What a beautiful day! With the wind blowing and the waves building we are tucked behind a North East protective barrier called Dotham Point near the Black Point Settlement on Great Guana Cay, Exumas. We spent the evening of the second night socializing with Eva and Uwe on their trawler. However after two days, we need to get out. So we took out the jet ski and headed back up to Staniel Cay to get more diesel and explore. We drove along the shoreline to protect us against the waves. Well before we even got past the first point, I got drenched with the spray from a number of waves. My hair and makeup was done. Well, I guess that’s what happens when you jet-ski in 20 knot winds. LOL

 

I tapped Bryce on the shoulder and told him he was buying me lunch after such a crazy ride. Actually, the closer we got to the shoreline the smoother it was. We had a few areas where cuts from the Atlantic and the tide gave us some current and waves to cross but it wasn’t horrible because it was still an out going tide.  The cuts were Dotham Cut and Lumber Cay Cut.

 

This is the Staniel Cay Yacht Club restaurant where Bryce took me for lunch.  It was about a 5 mile ride from Black Point. It seems they collect other Yacht Club flags from all around the world.

 

  

 

Now the jugs are full and lunch was great. It’s time to do some exploring. 

 

 

Our first stop was a welcome one at the northernmost end of Bitter Guana Cay.  With the “Norther” winds, I was so cold after once again getting a face full of Ocean water. It’s funny.. because the water is nice and warm but that darn North wind puts a chill on me.  My swim-dress took a while to dry out too.  This area is so pretty with the white cliffs  and sandy beach.

 

 

 

Oh my, look what we found as we strolled along the beach. The Northern Bahamian rock iguana. These are a type of Lizards that are found in the areas of Exuma, Andro Islands  These are on the endangered list. The population is less than 5,000

 

 

We noticed as we walked the beach that they were coming out of hiding. They only let you get so close and we did see a sign that said to not touch the iguanas.   These guys are anywhere from about 2-4 feet long.

 

 

Now, notice the overhang on the rock? I wanted to climb up and hang my feet off.  LOL, It looks like an avalanche waiting to happen. There is a small cave where the iguanas go in. It might be their home.

 

 

Here a a few of them resting in the cave. If that avalanche ever happens, we will lose a few of those 5,000 iguanas. Iguanas are herbivorous consuming such things as leaves, flowers, and fruits.

 

 

I read that the cause of decline is due to human hunting and the Feral pigs will dig up the eggs of the iguanas and eat them. We also noticed a no dog on beach sign. That is because Feral and domestic dogs/goats prey on the juvenile and adult iguanas. 

 

 

Okay, enough on the iguanas. We decided it was time to head back out and see what else we could find. this was our view as we jet-skied away.

 

 

We went around a few more points and found a rocky area with just enough sandy area to stand on. Notice the nice calm water.  So we pulled up and walked a hundred feet over the rocks  to see what else  we could see.

 

 

Holy sham-moly.  A hundred feet from calm waters on the Exumas Bank side is the Atlantic side with the Northern winds and waves hammering upon its shores.  Only a few miles out, the Ocean depth is 3000 feet.

 

 

 

And this is why we are waiting at Black Point, Great Guana Cay hiding from the winds & waves.

 

 

We have seen too many dreams that ended like this….. It appears she lost her rudder during some bad storm and was washed up on the shallows.  This was in a small bay that perhaps she was seeking refuge in.  Two anchor lines still hang off her bow.

 

 

We found the tiller rudder about 30 feet away laying under the water.

 

 

Once again, Thanks for following us.

Well, I must say and really don’t want to, but we have gone to our furthest South most point.  We are headed back up to the U.S. But with lots more stops in the Exumas to the Eleuthera and Abacos yet to come. What a great time in the South Bahamas-Exumas.  We cannot wait to start another adventure. We want to go further South. Yesterday we did some more exploring and snorkeling and had lunch at Chat and Chill beach. What a nice day even with the strong Northern winds.  One thing a cruiser has to get used to in the Bahamas are the constant winds with periodic Northers.

 

The map shows our Southern most stop at Georgetown in the Exumas Bahamas

 

 

Bryce is setting the anchor. It is a cute little 2 pound Bruce anchor. The other day when we were is we saw sting-rays but not today. 

