Sand Castle Contest by Grace

In the Abacos, specifically the Marsh Harbour area and closer cays, there is a forum called the "Cruisers' Net"VHF channel 68 everyday at 8am. The purpose is for weather updates, community announcements, mail call (announce if one is going back to States, Canada or wherever-and can bring back unsealed, stamped mail), arrivals/departures from area, and 'open mic'. Well Lexie and her friend Katarina from 'Escape Velocity' came up with the idea of having a Sand Castle contest while we were in Hope Town, Elbow Cay. After a 'not so hard coaxing', Doug announced their plans in 'open mic' on the 'Cruisers' Net' to be held at 1:30 at rock on the ocean side of Hope Town Harbor Lodge. Kids of all ages were invited.

Four families joined in the fun. Elinor and Brant from 'Lazy Bones' surprised us and came from Boat Harbour in Marsh Harbour, father and son named 'Blue (sp?) , the family on 'Nereid' (last year spent the whole year in the Abacos on 'Independence' and this week visited on grandparents' boat moored in Hope Town Harbor) and our family. The Atherholts from Escape Velocity were visiting their godsister at the cottage 'Tomato Paste', therefore did not join us-although helped mastermind the operation.

We had a beautiful afternoon.