Day 273 Monday, March 20,2023
Staniel Cay mooring ball to Highbourne Cay
We had a rough, rolly, noisy night on the mooring ball but no worries about the anchor dragging. It was threatening rain but fortunately it blew over. We left at 8am and traveled with 2 foot waves but not uncomfortable.
Mega yachts were a dime a dozen. We saw one yacht with a "support" boat that was probably 75 feet long. It made us think that it was a ship from the show "Below Deck" and the support boat could be for the production crew. Both boats had tenders that were 30 feet long. Friends thought it belonged to the CEO of Google....
We also saw a tow boat and barge that contained a truck, tractor trailer containers and lots of materials.
We reached our destination at Highbourne Cay around 2pm, a 6 hour day. Last time we were here we anchored in the bay, hoping for protection from the winds. We were there for 2 days. This time we were successful getting a slip at the marina. The marina is on a private island with a resort and resort prices but we were ready to pay for some added protection and comfort. Last time we stared at the beach on the island, this time we can actually use it.
The channel entrance for the marina was tricky and quite shallow but we made it without problem. Once in the marina the water depths were fine. We were the little boat surrounded by the big guys at 150 foot and greater. We had lots of help from the dock hands. The power at our slip wasn't working -- they told us it was a problem with our boat but Jerry proved otherwise!
Resident Parrot, Louie. He can open his cage door and is "free range".
We are planning a 5 day stay due to predicted bad weather. Seems that's the story for our Bahamas adventure.
Day 274 Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Highbourne Cay Marina
We explored the island today with the free bikes the marina provides. There are some beautiful views and beaches. The east side of the island was very rough; we were glad we were in a marina and not traveling.
Low tide at the swing
Tired of walking?
Since the island is a private resort there isn't anything that isn't actually associated with the resort. There are cottages you can rent and "Da Village" which is a complex of houses for the island staff. The marina office is pretty well stocked with groceries; boaters at anchor can dinghy in to purchase supplies. No prices on anything -- ask first so you aren't surprised. The few things I bought were reasonable for Bahamas. I bought a red pepper, a tomato and 1/2 gallon of milk for $14.52. Cheap compared to everything else on the island. We are paying $85/day for electricity....... you can bet we are using both of our air conditioners.
We thought that we might enjoy the beach near the resort with its tiki huts and shaded lounges but were quickly informed by staff from one of the yachts that they had rented the entire beach!
Day 275 Wednesday March 22, 2023
We took advantage of the free bikes and did more exploring. This time we made it to Horseshoe Bar located on the beach where we had anchored. Lacey was our bartender. Originally from Nassau she moved to Highbourne Cay 2 years ago for her job at the resort.
We ordered a Margarita pizza for lunch that was very good. Lacy texted our order to the main restaurant and it gets delivered to the bar. 
It was VERY windy.
Lookout area with exercise equipment
We had a nice visit with our boat neighbor, also at Horseshoe. He is on a 60 plus foot fishing boat with his in-laws. Grandparents, their children and spouses, as well as 5 grandchildren were all visiting Highbourne. Grandchildren were sleeping on the boat while the adult children were in a cottage. The families are from Michigan and have vacationed at Highbourne several times. The grandparents keep their boat in Florida -- family flies to Nassau to meet them at the boat. The boat is called "The Great White".
Back at the boats we sat at the dock, snacked and taught Sharon and Grant 7's. 
We watched the mega yacht tenders bring passengers to shore to eat at the restaurant. To full for dinner, we ate dessert instead. We made chocolate chip cookies.
Day 276 Thursday, March 23, 2023
Looks like our weather window for travel will be tomorrow. Spent the day doing stuff around the boat and more 7's on the dock. We walked the docks and discovered a cluster of nurse sharks hoping for a hand out. A bull shark was lingering at the edge as well.
It is quite surprising the size of the boats that make it into the marina harbor. We watched a huge delivery boat "Island Link" filled with trucking containers come to the dock. A chef from one of the mega yachts rushed on a bike to the delivery ship. I wonder what had been special ordered for dinner!!
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