February 5 , 2004
Exuma Park

This place is really hard to leave. I came here well over a two weeks ago and it doesn't look like I am going to let go of this mooring any time soon. Exuma Park has community feel that just makes people stay longer and longer. Researchers are puzzled by recent case of a cruiser who came here for 3-4 days. Two years ago. Bunch of my new friends here came some 3-4 weeks ago and are not in a rush either. So what are we all doing here? The park has this volunteer program which is a great excuse to hang around and do some good for the place while socializing and meeting new people.

Some are coming here every year, few even dropped everything and live here all year round. I did my share of volunteer work back in Canada and I didn't think I was in danger of doing it again for any extended amount of time. Nevertheless, first week came by, than the second... It's plain and obvious to me now. It's a conspiracy. And here is how it works.

You bring bunch of cool and chilled cruisers to a hot spot in the Exumas, to one of the most pictures island at that. You provide mooring for them, winning the heart of the captain, who enjoys worry-free nights without the need of messing around with the anchors. Most skippers get hooked after 2-3 days, finding all sort of excuses to delay anchoring elsewhere. Two most common are the weather and 'unfinished project'. The direction, strength and angle of the wind change often enough here in the winter months to justify one more night to wait for that perfect wind. When the weather is good you find yourself immersed in a very vital project, the value of your expertise clearly appreciated by the park warden.

Park warden, without giving out any names, in his past has been working with numerous crews offshore doing salvaging and he learned trick or two about making the team. I found him primarily responsible for all these delays in plans of many, many cruisers passing unsuspiciously through the Exuma Park. I was on to his tricks when he pulled his biggest one on me. I guess everybody has a weak spot. He found mine. As long as I am here I am not allowed to miss lunch at his house. Then it was superball party with unbelievably good Bahamian cuisine. By the by Bahamian Defense Force, at least the unit stationed here, has some best chefs hidden behind their navy uniforms...

On a different note. I was wondering how is it going to be sailing by myself, after Johannes left. I don't know yet. I didn't let go of my mooring waiting for better weather and finishing some projects...

(M)