After a calm night at the Norman's Cay anchorage, we pulled anchor early and were underway by 8.00am. It was another warm sunny day, the winds soon filled in and we were sailing again. We are really enjoying these sailing days. Yesterday, we had radioed the Exuma Park and put our names on the waiting list for mooring within the Warderick Wells Park. Our instructions were to listen in at 9.00am this morning. At this time the park office made a general announcement listing all the boats on the list. We were way at the bottom and we figured we would not get an assignment today. But, amazingly we were given the last ball so we were able to plot a course to the Park and under full sail we made good speed. As we approached we overheard the Park office assign mooring #3 to a 60ft. Motor yacht. We were somewhat disconcerted to hear this as we had been told to tie up to #3! Before we could call in they had hailed us and reassigned us to mooring #21 - a much better location as it is well within the main mooring field and close to the Park Headquarters and the beaches and trails. Grandma's Luck at last!,
We piloted in to the mooring field which is just breathtaking, picked up ball #21 no problem and we are here! For me this is the Holy Grail. Ever since we started cruising I have wanted to come here. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park covers 176 square miles and encompasses many cays. It is a no take zone, meaning no fishing is allowed - sorry Tim! The idea behind this is that this area allows the natural habitat to replenish and thrive without interference from man. The headquarters of the park is here at Warderick Wells Cay. There is a modest charge to tie up to the moorings. There are no other services. No stores, groceries, water or garbage disposal and you have to be totally self sufficient. We have joined the Support Fleet and when we checked in I volunteered us for any jobs that needed doing. We have to report to the office at 9.00am tomorrow to do some splicing!!!