South in the wake of Columbus

May 2nd -3rd
After sitting out the past 6 days of storms and rain in Governors Harbor we are finally rewarded with sunny and breezy weather for a sail to Rock Sound. Enjoyed wandering around town and exploring a group of caves and a blue hole that were close by.

Caves at Rock Sound

May 4th
With settled weather predicted for the next week we decided to modify our plan to cross to the Exumas and instead continue south and east to explore the more remote islands of the far Bahamas. Most of the anchorages we will be visiting offer very limited protection from any winds other than the prevailing trades so good weather is essential for visiting this area. After a pleasant sail managing to catch a small Barracuda for our dinner, our final anchorage on the southern end of Eleuthera is off of Plum Creek.  Spent time exploring another fine beach and another beautiful sunset. 

Little San Salvador
May 5th
Off early in light winds motorsailing to Half moon bay on Little SanSalvadore. A cruise ship was anchored in the protected cove that serves as a day stop for some of the cruise lines but they left by late afternoon and we had the beautiful spot to ourselves for a quiet walk on the beach.

Just a few of the days catch-best fishing yet!

Cat Island
May 6th-7th
Calm winds finds us motoring south all day to Fernandez Bay. The upside was the fishing was great bringing in a large Grouper, 1 large and 3 small Jacks, and a Barracuda we released. We now have plenty of fish in the freezer.  Spoke with friends aboard Glennis via radio that were in the anchorage on the southern tip of the island off of Port Howe. We had heard that passage thru the reef into this anchorage was hazardous as the gps charts were incorrect so we hadn't planned on attempting it but after Glennis gave us coordinates to enter the reef we decided to join them..  On Monday we motored south catching and releasing 3 large Barracuda along the way. Entrance thru the reef in calm seas and bright sun was very simple but the chartplotter would have had us on the reef. This is one of the few times that the electronic charts have been inaccurate and we are told that the 2012 version has been corrected. Enjoyed sunset cocktails with Janice and Greg then spent a rolly night as the ocean swells pass over the reef.

Conception Island
May 8th-9th
Motoring in flat seas we pass Columbus Point and cross open ocean to make landfall at Conception Island. The crescent shaped anchorage boasts a beautiful beach unspoiled by human habitation. The island is part of the national park system and is a no take zone. Known for its gin clear water, sea turtle habitat, flocks of Tropicbirds, magnificent reefs and beaches it is described as the crown jewel of the Bahamas by the cruising guides. Time spent snorkeling and exploring the miles of creeks passed much to quickly but the fair weather is predicted to end and with no protected anchorage we must move on

another perfect beach- Conception Island

Long Island
 May 10th-11th
With strong breezes from the southwest we had an exciting sail covering the 20 nm before rounding Cape Santa Maria and its Columbus monument atop the cliffs. The best part of the day was when both reels started screaming at once each with a Dolphin(Mahi) on. I managed to loose the first after a few jumps but brought the second along side only to lose it trying to gaff it from the pitching deck. It was an exciting time as Chris got to handle the second rod for quite a while. These fish display brilliant colors and put in quite a show leaping straight out of the water numerous times. Also released a large Barracuda that put up quite a fight. Anchored in one of our favorite spots off Hog Cay where we spent our time walking the beach, snorkeling and exploring the miles of shallow mangrove creeks. Sunset cocktails aboard Maholo with Tom and Delwin who we had met snorkeling at Conception.