House Visitors Guide
Dear Calypso Visitor,
A little advanced preparation can greatly assist in making
your visit to Calypso more enjoyable, allowing you more time to spend with
pleasurable activities, and less time learning the “lay of the land”.
Spend a few minutes reviewing the “Before You Go” pages as
soon as is practical to aid with your packing.
Consider having a copy of the “When You Arrive” pages
handy upon your arrival, as they tell you important information for making the
transition from traveler to visitor.
The section on the house is the “operator’s manual”, and
answers many questions that typically arise. Your caretaker will go through the
house with you upon arrival, but there is a lot of information to absorb, and
you will probably be tired from traveling. You’ll find these pages in the
visitors guide notebook, usually residing in the desk area in the kitchen.
Every effort has been made to anticipate your needs, and
ensure a wonderful vacation. We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and even
photos via our email address: calypso@coastalnet.com.
Right click here to open a pdf version that can be printed.
Have fun!
Bill and Lynn Hand
Tom and Liz Taft
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Money
Large sums of cash or travelers checks are unnecessary. Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards. There is an ATM at ScotiaBank in Marsh Harbour if you need cash.
Clothing
Most people take too many clothes. You should be able to hand carry everything in two bags: one for clothes and the other for “toys” (snorkel gear, cameras, and odds and ends). Elbow Cay is not a place to “dress to impress”. Comfort rules. Shorts and T-shirts are normal daywear. Nighttime is a bit dressier, but still very casual. Pretty much anything goes. A lightweight rain jacket and pants are useful for rainy days, choppy days on the boat, and when a windbreaker is needed. Lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants are good if it’s a bit chilly, or for sun protection.
Things to Bring
Camera, extra film, small flashlight, extra batteries, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, books, comfortable walking shoes/flops, snorkel gear, shorty wetsuits, lightweight raingear, disposable underwater camera (big fun!), family radios (such as Motorola Talkabouts), handheld marine VHF radio, favorite CDs, MP3 player, cards, laptop.
IMPORTANT: All US citizens need passports for re-entry into the US.
Groceries
There are several grocery stores on the island that stock basic groceries. Marsh Harbour has a better selection, but even there you will not find the variety or quality of US grocery stores. If you have any special spices or ingredients that you can’t live without, better bring them. Some people stop at the grocery stores in Marsh Harbour on the way to the ferry dock, but managing additional bags and boxes of groceries along with your travel bags is stressful. Do consider purchasing your preferred meats stateside, freezing them, and packing them in a dedicated cooler. (You do not need to purchase simple meats like bacon and hamburger.)
You cannot bring in any fruits or raw vegetables from the states.
Alcoholic Beverages
Wine and beer are readily available on Elbow Cay. The beer selection is good and the wine selection is basic but adequate. There is no need to purchase beer or wine in Marsh Harbour. The selection and price is similar on Elbow Cay.
Cell Phones
A few GSM cell phones (ones that have a SIM card) work without any special effort, but most do not, and it’s not worth the trouble to figure it out with Batelco, the Bahamian phone company. Calls may be expensive. Beware that some smart phones may connect to the Batelco network through default settings and run up unexpected data charges. There are true stories of people using their AT&T phones and running up multi-thousand dollar charges from lengthy calls and large music/video/data downloads.
IPhone users – there are several levels of connectivity from which to choose.
To disable voice and data cell connections, place in airplane mode and manually turn on wifi. Your phone will still connect to wireless networks at Calypso and various free hotspots on the island, but will not connect to the Batelco cellular network. You can do the same thing by removing the SIM card. Both basically turn it into an iTouch.
To disable cellular data roaming but retain voice capability, turn off data roaming only. You can make and receive cell calls and your phone will connect to wireless networks at Calypso and various free hotspots on the island. It will not connect to the Batelco cellular data network, and data roaming charges are avoided.
As of November 2009, iPhone texting was $0.50 per text sent and roaming calls were $2.29 per minute.
The free Skype application for iPhone works very well, but you will need to purchase Skype minutes to call land lines. Calls to US numbers are pennies per minute.
