We approached Stanial from the banks and initially had not decided if we would anchor at Big Major or go into Stanial. Once Big Major came into sight the decision was easy, head into Stanial as the number of boats around Big Major was huge, as were the size of many. Not fans of big crowded anchorages we crept across the shallows into Stanial Cay, swung around Thunderball Groto and grabbed a mooring ball.
This proved to be a great place to hang out. Stanial is a small community but very busy with lots of boats provisioning, tourists and flights out of this wonderful Cay. Being on the mooring put us in a bit of a current, but very well protected from all directions for winds. As well easy dingy access to hiking, beaches, snorkeling and shopping were a bonus.
Right beside the mooring field is the infamous Thunderball Groto, one of the locations where they filmed the James Bond movie. This is a great snorkel opportunity providing you time the currents right (low slack the best) and you beat the rush of tourists who make just enough racket to chase all the aquatic life away.
We discovered a great hiking trail which ran along the ridge on the northern half of the island. Fairly rugged, but a not onerous, 3 hr hike offered fantastic vistas of both the ocean and bank side of the Cay. This became a morning ritual with Maggie, dingy in, drop of the garbage at the dump ($5 a bag if you take it into town) and then hike the trail. Afternoon events usually entailed time on the beach with some snorkeling and beach combing. No trip is complete at Stanial unless you visit Big Major and witness the swimming pigs. As you dingy up they swim out to your dingy looking for food. It’s quite intimidating to have a 250lb wild pig swim up to your inflatable dingy!
Shopping in the village was interesting, with the Stanial Cay Yacht Club being a great place for lunch. Provisioning was interesting as availability was directly related to how long its been since the weekly freight boat had arrived. When we first visited the three stores (Pink store, Blue Store and Isles General) shelves were pretty bare, but to be expected as the Captain C was in dry dock and it had been two weeks since last here. The following week the freshly painted boat arrived and the markets were a frenzy as locals and cruisers cued up for first dibs on produce.
After a few days here we had a pleasant surprise. One afternoon I look out the port and here is Odesseous grabbing the ball beside us. Guess they had enough of Cambridge and joined us here in Stanial. To celebrate we had lunch at the Yacht Club, with me once again devouring their wonderful fish sandwich. Fresh Grouper on toasted Bahamian bread with fresh onions, lettuce and tomato and some of the best onion rings I have ever tasted. Looking at Wendy she seemed to enjoy the cheeseburger as well. We had a few great days with the Cooks, playing cards on the beach and snorkeling around the local area.
We finally decided it was time to push south, but confirmed with Sherry this is where we would meet them next month. Funny, the day before we left we came across Dutchess anchored just of the yacht club. They were in the process of sending off boat guests and then had a couple of days before family arrived. Tempted as we were to stick around and visit, we decided to let enjoy their alone time between boat guests and stuck with the plan to head to Black Point.