Junkanoo in Nassau

Happy New Year from "Take Two"! These are a few pictures of the great Junkanoo Party in Nassua on New Year's Day. Junkanoo is celebrated on Boxing Day and New Year's. (www.junkanoo.com) The parade begins at midnight and continues into the morning. We arrived back at the boat around 6:30 a.m.! The longest, latest New Year's Eve either of us have ever spent! The competition is between two "families" or communities here in Nassau. The Valley Boys (www.valleyboys.com) have enjoyed the bragging rights winning the competition brings for some time now. The Saxons are their major competitors. Of course I/Judy love the fact that competition happens around things like "presentation", "music", "costumes" and "banners" rather than first downs and touchdowns!! Quite civilized, don't you think? Everyone, young, old, hard-bodied, and middle-aged participates! The floats are propelled by one person and some of the costumes weigh over 60 lbs. The parade goes around the "course" twice so the participants are moving, dancing, playing literally for 7-8 hrs. A triathalon/marathon/iron man competition for sure!

We've been in Nassau for close to a week now. Weather may keep us here a bit longer. Our gulf stream crossing was uneventful except for the pod of dolphins who formed our welcoming committee! Will head down island as soon as we can with our next goal being Georgetown, Exuma. We're in familiar waters and that feels good!

Peace and love to you in 2006!