Abaco
love to put these colours in their homes,” Mandy says, pointing out different items. “Bahamians have recently grown to love Androsia and Bahama Hand Prints, so we see a lot of local customers too, and Bahamians are using it in their homes now for curtains and pillows and also bags.
Prints and they sent fabric with great big shells. She didn’t think she would sell it, but the moment the fabric was displayed in the store, two American women came and walked out with the two bulks. A similar incident happened to Mandy two years ago with Androsia Print when they sent their new green mango fabric. “I was horrified because I didn’t order it, and I hated it,” she exclaims. “Two of my closest friends immediately bought the fabric and put it in their house. It’s a popular colour nowadays, so you see beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone doesn’t like the same thing.” Greens and blues have always been favourite colours, and surprisingly, yellow is not a popular colour so it has to be special ordered. Nevertheless, a change that Mandy was proud to embrace this year was Bahama Print’s outdoor fabric that holds up beautifully to the weather. “They carry it because so many people wanted it for their boats or their porches, but the other fabrics wouldn’t hold up to the weather,” Mandy shares. “They offer three designs that feature seashells and starfish. It is weather resistant and better than the ordinary fabric that would fade within days.” Attracting locals, tourists and second homeowners, some of the products sold at Sally’s includes: shell art; sea glass jewelry and products; eyeglass covers; clothing for adults and children; summer, patchwork and cosmetic bags; Bahamian flag bags and pillows; travel kits; cookbooks; driftwood frames made by Doug Albury; books by Abaconian/ Bahamian authors; and straw bags from Cat island. Despite the grand selection, the most popular items are Bahamian pillows and napkins, according to Mandy. “They Destination Abaco
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While Miss Sally nor Mandy could recall every having to advertise the business, their sales have increased through their Sally’s Seaside Boutique page on Facebook. Bahama Hand Prints and Androsia Batik companies also refer customers to Sally’s among their other retail stores. “I can honestly tell you that we have one of the biggest selections of Androsia and everyone who comes in here is thrilled,” Mandy proudly shares. “We’re blessed to be able to do that, too.” This year during anniversary celebrations, Albury’s Ferry carried samples of Sally’s work in an effort to promote their new route between Man-O-War Cay and Hope Town. Mandy added that custom orders are “big business” for Sally’s, and local businesses like Abaco Inn have supported them by purchasing their fabrics and napkins. They recalled a visitor calling Sally’s after seeing napkins at Abaco Inn and ordering one napkin in every colour! Miss Sally was also proud to show off her son Philip Sand’s locally crafted wood work, which uses local woods and is very popular. “People are so thrilled to buy products made here,” Mandy acknowledges. “A lady bought seven of his products.” Based on the enthusiasm and interest for local products, Mandy said she believes there is a viable future ahead for Sally’s and for The Bahamas’ Tourism sector. To ensure the business’ longevity, Miss Sally and Mandy are committed to training the younger generation in the hopes that they will carry on the business for generations to come. Sally’s Seaside Boutique’s business hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Sally’s at: (242) 365-6044; send an e-mail to: androsiasmiles@gmail.com; or visit them on Facebook at: Sally’s Seaside Boutique.
Fox Town
Mount Hope Wood Cay Cedar Harbour
Crown Haven Little Abaco Island
LEGEND
Cooper’s Town Fire Road
Blackwood
Green Turtle Cay
Airports Settlements
Guana Cay
Treasure Cay
Inter Island Ferries Information
Man-O-War Cay
Clinic Telephone Internet
Elbow Cay Marsh Harbour
Lighthouse
Hope Town
Spring City
Port of Entry
Great Abaco Island Little Harbour Moore’s Island Cherokee Sound Casaurina Point Bahama Palm Shores Gorda Cay
Crossing Rocks
Sandy Point
About Abaco
Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas’ third-largest city and the commercial center of Abaco. Boating Capital of The Bahamas - Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay are the five major inhabited cays in the Abaco chain. Population: 16,000+ Island Size: 120 miles long, 1/2 mile to 10 miles wide Area: 650 sq. miles Highest Point: 134.5 ft. Location: Lat. 26°25’N & Long. 77°10’W Distance from Nassau: 105 miles northeast from Nassau Distance from Florida: 175 miles, E ofWest Palm Beach
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Hole-In-The-Wall
Destination Abaco
Angler’s - Abaco Beach 367-2158 B,L,D $$$ Abaco Pizza 367-4333 L,D $ Bayview Restaurant 367-3738 L,D $ Becky’s Take-away 367-4244 L,D $ Conchy Joe’s Rest & Bar 375-9115 L,D $ Curly Tails 367-4444 L,D $$$ Delphi Club 366-2222 D $$$ Golden Grouper 367-2301 B,L $$ Guava Duff and Stuff 699-3016 L $ Island Family Restaurant 367-3778 B,L $$ Jamie’s Place 367-2880 B,L,D $$ Jib Room 367-2700 L,D $$ JuNovia’s Restaurant 367-1271 B,L,D $$ Kentucky Fried Chicken 367-2615 L,D $ Mangoes Restaurant 367-2366 B,L,D $$$ Mother Merle’s 367-2770 L,D $ Native Hut 367-0977 L,D $ Nathan’s Bar and Grill 699-3247 B,L&D $$ Pete’s Pub & Gallery 577-5487 L,D $$ Rumrunners L,D $$ Snack Shack 367-4005 B,L $ Snappas Bar & Grill 367-2278 L,D $$ Sunset Bar & Grill 375-9858 L,D $$ Wally’s Restaurant 367-2074 L,D $$$
Treasure Cay
Coco Beach Bar & Grill Treasure Sands Club Touch of Class Spinnaker Restaurant
outdoor
waterfront
entertainment
happy hour
credit card
price range
Marsh Harbour South/North Abaco
meals served
telephone
Dining Out l - l l l - - - - - - - - - - - - l l l - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - l l l - - - - - - l l l - - - - - - l l - l l - l l - - - - l l l l l - l l -
365-8470 B,L,D $$ 365-9385 L,D $$ 365-8195 D $$ 365-8469 B,L,D $$$
l l l l
l l
l - l l
366-0133 366-0065 366-0247 366-3139 366-0145 366-0087 366-0003 366-0095 366-0760 577-2000 366-0423 366-0558 366-0788
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l - l - - l - - - - - l l l l - -
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Hope Town Abaco Inn Boat House at Sea Spray Capt’n Jacks Cracker P’s Firefly Sunset Resort Harbour’s Edge Hope Town Inn & Marina Hope Town Harbour Lodge Hope Town Coffee House Lubber’s Landing Munchies On Da Beach Sugar Shack Destination Abaco
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B,L,D $$ B,L,D $$ B,L,D $$ L,D $$ L,D $$ L,D $$ B,L,D $$ B,L,D $$ B,L $ L,D $$ L,D $ L,D $$ B,L,D $
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by Caniskha Alexander
A
mbitiously determined, Fredreka McIntosh is making great strides as a young culinarian and leader within her community of Cooper’s Town, Abaco. The 20-year-old has adopted Myles Munroe’s perspective of maximizing potential in her life, as she candidly states: “When I found that there was so much brilliance within me, I made a concerted effort to maximize my potential, and it had made all the difference.” Fredreka recently became a student of Johnson and Wales University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in food service management with concentrations in baking and pastry. Indeed, brilliance and potential are in great supply for this unassuming entrepreneur who owns a bakery called Freddy’s Delightful Snack and Pastries. “Growing up in Cooper’s Town, everything was always limited, and we always had to go far in order to get the basic necessities,” she recalls. “For some strange reason, I always felt that my home town could have just as much as Marsh Harbour did - so based on me wanting to up build my settlement along with some days especially on Sundays having to look for something sweet to eat – that all played a part in me wanting to open a bakery.” Family influence also impacted Fredreka’s career path. While there are no “chefs” in Fredreka’s family, her deceased Aunt Sarah Nairn-Parker was a chef, and her Aunt Pearl
Murray and mother – Alreica McIntosh – were high school food vendors. In her online biography, Fredreka wrote: My inspiration came from growing up in a large family where almost every member loves to cook. Seeing them daily in the kitchen, cooking, baking and experimenting with different recipes has been the determining factor in what I wanted to do in the future. Fredreka’s mother, who manages the bakery, did not initially want her to become a chef because Fredreka had also considered being a Food and Nutrition teacher and several family members already had jobs as cooks. But it was evident that Fredreka was a natural and her love for cooking continued into high school where she enrolled in S.C. Bootle High School’s Food and Nutrition program. “My love for food has opened doors for me to compete in school cooking competitions along with going off to represent the school internationally,” she explains. “Through competing in young chef competitions it helped awaken my tasting palette.” Even the preparation for competitions was exciting for Fredreka who shared that she and her teachers would experiment with ingredients and recipes to determine what they liked best particularly in competitions like the Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood Young Chef Competitions. Other competition benefits included being able to meet students with like 51
