Heading South!

The last time we 'talked', our sailboat was aground. Have no worries, we managed to float off and limp into a marina in Nassau for some rather rough weather the weekend of Feb. 16th.

Potter's Cay, Nassau

While in Nassau, waiting for Deni and Dale to fly in, we visited Potter's Cay for a breakfast of grits and fried eggs and then  later for an afternoon snack of fresh conch salad, prepared right in front of us. Potter's Cay consists of many small shacks operated by local Bahamians at which you can purchase food, drinks, dried fish, crabs,and produce. Men sit here and play dominoes all day. In between meals, we visited Atlantis--a huge resort across the bridge with casinoes, aquariums, restaurants, shops, hotels, and yachts. We got to see how the 'other half' lives (a suite at the hotel costs $1700)!
 

Rose Island
We were all excited to leave Nassau behind as we headed back to Rose Island, where Barry and I had spent Valentine's Day. We found a beach, complete with a hammock! As Deni, Dale, and I relaxed in beach chairs--Barry decided to try the hammock. The rest of us took bets on how long he would stay in the hammock--I was the closest with 2 minutes. *He actually lasted 2 min, 26 seconds. I won a case of beer--which I still haven't collected:)  I'll give Dale and Deni a break, since currently (in the central Exhumas) a case of beer costs $65. You read that right.

Bahama waters!

After a long day's sail, we anchored in Allen's Cay--home of the world-famous and endangered Exhuma Iguanas.


What you lookin' at?

These reptiles rush out to greet boaters....we had a welcoming committee of at least 25!!
For several days, we sailed and had days on the beach as we headed further south towards the Land and Sea Park of the Exhumas. The weather has been consistent--highs in the upper 70s, windy, no humidity. As we entered the waters of the Park, I was reminded of the blue waters of Disneyland's submarine ride--a clear, brilliant turquoise in several shades. At the park office, a nurse shark lingered under the docks, along with lots of sting rays.

Exhuma Land and Sea Park--Warderick Wells

At Warderick Wells, we took a walk up a trail called Boo-Boo Hill. Looking at the sharp edges of the coral and limestone path, we could see how it would be easy to get a 'boo-boo'. At the top of the hill is a place called 'Camp Driftwood, at which you can place a piece of driftwood with your boat's name carved into it. The view is spectacular!

We are currently in Staniel Cay--home of the Thunderball Grotto, in which scenes from the James Bond movie was filmed, as well as the movie Splash. The past couple of days have been filled with adventure! While we were trying to attach to a mooring ball in a fast current, our dinghy decided to come unhitched and head out to sea!! Luckily, it was quickly lassoed by a fellow boater and returned to us. Afterwards, Barry and I plopped down on the deck of our boat and realized our trip would have been over without the dinghy (aka our water taxi).  Another learning opportunity for us! (We've had enough of those)

On the bright side, we snorkeled yesterday in the grotto--which just happened to be about 100 yards from where we anchored our boat. (Sometimes we are so LUCKY) On the outside, it looks like any other of the hundreds of ancient coral islands down here. But at low tide, several small boats started to arrive with people ready to snorkel. Barry took Deni and I over--life vests and snorkeling equipment ready to go. We slid over the side of the dinghy and swam about 30 feet to the entrance of the grotto--ducking our heads under the edge of the island. Inside it was magical--resembling a coral cathedral 40 feet high and 30 feet wide. Light fell in from the holes above us, while tropical fish swam beneath us. Unbelievable! The coral and fish on the outer edge of the grotto were the most beautiful I've ever seen. Deep, clear water was surrounded by coral of purple, neon orange, teal. Every fish seemed to be of a different design.

To top off the day, we dinghied over to a beach known for their special inhabitants--wild pigs! These are not your normal pigs....they swim to your boat and beg for food! As we neared the island, two of them approached us. Deni threw lettuce and old vegetables to them to entice them closer. I had read about pigs, weighing 500 pounds, trying to climb in boats, so I was a bit nervous about all of this. We realized they don't like to swim too far--so we stayed just out of reach. Weird!

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your boat over

MORE PICTURES AT A LATER DATE....I have some terrific photos to share, but the wifi connection here reminds me of dial up service a dozen years ago. (and that's with paying $25 for three days service at the marina). I can't take it any more....time to relax and watch the sunset.