Bell Rock & Cambridge Cay

Cambridge Cay, Exuma Park

This morning, consensus was to head to Cambridge Cay, still in the Exuma Land and Sea Park and just a few miles South. We have not stopped at Cambridge before, but had been told that the snorkeling was quite magnificent.

Upon arrival, we picked up a mooring ball, but could not see the pay box. The Park Warden later cruised by and directed us to a small island, with the pay box behind the Exuma Park sign. After completing the registration, we deposited the requisite $20.

The tide was low, exposing a sandy causeway connecting a chain of small islands.  We were surprised to find the sand was coarse and hard on the feet.

From the boat, we could see a large rock “Bell Rock” on the Exuma Sound side and dinghied to the beach and trail across to the Sound side. The trail was short, and the beach and rock were awesome.

The sand on this side was like powdered sugar.  Being open to the Sound, there is much more wave action to grind the sand. Suzanne, an avid sea glass gatherer was in seventh heaven when she found some sea hash, where the waves had tumbled and deposited shells and glass that surges around Bell Rock.  She was delighted with the windfall of treasures.

As usual, we returned to the boat for sunset and “Happy Hour.

Exuma Land & Sea Park

Hog Cay

As per normal, when a front comes through, the North mooring field was full and Emerald Rock moorings would not be comfortable due to wind direction. We were able to get a mooring ball in Hog Cay, which was reasonably sheltered, but reaching the park office by dinghy was untenable in these breezy conditions. We hunkered down for a quiet day as the clouds moved in and temperatures dropped. We spent the next 3 days in Warderick Wells, changing mooring fields daily as the wind directions changed. Day one was spent in Hog Cay (south mooring field), day two in Emerald Rock and day three in the North mooring field.

We were awakened in Hog Cay with the seas rolling in through the cut, and we opted to move over to Emerald Rock, since no-one was departing the North moorings. Day three, conditions improved considerably and many boats departed, freeing up plenty of moorings in the North mooring field, adjacent to park headquarters. This meant internet service once again.

We hiked across Banshee Creek, and up the trail to Boo Boo Hill and the blow holes.. It was low tide and consequently, there was little activity at the blow hole. Regardless, the view from Boo oo Hill was mesmerizing. Boo Boo Hill gets its name from the locals, who claim that on a moonlit night they hear the cries of souls lost at sea. Today, it is better known for the driftwood momentos that cruisers deposit to mark their visit. A few years ago, there was a large assortment of creative momentos, but today, in keeping with the park's conservation practices, only driftwood artifacts are permitted. All others will be removed.

Dave and Suzanne visited the blow holes and hiked some of the island trails. In their absence, we were again visited by our little bird friend, who we learned is a Bananaquit and not a warbler. Susann treated him to some finely crushed cashews, which he obviously enjoyed, letting her hold the feeding container as he perched on the edge and chowed down

Susann treated him to some finely crushed cashews, which he obviously enjoyed, letting her hold the feeding container as he perched on the edge and chowed down.

Today was a beautiful day here in paradise. The North wind still had a coolness about it, and with the approach of sunset, temperatures were a bit chilly. Regardless, we donned sweaters and spent Happy Hour ashore with “Stinky” the sperm whale carcass on “Power Beach”.

As sunset approached, there were some very neat and interesting cloud formations in the sky. The evening sky colours continued to intensify, and were truly magnificent as we returned to Kaos, and darkness approached rapidly.

Shroud Cay

   Shroud Cay

We arrived at Shroud Cay around noon, and Alan, Dave & Suzanne took the dinghy and went sightseeing to Allan’s Cay to feed the iguanas, and then on to Highbourne Cay to see the pet sharks and finally to Norman’s Cay to visit the mostly submerged plane wreck from the drug running era of Carlos Leder.

Upon the return of the sightseers, we enjoyed Happy Hour ashore at our private little beach, just north of the moorings on Shroud Cay.

An early morning start was planned for next morning, so we could capitalize on a rising high tide for our planned dinghy trip through the mangrove channels and out to the Sound side of the island. With the approach of a cold front, the wind shifted to the southwest overnight, making our anchorage rolly and uncomfortable. None of us slept well, especially as we encountered an extremely low tide, due to a full moon, causing Kaos to bump the sandy bottom for a couple of hours in the middle of the night. Winds continued to build and we continued to roll. Consensus was to abort the dinghy trip and seek a more comfortable anchorage. We ventured a few miles north to the south anchorage on Norman’s Cay, which was already pretty full, and some sailors were less than pleased that we would drop an anchor anywhere close to them. We ventured over to the lonely power boat, but found conditions less than comfortable. We opted to head south on the Exuma Sound side, (hoping to find calmer seas) to Warderick Wells, looking for a mooring ball. As per normal, when a front comes through, the North mooring field was full and Emerald Rock moorings would not be comfortable. We were able to get a mooring ball in Hog Cay, which was reasonably sheltered, but reaching the park office by dinghy was untenable in these breezy conditions.