 

 

Thought I would show you more T-shirts hanging. We never know who is looking at these pics. if you have been here before and left a shirt you could see it here. LOL

 

 

I am enjoying a Bahama-Momma Drink. It has Pineapple, Orange, Dark coconut rum and grenadine.   

 

 

Never mind me, I just wanted to introduce you all to our bartender Shepard.  He is really cool.   He is originally from Nassau.

 

 

Kendra on the left in the white shirt is also a Bartender and Nicolette is the Gift shop and sales rep. 

 

 

We took a walk along the beach and found my Margaretville.. LOL It’s 5 o’clock somewhere right.. 

 

 

As much as I like to play on the swings, I told Bryce he had to get off the old mans chair and find a challenge…

 

 

Well, he did. He doesn’t normally listen to me, but this is the man I know. He is always climbing on something.  I studied the two people on the type rope. It looks like fun.

 

 

Okay, after two drinks, I had to play also.

 

 

Woo. What a stack of emties after the party.

 

 

A nice view of the anchorage in front of Chatt & Chill.

 

 

I found another rock formation and added another “I will return rock”.

 

 

We snorkeled around this reef. We saw many different types of fish including a sea-urchin. It looks like a globe porcupine to me. We saw a small Barracuda, a Gar and many colorful small fish.  A swim dress is not a good swimsuit to snorkel in.  

 

 

Well, thank goodness the tide is coming in. I better collect Bryce and head back to the boat.

 

We anchored just off of Georgetown.  We took a jet-ski ride into Georgetown. Georgetown is known as the center of cruising grounds in the Bahamas. Especially for boaters going further south . They also offer Internet, banks & ATMs, Shopping, Post office, laundry, library, police and lets not forget trash it cost $2 for small bag and $3 for big bag. If you have a pet there is also a veterinarian too.   I have to tell you when we first came into town, I couldn’t believe the tiny little cut into the bay for the  dinghy doc. I got a kick out of the sign it says NO Wake! I think we are the only ones who know how to read. LOL. The current going in or out is really fast during tide changes.  We tied up to the dinghy doc  to enjoy our day of exploring.

 

 

 

Here Bryce is tying the jet-ski up to the doc. Not much different than a dinghy. Well, it is thinner

 

 

Our first stop was to check out one of the local market to see if they had Pepsi in stock.  Unfortunately they only had Cherry Pepsi.  We also restocked our provisions at this store.

 

 

If you are looking for gas or diesel, just pull the dingy up to this dock and walk to the Shell with your cans.  Just don’t try to pull your sail boat in here.  It won’t fit under the tiny bridge.

 

 

I have to laugh. As we left the store we started our walk when we noticed other tourists. They were talking about getting ice cream.  Bryce and I looked at each other and smiled: ice-cream. Of course we didn’t know where it was. Then the girl said some locals said it is behind this building in the rear. We followed them and we all found the store. Ice-cream to us is like a cookie to the cookie monster. LOL

Well, pink as most of you know is one of my favorite colors and this town just shines with the colors from pink to green, blue Yellows. So much colors; it so pretty.

 

 

We went on with our exploring adventure. We found a tent with local merchants selling their goods. Bryce is in search for a visor because his blew off somewhere in the Ocean. 

 

 

 

Okay, so pink is my color. I don’t want to end up here. LOL It’s the police station.

 

 

Sandpipers is the upscale women’s clothing store in Georgetown.  I found a shirt that I really wanted; but paying $134.99 for a 100 percent cotton designer shirt.  Well, I just could not justify it.  

 

 

If you don’t have your snorkel gear you can buy what you need here: Mini Water Sports.

 

 

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Very pretty. Bryce found some 3M buffing product here that he has a hard time finding in the U.S. That’s funny.

 

 

Apparently there are special events here in Georgetown. The Cruising Regatta and Talent Show held every year around the end of February and well into March.  There are so many activities that anyone can participate in.  We “Regret” we missed it.

 

 

Top to Bottom has to be the coolest store for both men and women.  I wasn’t for sure what to expect when I opened the door.  It’s like a hardware store and miscellaneous store for your boat or home.  Lots of boating supplies.  Interesting the only anchors they carry are TRUE “Danforth Super Hookers” for every size boat up to about 50 foot.  Apparently the anchor of choice for the locals.  Makes sense in that every place we anchored was sand.  Danforth’s are legendary in sand.

