The Pig Roast

A big event in the islands is the PIG ROAST. Two popular "beach bars" participate in this ritual roasting. Nippers restaurant is by far the most popular. Located on Great Guana Cay, it attracts a hugh crowd. Nippers is to the Abacos what Foxys is to Jost Van Dyke and what Hussongs used to be to Ensenada. It can be wild! The crowds arrived by ferry and boat from surrounding islands. The locals joined in as well.

The parking lot was full of golf carts. No real cars allowed which is a good thing since the majority of people leaving would not pass a breathalizer test.

Nippers is located on a beautiful beach. You can swim, bodysurf or beachcomb to your hearts delight. Drinking is allowed on the beach.....big surprise.

Don't like the beach? No problem. Enjoy yourself around one of the two fresh water pools.

The food was greatly enhanced by a "cold one".

Anne tried to get Captain Clean into the "hair braiding" chair. No amount of beer could convince him but he is considering a simple pony tail!

This was one of our favorite t-shirts.

The band started up and the party really began to "swing". You tend to hear the same favorite island tunes no matter who is playing. Occasionally the band instruments will include a saw, washboard and other interesting implements that create a throbbing beat.

There was no shortage of people "doing their thing".

Plenty of "tushies" shaking it up.

By mid afternoon, there was no room left in the harbor. Many of the party revelers came by small power boats and planned to return to other islands the same way. Unfortunately, drinking and driving, whether by car or boat, is not a good mix. The conclusion of the story provides a good example:

It was dusk and the captain and crew were safely onboard playing dominoes.....truly. Over the VHF radio came the dreaded "Mayday, mayday, mayday". Seems one of the small powerboats lost a person overboard on their return voyage to their home port. Unfortunately, they were not sure when or where they lost him, but lost he was.

There is no 911 and there is no US Coast Guard in the Bahamas. There are no helicopters. It was quickly becoming dark and it was frightening to think of someone in the water being carried by the strong current and 15- 20 knot winds. The boat with the lost passenger affirmed worst fears that he was not wearing a lifejacket. The good news was however, that he was young and a good swimmer.

Emergency response in the Bahamas is handled by BASRA (Bahama Air Sea Rescue), a volunteer organization. The local volunteers manned their boats and headed out to intiate a search for the missing passenger.

The good news is the floating victim was found after about 30 minutes. He was wet and cold but otherwise in good condition. Good ending.