Royal Island
09 March 2011
Linda
On Monday we traveled from Spanish Wells to Royal Island where we spent the afternoon snorkeling and enjoying the secluded anchorage. Royal Island may be a spot we return to as we travel from the Exumas to the Abacos in mid-April. It provides a great refuge for boats making that passage. Its name was originally Real Island, for the Spanish silver coin used by pirates who frequented the harbor. The estate built in the 50s is in ruin and there is new development in process, although we saw limited progress--which seems to be the matter of course for many of these land development deals here in the Bahamas. Like the US, they have been hit hard by the economic downturn and also immigration issues with Haiti in particular. Across the harbor is a smaller island called Egg Island. It was named for the abundance of nesting birds that supplied passing ships with fresh eggs. When goats were introduced, the eggs disappeared. This island is also slated for development--possibly by the Chinese. We left Royal Island and traveled the entire day on Monday to Rose Island where the beautiful lights of Nassau are provide a panoramic view. What a difference from last night, where the setting sun filled the sky and only palm trees obstructed the view. Off to Nassau tomorrow where Gary and Linda will catch a flight to a small island nation starting with C, and Patty and Tom will continue their visit with Vada.