Destination Abaco
Dining Out Man-O-War Cay
Dock & Dine 365-6139 L,D $$ l Islander’s Seaside Restaurant B,L,D $$
Guana Cay
The Market Place (Baker’s) Guana Grabbers Nippers Bar & Grill Sun Setters - Orchid Bay
Green Turtle Cay
Jolly Roger Bar & Bistro GT Club & Marina Harvey’s Bar & Grill Lizard Bar & Grill McIntosh Restaurant Miss Emily’s Blue Bee New Plymouth Inn Plymouth Rock Café Sundowners
612-1021 365-5133 365-5111 365-5175 365-4247 365-4271 365-4389 365-4191 365-4625 365-4181 365-4161 365-4234 365-4060
B,L,D L,D L,D L,D
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-
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B,L,D $$ B,L,D $$$ L,D $$ L,D $$ B,L,D $$ L,D $$ B,L,D $$$ B,L $$ D $$
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***Meals Served - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Credit Cards - Visa and Mastercard Prices shown indicate cost of menu items actual prices may vary, $=$10, $$=$11-$20, $$$=$21-$30 and up***
passions as well as receiving critiques from professional judges that gave her a drive to perfect her culinary craft. “Even though I never placed first I always wanted to go back just for the experience and for networking,” she admits. “From high school, I furthered my education and joined the two-year Culinary Program at the College of The Bahamas (COB).” Fredreka’s educational experience allowed her to gain hands-on experience and knowledge of the science and practical parts of cooking. Backed by lecturers giving her full support, Fredreka boasts that the knowledge she gained gave her an all-around perspective on cooking along with the management aspect of owning and operating a business. “Joining the Culinary Arts Program at the College of The Bahamas is one I will never forget,” Fredreka reminisces. “I am truly appreciative of every chef I sat under while attending the college. “The College of The Bahamas was my stepping stone.” Life lessons and networking skills were gained as she worked functions outside of school as a waitress or helping to prepare food for an event. These experiences prepared her for the “real world” and for that she is grateful. Today, she is proud to call herself a culinarian as she establishes herself as a professional female chef while obtaining an education. “I believe in higher learning therefore I seize every opportunity to develop and grow professionally,” she asserts. “I take pleasure in giving back to the community by exemplifying and promoting excellence and by providing opportunities for others.” Certainly, Fredreka is devoted to her personal core values of passion, courage, and personal development and human potential in the culinary arena. “I am committed to constantly bringing forth change within myself by striving to be the highest expression of myself. Through my own personal insights, experiences, learning, understanding and knowledge, I am committed to teaching others how to reinvent and become the highest authentic expression of themselves.” Undoubtedly, Fredreka has experienced her share of challenges along the way because there are everyday demands in her profession, however her schedule still allows time for learning and self-development. Beyond her culinary pursuits, Fredreka has fulfilled leadership and church roles, obtained an Abaco Pathfinders Scholarship as well as culinary awards, and she is also a dance teacher. “To be honest, the only way I could have done it was by the grace of God. My parents always taught me to always put God first, and He will give me the desires of my hearts…I truly have experienced and have seen God fulfill my heart’s desires.”
Again, determination has been key to achieving her goals. She is hopeful that her bachelor’s degree will fully prepare her for what the food service industry has to offer and greatly benefit her business’ longevity. “The concentrate in baking is also for the benefits of my bakery. Many people do not realize that having a culinary degree and a baking and pastry degree are two different things. When you’re in culinary you learn a little of every aspect of the kitchen, but mainly focus on cooking; and when you’re taking up baking and pastry, you strictly focus on breads and pastries. I have a passion for the two.” Her passion led Fredreka to encourage all young people to pursue long-term, realistic goals instead of seeking immediate fame and recognition because they are temporary. She adds that young people should be encouraged to plan for their future and pursue long-term goals early on. “I knew that I always wanted to be a teacher or a chef, [so] having a strong religious background when I was indecisive, I was encouraged to pray and ask God to give me clarification on what my main purpose on earth was. Through trusting and dedicating my life to Him, He led me directly into it. “This is why I live by the saying ‘with God’s help all things are possible’ because I trust God so much I began to develop godly morals and core values that I live by. These values has been a determining factor in who I am today and has helped guide me to finding my purpose.” Even in the midst of such a purposeful life, Fredreka’s contributions to Abaco’s developments are not finished yet. “In future years, I actually plan on saving and would like to be a sponsor to someone, in particular a high school student, who has the same drive and passion to go off to school to study and be part of the culinary and hospitality industry as I have,” she envisions. “But for now, in my first few years of returning home I would like to focus on the development and marketing of my bakery.” Fredreka McIntosh is the daughter of Freddie and Alreica McIntosh of Cooper’s Town. She graduated from S.C. Bootle High School as deputy head girl in 2010 earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts with Credit from The College of the Bahamas in 2013. Fredreka was awarded six BGCSE passes and has attained numerous awards, certificates and recognitions. In her spare time, Fredreka’s interests include: craft work; fruit carving; and sewing.
Shopping Abaco Souvenirs
Abaco Ceramics (TC) ...... 365-8489 Abaco Island Artist (MH).........367-3744 Abaco Seaglass (MH)..............477-5871 Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 Albury’s Sail Shop (MOW) ......365-6014 Bahama Dawn (MH)...............367-4648 Blue Sky Gallery (MH).............367-0579 Buds n Blooms (MH)...............367-2837 Da Crazy Crab (HT)................366-0537 Ebb Tide (HT) .......................366-0088 El Mercado (HT).....................366-0661 Golden Reef (GTC).................365-4511 Gone Conchin’ (GC)................365-5215 Hope Town Harbour Lodge......366-0095 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 Iggy Biggy (MH) ............. 367-3596 Java Coffee Shoppe (MH)........367-5523
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Joe’s Studio (MOW) ...............365-6082 Kemp’s Souvenirs (HT) ..........366-0423 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Monkey’s Uncle (MH)..............367-3223 Native Creations (GTC) . . 365-4206 Nippers Gift Shop (GC)...........365-5143 Pete’s Pub & Gallery (LH)........577-5487 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH) ......367-4405 Sea Spray Marina (HT).... 366-0065 Sunset Souvenirs (MH) ..........367-2658 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158 The Crazy Crab (HT) .............366-0537 The Harbour Shoppe (TC).......365-8757 The Painted Fish (MOW).........365-6013 Triple J Gift Shop (TC)............365-8761 Tropical Souvenirs (MH)..........367-2431
Bakeries
Beauty Salons & Supplies
SHOPPING
Da Best Yet Bakery (MH)........367-3616 HT Coffee House (HT)............366-0760 Florence’s Café (TC)...............458-7358 Island Bakery (MH)................367-2129 Java Coffee Shop (MH)...........367-5523 Lola’s Bakery (MOW)..............365-6073 McIntosh Bakery (GTC)...........365-4625 Simply The Best (TC)..............365-8258 Vernon’s Groceries (HT)..........366-0037 Abaco Beauty Shop (MH)........367-2386 Bahama Waves (MOW)...........365-6310 Hubert’s Cut & Curls (GTC).....365-4100 Shear Dynamics (MH).............367-3844 Snazzie’s (MH).......................551-5524 The Hair Stylist (MH) ............367-4246 The Chopping Block (HT)........366-0052
