Bahama Magic

The Bahamas are great tablelands of limestone, coral, and sand. More than 700 small islands (cays) and several large islands sit on top of a plateau covered with shallow water and surrounded on all but one side by dark, sapphire blue deep, deep water. The turquoise banks and white sand beaches along with specks of emerald present a brilliant vista that encourages all onlookers to pause often to take in the splendor. Cruisers trek to this paradise year around, but especially November through May.

A tremendous volume of water enters and exit the large areas of shallow water, named the Little Bahama Bank and the Great Bahama Bank, with each tidal current. This flushing action keeps the waters on the Bahama Banks very clear, adding to the beauty of the area. But, with small islands close together, the tidal water enters and exits through fairly narrow channels, (cuts) between two islands. Cruisers traveling these cays often cross from the Banks (shallow water) to the deep water and from the deep water to the Banks. Each cut, or narrow channel, is different and all require the utmost attention. If wind and current oppose each other, crossing the cut is not advised since a Rage may develop with waves breaking across the entire cut.

After we left Nassau, we crossed the Highborne Cut from the Bank to the deep water Exuma Sound. We had some swells and light wind. Larry steered Lapidus straight through the middle of the cut while both of us watched for rocks and coral close to the surface. We left the beautiful turquoise Bank of shallow water for the deep water Sound. Hours later, we turned toward the first waypoint to Georgetown and were soon entering the wide cut into Elizabeth Harbour and more turqouise water.

We're still in Georgetown, along with about 300 boats. Boats leave to cruise other areas, but are replaced by new boats arriving. There are many anchorages, and, currently, we are off Chat and Chill and Volleyball Beach, though we are quite a way out. Activities are held daily on the the main beaches by the anchorages. Volleyball, painting, swimming, yoga, Texas Hold 'Em - these are just some of the choices available to participate in. Cruisers take their dingy to other beaches to swim, chat, eat, or join an activity. Depending on where a boat anchors, the dingy trip to Georgetown is from one to several miles one way. Also, depending on the wind and boat activity around Georgetown, the dingy ride may be a wet one. Georgetown's friendly merchants offer groceries, water (free), fuel, and the coveted wifi. Exuma Market is very well stocked. Homemade bread and pastries from Mom's and fresh local fruits and vegetables available at the Straw Market add to our dining enjoyment.

A boat parade later today will kick off the annual Regatta. In town for the Regatta, Chris Parker, the weather guru, presented a great weather seminar and has been speaking to small groups.

Meeting other cruisers and being a little active is fun, but we're mainly enjoying the beautiful area and 70 degree weather. Finding a stretch of empty, secluded beach for walking and swimming is easy even with so many cruisers in the area. And reading both for the pleasure of freading or needed knowledge (Chris Parker's weather book, for example) rounds a perfect day.