 

 

Okay, I bought my Bahamas Ricardo Coconut Rum… it is the Product of the Bahamas. I also will try a Merlot that they recommend it’s a Pasqua from Italy.  April, if you are reading this, you are right about the prices on the liquor; some are very low.

 

 

Bryce took our booze back to the jet-ski so we could stop and try a bottle of Kalik; the Bahamas beer.

 

 

This is the local internet café. Just order food or a drink and they let you use the internet for free…LOL I had my Kalik Bahamas beer. Actually, I thought it was good. 

 

 

We headed down to the electronic store still looking for a waterproof camera. We found out no one carried the waterproof camera with a digital chip. We did find a film camera waterproof. But really, I don’t even know if I could find a film developer. LOL

 

 

 

We found The Corner Laundromat.

 

 

We stopped at the Exumas Market to pick a few items at the end of our day.

 

WOW… The Atlantic Ocean was so nice to us.. What a perfect day to sail. I mean no running the diesel; strictly wind. It was also so hot which made it a pool day. We are loving this. It is so magical when the sails are up. I just love sitting on the bow and looking off into the deep purple ocean. We are headed to our most southern part of our trip from this adventure: George Town.  We are going to be in George Town for around 4 days to fill up water tanks and diesel and doing the next round of provisioning and waiting for the weather. We have been on the anchor now for 20 days. We did a great job before we left Marathon on stocking up on food and booze.  We only need a few things to keep us going.

  As we enter  the Galliot Cut from Little Bahamas Bank we entered a 4 mile an hour current taking us into the Atlantic. The current was caused by an out-going tide.  Boy, we were moving.  LOL, these wave are caused by the current only. The say This current can reach out to a mile off shore. 

 

 

 

Other then speed she really didn’t effect Beauty.  We were nearly 1/2 mile out at this point.  Standing waves of about 3 feet are here. 

 

 

I just cannot get over the deep blue/purple the water is. It is so rich in color.

 

 

It’s still early morning but the sails are full of wind and the sun is bright. Can you see the purple in the water? Patti; thank you for the shirt. (BEAUTY) is in pink. Notice how calm the water is.  Beam wind was about 10 knots from shore.  Could not be better.

 

 

As we entered Elizabeth Harbor at George Town, we could see the bottom here at 48 feet.  Also notice the detail of the Garmin chart plotter of the Bahamas.  The charts are just as good as the Explorer Charts.

 

 

This is at 48 feet. It shows sand, rock and seaweed. Can you see the bottom?

 

 

After a day full of sun and wind we made it to George Town.  The harbor is full of boats as far as the eye could see. It is just awesome to see all the boats; sail or power.

 

 

The following morning after Bryce finished up with work we finally made it out we took the jet-ski to see the harbor.  What a nice place. We came upon Chat ‘N’ Chill on the beach.

 

 

T-shirt galore!! Donate your signature shirt and they will hang it up in the bar. There are so many shirts in here.

 

 

 

I think Bryce likes to carry my bag. I tease him and call it a mans bag.  What a guy; taking good care of his wife’s bag.

 

 

People walk along the beach. It has great sand to anchor in.

 

 

After a day of so many trips to collect water and diesel, it’s time to veg-out and enjoy calmness. Wind are turning North I can feel the chill in the air.

 

 

 

Even George is veg-n-out … Well the winds are now North at 17.5 knots time to sleep through it.

 

Thanks to you all for your encouragement/support  on our adventure. If you have questions or comments please reach-out to us. Have a great day. 

Staniel Cay

We spent the afternoon preparing to pull up anchorage, We had to top off the fuel tanks so we took three trips by jet-ski to the dinghy docks to fill up cans.  I had forgotten it was Friday and tour boats were coming into Staniel Cay with tourist to show them the pigs. As we deflated blow up rafts and cleaned a bit we watched a sea plan come in to the beach area too. He just motored right through the anchorage area. That either took skill or was “plane” silly! LOL It was neat to watch. Staniel was a great stop for us. We enjoyed sitting on the bow and watching people gather on the beach with their carrots to feed the pigs.  We could here the voices laughing and the pigs squealing.