We hunkered down for a quiet day as the clouds moved in and temperatures dropped.

Staniel Cay & Big Majors Spot, Northern Exumas

Staniel Cay

Following a few busy days in Farmer’s Cay,and Super Bowl, aboard “Kaos” with Paul and Denise from “Orion” we departed Farmer’s for Black Point. As we neared Black Point, we were able to determine that the harbour was very full. Upon approach, we counted no less tha 40 boats at anchor, most awaiting the arrival of the next supply boat. We determined that the laundromat would be full, as would the dinghy dock and Lorraine’s Café. The decision was made to hit Black Point on our return and head straight for Staniel Cay, where we would await the arrival of our guests, Dave and Suzanne.

We anchored between the Yacht Club and “Thunderball” Cave, and spent much of the day washing the boat and catching up on emails etc., now that we once again had reasonable internet

The following day was spentpreparing for our guests arrival on the 8^th. Low tide that afternoon was about 1:30 pm, and Susann expressed an interest in snorkelling “Thunderball” Cave, the sight of filming of the James Bond movie “Thunderball”. Susann is claustrophobic with anything over her face, but wanted to see the schools of tropical fish within the cave.Low, slac tide is the best time to visit, since the cave entranceis accessible without diving under water, and one is not fighting ocean current. We took a small container of bread crumbs in with us and when Alan released them into the water, we were surronded by hundreds of beautiful fish. The top of the cave is open to the sunlight, which makes the waters and fish sparkle.

Although Susann did not stay long inside the cave, she did it and enjoyed nature at it’s best!

The following morning, Susann was awakened by the diesel engines of the fast approaching freight boat. Everywhere was abuzz with activity and the cruisers were excited that fresh fruits and veggies, would once again be available in the stores, for at least, a few hours.

Isle’s General Store, near the airport,  also known as the yellow store, announced on VHF 16 that produce had arrived, and they were open for business. We walked over, to find the dinghy dock crammed with dinks, and Miss Vivian’s store a hive of activity, with cruisers stuffing their bags with all the fresh foods they could carry. It was reminiscent of the fishermen cleaning their catch on the dock and throwing the skin and carcass’ to the waiting nurse sharks and rays, who were ready to fight and devour every morsel. Sixty some odd dollars later, we departed with everything on our list, except bananas. We were not fast enough and the case emptied within minutes.

Returning to the boat, docked at the Yacht Club, we awaited the arrival of Dave and Suzanne, and a late lunch at the restaurant.

It’s Alan’s birthday today. After a visit to “Thunderball Cave”, where Dave & Suzanne snorkeled and fed the fish, we headed to Big Major’s Spot, just a couple of miles away.

After securely setting the anchor, we headed off in the dinghy to feed and photograph the swimming pigs. As boats approach the beach, the adult pigs swim out, looking for treats. We had some old macadamia nuts and apple pieces, which they quickly devoured.

The piglets remained on shore, disappearing into the bushes until the adults returned to shore.

From pig beach, we moved to the party beach on Big Major’s Spot. Some generous cruisers have donated several picnic tables and built a bar, complete with indelible marker for visitors to sign their names.

A large fire pit has been built, surrounded with bench seating and complete with a fire extinguisher. Thanks to whoever, for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

Now it is up to us, visiting cruisers to enjoy and take care of the beach.

Back aboard “Kaos”, sunset was enjoyed over cocktails and Alan’s birthday celebrated with a steak & lobster dinner, followed by chocolate cake and cognacs under the stars.

Little Farmer's Cay, Northern Exumas

Little Farmer’s Cay

Arrived in Little Farmer’s Cay on Thursday, just ahead of the start of the 26^th Annual 5 F’s Festival (First Friday in February, Farmer’s Cay Festival), featuring the “Class C” sailing regatta. Early Friday morning, on a rising tide, the “Captain C” arrived through the Cut, with Bahamian music blaring, and loaded with visitors returning back home to the island. In addition to the passengers, the ship was carrying some of the regatta competitors, and more importantly, their sailing vessels. It certainly was an exciting and fitting start to this (61 inhabitants) little cay’s festival.