Books & Magazines
Abaco Treasures (MH)............367-3460 Bellevue Business (MH)..........367-2701 Ebb Tide (HT)........................366-0088 Educational Depot (MH)..........367-5757 Fruit of the Vine Christian Bookstore (MH) .............. 367-3288 Joe’s Studio (MOW)................365-6082 Kemp’s Souvenir (HT).............366-0423 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154
Bicycles, Scooters
Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).365-4411 Jack’s Bikes (HT)....................366-0635 Rental Wheels (MH) ..............367-4643 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 Seaside Cart Rentals (GTC).....365-4147 Wendal’s Bicycle Rent (TC)......365-8687
Boat Rentals & Charters
Abaco Dorado Rentals (MH)....367-1035 Blue Wave Rentals (MH).........367-3910 Captain Plug’s Adven. (HT).....366-0023 Cat’s Paw Boat Rentals (HT)....366-0380 Conch Pearl Rentals (MOW)....365-6059 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Donnie’s Boat Rentals (GTC)...365-4119 Florida Yacht Charters (MH)....367-4853 Island Marine Rentals (HT) ....366-0282 J.I.C. Boat Rentals (TC) .........365-8582 John H Rentals (US)........ 772-287-6842 Man-O-War Marina (MOW)......365-6008 Rainbow Rentals (MH) ... 367-4602 Reef Boat Rentals (GTC).........365-4145 Roberts Hardware (GTC).........365-4122 Sea Horse Boat Rent (MH) .....367-2513 55
Destination Abaco
Shopping
Sunset Marine (GTC)..............365-4634 The Moorings (MH).......... 367-4000 Waterways Rentals (MOW)......365-6143
Boutiques
Bluff House Boutique (GTC)....365-4200 B’s Sunrise(MH).....................367-4822 Corner Value (MH) ................367-2250 Fantasy Boutique (HT)............366-0537 Green Turtle Club Boutique.....365-4271 Gone Conchin (GC).................365-5215 His & Her Jeans (MH)........... 367-2011 Iggy Biggy (MH) ...................367-3596 Iggy Biggy (HT).....................366-0354 Island Gal Boutique (MH)........367-0283 Laura’s Boutique (GTC)...........365-4287 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Mangoes Boutique (MH).........367-2366 Nippers Gift Shop (GGC).........365-5111 Orchid Bay Marina (GGC)........365-5175 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH)........367-4405 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 Wally’s Boutique (MH)............367-2074
Cameras & Film
Abaco Photos (MH)................367-0707 Computer Creations (MH).......367-2004
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Snap Shop (MH).....................367-3020 Wally’s Studio (MH) ...............367-2722
Car Parts & Assesories
A.I.D. (MH)............................367-2077 Auto Care Corner (MH)...........367-0400 CarQuest (MH).......................367-2452 K & S Auto (MH)....................367-2655 Quality Star Auto (MH)...........367-2979
Car Rentals
A & P Auto Rentals (MH).........367-2655 Bargain Car Rentals (MH)........367-0500 Cornish Car Rentals (TC) .......365-8623 Rental Wheels (MH) ..............367-4643 Sea Star Car Rentals (MH) .....367-4887 Triple J Car Rentals (TC).........365-8761
Crystal Treasures
Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 Corner Value (MH) ................367-2250 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH) ......367-4405
Dental Offices
Abaco Dental Ass. (MH)..........367-0164 Agape Dental (MH) ..........367-4355/54 Diamante Dental (MH) . .........367-4968
Florists
Freight/Courier
Abaco Shipping (MH)..............367-2091 Dean’s Shipping (MH).............367-2653 FedEx (MH)...........................367-4339 IE Imports (MH).....................367-3622 Seacor Island Lines (MH)........367-0329 GWS Express (MH).................367-2722 UPS (MH)..............................367-3136 Tropical Shipping (MH)...........367-0225
Furniture & Accessories
Fine Living (MH) ...................367-0329 Furniture Plus (MH)................367-7587 Palm Cottage (MH).................367-2300 Wood You (MH)......................367-9663
Golf Cart Rentals
Albury’s Property Man (GC).....365-5175 Blue Marlin Rentals (TC) ........365-8687 Cash’s Cart Rentals (TC) ........365-8771 C & D Rentals (GTC) . ............365-4311
Chris Cart Rentals (TC)...........365-8053 Cruising Cart Rentals (GTC)....367-4065 Claridge Cart Rentals (TC).......365-8248 D & P Cart Rentals (GTC) . .....365-4655 Elbow Cay Cart (HT) .............366-0530 Harbour View Cart (GTC)........365-4411 Hope Town Cart (HT).............366-0064 Island Cart Rentals (HT) ........366-0448 JR Cart Rentals (HT)...............366-0361 Kool Kart Rentals (GTC)..........365-4176 Ria-Mar Cart Rental (MOW).....365-6024 Seaside Cart Rent(GTC) . 365-4147 South Beach Rental (GTC)......365-4375 T & A Cart Rentals (GTC) .......365-4259 T & N Cart Rentals (HT)..........366-0069
SHOPPING
Buds & Blooms (MH) .............367-2837 Flowers Etc (MH) ..................367-1246 Pinewoods Nursery (MH) ..... 367-2674
Grocery Stores
Abaco Groceries (MH).............367-5308 Albury’s Harbour St (MOW) ....365-6004 Cherokee Food Fair................366-2022 Curry’s Food Store (GTC) .......365-4171 Golden Harvest (TC) . ............365-8350 Guana Harbour Groc (GC).......365-5067 Harbour View Grocery (HT).....366-0033 Lowe’s Grocery (GTC) ............365-4243 LVA Convience (HT)................366-0056
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Destination Abaco
Shopping
MOW Grocery (MOW) ............365-6016 Maxwells (MH).......................367-2601 Roberts Food Store (GTC).......365-4284 Roderick’s Food Store (MH) . ..367-3237 Save-A-Lot (MH) ...................367-2020 Sid’s Grocery (GTC) ...............365-4055 Vernon’s Grocery (HT)............366-0037 24/7 Shell (MH) ....................367-5064
Insurance
Hardware & Paint Stores
Internet Services/WiFi
Abaco Hardware (MH) ...........367-2170 AID (MH)...............................367-2077 Corner Value (MH)..................367-2550 Imports Unlimited (HT)...........366-0136 MOW Hardware (MOW) .........365-6011 New Plymouth Hard. (GTC).....365-4305 Roberts Hardware (GTC).........365-4122 Standard Hardware (MH) .......367-2660 The Paint Place (MH)..............367-2271 Treasure Cay Home (TC).........365-8258
Ice Cream
Island Treats (MOW)..............365-6501 Jamie’s Place (MH).................367-2880 Munchies (HT).......................366-0423 Sugar Shack (HT)............ 366-0788
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Abaco Insurance (MH.............367-2549 British American (MH).............367-5601 Colina Imperial (MH)..............367-3432 Family Guardian (MH).............367-3264 Insurance Manag(MH)............367-4204 J.S. Johnson (MH) .................367-2688 Van Stratton Ins. (MH)............367-2222 Bahamas WiMAX (MH).... 367-3717 Batelco (MH)..........................367-2200 Out Island Internet (MH)........367-3006
Jewelry
Abaco Treasures (MH)............367-3460 Bahamas Outfitters (MH)........367-3312 Ebb Tide (HT)........................366-0088 El Mercado (HT).....................366-0661 Iggy Biggy (MH).............. 367-3596 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 John Bull (MH).......................367-2473 Mangoes Boutique (MH).........367-2366 Native Creations (GTC) . . 365-4206 Pete’s Pub & Gallery (LH)........366-3503 Sand Dollar Shoppe (MH)........367-4405
Kayak Rentals
Abaco Adventures (TC)...........365-8749 Abaco Dive Adven (MH)..........367-2213 Abaco Gal (TC)......................365-8571 Abaco Paddleboard (HT).........475-0954 Brendal’s Dive Ctr (GTC).365-4411
Legal Services
Alexiou, Knowles (MH)............367-2010 Frederik F. Gottlieb (MH).........367-3120 Higgs & Johnson (MH)............367-3215 L.C. Hull Chambers (MH) .......367-2030 The Firm (MH).......................367-3572
Marine Stores
Abaco Ace Hardware (MH)......367-2927 Abaco Marine Props (MH).......367-4276 Abaco Outboards (MH) ..........367-2452 Abaco Yacht Services (GTC)....365-4033 Boat Harbour Marina (MH.......367-2158 Black Sound Marina (GTC) .....365-4531
Edwin’s Boat Yard (MOW).......365-6007 Island Boy Marine (MH)..........367-3228 Lighthouse Marina (HT)..........366-0154 Master Marine (MH)................367-4760 M-O-W Marina (MOW)............365-6013 M-O-W Hardware (MOW)........365-6011 National Marine (MH) ............367-2326 The Outboard Shop (MH).367-2703 Roberts Marine (GTC).............365-4249 Standard Hardware (MH)........367-2660
Party Supplies
SHOPPING
Silver Moon Designs (MH).477-5871 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158 Tropical Treasures (MH) .........367-5576
Home Fabrics (MH).................367-6003
Pet Veterinarians
Caribbean Veterinary (MH)......367-3551 Island Veterinary (MH)............367-0062 Pinewoods Nursery (MH)........367-2674
Pharmacies
Abaco Island Phar(MH)... 367-2544 The Chemist Shoppe (MH) .....367-3106
Perfumes
Abaco Treasures (MH) ...........367-3460 John Bull Ltd (MH) ................367-2473
NEW GAS cARTS for your land touring!
