Merry Christmas from American Airlines

We received our first schedule change notice from American Airlines this morning.  We now depart DFW almost one hour later, now arriving in Miami at 12:25 AM.

The flight to Marsh Harbor was only pushed back by about 20 minutes, but the arrival time is almost unchanged as the schedule now reflects the use of the Embraer regional jet.

Airline Tickets Purchased

After evaluating all of the options, the airline tickets were purchased this weekend.  The prices for the return ticket were holding steady, but we finally saw a little drop in the outbound flight by departing for Miami on Thursday night instead of Friday morning, saving $600. (less the hotel expense.)

We decided not to purchase slightly less expensive tickets via an on-line travel service as they were routing us on multiple airlines wich could create complications if the airlines change flight schedules and the potential for additional baggage fees.

At the time the tickets were purchased, my remaining "gold" status said that we would be allowed 2 free bags per person.  We will need to wait & see if that holds true for the trip.

It seems that American Airlines no longer offers flights into TCB, so we will get to see the new & improved airport & runway at Marsh Harbor.

2013 Plans

Labor Day Weekend kicked-off our discussion of a return trip in 2013.  This first big challenge was comparing everyones event calendars and we found that with all the kids summer activities our window was very limited.

After weeks of discussion and comparing the different rentals available during our window of opportunity we finally decided to return to Peaceful Times, the same cottage that we stayed during our 2010 trip.  It is a nice little 2 bedroom cottage with a distant view of Coco Bay.

The deposit check was mailed out to secure the rental for June 7-16, 2013.

We always find the people at Island Property Management responsive to our inquiries during this process.  You can check out rentals at their web site http://www.abacoislandrentals.com/

Departure Day

Departure Bolo

First Class?

Bigger than some

After flying to within sight of Florida, we were diverted back to Freeport due to a thunderstorm at the Miami airport.

American Eagle made up for the extra stop with free food and drinks!

Freeport Approach

Last Dive Day

Diving with Chris and BJ on the Pontoon boat.  Sea was as calm as a lake! 

Pontoon Boat

Life on the Reef

Our Dive Buddy

Arrow Crabs

Girl Photo-Bombs Shark

Fish-Eye Girl

Very relaxing dive on the coral caverns and the mini-wall with each dive passing the 70-minute mark.

Short video of the clear water on the ocean side, headed back to GTC!

Enjoying & Exploring

Panoramic Beach

2 Shorty's Cracked Conch

Three Little Pigs?

Island life

2012 Gas Prices

Just for fun, I thought it would be a good idea to take a couple of shots to record the price at the pump at the Green Turtle Club.

Dive Day #3

Today’s dive took us to a couple of reefs to the south of Green Turtle Cay.

Dive Day #2

 Today we explored the coral caverns along with the reef immediately east of the caverns.

Relaxing Friday

Telegraph Hill

This morning we headed to town while the weather was still muggy and overcast. 

By the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly today and the main activity for the day was a trip to Gilliam Bay.  We took our time snorkeling in the shallow water hunting for shells and other treasure.

Girl goes Nuts!

By the end of the day Bridget had opened her first coconut of the trip.

Dive Day #1

First diving day with Brendal and Chris. 

Happy Divers

Lots of Yellow Tail

This dive took us to a deeper reef that provided the backdrop for more large schools of fish then we have previously experienced in the Bahamas.  

As this reef is not visited as frequently, several large Lionfish were dispatched during the dives and fed to the numerous black-tip sharks that joined the dive for an easy meal. 

Built in Bling

Another reason to relax here

In his attempts to help get our larger luggage off the ferry boat when we arrived today, Austin accidentally left his back-pack on board the BOLO.

His backpack contained several expensive items, including his iPad, diving regulator and his dive computer.

In the flurry and excitement of our arrival and first trip into town for a few groceries, the backpack was not missed until early evening.

After the frantic search about the cottage, the conclusion was reached that it may not have made it off the ferry boat.

Mom and Austin made a quick trip to town where they found the backpack, and all of its contents, in the safe keeping of the BOLO captain who was just finishing up the days trips to the big island.

As always, the natives here watch-out for each other and the tourists that visit their islands.

Off we go!

We got up extra early for a 5:45 departure from DFW airport.

Dreaming at dawn somewhere over Louisiana

Window seat please!

Bolo

Waiting for Bolo

Our flight from Miami to TCB was delayed slightly due to mechanical problems, but they switched airplanes and had us in Abaco in time to catch the 4:30 BOLO while a few mild thunderstorms passed through the area.

2 Shorty's

After a quick trip to town to pick up groceries and beverages, we unpacked before heading back to
2 Shorty’s later that night for a dinner that included Cracked Conch and Lobster.