Kindred Spirit as Ferry Boat

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Kindred Spirit, the Mariner Orient 38 trawler, is a multi-talented boat. She is our home for now and our transportation. She has served as a cargo ship and a temporary storage unit for friends. Yesterday, Kindred Spirit tried out a new role as a ferry boat.

And I shall watch the ferry-boats
And they’ll get high
On a bluer ocean
Against tomorrow’s sky

… lyrics from Sweet Thing sung by Van Morrison and also by Jeff Buckley

Ferries from the other islands were all taking reservations for the trip to the Man O’ War Flea Market. We decided to gather a few friends and use Kindred Spirit as our own personal ferry for the 5 mile trip from Hope Town. Dan and Marcia (Cutting Class) and Anthony and Annette (Magnolia) joined us for the day trip.

Magnolia's dinghy was left tied to ur mooring, a sure sign that THIS moorings not available for pick up. Cutting Class's dinghy and ours were tied off of the transom. All seemed just fine..........
Magnolia’s dinghy was left tied to our mooring, a sure sign that THIS mooring was  not available for pick up.
Cutting Class’s dinghy and ours were tied off of the transom.
All seemed just fine……….
bring back dinghy
A look back as we were leaving the harbor and — uh oh!!!! A dinghy is loose!!! A kind gentleman on a skiff quickly grabbed the line and brought the wayward dinghy back. As he handed off the line, he commented, “If you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot.” 😉 It happens to us all at one time or another.
Man time on the aft deck. Maybe they were keeping a closer eye on those sneaky little dinghies??
Man time on the aft deck. Maybe they were keeping a closer eye on those sneaky little dinghies??
Ladies on the bridge, steering and navigating. Al handed the wheel over to Annette who did a very fine job as captain. Her first time handling a trawler.
Ladies on the bridge, steering and navigating. Al handed the wheel over to Annette who did a very fine job as captain. Her first time handling a trawler.
Whoa! The dinghy dock is more crowded than we have ever seen!!
Whoa! The dinghy dock is more crowded than we have ever seen!!
Man O' War
Man O’ War
We were surprised and delighted to see so many people wandering about.
We were surprised and delighted to see so many people wandering about.
In addition to the flea market tables, there were food tents and games for the children.
In addition to the flea market tables, there were food tents and games for the children.
A little group of musician entertained folks as they shopped and ate.
A little group of musicians entertained folks as they shopped and ate.
While the girls hunted for bargains, the "boys" had their ice cream fix - Pirate's Plunder, that chocolatey Bahamian favorite.
While the girls hunted for bargains, the “boys” had their ice cream fix – Pirate’s Plunder, that chocolatey Bahamian favorite.
Annette in the loft of the "Sail Loft." We both enjoy visiting this shop and chatting with the ladies who sit and sew at their very ancient and durable sewing machines.
Annette in the loft of the “Sail Loft.” We both enjoy visiting this shop and chatting with the ladies who sit and sew at their very ancient and durable sewing machines.

Funny story about this next photo. I ran into another cruiser, Sandy on Horizon, that I had met two years ago in Ferdandina Beach, FL, who excitedly said I must meet her friend, “the other Kindred Spirit.” We had heard the call sign “Kindred Spirits” on the VHF since we arrived in Hope Town and did see this other Kindred Spirit once over in Marsh Harbour – a large and stately Nordhaven motorsailer. Sandy introduced me to Karen who exclaimed she needed a selfie of us together!  ðŸ˜‰ As we talked, I was most amazed to hear how they came to name their Kindred Spirits. From Anne of Green Gables – just like us. Imagine that. At least we can distinguish each other by the plural and the singular, although that is often hard to determine on the VHF.

"the other Kindred Spirit."
Karen from “the other Kindred Spirit,”  — Kindred Spirits.
The six of us enjoying our day at the Man O' War Flea Market.
The six of us enjoying our day at the Man O’ War Flea Market.
By noon we were ready to return to Hope Town. The dinghies behaved very well on the return trip. I took the helm form beginning to end for this leg. So, I am thinking, ladies, when do we do an all girls trip and leave the guys behind????
By noon we were ready to return to Hope Town. The dinghies behaved very well on the return trip. I took the helm from beginning to end for this leg. So, I am thinking, ladies, when shall we do an all-girls trip and leave the guys behind????

After naps and chores, we gathered on Magnolia for dinner. Anthony made his delish chili.

The chef at work in his galley, serving up the A2B chili special.
The chef at work in his galley, serving up the A2B chili special.
Magnolia has a Single Sideband marine radio and made arrangements with Sue and Dave on san cles (our other Shenny cruising buddies) to talk. They are the truly salty ones and are now in the Dominican Republic. How cool was it to chat with them on the SSB??? Very cool. We are all so happy for them off having the adventure of a lifetime!
Magnolia has a Single Sideband marine radio and made arrangements with Sue and Dave on san cles (our other Shenny cruising buddies) to talk. They are the truly salty ones and are now in the Dominican Republic. How cool was it to chat with them on the SSB??? Very cool. We are all so happy for them, off having the adventure of a lifetime!
Dinner on Magnolia (just love the Morgan's salon and dining room - brings back memories!)
Dinner on Magnolia. We feel at home on this sister ship, a Morgan 44 CC.

Another day, another “first.”  Good times with good friends on the water.

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