Eleuthera and Spanish Wells.

After Stan and family left, we went back to Cambridge Cay and took a mooring.  Cambridge may be our favorite spot in the park.  It is somewhat remote, and usually has fewer boats.  Also there are great snorkel spots nearby.  The views are stunning.  We snorkeled our favorite reef, and saw six large eagle rays.  I have underwater video of them, but can’t upload due to limited Wi-Fi.  I will upload them when back in the States.  The weather forecast was for two great days, and then another front bringing fresh winds.  We were going to go north back through the park, but made a command decision to leave the next morning for Eleuthera, about 40 miles across the Atlantic.  Monday morning was calm as advertised, so across we went, dragging lures in the crystal blue waters.  No fish.  We stopped at a marina on Cape Eleuthera and filled our fuel and water tanks, and bought ballyhoo (bait for the lures).  Watch out fish now!  Cape Eleuthera Marina is one of those all too common failed Bahamian resorts.  A first rate marina with townhomes mostly empty, and a half built golf course.  It is located right next to the drop off and is popular with sports fisherman, so a good place to buy fuel.   Due to the high turnover, the fuel is not stagnant. 

We then rounded Cape Eleuthera, and entered the shallow banks water and headed to Rock Sound.  Rock Sound is a sizable town with a protected harbor, but no marina.  We anchored and made a bee line to the liquor store, as we had a real problem-no red wine left!  Success-reasonably priced wine and a real grocery store.  We loaded down the dinghy and had a great meal onboard.  Tuesday morning we set course for the town of Spanish Wells.  It boasts a reasonably priced marina, and ferry service to Dunmore, the resort town on Eleuthera, that caters to the rich and famous.  Spanish Wells was founded by Loyalists after the American Revolution, and supplies the Red Lobster chain.  It is a prosperous fishing town, very religious, and dry.  Ergo the Rock Sound liquor run.   After Spanish Wells we will head to the Abacos and then back to the USA. 

 It is hard to believe we have left the Exumas and are headed north.  The Exumas are by far the most beautiful islands we have visited.   While remote, and lacking provisions, the natural beauty is worth the trip.  I can see why some boats return every year.  It pays to be self-sufficient and plan in advance when travelling to the Exumas, but other boaters are always willing to help and lend parts, assistance, etc. if needed.  We heard many boats hailing on the VHF for various parts, from o rings to water pumps, and there were always responses. 

Many have asked about boat issues.  All is working as of right now.  Stan brought a new set of bottom zincs, which I changed.  A fellow boater filled my tank with his on board compressor!  There is no place to fill tanks except Georgetown since the DEA carted away the Staniel dive shop owner..  But, it is a boat, and there is always a list.  As of now my spot light is frozen in place, and a few other minor things are on my list.  Stan brought a special fuse for my generator ($1.25) that I paid $50 to fed x to get it to him on time, and all is well with the generator.  For now.  A boat will always have mechanical issues, and you have to deal with them as they arise.  If that bothers you, charter a boat, don’t buy one!  Remember what boat stand for-Bust Out Another Thousand!

We are now at the Spanish Wells Marina, and will be here for a few days. Spanish Wells is a neat, clean  town with shops, supplies, restaurants and an ice cream parlor! The mate on the boat next to us used to run crew boats out of Dulac.  It is a small world! I will try to post pics tomorrow when I have better Wi Fi.