Between the two anchorages, we counted at least 75 boats (sail and power) at anchor, and awaiting the festivities.

In addition to the two races on both Friday and Saturday, there was an abundance of loud Bahamian music at the airport and around the fishing harbor, and lots of local cuisine, with “Kalik” (Bahamian beer) and rum punch.

We enjoyed our morning coffee, watching the freighter, docked at the yacht club, unload the sail boats.

Later, we headed into the village, where the daily domino game was in full swing, outside of Ali’s Bar. The locals take their domino game very seriously, slamming their tile on the table (until now, I did not know that this was a contact sport).

The airport was a hub of activity, with the races going on, and on Saturday, they set up the trophies, and they sure don’t mess around, everything is better in the Bahamas!

When they award a trophy here in the Bahamas, they award a trophy!

The local spirit was infectious, right down to “Mr. Bahamas”, Frank from Nassau, and one of the race sponsors, who flies in every year to lend his support. He certainly was a dapper dresser, who made the rest of us “beach bums” feel somewhat under dressed for the occasion.

It was really neat to see these racing vessels up close, and in full action. They were surprisingly fast and agile

Most of them had a four man crew, who, when needed, would hang out over the water, providing the weight, where necessary.

In addition to all the excitement out on the water, the local Exumas Marching Band arrived to perform for the crowd. Adjacent to the airport runway, they gave a stellar performance, with small planes taking off, right alongside.

It was neat to see no security lines. No check-ins. Just walk right off the beach, and board your flight, and on this festival day, watch the marching band perform alongside the runway.

All in all, a great couple of days with a real Bahamian flavor!

Little Farmer’s Cay is a real favourite of ours, and well worth a visit, especially during the 5 “F” Festival.

Warderick Wells, Exumas Land & Sea Park

This morning we arrived in Warderick Wells, headquarters for the Exuma Land & Sea Park, and another of our favorite spots. After receiving our mooring assignment in the North Mooring Field, we proceeded in to pick up the mooring. In the process of shutting down the ships systems, we discovered what we thought was a stow-away. A small greyish blue bird with a yellow breast was flying all around the boat. Trying to coax him/her out of the boat but not wanting to frighten it, we opened all the doors so he could gain access to freedom, but he chose to make himself at home and check out his new surroundings.

He departed after about 30 minutes, but returned later that evening.

By this point, we were sure that this was not his first visit aboard a visiting boat, which was confirmed later that evening at Happy Hour.

After checking-in at park headquarters, we headed out on the dink to explore, starting with the must-do trek up to “Boo Boo” Hill, where cruisers pile mementos, such as their boat name plate.

Over the years there have been some very interesting and creative mementos deposited.

Now, in keeping with the park’s environmental philosophy, only driftwood (or wood) items may be deposited. All others will be removed. The collection is still pretty amazing, and from the correct  angle, one can frame the mooring field below amidst “Boo Boo” Hill’s trappings.

Winds were light and variable today, with calm seas, so there was little activity at the “blowholes”. Since conditions were conducive, we elected to circumnavigate Warderick Wells by dinghy, not something one can do to often during the winter months. We checked out the park’s other mooring fields (Emerald Rock and Hog Cay), both have their own charm and appeal, but are farther away from park headquarters, where most cruisers are anxious to catch up with email.

Our visit to “Powerful Beach” next to the park office, saw that the skeleton of the large sperm whale that washed ashore some years ago was still there .

This visit to Warderick Wells, ended with another great happy hour aboard “Kaos” with crew and friends from “Alberta   Crewed”.  “Not So Interim” and “Gaia”.

Hawksbill Cay, Exumas Land & Sea Park

Hawksbill Cay

Following our memorable visit to Shroud Cay, we headed just a few miles south to Hawksbill Cay, the next island in the Exumas Park chain. Uninhabited, the west coastline, especially the southern section, is one of the prettiest in the park.

 We anchored just inside the southern mooring field, a beam the cairn monument, visible from the highest peak on the island.

We later climbed up to the cairn, using a marked trail, off the beach. The climb required shoes and good balance, but the view from the peak was 360 degrees, and facilitated a view of the stunning beaches below, and the opportunity for superb shot of your vessel at anchor, or on a mooring below.

The island also houses settlement ruins, some dating back to the late 1700’s. These are located just north of the mooring field, located on the northwest coast of the island. The trail has been cleared, and marked by park staff, and although not difficult, it requires good footwear and balance for the climb.