Goodbye Bahamas–Browns Cay

We left our spot in Warderick Wells at dawn. The winds and sea were both eerily calm so the cruise to New Providence was tranquil. We stopped briefly in New Providence for fuel before heading out again. By the time we anchored for the day, it was dark and nothing to see but the glow of lights from the big island of Andros. We headed out again early so we could get to our final stop before jumping over to the US.

Browns Cay is nothing  more than a tiny island full of nesting gulls. And by full, I mean full. We lost count at 30 nests complete with eggs. We made sure not to disturb any of them and quickly left the land to swim and snorkel around the island. There is a large sunken ship that appears to have crashed into the rock island and sunk many years ago. It was teaming with fish, lobster, and other sea life. While the boys tried their hand at lobstering, Danielle and I fished off the dinghy. We caught something with every cast! Unfortunately, we didn’t think to bring a camera so they will remain our personal “fish stories” but I swear the grouper we caught was at least 14 pounds! Also unfortunately, the huge lobster managed to avoid capture by the boys, leaving them with one antenna, a broken pole spear, and a bunch of painful scratches.

Once back on the boat, we were treated to our last spectacular Bahamas sunset. They never ceased to amaze us, each one more beautiful than the last.

Dusk brought out the dolphins. Who merrily swam around Miss Daisy, curious about the kids and dogs watching them. The sky was filled with seagulls, finding their final meals and settling in for the night.

Our last evening in the Bahamas. The dolphins and seagulls seemed to gather to say goodbye. Even the clouds got into the act and magically formed a large shark. There is a magic in the Bahamas. We experienced it everywhere we went. From the generosity of the people, opening their homes and lives to strangers. To the majestic silence of the huge sharks and manta rays, sharing their waters so peacefully. To the profound history each island owns and is there for anyone who wants to explore and learn. To the beauty of the water, the reefs, the ocean life, and landscape, cherished by all so that years from now, all of this will still be as it should.
This trip will forever hold a space in each of us. This trip changed us, for the better. As I believe any traveling does. It reminds us just how big this world of ours is and just how fragile it can be if we do not do our part to be good stewards.
Goodbye for now Bahamas. We’ll see you soon.
Next stop – Florida Keys.

Musha Cay–LSI part 2

We cruised from Emerald Bay back to Lee Stocking Island. It was time to start making our way back to the States, reluctantly, and LSI was our first stop on our way home. We didn’t get enough of it the  first time around and looked forward to exploring the island some more. We spent the next two days roaming the abandoned research center, strolling the crescent beaches, hiking the steep trail to the top of Perry’s Peak, and spending the evening outside looking at the Southern Cross. We’re going to miss this island.

We headed out to our next anchorage off of Warderick Wells, but we had a planned stop at Musha Cay. Just a few miles off of Great Exuma Island, Musha Cay is a small, private island owned by the famous illusionist, David Copperfield. The island is home to a cave, a little beach, and an underwater piano with a mermaid. That’s right! Situated in 20 feet of crystal clear Bahamian waters is a life sized, stainless steel, baby grand piano with a beautiful mermaid watching over it. Once we heard about Musha Cay, there was no way we could stay away.

The weather was beautiful as we passed by many beautiful islands and beaches.

We arrived and anchored next to the large cave. Once secured, we loaded up and headed out. First, the cave. The opening was huge. After the amazing caves we explored at Little Harbour on Great Abaco Island, we thought we might be in for another treat. This cave, however, turned out to be all show. We were able to drive the dinghy into the cave but once inside, the cave abruptly ended. We took a look around from the boat and then headed out to find the mermaid.

We rounded the point where we believed her to be and looked around. Not knowing what to expect, once we saw the large shiny underwater objects, we were pleasantly surprised. We threw out the dinghy anchor, donned our snorkel gear, and jumped into the sparkling water.

We spent about an hour swimming with our new underwater friend. We had a lot of fun “playing” the sunken piano, hanging out with a mermaid, and taking in the serene beauty of it all. It seems like a lot of money to spend on a statue that stays hidden just below the ocean surface, but we were very glad Mr. Copperfield decided it was a good idea. What a unique and amazing day.

We still had another hour of cruising to do before we reached our intended anchorage, Warderick Wells in the Exuma Land and Sea Park. We stopped at WW on our way down, read about those here and here. For now, we're only here to rest up before our crossing to New Providence Island. We settled in for the night with an amazing view.

Next up – Brown’s Cay. Our last stop in the Bahamas.

Emerald Bay - Great Exuma Island

After “roughing” it for a couple of months on the hook, we were looking forward to getting spoiled with a little dock time. We also needed to get the Commodore to Georgetown for her flight back to the states. We found a lovely marina in Emerald Bay, Great Exuma. We had a rough run getting there, as rain and wind moved in but the entrance to Emerald Bay is protected by two jetties and once we had rounded the first jetty, we had a nice smooth approach.

The marina was beautiful and a much needed break for all of us. It was situated next to a beautiful resort and golf course as well as a Sandals Resort. Here is a video tour:

Once we were checked in and settled, we headed out to explore the area. The grounds were beautiful. The clubhouse and facilities were stunning and inviting. We could get used to this!

Golf course with marina in the background

Overlooking the golf course

A friendly game of pool

Enjoying the free wifi

We quickly settled into a routine of relaxation. Enjoying the cable TV, free wifi, free washers and dryers, long hot showers, delicious coffee from Jamaica, and a gorgeous view. We visited the local pizza pub and even walked a couple of miles each way to enjoy huge burgers down island. 

As if all that wasn't enough, Steve and I took advantage of Sandals being right next door. As a couples only resort, we relaxed in the quiet, child-free, honeymoon atmosphere, with delicious food and libations. At times, the resort was almost empty, giving us access to the pool all to ourselves.

 

Getting spoiled

All to ourselves

Bliss

So good, we ate it two nights in a row!

After 10 days of gluttonous bliss, it was time for Commodore Peggy to fly out and for Miss Daisy to move on. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Emerald Bay and would highly recommend it to anyone cruising in the Great Exumas Georgetown area.

Back to "roughing" it on the hook. Next up, Musha Cay and the underwater piano and mermaid!