 

 

The Plane puttered through the anchorage and passed about 100 feet from us.  It was cool to watch. The pilot and passengers waved as they passed by.

 

 

The telephoto lens on the camera makes it look close to the boat and dingy.  But there was plenty of room.

 

 

The kids took selfies and videos as they fed the pigs.

 

 

Tour boats brought tourists by the droves to see the pigs.

 

 

Bryce is carrying diesel fuel from the fuel dock to the dingy beach to load on the jet ski.  The dock was so high, it was impossible to load from the dock to the jet ski.  We felt uncomfortable bringing the boat here.

 

     

 

They had a great dingy landing right in front of the restaurant. Complete with a stone break water.

 

 

Great Guana Cay

Bryce and I took a short cruise to Great Guana Cay it is only 14 miles.  We set anchor just off the beach. It was as smooth as silk. it was about two hours before sunset so we loaded up our play toys and off to the beach we went.

 

 

Now it was time to play. Normally I put my snorkel gear on when I am on the Jet-ski and jump in. This time I put them on while on the beach I must say it was fun learning to walk with fins on.  BTW.. Beauty is the middle boat in the background.

 

 

The water is so warm it feels so good to snorkel around the area. We didn’t really see much except a bit of seaweed.  We need to head over to the rocks.

 

 

After snorkeling we sat on the beach and another couple stopped by to say hello. Brenda and Alan they are traveling on their homemade catamaran. The spent 35 years building their dream boat.

 

     

 

This is their dream Catamaran.  It actually is bigger than it looks.  My guess is over 40 feet.  Interesting boom on the jib.

 

 

The sun started to set, so Bryce and I enjoyed the view.

 

 

Little Farmers Cay

Morning came and it was so welcome. Our flat Ocean turned into rollers and we rolled all night. Normally Bryce puts a rear anchor out to face us into the rollers.  But he was a bit lazy that night. So we pulled up anchor first thing and headed on to Little Farmers Cay.  We arrived early so we went exploring. This photo show a rock called Oven Rock.  Any guesses why it is called oven rock??

 

 

Bryce anchored the jet ski near the rocks, out of the waves so we could go exploring.

 

 

We walked along the shore looking for a path that is supposed to lead us to a pond in the middle of the Island. So we continued to search for it..

 

 

We found some cool rocks

 

 

We searched and searched for the trail that would lead us to the pond and couldn’t find it

 

 

Many Islands we explored had some trash… I say it’s  because of the winds and storms that they have down here.  This year was apparently legendary for high winds and nearly constant “Northers” in the Bahamas during January and February.  We are glad we stayed safely tucked away in Florida during this time.

 

 

We have seen a number of sunken boats in the Bahamas. When I see this, I think that someone once had a dream that now lies on its side on the shores of a small island in the Bahamas. 

 

 

 

Ty’s restaurant on the point at Little Farmers. It is worth the stop. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly. You can play volleyball or just relax on the beach. The little house to your right is a shower house, so you can rinse off the salt water. This restaurant is very clean with a great relaxed ambiance.

 

 

What a great menu.. I had the Grilled Lobster and Bryce had Angus Beef (boring)LOL..  Our meals were so delicious.  Other boaters came in and we had a great visit with them also.

 

 

Enjoying our evening with each other and our days and afternoons… LOL I have been asked how can you spend to much time with your husband in such a small area. My answer is easy. He is not just my husband but throughout the years he also became my Best friend. I cannot wait to wake up every day and see what we are going to explore together. Enough mushy stuff. 

 

 

I had to place my return stone. It’s the tinniest one on top.  Once again Thank you for following us.  If you have questions or comments

please reach out to us 

 

What a beautiful day. I have to chuckle..when we were in Marathon, Bryce went swimming with the go-pro with the water proof case, but did not notice it had the non-water-proof back and it destroyed the go-pro. So we went and bought a Kodak water proof camera. Then in Chub Cay (Berry Islands) he went swimming with the Kodak. Not sure what happened, but saltwater leaked in and destroyed the camera. Now, where do we buy a new underwater camera is the question?

With this said I will show you some photos of the area we jet-skied and snorkeled.

We jet-skied around the area and found some wonderful areas. This picture shows the Atlantic Ocean reaching itself into Little Bahamas Bank.  

