Christmas at Black Point, Exuma, Bahamas

Our second Christmas in the Bahamas, but this one is turning out to be the most memorable. We brought this little Christmas tree down to the boat the last time we were down, its the perfect size for the boat, about 2 feet high. I have it tie strapped to the air conditioning vent, and it won’t budge, even while heeled heavily under sail. I have it plugged into the AC socket in the galley, and every time we turn on the inverter, generator or are on shore power it lights up.  The little sailboat ornament was a gift from Emily Searle, I don’t know where she got it, but we love it! The candles are battery operated and go off on a timer after a few hours. You’ll find many boats decorated for Christmas all over the Bahamas and Florida this time of year.

We also brought down a few gifts for the kids and one I must admit was as much for me as for them. I purchased a pretty high quality metal detector for beach combing. We are now equipped to look for treasures on the beach, including those long lost by the Pirates of the Caribbean and maybe some of their gold coins they may have buried.

On Christmas eve, Paul from Fortune’s Favour had the great idea of calling Santa Clause on the VHF radio, after a few attempts he was successful! Santa answered and had a very interesting conversation with the children, he explain to the children where he was, and that he was having a very busy night and could not talk long. But not to worry he knows where the boat is and he will find us! It was an amazing way to cap of the day.

Yesterday while exploring the island we met many friendly locals that live here. Lorraine who owns and operates her own restaurant named after herself invited us to join her, along with other cruisers and many locals for their annual Christmas Dinner at her restuarant. This was a pot luck dinner, everyone would bring a dish or two, and we would all enjoy Christmas dinner together. Roxane made Turkey, salad and muffins. Together we enjoyed those along with fresh grouper fingers, ham, mac and cheese, coleslaw, corn, mashed potatoes and many other tasty dishes.

The best part of the day was the many Christmas carols sung together, and a little dancing and socializing. I think we will have to make this an annual tradition. What better way to spend Christmas in the Bahamas but with good friends and friendly Bahamians and cruisers alike.