FREE Pickup & Dropoff Daily - 3 Day - Weekly - Long Term Rates Long Term GREAT RATES Available! Inquire at: Brendal’s Dive Center & Watersports White Sound - Green Turtle Cay Abaco - Bahamas 1-242-365-4411 or VHF Ch. 16 www.HarbourViewCartRentals.com
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Destination Abaco
Shopping
Physicians/Clinics
Abaco Family Med (MH)..........367-2295 Auskell Medical Clinic (MH).....367-0020 Corbett Clinic (TC)..................365-8288 Government Clinic (MH)..........367-2510 Integrated Medical (MH).........367-1304 M.H.Medical Center (MH)........367-0049 Abaco Medi-Center (MH).........367-9999
Printing Services
Abaco Print Shop (MH).... 367-3201 Computer Creations (MH).......367-2004 Outisland Printing (MH)..........699-2496
Sandals & Shoes
Abaco Shoe Gallery (MH)........367-5510 Brass & Leather (MH) ............367-3643 Golden Reef (GTC).................365-4511 Iggy Biggy (HT) .............. 366-0354 Iggy Biggy (MH) ............. 367-3596 Sun Dried T’s (HT).................366-0616 T’zers Gift Shop (MH) ............367-2158
Service Stations
24/7 Shell (MH) ....................367-5064 K & S Auto Service (MH).........367-2655
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MH Auto Parts (MH)...............367-2111 Quality Star/Rubis (MH) .........367-2978 TC Fuel Station (TC)...............365-8869
Scuba/Diving Gear
Abaco Dive (MH)....................367-2213 Brendal’s Dive (GTC)....... 365-4411 Dive Abaco (MH)....................367-2787 Dive Guana (GC)....................365-5178 Dive Time (MOW)..................365-6235 Froggies Out Island (HT) .......366-0431
Wines & Spirits
A & K Liquors (MH) ...............367-2179 Bristol Wines (MH) ................367-2180 Burns House (MH) . ...............367-3712 Down Through St (GTC).........365-4287 Fig Tree Wines (GC) ..............365-5058 HT Wines & Spirits (HT)..........366-0525 Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits (MH)..367-2936 Lighthouse Liquors (HT) ........366-0567 Plymouth Rock Liquor(GTC)....365-4234 Spanky’s Liquor Store (TC) ....365-8385
Shopping Destination Abaco
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Sweeting Abaco Lighthouse Androsia Treasure Hope Town McIntosh Exotic Floyd Parrots Guana Fredreka Sunshine Beaches Oceanhole Bahamian
Destination Shopping Native National Reefs Caves Diving Snorkeling Fishing Boating Sailing Golfing Ferries Galleries Adventure Junkanoo
Summer Festivals Rushing Independence Homecomings Museum Necklace Green turtle Marsh Harbour Abaco Fishermen Tourist Marinas Abaco Artist Regattas
Where to stay Marsh Harbour by Caniskha Alexander
R
oll out the welcome mat.
You are officially welcomed to Abaco’s capital city of Marsh Harbour – situated on a peninsula just off the Great Abaco Highway. Founded by American Loyalists in 1783, Marsh Harbour is The Bahamas’ third largest city with a population of more than 7,000 people. Indeed, its city status translates into boundless opportunities for dining, shopping, exploration, entertainment and culture. Home to the Marsh Harbour International Airport whose name will be updated to the Leonard Thompson International Airport, Abaco also provides reliable transportation to and from the islands of The Bahamas and Florida through Sean Nixon’s Inter Island Charters, Zig Zag Airways, and Cherokee Air Facilities, which includes Cherokee Air and Cherokee Aviation FBO. First-time and repeat guests as well as second homeowners receive a hospitable welcome from airline staff and efficient taxi drivers who eagerly await their arrival to transport them to their designated destinations. On the way to downtown Marsh
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Harbour, visitors pass the Shervin Archer Circle more commonly known as the airport roundabout. Although there are now two main roads leading into the downtown area, drivers opt for the more scenic route of Don Mackay Boulevard. The newer route leads to the Abaco Community Health Facility – Abaco’s minihospital, and the Bahamas Government Complex. Visitors will observe Abaco Neem where Nick and Daphne Miaoulis produce natural alternatives from organically grown neem to heal the body along with an assortment of healthcare, household, pet and farming products. Abaco Groceries is situated next to Abaco Neem for all wholesale and retail grocery items, and Tall Pines Plaza houses the Bahamas Government’s Public Treasury Department and Water and Sewerage Corporation. Closer to town, the Bahamas Electrical Corporation (BEC) provides electricity services, and The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd. (BTC), which provides landline, Internet and mobile services. Many of Abaco’s schools, churches and car rental operations are prominently located on Don Mackay Boulevard, so
WHERE TO STAY
any day of the week traffic ranges from a medium to heavy flow especially during the morning hours. Abaco Pines Medical Clinic, the Marsh Harbour Government Clinic and Kidney Center are conveniently located on this well-travelled route. Abaco Petroleum Company Ltd., Pinewoods Nursery, and F & V Sales are within a stone’s throw of each other, followed by the Abaco Gas Company, which supplies propane gas for its customers. The Convention Center is a popular site for wedding ceremonies, religious gatherings, corporate and birthday celebrations, and reggae concerts. Solid Gold Night Club also hosts concerts while monthly promotional events take place at the popular night clubs like DNR Sports Pub. Year-round events that appeal to international and domestic visitors are The Bahamas’ Independence Anniversary Celebrations, the Christmas Festival, Abaco Love Rush Junkanoo Parade and Regatta Time in Abaco. As visitors steadily approach the heart of Marsh Harbour, the city awakens to reveal a handful of service stations, fashion and electronic stores, hardware stores, liquor stores and shopping plazas. Maxwell’s Supermarket, Price Right, Roderick’s Convenience Store and Audrey’s General Convenience Store are among the favourites for grocery shopping. There is also a good selection of
beauty salons, bakeries, legal firms, banking institutions, insurance companies and medical and pharmaceutical facilities such as The Chemist Shoppe and Abaco Island Pharmacy and Auskell Advanced Medical Clinic, Integrated Medical Clinic, Marsh Harbour Medical Centre and Abaco Medi Centre. Surprisingly, Marsh Harbour is Abaco’s only settlement to have a functioning traffic light even though it’s 2014! The Marsh Harbour Port Department, Marsh Harbour Police Station and ambulance services are stationed nearby. Marsh Harbour Exporters and Importers Ltd. is open for the purchase of fishery products and grocery supplies. There are also boat rental companies like the Moorings, Abaco Dorado, Rainbow, Blue Wave and Concept boat rentals and charters. Nearing the waterfront between Queen Elizabeth Drive and Bay Street, is the hotel and restaurant strip. Choose from Rum Runners Bar and Grill or The Oasis Restaurant for lunch or dinner, or perhaps Snappas Bar and Grill, Wally’s Restaurant, Mangoes Restaurant, Curly Tails, Jamie’s Place, Jib Room or the Angler’s Restaurant at Great Abaco Beach Hotel/Boat Harbour Marina. Java Coffee Shop is opened on week days, and has locally handcrafted products and paintings on sale. Visitors can lodge at Great Abaco Beach or Lofty Fig Villas, Conch Inn Hotel and Marina, Island Breezes and Re65
Destination Abaco
MARSH HARBOU Rainbow Rentals
Arawak Agency
Emergency Medical Services
The Medi-Center
Fine Living
Dundas & Murphy Town
Monkey’s Uncle Integrated Medical
British American Financial
Bahamas National Trust
Abaco Chamber of Commerce The Chemist Shoppe Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire & Rescue
The Paint Place
Abaco Family Medicine
Auto Care Corner Friends of the Environment
Dundas & Murphy Town Administration Offices National Insurance Business License Abaco Tourist Office Ministry of Education Court House
Treasure Cay DNR Sports Pub
Palm Cottage & Wood You Home Fabrics Computer Creations Abaco Vacation Planner
The Kidney Center
Presbyterian Church
Bahamasair - Sky Bahamas American Airlines
Methodist Church
Bargain Car Rentals
Destination Abaco The Abaco Print Shop
A&K Liquors Abaco Island Pharmacy
UR Island Boy Marine Store
Damianos
Jimmy’s Liquor Store
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour
Shear Dynamics Hair Salon
Living Easy Property Rentals
Pharmacy
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Destination Abaco
WHERE TO STAY
gattas of Abaco. Intermingled with the restaurants are high-end stores like John Bull, Abaco Gold and the Conch Pearl Gallery. For the adventurous travelers, Glender Archer-Knowles, proprietor of The Great Abaco Express features ecofriendly tours with visits to the Wild Horses of Abaco, Bird Watching, Treasure Cay Blue Hole and Top 10 Beach, Green Turtle Cay and Hope Town historical tours. Lucayan Nature Tours Birding and Discovery Expeditions also specializes in island tours with Reggie Patterson. The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has an office in Marsh Harbour and was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of The Bahamas. Both organizations promote educational programs and conferences for the conservation and protection of our natural resources and welcome students to summer camps and after-school programs for students. A ferry ride onboard Albury’s Ferry with stops to Man-O-War Cay or Hope Town is a must. Near Curly Tails or the
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Union Jack Dock, one can take a short trip over to Guana Cay to the renowned Nippers Beach Bar & Grill or Grabbers Bed, Bar & Grill. Of course, no visitor would miss out on enjoying Abaco’s pristine marine environment, and that’s where Dive Abaco comes in. Servicing the island since 1979, Dive Abaco is a full-service dive operation that serves Great Abaco (Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay, Winding Bay and Casuarina) as well as the offshore cays, and is highly ranked for its personalized scuba and snorkeling trips; PADI and NAUI
Undoubtedly, Marsh Harbour is an island paradise that offers a variety of unforgettable experiences for each traveler. As it continues to develop as a major city, visitors will continue to be captivated by this destination that keeps on reinforcing the message that it is not only “Better in The Bahamas,” but best on Abaco.