 

In this photo it looks like the waves of the many storms are creating a slide in the center.

 

 

The current moves swiftly along this point. if you can see on top of the rocks it looks like they are growing finger like fossils

 

 

We wanted to snorkel here because it was so clear. Unfortunately the current didn’t let us.  I like the palm trees.

 

 

I am thinking we are looking at a new beach in the future. You can see that the waves are turning the rocks in to sand.

 

 

We did do some awesome snorkeling and saw a sea turtle and various little blue and yellow fish and coral.  The kind of fish you often see in salt water aquariums.  We enjoyed our evening with Eva and Uwe from Germany. What a great couple. They are here in a trawler and have been coming to the Bahamas for decades.

 

 

Bryce and Uwe going over different routes.  Bryce needs to put his glasses on.. LOL  Either that or he had one too many!!

 

 

This was the view as Eva and Uwe left. The big Yachts all have generators that run 24/7.  So they are all lit up at night.  This boat is anchored behind us.  I like the water lights.  Staniel Cay has a lot of boats anchored nearby from 30 feet to 300 feet.  Probably 30 boats anchored here.  We are surprised how many boats are in the Exumas.  When we are traveling between Cays, we see dozens of boats sailing and motoring.  Many of the Super Yachts are following us south.. or we are following them.

 

 

 

Here is a picture during the daytime.. “Easy Rider” is a 116 foot Hatteras.  You can see it on the web at www.easyrideryacht.com

 

Well, we have entertainment here. We were told about this; but, first hand view is awesome. The anchorage is really good all sandy and you can get close to the beach. The depth is 10 feet . The bay is full of boaters from all over the world. Tonight we are going to enjoy the company of some new friends we meet from Germany Uwa and Eva. Staniel Cay has lots of shops on the island; Post office, BTC Telephones, Trash $2.50/5.00 depends on the sizes of bag, Library, along with much more. For you boaters you will enjoy this part of the Exumas.  I am so looking forward to shopping. I guess I should say I need a few hours on land too. For most of us after the Park it’s nice to arrive here to get back on the Wifi. Staniel Cay is the hot spot to be; we are actually anchored off of “Big Major Spot”.

Anchored in 10 feet..

 

Back to the pigs. Wild pigs wander around the beach here. You can look at the beach and it looks normal but when the pigs hear/see the sound of a boat or dinghy come close to shore, they appear from the trees expecting you to have food. People save there dinner scraps to take to shore to feed the pigs. They will eat right out of your hand. I laughed when I watched a pig come behind a girl and head butt her in the rear wanting some more food. It appears they drink salt water. Maybe that is why ham is salty… LOL

 

 

Here is a picture of one of the pigs going up to a hard sided dinghy looking for something to much on. I would hate for one to put a hole in our soft sided dinghy.

 

 

People come from all over just to feed these pigs. I just love watching. Some of them swim out to the boats.

 

 

We took a dinghy ride around the shoreline. I would like to know if anyone knows what type of rock this is.  Our view is just amazing. I think it might be time to do some kayaking.  We pulled up on the shore here and walked a bit.

 

 

We even saw caves cut into the rocks

 

 

We need to take our snorkel gear with us on our expedition. 

 

 

Looks like some boaters made themselves at home.  Party time tonight.

 

 

Relaxing in my chair. Bryce saw a huge shark. I was a bit nervous to get in the water. One of the couples we meet said it was a nurse shark and would not hurt you. 

 

 

I didn’t know you could get a blow up waterslide for your boat. This is really cool; it must be at least 30 feet high!! I would hate to land on a not so desirable sea creature. I could do this in the Great Lakes Several boats in the harbor have slides.

 

 

Once again, Thank you all for following us. We really look forward to reading your comments and answering any questions/comments.

Good morning or Good Afternoon which ever it may be. We just wanted to share our stroll along the Blow Hole and Boo Boo Hill trail here at Warderick Wells Cay, Land and Sea Park.  I have to laugh, We pulled the dinghy upon to shore and the sign read $10.00 to park dinghy and $10 a person to help persevere the park.  For all our boater friends the anchorage here is great nice sandy bottom. They also have mooring balls for $30 dollars a night. If you are 90 feet or longer you have to pay $200 dollars a night just to anchor in the bay. What we found amazing is there are mooring balls throughout the area between all the different Islands. We are cheap; we just anchored and it was fantastic.

