We picked up Hutch and Morgan from the Staniel Cay airport and departed the next day for the Exuma Land and Sea Park, seeking protection from predicted stiff north winds. In calm seas, we attempted to fish, but to no avail.

Instead, we were greeted on our arrival at Emerald Rock by a Hammerhead Shark swimming in the mooring field. This was a first for us. Hutch and Morgan jumped right in the dinghy and were able to get up close for pictures. When he was comfortably out of sight we took advantage of the remaining lull before the winds and snorkeled near the Warderick Wells cut.

We were able to get into the most protected part of the Park for the night with the highest winds. We took a long hike, covering just about all of the marked trails on Warderick Wells and making some of our own where there seemed to be no other way back without retracing miles.

When the winds clocked to the East and abated some, we moved up to Shroud Cay, under full sail for the first time all winter. We had a beautiful trip and anchored right up close to a little beach. We enjoyed a long dinghy ride through the mangrove creeks and swam/drifted in the fun rage between the north creek and the Exuma Sound.

From there we moved down to Hawksbill Cay and were able to anchor in our favorite spot, again right near the beach. We dinghied up to just north of the the Cay and enjoyed the extensive sandbars, tide pools and beautiful array of colors.

We made our trip back to Staniel expecting a smooth sail in 15 kt east winds but, instead, ran alongside a line of squalls with winds 20-25 kts which didn't let up up even when the skies cleared. We bashed into seas that were rough even though we were on the banks. We were tired and soaked and happy to put the anchor down right behind the Thunderball Grotto, where we enjoyed the remainder of the time Hutch and Morgan had with us.

The week sped by and I had a blast. There's no better feeling than sharing this paradise with the people I love....