Central and South Abaco
Marsh Harbour
Abaco Beach Resort........ 367-2158 Abaco Vacation Planner. 367-3529 Conch Inn Hotel............. 367-4000 Living Easy...................... 367-2202 Lofty Fig Villas...................... 367-2681 Island Breezes Motel............. 367-3776 Pelican Beach Villas............... 367-3600 Regattas of Abaco................. 367-0148 The Crossing......................... 577-0277 Villas at Palmetto Beach...262-820-1900
Sandy Point
Oeisha’s Resort .................... 366-4139 Pete & Gay’s Resort............... 366-4119
Spanish Cay
Spanish Cay Resort............... 365-0083
Cherokee Sound
WHERE TO STAY
scuba certifications; equipment rentals, repairs and retail; private charters; island tours; and sunset and dinner cruises. Visitors frequently embark on kayaking and biking adventures as well as bird watching or rent scooters to tour the island. Walking is optional for places that are nearby.
Lee Pinder............................ 366-2053 Cherokee Cottages................ 366-2075 The Abaco Club ................... 367-0077
Casuarina Point
Sea Grape/Coco Plum......... 367-3202/4
Lubbers Quarters
Lubbers Landing................... 577-2000 Moonrise Cottage... 367-3454/477-5871
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Destination Abaco
WHERE TO STAY
Man-O-War Cay by Samantha Evans
M
an-O-War Cay is a quiet, family centered community that is known for boat-building and sailing. This Cay has been described by many visitors to grace its shores as a great place to fish and relax, and to meet friendly polite-people. Man-O-War Cay has beautiful unspoiled beaches which makes it easy for one to get lost in their gentle breezes. Man-O-War Cay has a rich history as it was once inhabited by Loyalist settlers and today the three hundred residents remain loyal to this heritage. This Cay has no cars but can be explored easily by bike or golf cart which is how the locals get around on the narrow unpaved roads. Even though some residents work on the Cay, many of them commute to Marsh Harbour for employment via Albury’s Ferry. This same ferry service is how guests are transported to and from the Cay as well. This Cay is located on the northern side of Abaco Island and is about 2.5 miles long and only 10 meters wide at its narrowest point; with a beach on both sides. It is a great Cay for guests with boats to dock and feast on some of the best food available in this region of the Bahamas. There are also three grocery
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stores, numerous boutiques, a newly renovated museum, a hardware store and building supply company, boatyard, a school house, three churches and a full service marina and dive shop. This Cay is known as a dry island as no alcoholic beverages are sold. There are also no nightclubs on the island as the residents here are very religious. The two main places for lodging on this Cay are Schooner’s Landing Ocean Club and Mermaid Cottage. They are both equipped with state of the art amenities and are very quiet. Man-OWar Cay is a great place for destination weddings, with many visitors choosing this romantic remote Cay to begin their lives together annually. Throughout the year, numerous events are held such as craft shows, softball games, and clean ups which are organized by the District Council’s Office, the school house or concerned citizens. Other activities that locals and guests can engage in include swimming, snorkeling, boating, fishing, and diving.
Man-O-War
Island Home Rentals.............365-6048 Waterways Rentals................365-6143
WHERE TO STAY
Hope Town by Kristen Pearce
L
ocated three and a half miles from Marsh Harbour, a twenty-minute ferry ride, lays the Settlement of Hope town on Elbow Cay. This quaint, New England style settlement is a great location for a relaxing vacation or day trip. This community is definitely one that is rich in history, with Lucayan Indian, Spanish Slave Raider, pirate, British, and “Loyalist” roots. The settlement grew to what it is today, with a population of an estimated 260 people. Despite the growth, the locals wish to maintain the feel of the past centuries. Cars and any other motor vehicles are prohibited in the town area of the island. Many of the original colonial houses and picket fences still remain to this day. To know more about the history of the island, be sure to stop in at the new Wyannie Malone Historical Museum. Exhibited in the museum is the life of the settlement as it originally was. Displayed are tools, utensils, and artifacts related to the sponging, wrecking and ship building industries. There are also many photographs portraying the island in the previous centuries. One of the newest attractions is the Peggy Thompson Welcome Center,
which opened this past February and is located just across from the post office dock. Named after Ms. Peggy Thompson, an influential and active member of the community, the Welcome Center serves as a tribute to her dedication and love for the island. The Center is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and offers all the information needed for a trip to Hope Town and should be the first stop. The main attraction in Hope Town is most likely the 120-foot candy striped lighthouse. Located across the harbour, it is easily accessible by ferry when requested. The structure was built in 1862 to warn sailors of the nearby reef and it is still operating today by a kerosene lamp. With the 101 steps to the top, you can experience the breathtaking view of Elbow Cay’s harbour and the neighboring cays. Located on the grounds are a gift shop, marina, and liquor store. Another of the island’s main attractions is the beautiful beach that stretches two miles on the eastern side of the island. The pinkish, white beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a scenic afternoon stroll. The coral reef located just thirty feet off the shore is perfect for snorkeling. For those wishing to explore the 71
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seas off of the island, there are charters and boat rentals available around the island, from places such as Froggies Out Island Adventures, Island Marine, and Sea Horse Marine. The marinas also provide full service for those traveling by boat. Some of the newest activities on the cay are kayaking and paddle boarding. There is nothing like gliding along the top of the crystal clear waters, getting a closer look at wildlife underneath. There are many places on the cay to rent kayaks or paddles boards and also plan tours, including Abaco Eco Kayak Adventures, Abaco Paddle Board, and Lubber’s Landing. There are many restaurants, such as, Hope Town Inn and Marina, Firefly Sunset Resort, Harbour Lodge, Cap’n Jacks, Harbour’s Edge, Munchies, even a local coffee shop, Cracker P’s on Lubber’s Quarters, Sea Spray and Abaco Inn located in White Sound. For anyone wishing to spend a night or more, there are many accommodations and rentals available from places
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such as Firefly Sunset Resort, Hope Town Inn and Marina, Harbour Lodge, Abaco Inn, Sea Spray, Hope Town Hideaways, Hope Town Villas, Elbow Cay Properties, Malone Estates, and Island Marine. This peaceful and quaint town is sure to be perfect for the whole family to sit back, relax, and enjoy a tropical paradise.
