We have elected to spend a few more days in this picture perfect anchorage in Lee Stocking Island before moving on. The winds have remained from the north east through the south east so we are well protected from any squalls and the beauty of this secluded place makes it hard to leave. We are anchored about 300 yards off the beach in 8' of crystal clear water and the sunsets from here are stunning. Even though most of the island is privately owned we are free to hike around the numerous trails that criss cross the cay. It is literally a 5 minute walk to the ocean via a trail from the closet beach and another trail leads to Perry's Peak, the highest point in the Exumas. This 60 meter high hill certainly isn't the Fisherman's Trail that Jill took us on in Portugal but the views are just as stunning.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and the weather forecast indicates we'll have to move in a couple of days. The Exumas offer great protection from east winds however, there is very limited west wind protection. We are on the northern edge of thé easterly trade winds but every once in a while a strong front will push through from Florida bringing strong westerlies. Since there is limited westerly protection it's important to find a good hiding spot a couple of days in advance. So as usual, we've been discussing options with friends and the consensus is to move a little north tomorrow and stake out our anchorage by Wednesday.

So now that morning coffees are done it's time to enjoy the rest of today hiking and kayaking before we bid goodbye to this spot. Besides the hiking we have been entertained by the numerous huge rays that cruise through the bay, the biggest we've seen is in excess of 4 feet across. Claude Amiot and his gang left yesterday for Georgetown but not before giving us a nice big conch to make conch salad. It was our first attempt at it and I must say Bev nailed it.

Today's picture is of Dagny enroute to Georgetown on Monday. Someone took this and posted in on a Facebook Page.
Eddie, zoom in and you can see the pink hat!