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Betsy BraceyJanuary's weather was unusually cool. One late night the thermometer registered 43 degrees. When I arrived in Wyoming 2 days later, laden with boots, down jacket, hat and gloves, it was 45 degrees. The day I left it snowed a blizzard and went down to 30 degrees below in the mountains. Sometimes you just get lucky!
Upon my return I found balmy Abaco temperatures had returned and lots of Royal Palm owners still in residence. President Jerry Hill and BJ arrived in their brand new 47 foot Post, Absolute. After a tour I decided I could move in and live happily ever after. Director Hagen and Peggy Peters are settled in with puppy, Dena, and Peg's foot cast is off at last. The Stripps, Stewart and Lucy settled in for a few weeks as did Roger Hedge. Tom Seward has also returned.
Two local events which many Royal Palm owners attended were the Sand Bank Yacht Club Change of Watch dinner which saw the Commodore's baton pass from Tom Larder to John Cash. Held at the Spinnaker it was a grand evening with a packed house. Just three weeks later many of us boated north to Manjack Cay where SBYC hosted a picnic. The weather held and we had a lovely day. As a group, we do get around.
Owner Bill Firstbrook and Lorna hosted a 98th Birthday party for Mrs. Firstbrook Sr. The house overflowed with well wishers. Congratulations, Mrs Firstbrook - you give us all reason to stay healthy and active!
Local birding news is that a Bald Eagle is patrolling the skies sky over Abaco. For the past two years he was seen in Marsh Harbour but his year he seems to have settled in the Treasure Cay region. Bill Nielsen has seen him twice, I've seen him once but the one who wants to see him the most, Woody Bracey, has found him to be elusive. Never mind, this week is bound to be better. For those who wish to look skyward, the Bald Eagle is very large, very black with a pure white head and tail.His wings are wide and held out straight and flat not in a V like Turkey Vultures. Good luck! It's a great find if you happen to get lucky.
Valentine's Day is always a fun time in Treasure Cay with dinner parties and outings being the norm. If you missed it this year why not plan on being a part of it all in 2004!