Hope Town Abaco Inn.............................366-0133 Crystal Waters & Villas . . 321-452-0164 Elbow Cay Properties..... 366-0035 FireFly Resort................. 366-0145 Hope Town Hideaways... 366-0224 Hope Town Inn & Marina.366-0003 Hope Town Lodge .......... 366-0095 Sea Spray Resort ........... 366-0065 Turtle Hill . ..................... 366-0557 Hope Town Villas...................366-0266 Sea Glass..............................366-0290 Sea Gull Cottages . ...............366-0266 Tanny Key.................... 366-0053/0140
HOPE TOWN HIDEAWAYS
Inclusive of Chris Thompson Real Estate
www.hopetown.com
NEW PRICE!
NEW LISTING
Abaco Pineapple Beach - Fabulous 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom designer beach house located in White Sound directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect beachfront retreat with high ceilings, private pool, generator and panoramic ocean views. $1.29 M USD Also for rent from $4,000/wk plus tax
Donald Seas - On one of the highest bluffs on Elbow Cay sits one of its rarest gems. Almost a 1/4 acre of welllandscaped grounds & an add’l lot perfect for a guest cottage on White Sound, this 3B/2B home w/beach & dock is an excellent turn key investment opportunity. $1.9 M USD Also for Rent From $2,500/wk plus tax
Coco Plum - Well-built 3 bed, 2 bath home and 2 bed, 1.5 bath cottage in Breezy Hill Subdivision across from one of the best beaches on the island. Ideal for full-time residence w/income property. $695,000 BSD
Ocean View Lot 1 - Ocean View Subdivision is located in White Sound, Elbow Cay. Build up on this property to capture wonderful views of the ocean beyond. Quiet location with great rental properties. $140,000 BSD
Tahiti Sunset - Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home w/ dock in Dorros Cove steps from beautiful Tahiti Beach. Features amazing views, fully equipped kitchen, high end furniture & many decks. Great rental history! $1.026 M Also for Rent From $2,500/wk plus tax
Guana Cay - Lot 89 This “one of a kind” lot offers a building site that has over 46,000 sq ft and is the only single lot on Great Guana that offers over 400 feet of water front and 100’ dock in place. A sound investment. $675,000
Cay Nous 2B/2B Sleeps 4. Elegance and Luxury would be words used to describe this gem of a home. Perfectly situated on a corner lot in upscale Dorros Cove. Features include a pool, back up generator and high end finishes. Starting at $2500/wk plus tax
Always Wendy 5B/4B Sleeps 12. Beach house with pool nestled 30ft above sea level for optimum ocean views. Features 1 bedroom studio apartment on ground level with private entrance and sitting area. Starting at $4500/wk plus tax
Abaco Vistas 4B/4.5B Sleeps 8. This luxury beach house with private dock features water on both sides of property - which means views of the Atlantic Ocean & the Sea of Abaco. Starting at $4,500/wk plus tax
Specializing in Residential & Commercial Real Estate throughout The Abacos Local 242.366.0216 • US 561.208.8369 • info@hopetown.com
HOPE TOWN HIDEAWAYS
Queen’s Highway, Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, The Bahamas
Hope Town • Marsh Harbour • Guana Cay • Lubbers Quarters • Treasure Cay • Man-O-War Cay • Green Turtle Cay • Tilloo Cay 73
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Treasure Cay by Samantha Evans
T
reasure Cay is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it will become clear when you visit this that God spent just a little extra time putting the final touches on this beautiful part of Abaco. Treasure Cay is a small coastal community on the eastern end of the island and is approximately 165 miles east of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The beaches of Treasure Cay have clear pristine waters and soft pure white sand where people love to visit to swim, engage in sporting activities, relax or get married. It is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and is still rated one of the top ten beaches in the world. Treasure Cay also has a 5-star golf course which has attracted PGA greats for decades. There are two beautiful resorts where you can stay in the Treasure Cay. They are Treasure Cay Resort and Marina and Bahama Beach Club. Treasure Cay Resort and Marina is located in Great Abaco, Bahamas. This resort is located seven miles from Treasure Cay International Airport, and 25 miles from Marsh Harbour International Airport and features Caribbean-style decor. Guest rooms feature marina or garden views with Deluxe suites, two- and three- bedroom suites and accommodation packages also available. The Bahama Beach Club is also located on the Treasure Cay Beach, 140 miles north of Nassau and 165 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida. They pro-
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vide two, three, four, and five bedroom luxury beachfront condominiums which are fully stocked with all basic and upscale amenities such an electric kitchen, laundry, air-condition, and cable television. These resorts provide activities such as an 18 holes championship golf course, 150 slip marina, tennis, scuba and snorkeling, deep sea and bone fishing, island hopping, tennis, biking, and much more. Treasure Cay is a great place to have your beautiful picturesque wedding. In fact approximately fifty weddings take place there annually. Persons who want to take in some of the historical sites there can enjoy tours that are eagerly led by local taxi drivers. There are numerous events planned for the Treasure Cay community this year. Some of them are: June 4-7: Bahamas Billfish Championship Series, June 25-29, 31: Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Championship, July: Sands ‘Man in the Boat’ Championship, and November 13-16: 2nd Annual Tournament and Family Weekend Festival. For more details contact the Abaco Tourism Office at 367-3067 or 699-0152.
Treasure Cay
Abaco Estate Services.... 365-8752 Bahama Beach Club........ 365-8500 Pineapple Point.............. 800-545-0395 Treasure Hunt Villa......... 845-651-3298 Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina ....365-8578/365-8801
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Guana Cay by Kristen Pearce
G
reat Guana Cay is a pristine location just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Even though the cay stretches for seven miles, there are less than 150 residents, making it perfect for some peace and quiet. A spectacular beach can be found on the eastern side of the island, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or taking peaceful walks. Some consider this beach to be one of the 10 greatest beaches. Guana Cay is known for its great diving. On the eastern side of the cay, the Great Abaco Barrier Reef can be found, with many near-shore reefs and dive spots. Diving trips can be arranged daily by the resorts or the dive shop. However, you don’t need a boat to experience the under water formations of Guana Cay. Many beautiful diving spots can be seen just off shore of the beach. The settlement is indeed a quiet one. There can be found two resorts, a few rental cottages, a convenient grocery store, a few small gift shops, restaurants, and a full service diving shop that runs snorkeling trips. As mentioned, there are two resorts that can be found on Guana Cay. First is Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina. Surrounded by such an amazing waterfront view, Orchid Bay is the perfect place for a vacation. Its amenities include a waterfront pool, tennis court, a fully resourced
Marina, and an elegant restaurant. The second resort is Dolphin Beach Resort. Here you can experience the peacefulness of Guana Cay, along with the many amenities provided by the resort, including, rental rooms and cottages, a private dock, a main lodge with a beautiful deck, rental boats and carts, complimentary kayaks, a freshwater pool, a gift shop called Potcakes, Dive Guana the local dive shop, and Docksiders the elegant restaurant. Grabber’s Bed Bar and Grill can also be found on Guana Cay. Grabber’s now offers a brand new marina, a bar and grill, a pool, and lodging. The newly refurnished rooms are perfect for an island getaway, family vacation, or honeymoon site. You can also rent paddleboards and kayaks from Grabber’s to get a unique experience of the seas. Dive Guana offers boat rentals, along with fishing equipment, scuba and snorkeling gear for those who want to travel the seas around the cay. They also provide bicycles for rent, for those who want to travel around the island. Dive Guana also hosts island hopping and snorkeling trips. Guana Cay is not known for its nightlife or tourist attractions, but one thing most tourists are sure not to miss is a visit to one of the most famous bar and grills, Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill. Nipper’s is considered to be the most 77
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colourful and best-located bar on Abaco. Located directly on the spectacular beach, and with “dune front” tables, the atmosphere at Nipper’s cannot be beat. Each Sunday, many locals and tourists alike travel to Nipper’s for their infamous Bahamian wild boar roast and bar-b-que. Twice a year, Nipper’s is the location for a two-day Barefoot Man concert. The Barefoot Man, whose given name is George Nowak, is a famous musician, who for the last 20 years has entertained audiences with his creative songs. This is an event that cannot be missed on a trip to Abaco. On the north end of the island, there is a fairly new and private residential community called Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club. Baker’s Bay provides 244 custom home sites, 35 beachfront cottages, and 44 boathouses. At Baker’s Bay you can experience an ocean front golf course, a private family beach club, a first-rate spa and fitness club, a pri-
vate watercraft, and superlative dining. Baker’s Bay also provides a seaport village, equipped with a waterfront cantina, a Caribbean-style hotel, and many gift shops and boutiques. Each year, “Regatta Time in Abaco” takes place in July. Guana Cay is always one of the locations of the regatta competition. Keep a look out for the “Regatta Time in Abaco” schedule for this July. There is a ferry service that travels several times daily to and from Guana Cay, making a day trip or long vacation extremely convenient for the entire family.