If you absolutely must have a cell phone, buy one with the correct SIM card at Island Wireless in Marsh Harbour upon arrival. As of February 2009, a simple phone was $50, the SIM card costs $15 and minutes cost $0.38 each. You may order an unlocked GSM phone, the Bahamas SIM chip, and minutes from sites on the internet that specialize in travel phones, but these do not always work.
Telephone – calling the States
Long distance calls from Calypso are restricted. Toll free calls to access long distance carriers are permitted. Calling cards are recommended, though calls through regular carriers or the Bahamian phone service are expensive, usually around $2 a minute.
If you have a laptop computer with a mic and speakers (or better yet, a head set), use the Calypso broadband internet connection with VoIP services like Skype, available for free at www.skype.com. Communication with other computers running Skype is free, but you may call regular stateside telephones for pennies per minute. Skype is also an application on iPhones.
When You Arrive
Customs/Immigration
Passports are now mandatory for US citizens returning to the US.
Your airline will give you a Bahamas immigration card to complete, usually just prior to arrival. Fill it out in advance, one for each person, so the line can move rapidly through immigration.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available just outside the customs exit, and will take your party to the ferry dock, or the boat rental office if you are renting in Marsh Harbour. (Tip the baggage helpers.)
At your request, the taxi will take you to the liquor store or grocery store and wait. (Check the ferry schedule!) Beer and basic groceries are available in Hopetown, but the wine selection is much better in Marsh Harbour. (A cold beer for the 20-minute ferry ride is nice.) There is a published taxi rate schedule dependent upon number of people, bags, wait time, etc., but nobody goes to the trouble of figuring it all out. A fully loaded taxi with a modest wait should run $25-$35.
The Ferry from Marsh Harbour to Elbow Cay
The Albury Ferry is one of the few services in the Bahamas to actually operate on a dependable schedule! At the ferry dock, grab a cart and take your bags to the boat, or allow one of the several young boys to help for a modest tip. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry office or while underway. Ask the captain to call the caretakers, Johnny or Christina Cartwright (call sign is “2 Hmmingbirds”), and let them know that the Calypso party is on board. One of them will meet you at the designated dock. Enjoy the ride, and let that internal clock start to slow down to a Bahamas pace. Upon arrival at the dock, be prepared to unload your own bags, and to assist others. Everyone pitches in. It may take 2-3 trips to get all your people and bags from the dock to the house.
The ferry can be privately chartered if you do not want to wait for the scheduled ferry. It’s best to arrange this as far ahead of time as possible.
Welcome to Calypso
Calypso replaces a 30+ year old house (Villa Calcutta, or Kelly’s Calcutta if you knew Kelly) that was severely damaged by hurricane Floyd in September of 1999, just months after being acquired by the present owners. Many people have fond memories of Villa Calcutta, and it was demolished with much regret. Some of the design features (and hopefully some of the heart and soul) that made Villa Calcutta special have been incorporated into Calypso. We hope, over the years to come, that Calypso will elicit similar good feelings from its guests.
Please familiarize everyone with these suggestions for helping maintain the house in good condition for your enjoyment and that of those who follow.
Your Caretaker
Johnny and Christina Cartwright are available by calling “2 Hummingbirds” on the house VHF radio, or 366-0335 on the telephone. They will be glad to assist with any house problems or questions that you may have, but please respect their privacy by only calling if absolutely necessary. They manage several rental houses, and while glad to offer suggestions, they are not a concierge! Most any of the locals that you see at the marina, in restaurants, in bars, the dive shop, etc. are more than willing to answer your questions about places to go and things to do.
Security
There is no need to lock the house. Theft is exceptionally rare. Nevertheless, do not invite trouble by leaving wads of cash, your wallet/purse, expensive cameras, etc. sitting out on the counter when the house is unoccupied.
House Supplies
Each guest has two bath towels, a face cloth, and a beach towel. Starter supplies of soap, toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, and dishwasher detergent are provided. LVA Grocery is the nearest store for the purchase of additional supplies. (Take a left out of the driveway and follow the “big road” around the bend until you see the sign.) Brooms, dustpans, and a vacuum cleaner can be found in the laundry room closet. There are some basic cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. You will note that the windows may get salty if the ocean is rough and there is a strong breeze off the ocean. This is unavoidable.
