ManJack - Revisited

One of our most memorable experiences in the Abacos was our 2 day visit to Manjack Cay.  This wonderful out of the way Island had no stores or shops on it but was inhabited by one of the most amazing couples we met on our trip.  It seems that Bill and Leslie bought 50 acres on the Island 17 years ago after cruising for a long while and built a garden of eden repleat with solar powered home and hydroponic gardens.  We showed up on their dock because the sign said " Yes Tresspassers".  Their home was completely open and they met us as we walked up the path.  When it started to rain they invited us into their home and proceeded to tell us their story.  Many of the artists (Chris - Hogfish,  Micheal - Spanish Cay murals, and Pete from Little Harbor, along with others) that we had met on our adventure were also represented in the abundant artwork throughout their home.  Leslie in her own right was a wonderful artist.  Leslie immediately took a liking to the kids and took them around to the different fruit trees in the garden and gave them samples of all these wonderful tropical fruits (including chocolate pudding fruit).  During our discussions Bill mentioned all the wonderful trails they had built throughout the island and somehow music came up.  Well they had several young (under 25) folks visiting, and several of them were musicians.  There was also a woman on a boat in the anchorage who had a full size electric keyboard on her boat.  I mentioned I played sax and Bill decided then and there to stage an all night jam session.  Well we spent the rest of the day exploring the Island and visiting one of the most spectacular beaches we had come across.  That night we met back at Bill and Leslies and met Jay and Sarah from the UK (both under 25) who had been sailing around the Abacos.  Sarah had a lovely voice and played piano and Jay had a significant sailing history (2  Atlantic crossings) and was planning on sailing his Bristol 28 back to the UK by himself (felt he wanted to do a solo crossing).  Ben (20+) was staying at their cabin trying to find himself and was a wonderful new generation Bob Dylan.  Vinnie and Marie also showed up with Marie singing back up and Vinnie whistling along (they also dropped off the next day a copy of Dave Brombergs Greatest Hits that is one of our favorites).  The lady with the keyboard came along and we had quite the party.  Sucia showed up and Pink Rachel played a song on piano and Evan played Margarettaville on guitar.  Jake and Rachel sang acapella to round out the evening.  We jammed till Eli fell asleep on the deck, and went back to our boat with a wonderful memory.  The next day we explored the mangrove swamps on the back of the Island and chased sea turtles.  Rachel spotted a huge Conch and Jake dove in to get it.  It was the largest Conch of our trip and we had fritters for supper.  Manjack was truly a magical place and we wished we had a large enough weather window to stay there longer.  Bill and Leslie were so welcoming that you could see why they are touted as such truly wonderful people who get it.