Guana Cay Dolphin Beach Resort.............365-5137 Abaco Sea Fan................ 603-664-2608 Ocean Frontier Hideaway............... 1-888-541-1616 Frangipani Cottage.......... 772-336-7023
Green Turtle Cay by Kristen Pearce
J
ust a short ferry ride from the mainland rests Green Turtle Cay, one of the earliest settlements in Abaco. With pirate, African, and Loyalist roots, and with ties to its sister city Key West, Green Turtle Cay was once considered the largest city in Abaco. The population has dwindled over the years, and there are currently around 500 residents. Destination Abaco
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However, the locals are extremely active in keeping their heritage and history alive. Each year, the cay hosts many celebrations, including the Island Roots Heritage Festival in May, Regatta Time in Abaco in July, Guy Fawkes celebrations in November, many Christmas celebrations throughout November and December,
WHERE TO STAY
the New Years Celebrations in January, and many more. You can’t help but notice the history all around the island. Along with the many original houses, there is still the original jail, cemetery, and library. You can also find the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture garden and the Albert Lowe Museum, which display some of the history of the settlement. With three grocery stores, two hardware stores, and a liquor store, the island is equipped with almost all the necessities for island life. There are several marinas and clubs on the island that provide accommodations, rentals and restaurants. The Black Sound Marina offers services for those visiting by boat. The Other Shore Club provides a marina and hotel and is the home of Pineapples Bar and Grill. The Green Turtle Club and Marina is a four star club offering boat and cart rentals, two restaurants, a souvenir shop, and fishing charters. The Bluff House Beach Hotel and Yacht Club is equipped with two restaurants and a full service marina. There are accommodations provided around the island, such as rental homes, villas, and cottages. Even though it is possible to walk the settlements, golf carts are available for rent from the clubs, marinas, Kool Kart Rentals, Island Roadrunner, and D and P Rentals. On the journey, be sure to dine at
one of the many local restaurants. Bahamian Cuisine is available, not only from the marinas and clubs, but also around the island from places such as Jolly Rogers, McIntosh’s, the Wrecking Tree, Laura’s Kitchen, Sundowners, Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, and Harvey’s Island Grill. Be sure to also stop in at the local bars and clubs on the weekends to hear the famous Gully Roosters perform authentic Bahamian music. Like every Bahamian Island, there are beautiful views of the crystal clear waters, scenic beaches, and natural wildlife all around the island. While it is possible to travel to the beaches or to rent boats and kayaks, Green Turtle Cay offers many tours, for those who want a guided trip through paradise. The Lincoln Jones Adventure takes you to Munjack Cay, where you can snorkel, fish, spear, relax, swim, or have a picnic. The Tom Sawyer’s Sea Adventures can take you on an Island Hopping adventure in his 31ft. Cat Limbo. The Dive Center can take you on a snorkeling or scuba adventure to many of the offshore wrecks and caverns, and also offers diving certification, day trips, and dolphin encounters. Many charter day trips for fishing can be made through the Green Turtle Club. Brendal’s Dive Center offers many tours and trips, including scuba and snorkeling trips, reef and wild dolphin encounters, island hopping, sunset and sailing cruises, wild turtle encounters and kayaking tours. Wade Cash with Sunset Marine and Boat Rentals offers kayaking tours throughout the island. Whether you plan to stay overnight or visit for a day trip, Green Turtle Cay has much history and beautiful sites to capture your attention for the duration of your stay.
Green Turtle Cay
Barefoot Homes.................... 458-8483 Bluff House........................... 365-4200 Green Turtle Club & Marina.... 365-4271 Other Shore Club Marina ...... 365-4226 Coco Bay Cottages..........561-202-8149 Island Property Mang............ 365-4047 Ocean Blue Properties........... 365-4636 Roberts Cottages................... 365-4105 New Plymouth Inn................. 365-4161 79
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INFORMATION
General Information ATM’s
Visitors to Abaco can get cash 24 hours a day in Marsh Harbour. ATMs operated by Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd., Commonwealth Bank, First Caribbean Int’l Bank in Marsh Harbour provide convenient banking services 24 hours a day.
customs duty in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100) are permitted by all arriving passengers. Household effects such as china, furniture, linens and appliances with valid invoices and used household effects are subject to assessment by customs officers.
Banking Hours
US Customs
Commonwealth Bank is located in Marsh Harbour by the traffic light. Hours of operations are Monday Thursday 9:00am - 3:30pm, Fridays 9:30am - 4:30pm. Telephone - 367-2370 First Carib. Int’l Bank is located in Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay and Man-O-War Cay. Hours of operation for Marsh Harbour are 9:30am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday’s and Friday 9:30am4:30pm. Green Turtle Office is operated two days a week - Mondays and Thursdays. Telephone in MH - 367-2166 Royal Bank of Canada Monday - Thursday 9:30am-3:00pm and Fridays 9:30am-4:30pm. Marsh Harbour - 367-2420 ATM Treasure Cay - 365-8119 ATM Scotiabank (Bah) Ltd is located in the Abaco Shopping Center in Marsh Harbour and a branch in Cooper’s Town which is operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-2:30pm. The Marsh Harbour Branch hours are from 9:30am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday and Friday’s 9:30am4:30pm. Telephone (MH) 367-2141 Fidelity/Western Union 367-3135 Open 9:00am-4:00pm - Mon-Friday
Customs - For visitors arriving by plane Bahamas Customs
Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but the baggage is subject to customs inspections. In the case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a baggage claim form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Destination Abaco
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Residents of the US may take home merchandise valued up to $600 retail duty free. This exemption applies to each family member, even infants. Family members living in the same household may pool exemptions to reduce the duty on an expensive item or carry in more items. All items must accompany the traveller to be eligible for exemption and must be for personal use or gifts and not for sale. The $600 exemption may only be claimed if you have been out of the US for 48 hours and may only be claimed every 30 days. Purchases of up to $1,000 more than the $600 allowance will be taxed at a flat rate of 10 percent, based on the fair retail value in The Bahamas. Separate from the $600 exception, you may also mail gift packages of $100 value or less duty-free. They must be marked ‘Unsolicited Gift’ and you may send as many as you wish, but not more than one $100 gift package to the same person on the same day. Goods shipped for personal use may be mailed into the US duty and tax-free if the total value is not more than $200. This exemption does not apply to perfume, alcoholic beverages, or to cigars and cigarettes. If you do not meet the 48-hour and 30-day time requirements, you may take in $25 worth of items for your own personal or household use free of duty. This exemption may not be pooled. Exemption limit of 10 cigars (not Cuban), 50 cigarettes, 4 ounces of liquor or 4 oz of cologne, may be included. If you spend more than $25 you must pay duty on the entire amount. REMEMBER: If you are carrying more than $10,000 in US or foreign currency, coins, traveller’s checks, etc. into the US, it MUST be reported to Customs. Please
Canadian Customs
Canadian residents including minors may claim $50 (Can.) exemption after an absence of 24 hours or more. This exemption, which excludes tobacco and alcohol, may be claimed numerous times annually by verbal declaration. After 48 hours absence any number of times a year, $200 exemption may be claimed. This merchandise, which must accompany the traveller, can include 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 2 lbs of tobacco and 40 ounces of liquor. A $500 (Can.) exemption can be claimed after an absence of seven (7) days or more. This exemption may be claimed any number of times per year regardless of any $200 exemption claimed on a previous trip, but the two may not be combined at any time. The declaration for this exemption must be written. The allowance for liquor and tobacco is the same as for the $200 exemption. All duty-free items must be for personal or household use or as gifts. Children who are literate and can understand the declaration may claim exemption. Persons must be over 16 years of age to import tobacco and spirits. Amounts are in Canadian dollars. Illegal Items. Strict laws and penalties apply for possession of dangerous drugs and firearms. Any drugs considered dangerous, including marijuana, bring stiff fines and even jail terms if found in the possession of unauthorized persons.
