Stop And Look

July 6th, 2014 - Stop and Look

Firefly Resort Pano

Tahiti Beach Pano

I have reached that point in my blogging experience where I am not sure what else can be documented and still paint an accurate picture of the charming character and rustic beauty of Elbow Cay. For this trip, we decided not to rent a boat  to help with cost. This is not that big of a deal for us because we are not exactly seafaring people. But it does mean we will have to go without trips to North Pelican, the "narrows" at Man O' War, and a few other spots. Still, this has been one of our most enjoyable experiences ever on the island. And thanks to those of you following and sharing our blog. We have received over 2,000 views in just over a week!

Abby Plays with Her Potcake Friend

We decided to get a head start on the day and get to Tahiti Beach on the south end around midmorning. Being low tide, we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to look for shells and allow Abby some time to enjoy the tidal pools and shallows that are created during low tide at Tahiti. The weather could not have been more perfect. On our walk from Dorros Dock to Tahiti, we encountered a barracuda. Can you spot him in the picture below? Not the largest we have ever seen, but did not seem bothered in the least with our presence. We have been blessed to have been in close 

proximity with a variety of wildlife in Abaco during this trip. We have seen a reef shark, sea turtles, stingrays, a variety of fish and birds, potcakes, and the barracuda. On such a stunning morning, the waters of Tahiti were crystal clear which made for excellent shelling and snorkeling. There was a very large crowd at Tahiti for so early in the day. We enjoyed watching one gentleman kiteboard around the shallows of Tahiti while another flew his quadricopter drone. No doubt that the Tahiti crowd knows how to have fun. I simply enjoy standing still and admiring the view; like a slow motion video of paradise playing just for me. 

After several hours of fun at Tahiti, we went in for lunch and spent an hour at North Beach watching Abby play with a friend she had met (see picture above). The water was a bit too rough for our liking on the Atlantic side so we opted to visit HTHL once again for ice cream and drinks. And, of course, a dip in the pool. 

 Hammock Calling My Name

Flag

After some rest and relaxation at HTHL, we traveled home to start working on dinner. We used the grill at our rental home for the first time and prepared hamburger steaks. They were delicious! I was quite thankful that I did not burn the house down as the flame did get out of control at one point. I have enjoyed taking pictures of the Hope Town "Fire Department" locations, but I seriously did not want to have to rely on them for their services. Thankfully, we can just laugh about it now. 

Dorros Community Dock

For our evening adventure, we set out to Firefly Sunset Resort and Abaco Inn. The Firefly Resort boasts the BEST view for sunset you will find on the island. I would suggest stopping there for a drink at the bar and then walking down to their dock for pictures during sunset. Unfortunately for us, the Firefly was crowded so we made the decision to take a few pictures and head to the Abaco Inn. 

We made an impromptu decision to head to the Abaco Inn for dessert. We remembered very much enjoying doing dessert there several years ago. Let me stop for a moment and state for the record: The Abaco Inn is quickly becoming our favorite resort on the island. The food and drink has been superb but, more importantly, the people (from waitstaff to managers) have been extremely kind and treated us as though we were staying on their property. Not to start a debate on the Abaco Forum, but let's just say we have not always been greeted in such a respectful manner by some of the other resorts on the island. Moving along, the dessert at the Inn was spectacular. I enjoyed the chocolate silk pie while my wife feasted on the coconut pie. We enjoyed our dessert in the indoor restaurant area with a cool breeze caressing us through the open windows. Magical evening for us. 

It's late now. Almost a new day. And I cannot help but think about the fact that our two weeks is almost up on the island. We leave for our other home, real home, on Friday. Still, four days is plenty to take everything in and embrace it. We will certainly make the most of it. Today while walking around the shallows of Tahiti Beach, I remembered to just stop and look. I didn't have to analyze it, debate it, pay for it, anything. I just stopped and I looked. The island life forces you to slow down do such things. I pray I can remember, no, grasp and hold on to this mentality. 

Abaco Inn Moment

Mommy and Baby Starfish

 Mom at Tahiti

 The Walk to Tahiti Beach

 Mom on Edge of Sand Bar

 Starfish Find

Clear Waters at Tahiti Beach

Musings:

• We plan to try to hitch a ride to the lighthouse tomorrow. Stayed tuned!
• My wife and I will officially celebrate our 8th anniversary (June 16th) at the Abaco Inn tomorrow evening. My parents are watching the kids. 
• Obviously, we enjoy the beaches at North Beach and Tahiti. Are there any other good beaches we are missing on the island?
• Before leaving to do list: secure t-shirts and other souvenirs, visit lighthouse, walk north on the island to explore. What would you suggest we add?