Marsh Harbour

Marsh Harbour

Marsh Harbour is the hub of the Abacos. It is a typical big city with all the issues – ok not big really but compared to the villages on the outer islands, it is a massive place. (Only actual cars and trucks – none of the ubiquitous golf carts we have seen everywhere else.) There is an airport which attracts commercial planes and also a Publix style grocery store.  The store was a big attraction as well as the bakery which Steve visited twice.  We had stocked up on most provisions before we left the USA but after three weeks needed some fresh produce and milk plus a few strange essentials like sesame oil (for that maple syrup ginger fish sauce).  Everything that can be imagined is in the famous Maxwells of Marsh Harbour. 

Another thing that did not disappoint was the Jib Room at Marsh Harbour Marina.  We managed to extend our stay to include Rib Nite and have no regrets.  Sadly our camera died so we can’t share photos of the dinner requiring two plates and the dessert brownie filling a dinner plate. Just trust us, it was good.  As was a long visit with Rick and Debra on What’s Next.  They are looper friends who are still on their boat – as they noted, most of those looping in 2013 have stopped cruising full or even part time so it is a special treat to meet a couple of the very special folks that shared some of our looping adventures.

The Marsh Harbour Marina is across the harbor from the heart of town, but in this case that is a good thing.  The shopping or town attractions are easily reached by bike or a short dinghy ride.  The Mermaid reef, on the other hand, is a few steps from the dock behind the marina.  Steve took a snorkel swim there and reported an abundance of interesting fish in addition to several big lobster – of course now that the season has closed they are visible everywhere! Julia rested up – hopefully finally recovering from a strange bug – promise no rum involved. Off to Man-O-War and Great Guana…