We departed Long Island early morning and sailed 15 miles to the north east arriving at Conception Island. The island is a Bahamian land and sea park which we had last visited 5 years ago. That visit was one which we’ll never forget as at that time we snorkeled among the reefs and were amazed at the diversity of sea life and coral especially the large Elkhorn coral. Things had changed under water since our last visit. All the coral was dead and the reefs were relatively lifeless with the Elkhorn structure being taken over by alge.
On the positive side we encountered dozens of turtles on our dingy trip among the mangroves which make up the interior of the island. Most of the turtles we babies and juveniles. Once mature the turtles will spend their entire life out in the ocean returning to exactly where they were born to give birth, even more amazing is the fact that they have been tracked traveling thousands of miles from where they were born.
After two days at Conception the winds dictated a sail west towards George Town. What a sail we had, 15-20 knots on the port quarter, blue skies with tropical clouds for a backdrop with the icing on the cake being the 3 foot Mahi Mahi we caught while sailing. The ocean has been more than generous to the crew of Makana this winter, which we are grateful. We’ll be at Emerald Bay marina for a few days before we head north to Staniel Cay. It’s strange to be back at a dock but with free laundry and “unlimited” showers included in the slip fees it’s a nice splurge.