February 4

George Town with Stocking Island just across Elizabeth Harbor is a cruisers paradise. In the winter months there are as many as 400+ boats anchored. The tight, welcoming cruising community is ready to assist and have fun. It was a must stop for Bistari.

Each morning at 8am, the Cruisers Net broadcasts over VHF radio a formatted program of topics including anyone in need of assistance, boats that arrived the day before, boats that will be leaving, local business’ announcements, taxi ride sharing requests to airport, invitations to special events such as yoga, church service, water aerobics, trade and swap items for people in need of or want to get rid of something, weather briefing including tides and sunrise/sunset, and more. Ken and I felt an immediate sense of community listening to this broadcast.

Stocking Island

Stocking Island, across Elizabeht Harbor from Georgetown has beautiful, white sandy beaches, terrific walking paths and wonderful snorkeling. The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park has a rich story of community coming together to protect the local environment. Its story is well told on Moriah Harbour Cay National Park - Bahamas National Trust (bnt.bs).

Chat and Chill

The legendary Chat and Chill Restaurant on Stocking Island in the middle of four large anchorages is the hub of social gatherings. Cruisers love its expansive beach, shade trees with swings, climbing ropes, abundance of picnic tables, beach volleyball net, backgammon tournaments, beach cookouts and more. From The Chat and Chill website:

OUR STORY

Chat ‘N’ Chill® was born in 1998 as a day camp for people who lived on their boats in Elizabeth Harbour. Somewhere they could go for great food, volleyball, a chilled-out atmosphere and even Sunday church without needing a car or a taxi.

Bistari was in cruisers heaven.

George Town

Entering George Town by dingy was through the famous low bridge. The grocery store was nicely stocked in most items except fresh vegetables and fruit. The mail boat had not arrived yet for its bi-weekly delivery. One quickly learns to arrive shortly after its unloaded to enjoy the nice fresh selection that is sure to deplete quickly.

The Historic St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Anglican/Episcopal

Dedicated December 25, 1802 this church sits at the top of the hill leading into George Town. “Peace Be Still” inscribed in the stain glass window was powerful for an island church where weather and storms are so consequential.