Windows
The windows can resist hurricane winds in excess of 145 mph, but have some idiosyncrasies. Forcing a locked window open can rip the locks out of the vinyl sashes. Closing a window with the lock tab already closed will do the same. Also, the upper tabs that hold in the lower sash can be broken off if the windows are forcefully raised too high. Some of the counter balances have been damaged by corrosion and the sashes either will not stay open or are very difficult to open. If this occurs, prop the window open or us an adjacent window. Repairs are planned.
Afternoon storms can form quickly (but fortunately dissipate quickly), bringing unexpected rain and shifting wind. It’s best to close the windows before you leave for an extended period of time.
The kitchen windows that open onto the porch are heavy. Be very careful when opening and closing them. You may choose to use the step stool, normally under the kitchen desk.
Please turn off the AC while enjoying island breezes with open windows!
Garbage
Large garbage bags are located in the same cabinet as the trash can, under the “hole” in the kitchen counter. Please use them. Place your bagged trash in the outside garbage cans and place them by the roadside on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. Critters will tear into trash bags that are not in cans and make a nasty mess.
The Internet
Calypso has a wireless broadband internet connection with an internal wireless “G” router that is backward compatible with “B” wireless cards. Under no circumstances should you tamper with any wires behind the electronics above the desk. No one but the owner has the slightest idea what all that stuff does and, if the internet isn’t working, the problem is elsewhere.
Telephone
The phone system has a toll restrictor which blocks long distance calls, except 800 numbers.
If you must maintain contact with someone in the states, it is generally much cheaper to have them call you. The house number is 242-366-0004.
Any charges billed to the house are your responsibility. (Some US toll free numbers result in a local access charge.)
Sometimes the phone system goes down on parts of the island. Just like the occasional power outage, this is something everyone lives with.
Feel free to record a generic message on the answering machine.
VHF Radio
The calling channel is “16”. This is also the emergency and distress channel, so always switch to a working channel. The protocol is to call “2 Hummingbirds, 2 Hummingbirds…. Calypso”. When the person/place you are calling answers, they will usually say “go to 12” (or another channel). You say “12”, switch channels and establish contact on the working channel. It’s easier than it sounds here. Just listen for a while to hear how others do it and you’ll have no trouble. There are several working channels and you’ll quickly learn which ones are regularly used.
Every morning at 8:15 is the “Cruiser’s Net” on channel 68. This “talk radio” gives the weather forecast, brief news and stock market synopsis, special events, and special menus at the local restaurants.
Salt and Sand
Please keep salt and sand outside. Water hoses are conveniently placed to wash away salt and sand from bodies, clothes, and gear. The outdoor shower is ideal for hair and swim suits full of sand.
Washer/Dryer
Very few rental homes on Elbow Cay allow renters the use of a washer/dryer for several reasons: excessive usage or abuse, high water consumption, and the detrimental effects of salt and sand. The owners feel strongly that a vacation is much more enjoyable with the option of washing a few items of clothing. Please justify this decision by using the washer/dryer prudently, and removing salt and sand before washing or drying. REMEMBER TO CLEAN THE LINT TRAP. The heat from a clogged vent line can start a fire!
Game Room
This will become a favorite room on rainy days or after dinner! Your caretaker will provide (a limited supply of) balls for the foosball, ping-pong, and pool table. These tables are not commercial grade, and therefore somewhat fragile. Please do not sit, stand, lean heavily on them, or remove them from the game room. Handle the foosball rods with care as they can be permanently bent. PLEASE REVIEW THIS WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Thank you for helping to keep these tables available for others to enjoy.
Water System
There is no “city water” on Elbow Cay. Islanders typically collect rainwater, but this supply would be inadequate for Calypso. Therefore, the house is equipped with a sophisticated reverse osmosis water maker (referred to as the “RO system”) that takes brackish water from a well and forces it through special membranes to remove the salt. The water is highly filtered and perfectly safe to drink. In fact, many of the popular bottled waters are run through RO systems as part of the purification process. The RO system is automated and may turn on during the day. The pump that you hear is the sound of fresh water… a valuable commodity on the island!
The system is designed for reasonable and normal usage.