 

 

Bryce landing our dinghy on shore. He is doing a great job. One of the beaches we were at; Jaws beach, the tide came in while we were talking to a boater and the dinghy started to floated away.

 

 

We walked up to pay our dues for landing on the beach.  I should say it doesn’t matter; you have to pay to land on the beach too.  We had to wait for the office to open in a few minutes. That is when we met two crew members from the super yacht FREEDOM. They were dressed in their white uniforms like cute little sailors. One was from Canada and the other of South Africa. Very nice guys. Well, the lady arrived and opened the doors and she gave us a map to follow to BOO BOO Hill. Bryce looked at the map and lead us through the path. I asked if we were on the right trail and he replied “Yes, I looked at the map”. I mumbled under my breath it looks like a sewage pit! I was was uncomfortable . Soon he looked and I started laughing “Jane this looks like their sewage area.” But there were trail markers.   

 

See the round pit behind me? Sewage? Yes I do think I am right. Bryce finally stopped and looked at the map again. Yep, we were on the wrong trail we have to head back to the beach and take the trail on the East side.

 

 

Back at the beach we stopped to see the 52 foot sperm whale skeleton that came up on shore in July 1995.

 

 

 

Have you ever heard of Conch? I never did till we got down to the Florida Keys. Now that I see one close up and personal… No! this is not going down my throat. We found a live Conch in the water on the beach.  It is a big thing down here. Later, we saw him crawling back in the deep water.  You can see his foot inside this shell.

 

 

Bryce put her back into the water had she started to crawl away.

 

 

Awe..Yes, we found the correct trail. We stopped to read the sign.  We will share it with you.

 

 

So we entered the trail. We saw so many lizards.  I must say the trail is very hard to walk on. It’s made of what looks like volcanic rock in a lot of places.  At first I wondered if we would see sandy trails.

 

 

Another sign. I am even learning about the Mangroves here.

 

 

 

You can see the rock I was talking about on this trail.

 

 

OM (OH..MY) the trail came to a creek; Banshee Creek.  I must admit, I was a bit leery about crossing it. But I bit my lip and told Bryce he had to catch me if it went over my head… LOL, It felt so warm and never got over my knees. 

 

 

I made it and the trail is turning to sand.

 

 

This is just so pretty.  But it is also very warm.  We kept seeing these signs that say BOO BOO Hill Trail.

 

 

We walked up hills… I am so glad I wore I swimsuit.. Maybe I sweated out a few pounds…LOL

 

 

YES… Bryce hurry up! We made it to the top. The water you see behind me is the Atlantic Ocean.  It’s so beautiful.

 

 

 

Hope you are still with us and I haven’t put you to sleep yet….. We headed to the Blow Holes first.  You might need to know that a blow hole is the air pushing up through holes in the rocks from the waves. Today there was no Blow hole geyser due to the fact that the tide was down and we only had a breeze.  That was ok, we still found the holes interesting.

 

 

Doesn’t Bryce look cute carrying our pink cooler bag. As he placed his hand over the hole he could feel the pressure of the air coming up. You could hear the rumbling of the waves also.

 

  

 

This one had two holes a lot of air pressure coming up.  One of the blow holes was so powerful, it sounded like a jet taking off.  It started us at first as we approached it.

 

 

Bryce stood on the edge of the cliff to get this photo of the hole below into the cave feeding the blow holes. See when the air and waves are high the pressure builds as the water covers this big hole and shoots water up like a geyser out of the Blow holes.  There are several on top of the hill.

 

 

 

This signs explains it much better then I can…

 

 

Ok, enough of the blow holes. We started back and Bryce asked if I wanted to see the BOO BOO HILL . Of course I hesitated; like I always do. I was hot… But of course I didn’t want to miss it.  OM.. The view is unbelievable up here. This view is of one of the mooring areas in one of the cays.

 

 

 

I did not know this. I might of searched for a piece of drift wood to leave behind.  I will say a prayer instead. 

 

 

This is a small view of the wood plackets that people leave behind. These are typically the names of the boats that stopped by and left an indication of their visit.  I am glad I followed Bryce up here.

