The Exumas

 If we ever had doubts about this trip, which I must say I did a few times with all the boat issues we have had, our arrival in Allen’s Cay in the northern Exumas put those doubts aside.

We left the Grand Bahamas Yacht Club on Wed Jan 6 to cross the Northwest Channel to the Berry Islands. We arrived at White Cay at 4 pm - a 12 hour trip! For the most part it was an uneventful journey but bouncy enough to make it uncomfortable down below - I had to slap together lunch in a hurry and using the head was a challenge. Putting down the anchor was a welcome relief and we both slept well knowing that we didn’t have to leave until the sun was up the next day.

Another spectacular sunset with Gays in the picture. Although there were 8 boats anchored here, it is very remote and just a stop on the way to somewhere else.

7am the next morning and we were off again. Back to the Northwest Channel towards New Providence Island where Nassau is located. Yippee- only 7 hours today! The waves were big rollers which is more comfortable than short small waves. We were able to get the headsail up a few times and motor sail. Our anchorage was at Rose Island which was just off of New Providence - we could see the buildings of Nassau but we’re far enough away from the city bustle.

We settled in but all of a sudden we could feel the keel of the boat bumping on the bottom. It turns out we hadn’t paid attention to the tide and it was going down. We tried to raise the anchor to move but we were stuck - the boat was sitting on the bottom in 3 feet of water when we needed 5’ to float free. Steve tried to help but there was nothing we could do until the tide started to rise again. I went for an unexpected swim we Gunter dropped a mallet in the water- at 3’ I was walking on the bottom. Later that evening, Steve came over again and skillfully managed to move us to a deeper location. Lesson number 37 - always anchor in water that is at least 10 feet deep!

Friday morning was another 7 am start but promised to be a half day journey. The colour of the ocean changed to beautiful turquoise green as we crossed the shallow Bahama Bank toward the Exumas.

The ocean was calm and flat and the crossing was very relaxing. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we arrived at Allen’s Cay in the northern section of the Exumas.

This cay is known for a population of Iguanas who live on one of the islands here. They are protected but it is ok to feed them lettuce and veggies when you go to shore. Tourist boats will stop here and the Iguanas approach you for food.

We are staying here for a few days to relax before moving on. Swimming is lovely but you need something to hold on to because of the current.