Churches
Call to confirm services and times. Evening services may vary due to the time change.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
1st Assembly of God (MH)...... 367-2130 Church of God (GTC).............. 365-4505 Church of God (MOW)............ 365-6088 Church of God of Prop.(DT).... 367-4719 Church of God (MH)............... 367-2740 Full Gospel Assembly (TC)...... 365-8097
ANGLICAN
St. Simon by The Sea (TC)...... 365-8466 St. John’s the Baptist (MH)...... 367-2518
BAPTIST
Calvary Baptist Church (MH)... 367-2105 Grace Baptist Church (DT)...... 367-2926
Unity Baptist Church (TC)....... 365-8371 Zion Baptist Church (MT)........ 367-3563
BRETHREN
Bethany Gospel (MH)............. 367-4472 International Creole (MH)....... 367-3784 Island Outreach (MOW).......... 365-6458 Gospel Chapel (MOW)............ 365-6038 New Life Chapel (MOW)......... 365-6458 Marsh Harbour Gospel (MH).... 367-2204 New Plymouth Gospel(GTC).... 365-4198
METHODIST
Aldersgate Methodist (MH)...... 367-2009 St. Andrew’s Methodist (MH)... 367-2007 St. James Methodist (HT)....... 366-0400 Epworth Chapel (Cherokee).... 366-2249
INFORMATION
contact US Customs at 242-377-8461 if you have questions on importing any items.
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
New Vision Ministries (MH)..... 367-3324 Church of Christ (MH)............. 367-3496 Church of Latter Rain (DT)...... 367-3871 Friendship Tabernacle (DT)..... 475-1055 Purpose Ministry (MH)............ 367-4867
PRESBYTERIAN
Kirk of the Pines (MH)............ 367-3643
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Francis de Sales (MH)........ 367-2714
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Seventh Day Adventist (MH)... 367-4501
Communications
Radio Abaco, 93.5 FM and 98.5 FM are local broadcast with local and national programming and advertising 24 hour broadcasting. Cruisers Net is available on VHF 16 each morning at 8:15am for updates on weather and events in Abaco.
Currency
If you come across a $3 bill, it’s okay. Bahamian paper money comes in various bills such as $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. There is also an extra Bahamian coin, the 15-cent, which is square with rounded corners and decorated with a hibiscus.
Department of Marine Resources
Personal Bag Limit The subsidiary laws of The Bahamas allows all persons travelling by commercial airlines to carry the following fisheries resources when leaving The Bahamas as personal baggage: No more than six fish in total - Kingfish, Wahoo & Dolphin, Ten (10) pounds - Crawfish or Conch OR 81
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Twenty (20) pounds of Demersal - Snappers, Grouper, Stone Crab claws, Jacks, Hog Fish, etc. For more information contact Department of Marine Resources at 242.699.0202.
Exchange Rates
The Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. A small exchange may be applicable when converting traveller’s cheques for local currency.
Immigration
Upon your arrival in The Bahamas you are given an immigration card to fill out. The officer at the Port of Entry will keep the top section and return the bottom section to you. You must return that portion to the ticket agent upon departure. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom or colonies do not need a passport for a visit that does not extend beyond 3 weeks, provided that you have proper identification, birth certificate, picture identification and a return ticket.
Postage
The post office in Marsh Harbour is situated in the Dove Plaza downtown on Don MacKay Blvd and provides air mailing service to anywhere in the world, also regular surface mail. Postcards are 50 cents to the US, UK and Canada. Airmail letters (one-half ounce) 65 cents for US and Canada, 70 cents for Europe. Other services available include FedEx, United Postal Service and DHL. Each town has its own post office.
Public Holidays
New Year’s Day 1st January Majority Rule Day 10th January Good Friday 3rd April Easter Monday 6th April Whit Monday 25th May Labour Day 5th June Independence Day 10th July Emancipation Day 3rd August National Heroes Day 12th October Christmas Day 25th December Boxing Day 26th December If a holiday falls closer to the end of the week the holiday is celebrated on the Friday of that week or Monday if it falls near the beginning of the week.
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Service Groups
Organized clubs of business and professional persons active in public services.
PILOT CLUB
Dedicated to helping prevent brain-related disorders - “Brain Minders”. Tel: 242.367.4571 Meets every 3rd Tuesday in the month at Central Abaco Primary School at 6:00p.m.
KIWANIS CLUB
Dedicated to serving the children of the world. ‘Young Children - Priority One’ meets every other Tuesday at Central Abaco Primary School at 6:30pm. Tel 242.367-3680
ROTARY CLUB
Committed to immunizing all the world’s children against polio. ‘Polio Plus’ meets at Great Abaco Beach Resort every Monday night at 5:30p.m. Tel: 425.7797
TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org
FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Friends of the Environment is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect Abaco’s marine and terrestrial environments in order to achieve sustainable living for the people and wildlife of Abaco. FRIENDS main method of achieving this mission is through environmental education and has provided over 6,000 experiences for local children to date, getting them out of the classroom and into the environment. Additionally FRIENDS hosts events throughout the year for all to enjoy and participate in such as the lionfish derby, reef balls, film festivals, science fairs and much more! There is a way for everyone to get involved! www.friendsoftheenvironment.org or call 367-2721.
ABACO CANCER SOCIETY
The Abaco Branch of the Cancer Society exists to educate the public on matters relating to cancer and to support those undergoing treatment for the disease. It meets the first Tuesday of each month at Forest Heights Academy 242.367.3744 abacocancersociety@gmail.com
club in The Bahamas and is based in Marsh Harbour. Its big event of the year is its Toys-For-Tots drive which distributes over 1000 toys to all communities within the Abacos. Their members also participate in the Big Hill Box Cart Derby in Hope Town and do a number of rides throughout the island during the year. The club has a number of items for sale at some of the better gift shops in Marsh Harbour including T-shirts, hats, beer cozies, patches and stickers. The proceeds are used in many ways during the year including donations to a number of worthy causes along with the Toys-For-Tots. If you are lost while walking around the marina district, the club has a couple of “YouAre-Here” maps beside Snappas and near Sand Dollar Shoppe to help you find out where you are. www.scuryfew.org
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club was formed in Marsh Harbour 25 years ago by yachtsman Charlie Murphy, who was then a regular visitor to the Abacos. Anyone interested in learning more about the yacht club can check out its website: www.RMHYC.com.
Taxes
There is no sales tax in The Bahamas. However, there are other forms of taxes that may occur on your trip there. There is a hotel room tax of 12% - 15% that will be added to your bill at the time of check out. There is a $5 - $25 agency charge for airline tickets booked through a travel agent. Rental cottages are 10% tax.
Taxi Fares
Taxis are available and are found mostly at the airports and the ferry docks in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. Taxi drivers are willing to wait for individuals to shop and would love to take you sightseeing. Fares vary within the Marsh Harbour area and to the North and South of Abaco. Waiting time is $40.00 per hour
additional 1/2 hr is $20.00. Children under the age of five are free. Fare from the Marsh Harbour airport to Albury’s Ferry Dock is $15 for 2 persons and each additional person is $3.
Telephones
Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) provides 100% digital switching system that allows communication with over 100 countires. Other services are fax, telex, cellular and satellite. Sim and Phone cards are available. Roaming features are available and will be billed through your home carrier. Batelnet and Cable Bahamas are the two major internet providers in Abaco. Wireless internet services are also available.
INFORMATION
SCURVY FEW MOTORCYCLE CLUB is the only charter motorcycle
Temperatures
High Low January 77º 64º February 77º 65º March 79º 66º April 81º 69º May 84º 72º June 87º 76º July 89º 77º August 89º 77º September 88º 76º October 85º 74º November 82º 71º December 78º 66º We enjoy a tropical temperature year round. Water temperature ranges from the low 80s in the summer to the mid-70s in the winter. What to bring Beach towels, suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, any food, cooler, long sleeved shirts for sun protection, and flashlight. You will probably bring too many clothes. Days are in bathing suits and dining out is casual (no jackets for men). Bring a portable radio if you want one for the beach.
Traffic Rules
Drive on the left side. Remember to keep to the left. Wearing seat belts is mandatory. If you are walking where there is no sidewalk, face oncoming traffic.
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