Tropical Paradise!
25 August 2009 | Hog Harbour
Di & Bernie
We finally just made it out of Oyster Island after a week anchored in the lagoon there. The entrance in and out is shallow and the depth governed by the tides. High tide was just deep enough for us to exit, so we breathed a sigh of relief once we were through. If we hadn't left today it would be almost another week before the day tide was deep enough for 'First Light's' depth of 2.2 metres. We then had a comfortable and leisurely sail of 28nm to Hog Harbour. Champagne Beach is a well known tourist attraction in this harbour and just recently featured on 'Getaway' the travel program and you can understand why... lovely white beaches, the most clearest, turquoise blue water set against a backdrop of lush tropical growth and palm trees. It was also quite warm so couldn't resist a swim and Bern took the opportunity to clean 'First Light's' bottom which is an ongoing job!. We didn't go onto the beach, but it looked quite developed with marker buoys etc, Apparently Cruise ships visit so many times a year, and the villagers set up stalls etc on the beach to sell local artefacts, clothing and food to the tourists. No dugout canoes were evident on the beach and none visited us offering fruit and vegetables, so clearly the villages have other easier means of income. There were only two other boats moored in the harbour, so a very quiet anchorage.