 

 

This little guy was having a blast running around the pile of draft wood.

 

 

We can really see a good view of some of the Islands up here.

 

 

You see the white ball in front of this sailboat? That is a mooring ball. We see them in and out of the Islands.

 

 

Here you see Beauty at anchor in the Park.  We are surprised by the huge number of boats in the Bahamas.  Each anchorage has 5-10 boats over night.  There were 7 super yachts anchored further out.  We did not feel so bad bringing a jetski because the super yachts were often carrying 4 of them!!  There were quite a few jet skis in this area.

 

Well. We are now back on Beauty. The air has chilled off and I am having a cup of tea. Thank you for joining us today it was a pleasure.

 

Easter Sunday

 

What a beautiful day! From the time we woke up to  the time we went to bed. Now, I see the glory in the Bahamas. It was Easter Sunday; we had worried all night long. This time not about bad weather but about someone who we hold dear to our hearts.  See we received a text from Bryce’s sister saying their brother was in the hospital with pneumonia. This was not good. He has other health issues which puts him at high risk. The good news is he has passed all his test and should recover just fine. We call that an Easter miracle in our family.

We took a jet-ski ride around Norman’s Cay to the back side. It was a bit choppy, so we went back to the boat and switched out jet-ski to dinghy. The dinghy is easier carry things to land on the beach. I was like a kid with a piece of candy; so excited to play on the beach.  I packed a lunch a 1/2 bottle of wine and beer for Bryce. I wish I could share this day with everyone. It was that special to me for some reason. We were on an island with only a private air strip and a few homes. So we set up our lawn chair and umbrella on the beach.

 

Our sailboat is in the back ground. Beauty is directly over the dingy motor.

 

 

 

I have to share a few photos of myself.  As many of you know I don’t swim well. It’s funny because the salt water helps me out.  I float really easy. I am not in deep water, so this is just fine with me.

 

 

Okay; this is me swimming. I told you I was like a kid…

 

 

So after a nice lunch, I took a stroll up the beach to see where the dinghy people were headed.  Bryce stayed with the chairs and gear.  I read this sign on the Beach: “Mc.. Restaurant & grill” I was so excited. I followed the path. It lead to a board walk. I continued on; I saw a little white gated area. I opened the gate. I felt Like I had opened the door to paradise. It was a Bahamas garden with  plants, palm trees, flowers. As I followed the board walk, I noticed a building with noise and voices coming from it. I walked up the steps and opened the door. People were gathered around a bar laughing and having a great time. I asked if they were open to the public. The young women answered yes.

 

I asked how long they would be serving dinner. She said till 9. A smile came across my face. I couldn’t stop it.  She told me I need reservations.  I asked if 6 was ok. YES… I could barley wait to get back and tell Bryce. Oh crap, I was so focused I forgot he could not see me. He must be worried not knowing where I disappeared to.   I followed the path back. I was so full of joy. I sat down and told Bryce what I found. He was as happy as I was.

 

 

This will be the first holiday since  we left home that we were able to eat out.

 

   

What an amazing day.  Hope you all had a great day too.

 

 Norman’s Cay to Warderick Wells Cay

The following morning wasn’t as enjoyable. You know I share all.. we were both on edge. I asked the wrong question that set off fire works in our boat. The fuse was short lived. We pulled up anchor and headed to the Bahamas Land and Sea Park at  Warderick Wells Cay.  In 1958 the Bahamian government set a side a 176 square mile area called the Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park.  It says they have the best anchorages and snorkeling along with hiking trails…  I will let you know.

We passed several other Cay’s along the way to Warderick Wells Cay. The lighter areas show sand bars that we needed to avoid.  The passage over was really nice. We weren’t able to sail again but the weather was fantastic. 

 

 

We passed a sailboat under sail going in the opposite direction. Winds where S at 7 not much wave action either.

 

 

From Norman’s Cay to Warderick Cay was about 27 miles. We made good timing today.  Boy, I just can’t believe all the mega yachts.  This super yacht must be burning a few hundred gallons per hour of fuel.

 

 

The closer we got to Warderick wells Cay, I wondered if we would ever start seeing normal boats and people again. We have seen INFINITY several times.  She is a pleasure craft that drafts 13.1 feet and is 290 feet long and 45 feet wide.  It is quite a bit bigger than SkyFall which was 220 feet long.

