Goodbye Arthur, Hello Sunshine!

July 2nd, 2014 - Goodbye Arthur, Hello Sunshine!

As Arthur spins its way up the east coast and away from those of us in Abaco, we are reminded that Mother Nature reigns supreme. We are also reminded that Abaco is not for sissies!

For the better part of three days, we have anxiously awaited the departure of tropical storm Arthur (soon-to-be Hurricane Arthur) from our area. As I lay in bed wide awake at 6:00 A.M. this morning, I could hear the whistle of the wind blowing through the trees and the loud claps of thunder in the distance. Arthur was still dishing out a final blow to the island, and I allowed a small tinge of self-pity to ease its way in my mind. Will we ever see the sunshine again? Did we come all this way and spend all this money to dodge thunderstorms? I had to constantly remind myself that Abaco was not for sissies. I have repeated this mantra many times, but now my limits were being tested. 

Sorry for the drama, but that's what being cooped up with a 5 year old for three days straight will do for you. To make a long story short, the last few bands of Arthur came through and we were soon looking out over the Sea of Abaco and noticed something foreign; almost alien to us. This yellow-orange ball of fire was peaking through dark clouds illuminating the blue-tinted waters of Abaco. Yes, the sun was shining through!

Fun in the Sun

Atlantic Side

Like a Postcard

Cross at Beach

We quickly put on our swimsuits and headed to the beach. While on North Beach, we met a gentleman who takes groups of Boy Scouts around in his boat 13 weeks during the summer. As we talked, we discovered he now lives in Greenville, SC (where we live)! He is originally from Beaufort, SC. It is indeed a small world. I also walked up the path from the methodist church and to the right so I could look south toward Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Lightning and thunderstorms continued to put on a show, at a distance, for quite some time through the afternoon and early evening. 

After the fun in the sun, we headed to Harbour's Edge for supper. Before being seated, we noticed the collection of bags, etc. from Hope Town Canvas. They offer a beautiful and pricey assortment bags. Our meal was superb, made complete by a remarkable view of the lighthouse and a passing storm in the background. I can think of few places more picturesque than Hope Town. There is a photograph, of postcard quality, waiting at every turn. The refreshing breeze, the good food, the beautiful views...it was so nice to be out of the house. 

Harbour's Edge

Lighthouse at Sunset

Hello Sun

After our meal, we walked the streets of Hope Town to Munchies. Munchies is one of our favorite stops. We refer to it as the McDonald's or Waffle House on the island. And I mean that in a very positive manner. An ice cream cone (flavors - chocolate, coconut, cotton candy, vanilla, and rum raisin) is only $2.25 there so we had dessert there before walking down to the "kissing chairs" past the basketball court. Speaking of basketball, a group of local boys were in a heated game as we passed by! The kissing chairs offer another picture opportunity and a gorgeous view of entrance to Hope Town Harbour. We love dusk on the island and watching the boats come in after a long day on the water. 'Tis a wonderful treat to experience as you sit in the kissing chairs.

Munchies

Ice Cream = Good

Kissing Chairs

So, goodbye Arthur and hello sunshine! We're back in beach mode tomorrow. Layin' low in Abaco. Reflecting for a moment on the doldrums I experienced as we waited out this storm, I could not help but remember a line from a poem I once read while shopping on the island. I liked it so much that I bought a print with the poem inscribed on it and it now stands in my office.

"There is HOPE in Hope Town"

Yes, yes there is. 

Randomness:

• The beach at North Beach was again crowded today. Crowded by Abaco standards anyway. Maybe it is just me, but there appears to be a younger crowd this year. 
• We always talk about houses we want to inquire about for our next visit. We have stayed in the settlement and just south. We are intrigued by the north end for several reasons. Has anyone ever stayed on the north end that can offer some suggestions?
• Bring twice the money and half the clothes. Yes, this is true. 
• We called my grandmother in upstate SC today to wish her a happy birthday. She turned 79 today! 
• Several grocery stores did not have items we wanted today. I want to ask when shipments usually come in so I can remember for next time.