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.