Black Point Settlement, Exumas, Bahamas (anchored)
April 18, 2022
Although we have a work-around for air in our fuel lines, John has been working to truly resolve the issue. Our diesel tanks are under the settees in our salon. John had to remove the cushions and the wooden boards underneath to access them. Luckily, the hose connections are at the top of the tanks so he could check the connection without having to remove the tank.
John found a loose hose clamp and what appears to be a weakened and worn out section of fuel hose. He removed that section and reattached it but hasn’t had a chance to test it. Right now we don’t have any replacement fuel hose but will probably be able to purchase some when we get to Georgetown.
This was also the first day of a three-day virtual school visit for me. Since our internet connection is so slow, I worked from a cafe.
It rained last night so John had to bail out about 5 gallons of water from the dinghy before we left. He dropped me off at the cafe dock – it was low tide so I had to climb pretty far up the ladder before he handed me my backpack and a towel to wipe down the cafe furniture.
The cafe opens around 9:30 (Bahama time is different) but the patio is open and partially covered by umbrellas. There’s also an electric outlet so I can keep my laptop charged. This morning I shared this space with a couple who were also working remotely. We talked for a bit and I learned that they’re from Charleston county, too.
I try to stay on mute as much as possible as I am working here – at any given point the sound of gulls and/or roosters could drown out the speakers.
Cats are pretty common in most settled places we’ve been (but we haven’t seen many Bahamian-owned dogs). The cats and chickens seem to have reached some agreements about behavior as today I saw a chicken walk right across a lounging cat.
The cats at Lorraine’s are really cute and they exploit their cuteness by hanging around the tables looking for scraps. We didn’t feed them but we saw them get a few handouts
We had dinner plans with boat buddies so we did a quick trip back to Lailia to drop off my laptop, turn on the anchor light, grab our safety items (handheld VHF walkie-talkie, large flashlight, and portable air horn). I hope we never need any of this stuff but I would rather know we can get help if needed than not have it.
Quick trips are relative – it was down the ladder to the dinghy and a ride across the anchorage before a climb into Lailia.
The water and wind have been pretty calm today (I wish I didn’t have to work). This has made the dinghy rides pretty easy today.
We hoped to watch the sun set from the restaurant but we heard thunder. I don’t want to ride in the rain if we can avoid it. If course it seems as if the rain went around us
I will be back at the cafe tomorrow working. John was hoping to rent a bike to explore but the bike rental place isn’t up and running any more.
Life on Lailia 
John must miss his biking. 🚴🚴🚴
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