Fish & Lobster, finally
22 March 2011 | Little Farmers Cay
Jolie
Slowiy making our way South and finally, fish!! and lobster!! Spent a few days checking out Black Point Settlement on Great Guana Cay (3/17-3/18). There we were able to do laundry and pick up a few fresh provisions (Asparagus, Cabbage, Onions and Lemons) and some canned goods. We explored the island by foot and enjoyed cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches and a few cold, cold Kaliks along with internet and CNN at a local cafe. Oh.. and Ice Cream!! What a treat. Next stop was just about 5 miles south in anticipation of a strong "blow" we tucked in at Hetty's Land, Great Guana Cay (3/19-3/21). It was a great place to be as we barely felt some of the reported 25-30 knot gusts. Here we spent a couple of days snorkeling and fishing with good results.. fish and lobster!! It was a nice sized lobster and was cooked 3 ways. First I steamed it, then divided it up and made a lionfish and lobster creole (see below about lionfish), lobster with lemon, butter and garlic over angel hair pasta and finally lobster in cream sauce. Here is where we also found out we could not call (or use the internet) to add minutes to our Bahamian phone, so we are out of touch again until we could get to a real town.
On 3/22 we made our way to Little Farmers Cay. There are said to be 55 people who live here and I think we met almost every one of them. We loved this place. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. We were able to pick up some phone minutes and fresh bread. We enjoyed a very nice dinner at the Ocean Cabin of fresh grouper, baked mac & cheese and the standard side here rice and pigeon peas... then a few beers at the local bar with a mix of other boaters and locals. The weather is perfect and we are anxious to do more snorkeling and fishing and explore some caves at our next stop so.. on we go. We will definitely be back here.
So about Lionfish....
Lionfish are native to the Pacific region, often kept in aquariums. Since 2000 they have been seen in coral reefs along the southeast coast of the US from North Carolina to Florida and throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. Thought to have escaped from an aquarium or Atlantis during a hurricane. Since they have no natural enemies, there is concern that they may adversely affective the native fish populations. In addition, the fish have venomous spines and may pose a danger to divers and fishermen. The spines are deadly to their prey, but not usually to humans. The Bahamas Department of Fisheries is looking for ways to deplete the lionfish population.
That being said.. I put in a call to Jason to have him check the internet for ways to cook them and now Dave & I are helping to save the Bahamas, one lionfish at a time.......
more later trying to catch up on 1 1/2 weeks.