Sun – Sand – Surf

posted in: Bahamas, Bahamas 2015-2016 | 0

We have had a week of pretty darn good weather, if you like it warm and sunny, a little humid, with a dash of thunderstorms thrown in, just to keep you off balance.  The week began on Sunday morning with on and off torrential rains for a brief time. The best part of this was the rainbows (yes, note the plural) that would follow each downpour. Not a bad way to begin the week!

One rainbow shining over the Inn and Marina.
One rainbow shining over the Inn and Marina.
Another one rainbow over the harbor entrance and the lighthouse. There was even a double rainbow for a moment.
Another  rainbow over the harbor entrance and the lighthouse. There was even a double rainbow for a moment.
A close up of a lower rainbow near the Elbow Cay Lighthouse.
The Elbow Cay Lighthouse with a lower rainbow leading to it.

We ventured out to Johnny’s Cay at a low tide. It was too windy with surf a bit higher than we like for snorkeling but it was a great ride.

At low tide this rock near Johnny's Cay stand up and out of the water.
At low tide this rock near Johnny’s Cay stands up and out of the water.
This wind surfer was really cruising all around Johnny's Cay.
This wind surfer was really cruising all around Johnny’s Cay.
On one trip, we took the "big boat" out of the harbor instead of the dinghy. Anchored and swam off the boat just to relax and play. AL also took the opportunity to replace the zincs on the rudder. An easy job when you can see so clearly under the water.
On one trip, we took the “big boat” out of the harbor instead of the dinghy. Anchored and swam off the boat just to relax and play. AL also took the opportunity to replace the zincs on the rudder. An easy job when you can see so clearly under the water.
After that little excursion, we stopped by at the North End Beach. Although windy, it was such a nice day until........ we saw a dark storm cloud and rain passing over Hope Town's harbor. Uh oh. We left a hatch open over the bed! We raced back and reached the boat after the quick rain passed. Lucky - not too bad. ;-)
After that little excursion, we stopped by at the North End Beach. Although windy, it was such a nice day until…….. we saw a dark storm cloud and rain passing over Hope Town’s harbor. Uh oh. We left a hatch open over the bed! Such a rookie mistake. We raced back and reached the boat after the quick rain passed. Lucky – not too bad. 😉

The next day took us back to “Church Beach” on the Atlantic side. Too much surf for swimming and NO sea glass this time! It was worth the trip just to watch the impressive  surf on the rocky edge.

Church Beach high surf9 best
Church Beach high surf13 good
Church Beach high surf14
A calm moment for a stroll near the water's edge.
A calm moment for a stroll near the water’s edge.

Another day saw a return trip out near Johnny’s Cay with Magnus and Charlotte (Swede Dreams). We saw a pair of dolphins on our way out. Even better in the clear water.  It wa since enough to snorkel around small reef out there.

A return trip out near Johnny's Cay with Magnus and Charlotte (Swede Dreams). Nice enough to snorkel around a small coral reef.
Al and Magnus snorkeling back to the boat.

The next agenda item was a  dinghy ride south to Tahiti Beach, one of the nicest little spots around here. We each took our dinghies (Swede Dreams and us) and packed a picnic lunch.

There's Tahiti Beach up ahead.
There’s Tahiti Beach up ahead.
Our picnic spot - Al, Magnus and Charlotte.
Our picnic spot – Al, Magnus and Charlotte are all settled in.

Snorkeling and hiking, let the pictures tell the rest of the story —

Tahiti Beach 8 dink
Tahiti Beach 10
Tahiti Beach 13
We enjoyed more snorkeling time. The water is the perfect temperature for a northerner, a tiny brief chill and then cooling and perfect in the warm sun.
We enjoyed more snorkeling time. The water is the perfect temperature for a northerner, a tiny brief chill and then refreshing and perfect in the warm sun.  About 77 degrees and so very very clear blue.
What can I say?
What can I say?
All that snorkeling produces shells that need to be cleaned. After letting the sea biscuits sit in bleach water for a day, they get rinsed and left to dry.
All that snorkeling produces shells that need to be cleaned. After letting the sea biscuits sit in bleach water for a day, they get rinsed and left to dry.

A little kayaking outside the harbor on another day.

Charlotte and Michele ready to go kayaking.
Charlotte and Michele ready to go kayaking.
Al takes his kayak into this tiny little nook carved into the rock.
Al takes his kayak into this tiny little nook carved into the rock.

We finally feel like we are in the Bahamas, playing in the sun, sand, and surf. Not a bad place to spend some of our retirement, is it?

Our view from the aft cockpit - the Elbow Cay Lighthouse.
Our view from the aft cockpit – the Elbow Cay Lighthouse.

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