We arrived at RDU 2 hours before departure and went right to Security checkpoint with my home grown boarding passes. TSA would not accept them since they were missing a bar code. So much for Delta online boarding process.
Back to the main gate and then they had trouble processing since we had one way tickets with no return flight. Showed them my cruising permit and explained we would return by boat. Twenty minutes later and 3 agents consulting and we were on our way.
Back at TSA they pulled my back pack and said they had to look inside. I guess maybe the faucet repair kit or the spark plugs triggered the inspection after being x-rayed. Once through security things ran smooth. Well till we hit Atlanta and came in on Concourse C near the end and had to go to Concourse E near the end. We had about 35 minutes and we used 30 of them. Got to the gate and it was empty. I though this is a lightly used flight!! After being chastened by the gate agents we loaded into a nearly full (72 passenger) flight. They saved the last 2 seats in the back for us.
We had a smooth hour and 20 minute flight to Marsh Harbour. Minimum hassle through customs then a taxi ride to the ferry dock. Got there about 2pm and the ferry was leaving at 4pm. Two hours to kill so we went next door to a take out stand and bought 2 cheeseburgers, fries, a Kalik beer(out of iced tea) and a diet coke -- only $29.!
It was delightful though. The water was a brilliant green and blue and clear as gin. The temp was 75 degrees and a slight breeze. Ahhh it felt good to be warm again with out wearing arctic clothing. We even had a flock of sandpipers watching us eat and waiting on crumbs -- apparently liking french fries more that sand fleas -- go figure.
After lunch we walked next door to the Ferry terminal and said we were there for the 4 o'clock ferry to man O War. They said we were in luck because they had an unscheduled one leaving at 3pm -- just 15 minutes!!
Great because we needed to get groceries as soon as we arrived and the store closed around 5 or 6pm -- there is only one grocery in Man O War.
A smooth ride to Man O War. We found Temptation in fine shape. Opened her up and headed to the grocery.
After being home for 2 weeks it was sticker shock all over but we got by that pretty fast.
Boy it felt so good walking the narrow lanes of Man O War with no crowds, no cars, just an occasional golf cart, friendly people all acknowledging you, and all rolled up in a very WARM package.
It felt great sleeping with the windows (actually hatches) open in just PJs and not even a covering sheet needed.
The weather turns rough with high winds tomorrow through Saturday so we will stay here till Sunday -- maybe Saturday -- we will see. Then on to Treasure Cay for a few days waiting for a good crossing across the whale Cay -- it will be rough for a day or so after this weather passes.
