Ocean Reef Yacht Club

This is not our first time here at Ocean Reef.  We came to Freeport by fast ferry a couple of years ago with our buddies Jim and Mimi (formerly from M/V Perfect Balance) and stayed with friends Randy and Sheri (M/V Priorities) on a boat.

Ocean Reef should probably be claimed as an honorary territory of Canada.  It is a time share complex with townhouses and apartments, encircled by boat slips.  They offer very reasonable monthly rates and many Canadian snowbirds come over from the States on their boats and just settle in for the winter.  It's close and cheap and pleasant.  Three very desirable features.

Gran Vida at her slip at Ocean Reef Yacht Club

There are two pools, tennis courts, a hot tub, a nice restaurant, a daily free shuttle to different beaches or markets. tons of activities including a weekly free orientation dinner, movie nights, billiards, bike rentals, loaner kayaks, karaoke, nature walks etc. etc.  Folks are friendly and it is a great place to hang out if you're a Canadian with the mission to just get your boat out of the States for awhile, as required.

This pretty little guy swam
past our boat.  Later we
saw it with two larger
identical looking spotted
rays. Cute family!

Hitler, the dock cat.

We spent a few days here relaxing, socialising and watching the weather. Jeff changed the oil and filters and while doing that noticed an exhaust leak.  Ugh.  Not good.  We got on the phone looking for the required clamp and unfortunately there were none the right size available on the island.  A two week delivery date was required.  Ugh again.  Also not good.  So my MacGyver got busy and after a trip into Freeport for some parts and a case of beer, grease-monkeyed away in the hole in the floor.  He's a handy guy to have around.

Pearl, the Perkins Engine is scheduled for a little make-over next fall when we come back.  She's a great engine and has served us well over the years.  But she's ageing (I can relate).  Her update will include new hoses, clamps, pumps, do-hickies, whatever has become worn and brittle over the years.  She'll appreciate that.  (I wonder if I could sign up for one too!)

They are building some sort of structure over the outdoor restaurant area.
Curious to see what they end up with.

What's that thing on the roof? They were on each unit.
We wondered what they were. Water heaters??  

Greg and Nola, new friends from upstate New York that
we got to know. They joined us for some dinghy 'sploring.