 

 

The back of INFINITY opens up and  4 jet-skis come out.  This boat is wider than we are long.

 

 

The anchorage area had 7 Mega Yachts anchored. I will bore you with one more. SILYER FAST I don’t have info on her but she is pretty neat too. And appears to be at least 200 feet long.

 

 

 

Now, back to us not so fortunate people. We pulled in past the yachts and found anchorage.  We anchored near this mushroom looking Island with a few other sailboats just outside the mooring field.

 

 

After anchoring, it was so hot, we jumped into the ocean. Bryce pumped up our chairs. We floated for a little while and enjoyed the surrounding view.   In this picture you can clearly see the sandy bottom and bits of sea weed.  It is about 10 feet deep.

 

 

Look again how clear the water is. Beauty is anchored in 10 feet of water. This is looking down at the sandy bottom.

 

 

I am getting ready for sunset. Checking for internet… Nope none

 

 

Look what came for a visit. We have no clue what it is but it looks like a fish or small shark. Maybe I should buy a book on fish for dummies.

 

 

Maybe you can make it out better in this picture. The breeze is making ripples on the water that makes it hard to see.

 

 

Our Sunset picture on the WARDERICK CAY.

 

                                      Bryce is searching for fuel and I am making new friends on Jaws Beach in West Bay

 

Poor Bryce has searched and searched for fuel. Either you find a place that will only sell to Mega Yachts or the are private and sell to members only. He will not give up. We need fuel and he will find it. He decided it was time to ride his bike into town 5 miles away to the gas station. We had previously walked the 5 miles into town the day before. I finally found bread… we found a huge grocery store. I was not looking forward to the walk back it was pushing 90 degrees. I asked the clark if they had a number for a taxi and she said that the offer their customers a ride back. that was music to my ears. Bryce gave the young man 10 dollars as a tip. ok, back to the fuel story. Right in front of the grocery store was a shell gas station.   That is where he road his bike to to get fuel. On his first round  trip  as he headed back is luck seem to have fallen. He didn’t tighten the bungee cords enough around the jug. both jugs Bryce and bike fall to the ground. A man with an SUV stopped and offered him a ride back. He remembered that I told him if someone offers him a ride he was to take up the offer. As long as they could take his bike too. LOL. 

 

Bryce loading gas jugs on his bike. I forgot to take picture of diesel jugs.

 

Finally, he returned as I sat on the beach and awaited his arrival back. Someone had to keep an eye on the dinghy & motor.  I meet some new friends on the beach. It was nice to watched the kids swim and play as they also were off for Easter vacation.

 

 

Barb is in the poke a dotted swim suite cover up Nancy is in the hat. They are anchored near us. They are out for a walk along the beach.

 

 

I had quit the conversation with these two young men. They were so pleasant to talk with. They are cousins. both are in the tenth grade.

 

 

This was my 4 hour sitting exercises for the day. 

 

 

Finally Bryce arrived back this time without any dilemma. We packed up the dinghy to head back and fuel up the boat.  When all was said and done we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the boat as we saw a few young men out enjoying the wind on the wind sail boards. Man you have to try this it looks like a great workout.

 

 

 

The following morning we headed  out to the Exumas.  The just love the way the morning air brushes against my face. The sun started to poke out from behind the clouds.

 

We waved to bye to a few boaters as we headed out to a new part of our journey. The EXUMAS The rollers were about 6 feet but soon we will be out of the tongue of the Ocean that is over a 1000 feet depth and back into Little Bahamas Bank that averages 20 feet depth.

 

This is a photo of the power plant the fuels the island with electricity

 

 

We passed SKYFALL going in the opposite  direction.

 

 

This area is nothing but Mega Yachts every where you look.

 

 

Well, we knew the possibility of not being able to sail do to winds on bow.  The weather map said SE 10 and they were SE 20-22 it took us 14 hours to go 52 nautical miles.   Pulling into anchorage at dusk isn’t fun but this area was well mark on the GPS. We had a good time crossing even though it was slow. We were stun but the night vision of one of the mega yachts. Evan at nigh the Exumas are beautiful. I will let you all go for now. Thank you for taking your time to follow us.