We hope to return to Warderick Wells at some point but felt we should continue to head South. We loved mooring number 4 in the north field.We chose Black Point because it offers some protection from the south and we are supposed to have some east south east wind tonight although, just north of us, winds may be north east. Black Point has protection from all directions except west.
Black Point is a town with several small restaurants, and groceries. They are also home to the Rockside laundromat which is a lovely waterfront laundromat that is very clean and functional and also offers an 8 minute shower for five dollars. On some days there are also bike rentals, and haircuts and braiding. Rooms are for rent above. A small store sells a variety of goods within.
There are cars, golf carts and motorcycles on the island, all must get here by boat. The population is about 450 and they have a school, several churches a clinic and an airstrip. Despite all of this, it is hard here. They would have to import soil to grow anything; it is rock and sand. The fresh water is made by reverse osmosis technology. They are welcoming to boaters offering garbage drop off for a donation, and free water from the town spigot.
Our first order of business was to get rid of trash and do some laundry. We packed both into the dinghy and rowed to shore. The laundry had cruisers and islanders washing. A tv was on in the corner and deal or no deal was very popular. Everyone agreed that the contestant should keep the money and groaned when she risked it for more.
During the dry cycle, we went to a couple of grocery stores. Some had some lettuce and some green peppers. There were onions, carrots, potatoes and all the canned goods. One of the store owners was watching the inauguration on her laptop. She asked if this was the last time for Donald Trump. We all hoped so.
We ended up at Lorraine’s number 2, the High Tide restaurant. Lorraine does well here with two restaurants and a bakery. A group had come from Staniel Cay on the water taxi and there were some other cruisers here also. A fisherman was cleaning a fish on the rocks next to the restaurant. David sampled the local beer Kalek and I had this giant mango slushie floating in warm Bahamian rum. To order dinner, you had to have made a reservation before 4 pm but they had an appetizer menu. They were out of many of the appetizers and we opted for the two that were available, wings and fish nuggets. They were served with some carrot slices and some baby spinach. Delicious. We met Lorraine as she came to the table checking on the guests.
Went for the eight minute shower after dinner. It felt very good. We were finished with time to spare. Back to the boat.