Water and Life's Little Necessities
Water
Hope Town does not have wells or treatment plants for water. Every drop in your house is from the sky above! It is rainwater that is caught on the roof and stored in a cistern below the house. It is treated with a filter, but we suggest buying bottled water for the taste. Most islanders drink the water without a problem, but, as you know, anytime you change your water, your system can get upset. Why chance it for a week? Bottled water is readily available in all stores.
Rainwater is soft so less shampoo and conditioner is needed, but no homes include washers/dryers in the rental due to the major water conservation that is practiced. However, if you rent for two weeks or more, Tommy will open up the laundry room as needed. We request that you conserve as much water as you can.Gas for Cooking
The range is powered by LP gas. If you run out, move the lever to the second tank. The tanks are located under the kitchen. Unlikley, but if for some reason both of the tanks are empty, call Tommy on the VHF.Electricity
We would appreciate it if your turned off most of the lights when you go out at night and put on the porch light. Electricity is 2.5-3 times the cost in the States. Power outages do occur occasionally. There are several flashlights in the kitchen and one in each bedroom. There are also two battery lanterns in the closet.
Trash Pick-Up
The trash pick-up is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The bags must be down at the road between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Please clean fish down at the dock. After cleaning, please wash the dock with salt water.
Bugs
There are lots of bugs on the island, especially ants. Please keep as many foods as you can in the refrigerator or in plastic bags.What Else?
All rentals usually begin and end on Saturday. Because there will normally be guests at Meridian both the week before and after your visit, we ask that you plan to arrive no earlier than 3 p.m . and depart by 9 a.m. This time is necessary to prepare the house for new arrivals. Of course you may leave baggage at the house during this period.
Although Meridian does not have a telephone at this time, you may walk to Sea Spray Resort and use their public telephone. Abaco Inn lists many 800 access numbers for calling cards, such as ATT, Sprint, MCI, etc.
NOTE: A valid passport is now required to enter the Bahamas and re-enter the US.