If you see a red light above the single ground floor window on the right side of the house as you pull up to the cart parking area, call the caretaker immediately as this indicates the water cisterns are perilously low.
Please discourage playing with the water hose, leaving faucets on for prolonged periods, taking long showers, etc. or you will deplete the reserve supply and/or the water maker will not be able to keep up.
If there is no water pressure, there are several possibilities:
- All the water (7,000 gallons!) in the storage tanks is gone. (This is a very bad thing and should not happen!) Only the caretaker can make this determination. You will be without water until the water truck can bring a limited amount, and that may be quite a while. Also, it takes a long time for the water maker to fill the tanks.
- The main water pump has failed. You can utilize the emergency pumps for brief periods of time (an hour) by setting the timer at the end of the kitchen island. In most cases, the main pump can be re-set or repaired within a reasonable period of time.
- The power has been out for a long time, the batteries for the back-up water pumps are depleted, and the generator is not working
Toilets
Why is this subject being mentioned? Calypso has some of the most effective low-flush toilets available, but they can still be clogged. There is at least one plunger in the house, residing in whichever bathroom last needed one.
Power Outages
Calypso has a very sophisticated automatic whole house generator to supply power in the event of a system outage. It takes a few minutes to start and warm up, and will automatically shut off when system power is restored. No attention or intervention is required. You can hear it running in the small building at the drive entrance. If there is no power and you don’t hear the generator, give the caretaker a call. The VHF radio and desk phone should be operational. In the mean time, minimize the opening of the refrigerator so food will stay cool.
Flashlights and candles are located in a kitchen drawer. There is also a flashlight plugged into an outlet at the end of the kitchen island. Please reserve these for emergency use only. Be careful with fire. Fire service is rudimentary at best.
Grill
DO NOT LIGHT WITH THE LID CLOSED. (Yes, it’s already happened. Fortunately, medical care was not required.) The grill is a professional stainless grill. It works a little differently from most grills. Open the lid, open the tank valve (counterclockwise), turn the burner valve so the handle is lined up with the hose (perpendicular to the grill front), open the circular lighting hatch and light the burner. Close the circular lighting hatch and the top or the grill will not get hot enough. The vents on the top should be opened all the way. It is best to close the burner valve slightly or the grill will get too hot and light off residual grease. Leave the inside pan in place to prevent flaming unless you are very familiar with this type of grill. If you want searing heat, place food around the periphery to catch the heat coming up from around the interior pan. Clean the grill with the stainless steel brush in the kitchen utensil drawer. Do NOT wash the grill with soap and water. This will remove the seasoning and food will stick. The interior pan can be removed for cleaning after unscrewing the drain valve. (Be sure to put it back!) Be careful with fire. Fire service is rudimentary at best.
Boating
Please rely upon your boat rental agent for charts and other information necessary for safely operating your boat. They usually give renters a nice chart of South Abaco Sound, with enlargements of the various harbours and danger areas.
The Dock
Calypso shares a dock on Nigh Creek (the creek that parallels the road between town and Calypso) with Oceanview. Please tie your boat to avoid damage and to allow others to use the dock.
Furniture
Please do not leave any furniture unattended on the beach, especially below the tide line.
The porch rockers are not weather proof. Please do not leave them outside.
Kindly refrain from taking the living room cushions outside, or sitting on the furniture while wet, or when covered with sunscreen (may stain fabric).
Beach
The Calypso beach is mostly fine sand with some chunks of coral. There is very little current or undertow, however, it can be quite rough in stronger winds. Use good judgment!!!
Sometimes tar washes up on the beach. Check your feet when returning. Use cooking oil and a rag to remove tar before it gets tracked onto the deck or the inside the house.
Sun
The sun is very intense in the Bahamas. One can be severely burned in a short period of time. Use sunscreen liberally and cover thoroughly. Young children (and some adults) will miss spots. No one has ever had a vacation ruined from wearing too much sunscreen. Make it a ritual with children at the start of the day, and at regular intervals. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight outdoor wear with long sleeves are a good idea.
Swimming Pools
The Abaco Inn, Harbour Lodge, and Seaspray have freshwater pools with nearby bars and restaurants. They can be especially attractive on windy days, for lunch and a swim, or when the adults would like a bar cocktail and the kids still have a lot of energy. Please do patronize the bar or restaurant while enjoying the pool.
