We had a few more enjoyable, relaxing days in the Exumas. After leaving Warderick Wells, we explored Staniel Cay. There is a small settlement there near the marina, so we were able to provision after enjoying a seafood lunch at the yacht club bar.
Provisioning in these remote areas remains a fun exploration. Depending on when the last delivery boat came, selection can be quite variable. It’s fun to get creative given the options at hand, supplemented of course by the supplies we tucked away in Florida. As expected, prices are quite high, reflecting the challenge of getting food to the cay.
We saw another Antares in the Staniel Cay anchorage, and true to form for the tight knit community, it wasn’t long before we heard a knock on our hull. It was Jamey and Dani from Leap of Faith introducing themselves. It was fun to share a couple of happy hours on one another’s boats. It’s always good to compare boat build choices (subtle differences), stories, experiences and dreams.
After a couple of days at Staniel Cay, we moved a short distance north to an anchorage near Compass Cay. The only buildings on the island are a private marina and resort. The marina is famous for its “pet” nurse sharks, noted to be “mostly” safe to swim alongside and pet. For a nominal fee, you can tie up your dinghy and try this out. We declined!
We did try out another well known site in Compass Cay — Rachel’s Bubble Bath. There is a spot where the waves break through a narrow opening over a natural rock wall, creating a hot tub like experience in a shallow, protected bowl. Jim tried it out. Anne enjoyed observing, for with two remaining bites not quite closed, she isn’t yet ready to get back in the water.
We took advantage of our calm, low wind days to do some boat chores: polishing the stainless to remove and prevent rust, shortening a high pressure hose on the watermaker to prevent vibration and chafing with the risk of rupture, laundry and water making.
Today we headed toward Eleuthera, across the Exuma Sound. We purposefully waited for the right wind and so were able to make the 40nm journey under full sail with a beam reach, at times doing over 9kn. What a delight!