Blue Water and Red Moons
16 April 2014 | Conception Island
Devi
We made the overnight passage from Mayaguana to Conception without any problems, but had to motor about 2/3rds of the way when the wind died. We were greeted to Conception Island by five white-tailed tropicbirds-always a good omen. Conception Island is only about 2.4 x 3.75 miles of land with a mangrove lined lagoon in in the interior and a halo of reefs that more than double the size of the island. There is no development or facilities and the park is a protected marina area
The Bahamas have incredibly clear water because there are no rivers flowing soil into the water. In the remote islands there is no industrial pollution and the water is clear and blue. After so many years in the Leeward and Windward Islands it is a pleasant change. The colors of the water are striking blues and greens that defy my color vocabulary. In the full moon the boats cast a shadow on the fine white sand below. There is a magical quality to this island and I think this is what it must have looked like when Columbus passed this way.
Last night we had a cruiser get together on the beach. The folks on the boat Nighthawk caught a mahi mahi on the passage and wanted to share their wealth, so they grilled the fish on the beach and invited the 10 other boats in the anchorage to bring some food to share. We were treated to a lovely sunset and watched the full moon rise over the island. It was a moment to savor and file in the memory bank. Someone mentioned there would be a lunar eclipse, but did not know what time. I checked the moon every time I woke and at 02:50 I saw the moon being eclipsed by the earth’s shadow. I sat up on deck for a while and watched the moon turn smoky red. There is zero light pollution here and the sky was full of stars with a smoky red moon and 10 mast lights gently moving in the breeze. It seemed that our mast lights made a discreet constellation.
We have spent the last three weeks traveling with Kim and Scott on the boat Bella Blue. We have basically the same destination and similar timing and most amazingly we both have homes in the Asheville area of North Carolina. We have had the benefit of very good company and friends in our new community. We have spent the days snorkeling and exploring and the evenings playing bridge.
The days left of our cruising career are few in number and we are savoring each moment.