That's TARDIS at the end of one of the best dinghy docks we've used in all of the Bahamas.
Eleuthera Island is more laid back than the other island chains we have visited and spent any amount of time in. We are so happy we made the effort to come straight to the area having crossed the Northeast Providence Channel New Years Day. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. No matter where we go and who we meet it's the same. This gentle soul we met today.
We're in her kitchen where she prepares meals 7 days a week for anyone who stops by her small carry out off the main road (Queen's Highway).
We stopped there 2 times before, looking for fish fry dinner but with the high winds the fisherman were not getting out. But she went through the extra effort to get fresh Conch, Lobster and Grouper yesterday just to make us two dinner for only $50. The dinners included Mac/Cheese, Cole Slaw, Rice & Peas and two cold Kalik's (beers). We learned alot about her during our 3 visits, and met one of her 11 siblings, who remembered us walking down the street while he was washing a car for someone and he stopped us to say 'HI'. Her name is Ingrid and she was born in Hatchett Bay just up Queen's Highway. She had a thriving restaurant in Abaco when Hurricane Dorian hit and lost everything. She is rebuilding her business here where her 90 year old mother lives. Oh and when we told her we were from Indiana she lit up. She's a basketball fan and follows the Pacers!
Earlier on the same day when we were walking 3nm to the other side of the island and the pink beach we met Warren, local artist. That's Warren working.
This is his studio. It's on all 4 corners of FISH ROAD and 3rd street. He stopped us as we walked through and told us about all the things we were going to see on our walk. And he did not try to sell us anything, just smiled and laughed as he talked.
We're taken aback by all the artwork on display throughout Rock Sound. No doubt this is Warren's influence.
There's a BLUE HOLE in town. It's an OCEAN HOLE centuries old. Rumor has it Christopher Columbus first landfall was Eleuthera and he may have been there.
It's over 600' deep and connected to the Atlantic.
Just up the road from Warren's is the school. On the way back from the Pink Beach we could hear Junkanoo music. Turns out it was grade school students practicing drums, whistles, bells and other percussion for the Junior Junkanoo in April (their school has won the competition 3 times!)
Road to the Pink Beach
And when you think you've seen the most beautiful beach in the islands you find another...
Sammy's Place is another spot we found with great food, people and reasonable prices. It's more like a waffle house type place with just about anything you might want.
Beers come with a hat for only $5
Other sites walking about Rock Sound
From TARDIS at Rock Sound
There's always boat work. Our lower anchor light that is hung on the end of the boom got water in it and corroded. Charlie used the first day at anchor pulling out the electric kit and made the repair.
37nm Sail Hatchett Bay to Rock Sound
With strong east trade winds coming we took the opportunity to head to the southern part of the island and about the last safe anchorage with things to do for about a week. It was going to be close to the wind in light air so motor sailing with a reef in the main was the ticket to 6k of speed and a short 7 hour daylight trip.
Trip to Cape Eleuthera - Southern end of the island
We met Daniel, proprietor of Twin Brothers, in Hatchett Bay. He introduced us to Dean, car rental company. Dean, a huge NBA fan, asked us how Larry Bird is doing. So, we talked BB.
Dean brought us a nice Chevy SUV for the day. Our first stop was Gregory Town.
Most of the day was spent driving to Cape Eleuthara at the south end of the island. There are no good safe anchorages off the southern shores. There is a marina with docks at the Cape that we wanted to see and find out what they cost before going there. They look good, cost $3.50/ft per night. That's $130 plus 10%VAT. Not us.
Some sights on our 100m drive.
Other Days to Remember