Pete's Pub
28 January 2012
Elbow Cay - Little Harbour, Gt Abaco Island

A great day for sailing - the light breeze pushing us along means we shall be in good time to reach Little Harbor on the high tide. Another classic Bahamian entrance to an idyllic hideaway which can only be done on the mid-high tide.
To take chances outside of this has left deeper draft boats stranded on the sandy shallows waiting for the arrival of the next high tide. The depth at mean low water in some parts of the channel is skimpy at just over 3ft.
The tiny harbor is surrounded on three sides by hills scattered with private homes and is almost totally protected from all wind and surge. We pick up a mooring ball, launch the dinghy and head for the shore.
Ther are no stores, no fuel, no water, no telephones and no place for cruisers to dispose of accummulated garbage : our's will sit patiently in the anchor well until the next stop.
Apart from delightful walks and wonderful beaches, we find there is a museum, art gallery and foundry producing bronze castings. The sculptor Richard Johnston spent the last 40 years of his life here until his death in 1992 and his three sons - equally talented, continue the business which attracts tourists in droves.
They also own 'Pete's Pub' on the waters edge - a large open sided bar, ceiling and walls festooned with 100's of old T-shirts scrawled with boat names and crew names of past customers - some are positively antique - from the last century - well, we did see one dated 1999!
I know what you're thinking - they look awful, but years of being outside has rusted the pins, nails and staples and time has faded their colours.
You might also be wondering who took this photograph. Our new Kodak has a time delay feature - sometimes I dont get back into the picture at all, occasionally just an arm or leg appears - I'm still experimenting but it does take some rather good shots.