Great Loop Blog | Good News

Day #200 - Marsh Harbour, Abacos

Woke up this morning and listened to Cruiser’s Net on the VHF Channel 68.  Every morning they report the weather on each key, the winds, the news, sports, etc.  Today they predicted winds shifting, picking up and temperatures dropping as a low front moves in for a couple of days.  We took the dinghies across the harbour and headed to the hardware and marine stores which were closed on Saturday.  The crossing was fairly calm and we tied up tot he dinghy dock.  We were pleasantly surprised by the hardware store.  Looked like a small Home Depot which I am sure brought comfort to Andy.  The chasier there noticed the name Sarver and mentioned there was a couple here on the island for two months each winter by the name of Sarver.  He made a few needed purchases and we went back to the grocery store.  Picked up some produce I needed ($6/lb. for a half shriveled red pepper) and headed back to the dinghies.  The ride back was much rougher as the winds had picked up even more.

Later in the afternoon I walked up to do laundry and there was a lady sitting at a picnic table outside the restaurant.  We made pleasantires and I went on about my business.  As I walked back she asked “you name isn’t Sarver by any chance is it?”  Turns out Bea and Frank Sarver came to the marina to find and meet us.  What a lovely couple they are. The have been coming here for seventeen years as missionaries for The Church of Christ.  The live in Morton, IL and come to Abaco every year for two months to volunteer and teach bible study in the local church.  They compared stories with Andy about other Sarvers in the country and some stories were in sync.  He mentioned that there are relatives in Glasgow, KY and Herrick, IL that he knows of.  He mentioned that Sarvers had settled in southern Germany in 1745 and at the battlesite of Valley Forge there is a monument to George Sarver.  Unfortunately, they made no direct relations but we truly enjoyed talking to them.  They even have a son named Scot.

Went to Snappa’s at the Conch Inn Marina. Went with the gang from Birmingham, AL and had a great time.  The ride was a little rough but quick and worth it as the food and company were great.  Note the sign above the bar. It stands for “If I Tell You Will You Buy the House a Drink.”