The Berry Islands

 We've left Bimini behind, and are now in the Berry Islands....72 miles to the Southeast. We took it easy the first day, sailing just a few miles to an anchorage called Honeymoon Harbor. Along the way, we explored the Sapona--a WWI troop transport ship that was intentionally sunken in order to become a coral reef. We had intended to snorkel...but it was too chilly. (I know this is all relevant...chilly in the islands means it was 70 degrees and windy). Honeymoon Harbor was adjacent to a deserted beach--home to lizards, birds, and conch shells worn by the tide to reveal the colors of the sunset.

Sunset over the Atlantic...Bullock Harbor

We started the remaining 68 miles or so early the next morning (2:30 a.m.)--accompanied by a rising moon and brilliant stars. 68 miles in a car takes an hour....in a heavy sailboat, it takes much longer. After sailing and motoring all day, we set anchor at 9 p.m. or so on the Great Bahama Bank --a shelf of shallow water between Bimini and the remainder of the islands. After a short amount of rest, we headed on into the Berry Islands--anchoring in Bullock's Harbor. Unbelievable sunsets!

En guarde!

Miles and miles of deserted beaches, lined with
condos and private homes

We explored parts of the island in the dinghy the next day. The beaches here are almost beyond words and pictures don't do them justice. Sugar sand, turquoise water that is clear completely to the sandy bottom, almost like looking through mother of pearl. Not surprisingly, cruise ships have leased a small island near here and most days we can see a cruise ship anchored off-shore with people parasailing and using waverunners.




Anglican Church--Great Harbor Cay

 Whenever we're in a new place, we like to visit the local village if possible. As we walked into town, we could hear the kids at the local school laughing and yelling while outside at recess. They were all neatly dressed in crisp uniforms. In addition to the school and small houses, there are several churches, grocery stores, and bars/cafes. The largest grocery store is about the size of a convenience store at home, dimly lit, with frosted over, ancient freezer cases. We arrived on a Wednesday, the day before the boat comes over with fresh supplies. We were told there would be fresh vegetables available on "Tursday". (Not exactly true, as it turns out....the boat arrived, but the crane to unload it broke, delaying the delivery of fresh food. I love veggies....and I miss them!) Speaking of groceries....let's do a price check!
Keebler Crackers....$6.30
One roll of TP......... $1.65
One roll of paper towels.....$2.75
One gal. of gas for dinghy...$7.00
Vacation in the Bahamas.....PRICELESS!!

The cut into Great Cay Harbor

Great Harbor Cay welcoming committee--a juvenile manatee!





Because a strong storm system was moving in, with predictions for winds of up to 25 knots (30 mph), we decided to spend this weekend in a marina. It costs $60 a night, but the benefits are worth it. Protection from the wind, ELECTRICITY, WATER, LAUNDRY, WIFI, PEOPLE, LAND UNDER MY FEET just to name a few. This is a small marina...room for about 25 boats, but you'll never guess who has a gigantic yacht here! Jack Nicklaus! In the 70's this was a glamorous outpost, with a luxury golf course and marinas. Now it is a quiet, secluded place, with loyal customers that return year after year. Local fishermen sell their catch for the day right on the dock....we bought a lobster tail weighing over a pound and had a scrumptious meal. But conch is the name of the game here....conch fritters, conch sandwiches, etc. 

Lobster, anyone?

Several boats have come in to avoid the winds, so a potluck appetizer party was arranged for last night. We enjoyed chatting with everyone for a couple of hours--gathering up stories and local knowledge. Today we may go over to Shark Creek at low tide to see stingrays, small sharks, and other sea creatures up close. Tomorrow we plan to start heading south again, on our way to Nassau to pick up our friends Dale and Deni next Sunday. Watch for more postings next weekend....when we assume we'll have wifi again. Hope all is well in St. Louis!!