Shroud Cay to to Blackpoint
23 December 2016
We got underway from Shroud at 07:40 on 12/16/16, because the storm that we were expecting had not really arrived. As we
got further from land, the seas blowing from the Exuma Sound onto the Bahama Bank really kicked up. Fortunately it was
only a 5 and 1/2 hour run to Big Major's Spot. As we approached we saw three mega yachts anchored, but due to their draft
we would be a mile closer into shore than they were. Two of the yachts hailed from British ports. We heard one of them
on the VHF going by the name of "Peppa Pig". We are thinking this is more than likely the same Peppa Pig children's
educational cartoon. Funny how much $ one can earn writing a sucessful children's TV cartoon. More than likely, at a
minimum, a 30 million $ mega yacht. We passed them and dropped the anchor in 8 ft. of crystal clear water near shore.
This is also close to Staniel Cay, which has many services for boaters, but is an approx. mile and a half dingy ride one
way, which is usually not a problem but is difficult in 25 knot winds. Promise however, is sitting in calm water and is
protected from high winds from the East. We did however, make the dingy ride to Staniel for a $6.00 ten pound bag of
ice and to drop trash at $6.00 a bag. Odd what becomes a priority and will take you half a day to accomplish when you
are travelling by slow sail boat. The ride was a little rough, and we did get wet, but we wanted to visit the Yacht club
again. It was in good shape, and as usual some construction was occurring.
This anchorage is full of pigs, literally. So we took a can of corn over to the beach to feed the famous Exuma pigs. The
pigs swim out to greet you begging for food. We fed them on the beach, with the biggest sow consuming the majority of it.
The restaurants bring over their scraps to the pigs by boat daily. There are two fresh water ponds nearby. We set up our
umbrella and chairs, and spent hours watching the tour boats bring over groups of people to feed and swim with the pigs.
These pigs belong to no one in particular, but generate a good amount of tourist income. They all look healthy and happy.
On Dec. 20th 2016 at 8:15 am we got underway for a short run south to Black Point, which is on Guana Cay. The reason for
the move is that we may be here for quite a while, even until after Christmas, and this anchorage provides for a calm
and short dingy ride to numerous services. The anchorage is well protected. When we arrived, we dingied over and picked
up some fresh vegetables and snacks. The town of Black Point is very well maintained. The people are all friendly and
glad you are there. This is a very good move, but we will miss the pigs..:)