Sailing today was as good as it gets. The wind hovered around 15 knots all day. The skies were clear and sunny, the temperature about 78 degrees. The waters of the Exuma Bank were nearly flat with just enough chop to make it interesting, crystal clear and beautifully turquoise. We left the anchorage at Great Guana Cay about 8:30 this morning. Our goal was to get to Cambridge Cay with enough time to explore the island. Caprice likes these conditions and with all sails set, she gave us 5-6 knots all day.
The islands of the Exuma chain are characterized by sandy beaches amid rocky shores, the land covered with scrubby brush. Each island has its individual charm. Cambridge Cay is a hill surrounded by sandy beaches mixed in with rocky shores, and shallow flats dry at low tide. The east side facing the sound is like a cliff and the waves crash on shore even when it isn’t rough. The waters of the Exuma sound feature every shade from turquoise to emerald to a dozen shades of blue as the water deepens out from shore. Words can’t describe it and the picture only does it partial justice, but it is one of my favorite places in the Bahamas. We took about a two hour hike around the island ending on the windswept beach facing the sound. Charlie and Phyllis are treasure hunters eager to explore the beach rich with unknown prizes. Jack and I mostly enjoy the scenery, the challenge of the climb and strolling the beach with the waves lapping at our feet. I did pick up a few pieces of sea glass to add to my collection. Someday I may actually come up with something creative.
Tired from our walk, we retreated back to Wyvern for sundowners. Over snacks and drinks we planned our next day’s voyage. We are looking forward to the sail and a few more days of this terrific weather and wind conditions.