We're in the Tropics. . . . .Really!

As we crossed Latitude 23 degrees and 30 N we were in the Tropics. The real Tropics. What’s so special about that line? It’s the tropic of Cancer – that’s as far north as the sun travels above the equator during our summer. So now, we’re hoping the weather and water will truly start to get warmer.

So now some “lessons” on the geology, history and climate of this new country we’re in – the Turks and Caicos (T&C).

Though the Turks and Caicos share many similarities to the Bahamas – there’s no geological connection (for all our scientist friends). Just as the Bahamas are made up of shallow sub-sea platforms and some isolated sub-sea mountain peaks, separated by deep ocean troughs, so are the T&C. The two areas share a physical similarity, but have no physical linkage.

Politically, the same holds true. Though the common ancestry as British colonies suggests that the Bahamas and the T&C are tied together – they are quite different. As the British shed their former possessions, it was thought that the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos would join together and form one territory. That was suggested but it didn’t work. Historically they are quite different. From their settlement patterns, to their development style to their personalities – they are very different. As for political status, the Turks and Caicos are still part of the United Kingdom. Though on a day-to-day basis they are semi-autonomous, the direct link with Britain remains. This link provides financial benefits and a string connection with the European Community. The currency of the islands however is the US dollar – not the pound or Euro. English is the language of the T&C.

The climate and weather is tropical with the prevailing winds being the “Trades” easterly to southeasterly. Rain is a rarity (though we had a drizzle yesterday – more on that later) – and the average annual rainfall is 29 inches. With no underwater aquifer and little rainfall - the islands rely on desalinization. They are in the “Hurricane box” and last year got hit with two pretty serious hurricanes. We see little damage here in Provo – but we understand it’s quite dramatic on the other islands.

Tourism and “banking” are the big industries on the islands. Diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear water and on the numerous reefs is a big draw. The beaches are beautiful with soft sand. And fishing the deep ledges is outstanding (or so they say – we didn’t have much luck as we entered the T&C waters). There is a lot of development and building going on in Provo and there are actually traffic jams and rush hours here – so it’s a busy place.

Enough “lessons” for today – more tomorrow on the people, the name and the flag.

Last night (Thursday), we went to a cruisers’ barbeque at the South Side Marina. The managers Simon and his wife Charlyn are incredibly helpful to visiting boaters and host the BBQ every Thursday nite. They provide the grill, the transportation to the marina and ICE CREAM for dessert. Everyone brings their own fish or meat to grill as well as a shared dish. We had a blast meeting many boaters and the ride to and from our bay to the marina was an adventure all by itself. Simon came in a big pick-up and the 3 men went in the back bed and the 3 woman joined Simon on a very crowded front seat. The bumpy road and high speeds was quite a ride for the guys. On the way back, Barbara joined the gents in the back as we took the “smaller” truck back and there was only room for three in the front. It started to rain and of course the truck had no windshield wipers – but that didn’t change Simon’s fast driving and bumpy ride a bit!!! We arrived to and from the event safely.

There’s one boat here, Annie II that had a bit of a tough time getting down island. It was coming from the Bahamas (same route as us but several days before us) and the little 29 footer got de-masted. They had to limp into port – but the two folks on board are safe. That would have been pretty scary! We met those folks last night – they are nicknamed “the survivors.”

Today we went with our friend Jack on a tour of the island – he rented a car. Thanks to him, we got a bit of grocery shopping done and found the “two for one” wine sale as well. More socks needed to re-fill the bilge!

Tonight we’re hosting “sundowners” on our boat with three other boats – it’ll be crowded but fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM/TRISH! It’s a special one…cheers to you – we’ll raise a glass in your honor tonight.