4/7/15
Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abacos, Bahamas
Position: 26 32.210N, 076 57.678W
Posted by Bill

I have read so much about picturesque Hope Town that I have been looking forward to stopping here, and it lives up to the reputation. From the narrow streets with well maintained, colorful houses; the flowering landscaping; beautiful beaches and harbor; to the candy striped lighthouse. There are 2 resorts with swimming pools, bars and restaurants, and all of the amenities are open to the public. There are several grocery stores, liquor stores, and lots of restaurants…most of them serving good food. We have been here for 3 days and have been enjoying it all, including climbing the lighthouse.

In addition to our friends that we have been traveling with, we caught up with Joe and Michelle on Simple Life, and Hayden and Radeen on Island Spirit. It was great seeing them again.

The wind has picked up for several days and it has been comfortable on a mooring ball and being in a protected harbor. So far we have had really good food at Captain Jacks (great coconut mahi mahi) and good appetizers at Harbours Edge. Like Key West, you can get drinks to go, or pick something up at a liquor store, and walk the streets with your libation.

We had to time the tide coming in, but had an uneventful trip getting here.

Here are some pictures:
Coming in to the harbor:


Hope Town Inn and Marina where Sofia Jeanne and Byrd Ketcher are docked and where we are enjoying the pool and pool bar:



The police station, post office and town commissioners office:

The lighthouse:



Views from the lighthouse, including the harbor:

And the Sea of Abaco:

The beach on the Atlantic side:

Examples of the colorful houses and shops:

They maintain the town very well, the buildings, and there is very little trash. Our friend Michelle calls this “Disney Land” of the Bahamas. It certainly is different from what we have seen so far, especially the trash. It wasn’t as bad in the Berry Islands, but it was really bad in Bimini…trash everywhere. And no one seems to care.

One disappointment…the price of rum. Everyone told us not to take a lot of rum because it is so inexpensive in the Bahamas. Not so. Even the cheapest rum is higher than back in the states. Good thing we brought lots of vodka! Next we are heading to Marsh Harbour, the largest town in the Abacos. They are supposed to have great grocery stores and liquor stores.