Barraterre Settlement
10 March 2019 | Barraterre, Exuma
glenda groome

Leaving on a rising tide out of Williams Cay was the plan as Barraterre had charted depths of 4.6, 4.3 and 3.9 feet on the approach to the anchorage. The high tide was about 9:45 am and it was to be 2.3 ft higher than the median and even at low tide we should pick up a half a foot. The passage is narrow and there is a bit more wind than we anticipated but we continue on. We approach each skinny spot and watch the depth meter and wait to feel that bump on the keel but none comes. Whew.....we are in the anchorage tucked behind the lee of one island trying to get some protection from the wind, but it is not coming. We have 25 knots on the nose but that does not stop us from getting into “town”. The waves are bouncing the dinghy all around and my one complaint would be that Jaxon still has not learned to stay put until all have gotten in the dinghy. He always gets right under your feet making it difficult sometimes to make a “graceful” entrance.
Once we are all in the dinghy, we make our way to the government dock which is actually swimming distance on a calm day. Once on the docks we head toward the main road where we meet Ken. Ken is a local who is walking with us to Fisherman’s Inn where we sit and enjoy the view and a Kalik and Pink Sands. Ken went on to tell us he had a daughter who was 33 years old. We are both wondering how as to us he looked way too young. He also told us about his brothers and sisters. He is proud of his family and loves Exumas though some of his siblings have gone on to Nassau for work.
The cook at the Fisherman’s Inn said that most people at Barraterre work in construction and I would say that from the looks of things, there were quite a few projects (houses) underway on the main road.
We left the bar and headed to the local mart, Ray Ann’s Variety Store where I picked up a few limes, some cornmeal and bananas. Ray Ann lives on the property so if the doors are locked, you can expect she will see you and come let you in. Such a sweet smile and helpful lady.
We meandered back to Ti Amo where the winds had definitely picked up. Greg was anxious to get the trash and put it in a local dumpster we were told we could use. It was quite the acrobatic act to get in and out of the dinghy with two bags of trash.
Once back, we are in for the day. I work at making a fresh loaf of bread while Greg makes water. Spaghetti, Caesar salad and fresh bread are on the dinner menu. Yum