Exumas

Fri, May 7th- After a walk thru town for shopping and laundry(oops- no laundrymat here) we sailed across to cape Eleuthera where we anchored for the night just off the marina there. There was a sportfish tournament going on with dozens of big sportfish boats at docks. The first boat we stopped at was cleaning dolfin and offered us a full fillet. Had a great dinner with balance going into freezer. They were after Marlin but apparently not having much luck.

Sat- Sailing by 8 am under warm blue skies and perfect wind. Trailed 3 lines hoping for fish in the 3000ft deep water of Exuma sound. 30 miles later never had a strike but was great sailing. Picked up a mooring at Warderick Wells which is the hq for the Exuma land & Sea park. Joined about 20 other boaters ashore for campfire and partying on beach.

Sun, Mothers Day- Another hot sunny day. We actually used fans during the night and put up sun awning to keep cool for the first time this trip. Hiked about the island in morning followed by some great snorkeling in 82 deg water in the afternoon. Feasted on conk fritters and the last of our frozen venision for dinner.

Mon, May 10th Thru Sat May 15th- After a few beautiful warm calm days the wind picked up and howled at about 20-25 kts for 5 days. Since we were in a great spot we decided to wait out the winds. We spent our days snorkeling on great reefs, many in protected spots close the anchorage. The variety of colorful fish is amazing due to the fact that no fishing or taking of any sealife is allowed in the 176 sq mile park that stretches along 22 miles of the island chain. I spent 4 mornings volunteering making up eye splices in 1-1/4 inch mooring lines. Hiking on the islands very rough trails and lounging around on some of the remote beaches filled our afternoons.
The Sat evening party on the beach was well attended as all 22 moorings were full with many boats having spent the week.

Sun, May 16th- The trade winds have finally subsided and we had a great sail south to Staniel Cay under reefed main and jib. We anchored in the lee of Big Majors Island as one of the resident wild pigs roamed the beach. This area is where the James Bond film Thunderball was made and our plans were to snorkle the famous Thunderball Cave. I have been having ear problems so this may have to be put on hold until they clear up.

Mon- To town for supplies, dingy gas and propane. We found what Island time was really about when it took nearly 2 hours to get our propane filled, then a half hour wait for gas. Groceries were very limited and beer was $80 a case with wine being equally expensive(needeless to say we will make due with what we have). Sailed south in the afternoon beating into 15 kt winds to Black Point. Quiet anchorage off of cozy little town.

Tues- Black Point is the 2nd largest town in Exuma, something like 200 residents but it has a school, groceries, laundry and 2 restuarants with wifi. As I type this Chris is doing laundry and getting a haircut. Town even has a spigot with free R/O water(which has been $1.00/gal at many spots).

Wed- Overcast with squalls pred for the afternoon so we motorsailed south to Little Farmers Cay. Great protected harbor with moorings at $10/ night. Town of only 50 people but has broadcast tv and wifi.(unfortunately we didn't even try either until Thurs night). Showers much of day.

Thurs- Still overcast but no rain. Hike around Island, neighbor Bill over for dinner, he supplied Fresh fish that Chris fried up.