Restaurants
The restaurants range from take out “fast food”, an oxymoron in the Bahamas, to candlelit gourmet dinners. The food overall is good to sometimes superb. Local specials or fresh seafood typically are best. Reservations are recommended at Abaco Inn, Harbour Lodge, and Boathouse at Seaspray. Abaco Inn and Boathouse will provide transportation.
Munchies, Harbours Edge, and Captain Jacks are walk-in only.
Nippers on Guana Cay is a fun boat trip on a nice day. Located on a high bluff overlooking a beautiful beach, Nippers also has a cool pool. On Sundays they usually have an all-you-can-eat pig picking which is enjoyable for the whole family.
Cracker P’s on Lubbers Quarters is another favorite spot. Their “Cracker Conch”, smoked fish dip, baked beans, and baked mac’n cheese are awesome. Everything is cooked on a grill. This is a fun place for lunch. Rental boats are not supposed to be out after dark, but dinner is great too.
Pete’s Pub in Little Harbour is a great lunch spot, especially after stopping at Sandy Cay for a snorkel or Pelican Cay for some beach exploring.
Emergency Medical Care
You can call Hopetown Fire and Rescue at any time at 366-0500, or on channel 16 on the VHF marine radio. The paramedics can provide limited treatment/stabilization until transport to the hospital in Marsh Harbour. Most of the locals travel to the states for major care. Be careful and don’t put yourself in the position of needing medical care.
There is a first aid guide and Epi-pens (for anaphylactic shock) in the glass cabinet to the left of the refrigerator.
What’s Behind the Locked Doors (for those that are insanely curious)
The big room in the basement is currently full of leftover building supplies and personal items that belong to the owners. The locked cabinets likewise contain personal items, or supplies for the use of the caretaker. Sorry, no stashes of vintage wines.
Things to Do
The Cruising Guide to Abaco, by Steve Dodge, is an excellent source of information on the surrounding islands and waters. This is available at several stores on the island, and is money well spent.
Following are some suggestions for activities. Consider them as a starting point for your planning. Make your plans according to the weather. If it’s calm today, you cannot count on it being calm tomorrow. Take advantage of the here and now. If the weather is nice (sunny and calm), plan longer trips.
Listen to the “cruisers net” on channel 68 at 8:15 am for announced special events, and also check for notices posted around town.
Highly Recommended All Day activities for Sunny, Calm Days
- Boat trip north to Guana Cay for lunch and exploring (Sunday pig pickin’ at Nippers)
- Boat trip south to Sandy Cay for snorkeling, (drop off non-divers at nearby Pelican Cay, a beautiful, unspoiled cay to explore), on to Little Harbour for a late lunch at Pete’s Pub, visit Johnson Gallery. Stop to dive for star fish (can’t keep) on Tilloo Bank. (You should really do two days checking out these places, if the weather is nice.)
- Snorkel trip north to Fowl Cay, with a stop at Man-O-War Cay.
- Kayak with Abaco Outback
- Snorkel or Dive trip with Froggies
Highly Recommended Activities
- Tour Man-O-War Cay
- Tour the Wyannie Malone Museum
- Shop in Marsh Harbour
- Swim and/or lunch at any of the Elbow Cay pools
- Lunch at Cracker P’s on Lubber’s Quarters
- Explore Snake Cay (must be comfortable operating boat in shallow water)
- Charter Robert Lowe for fishing trip
- Visit Lighthouse, climb to top for great panorama (DO NOT MISS)
- Swim/picnic at Tahiti Beach (boat access only)
- Sunday brunch at Harbour Lodge
- Visit local gift shops
- Get fresh bread and pies at Vernon’s Grocery
- Snorkel at one of many nearby spots (see Dodge’s Guide)
- Bicycle riding
- Exploring by boat
Highly Recommended Evening Activities
- Sunset cocktails/dinner at Abaco Inn
- Abaco Inn band/dancing
- Cocktail golf cart ride south to Tahiti
- Pizza night at Harbours Edge
- DJ night at Harbours Edge, Captain Jack’s, or Harbour Lodge