Date: 18 March 2018
Location: Moored off Big Major Spot, Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas LAT 24° 10.775 N LON 076° 26.795 W
Weather: Sunny, Mid 80’s, Winds N 10 – 12 Knots
After a peaceful, relaxing stay in the Compass Cay / Cambridge Cay area we motored down island in a light following breeze to Staniel Cay. Basically, ran parallel to the shore working the 150 and 250 foot contour lines in hopes of picking up a Mahi but no luck (ok – we got a barracuda). Staniel Cay is much more a “Cruisers Destination” with the Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC), ThunderBall Grotto, Nurse Sharks by the dozens, several grocery stores (by Bahama standards), Propane and of course the World Famous Swimming Pigs. Lots of boats anchored in the area but the water is a little shallow around the islands for us so we opted to hook to a mooring buoy in 17-18 feet of water. The moorings are located near a Grotto that was featured in a James Bond film. The cave entrance is just underwater at high tide and exposed at low tide. Big tourist spot. Spent a fair amount of the day watching the hordes of snorkelers and listening to the loud music.
One boat anchored nearby us has to be in the running for the Ultimate Cruisers Condo. “M/V Jenny”, a Grand Banks complete with a stem to stern canvas job, full 3rd story enclosure, Captain’s Chairs on the bow, extensive greenhouse and vegetable garden on the top deck and a Ships Bell on deck to complete the ensemble.
My crew took advantage of the weekly supply boats arrival on Thursday to search out provisions at one of the local grocery stores (locally known as The Blue House as opposed to its competition a.k.a The Pink House).
They meet up with our friends from “S/V Take Me There” and enjoyed St Patrick’s Day treating ourselves to an awesome 4 course dinner at SCYC chowing down on the Traditional fixins of Corn Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes and Black Bean Soup. Then topped it off with Cheese Cake! They shared some cruising stories and a few poorly sung Irish songs.
Slept in the next morning, had breakfast and then they were off in Sea Tigger to see the “World Famous Swimming Pigs”. However, they said the coolest thing was seeing the “Ultimate Cruisers Toy” – a 4 wheel boat driving not only up to but on to the beach. Suspect that machine put a dent in someone’s budget. On the return dinghy ride back to me the crew passed by a fancy Charter Boat anchor off the beach complete with a Super Slide that would make any water park jealous. Homemade guacamole dip and chips for appetizer, leftovers and a movie ended a great day. Tomorrow we’ll slip the mooring ball and it’s off to Lee Stocking Island!
Joyce and Brian Clark
S/V Pawsitive Latitude
bclark@umihvac.com
+1 239 898 7646
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Looks like you are having a blast. Hayley and I have swimming with the pigs on our bucket list!
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