Our Return to the Sea - Act II

Staniel Cay, Exumas

After Club Chub and New Providence Island we went to Highbourne Cay…..in the Exumas. Lovely spot. More or less a small fishing outpost.

Now we are at Staniel Cay, a beautiful, primitive, small resort a bit further southeast in the Exumas. Problem now is that ferocious east wind has trapped us here for a few days. Our choice is sailing against the wind in 12 foot seas or waiting this out……the latter is our plan.

Staniel Cay International's Welcome Sign

As in other spots, the new standard for us in gauging the suitability of a beach is whether is has perfect sand and is completely deserted. The beaches here are really lovely. Anchored in front of Staniel we actually prefer the beach on the left………while both beaches are devoid of people, wild pigs inhabit the beach on the right…..and feel entitled to handouts. I’m still getting over the Hannibal Lechter movie where pigs eat a guy so I could never spend a relaxing moment there.

There are a few rules for staying healthy in Staniel Cay………especially near the dinghy dock. Rule #1 is no drinking………..rule #2 is don’t forget rule #1. The dinghy dock is swarming with sharks (some big ones) because people feed them. It’s strange to step back onto Crabby from the dock knowing you really, really, really can’t miss that first step. Also, don’t reach into the water to grab that line. Another bad idea.

Yes, those are sharks next to our dinghy

Favorite things about the trip so far-

1) Kirstin’s proficiency with provisioning and cooking has saved us lots of money. We’re now like those cheap cruisers we used to make fun of.
2) Our dinghy rocks. It is soooooo fast……it planes and goes at breathtaking speeds. Mercury 9.9 4 stroke on an 85 lb aluminum fast-bottom AB Marine dinghy.
3) The sailing has been great…..not too much motoring
4) It’s been so windy here that we haven’t had to use the generator much……the wind generator keeps the batteries charged so very little diesel consumption.
5) Today is our 11th wedding anniversary………….not a bad way to celebrate.

More to come……….our posts will hopefully get more frequent as soon as we get out of this part of the Bahamas………very little wifi here.