2016-04-22 - to Pipe Cay

We finally tore ourselves away from Big Majors.  The wind had settled a bit.  We had also run out of water, so we had to make our way to Staniel to fill our tanks.  After refuelling of gas and filling water we made a quick anchor stop.  Connor and I jumped in the dinghy and made our way to Staniel Cay to get a few provisions at the store.  The mail boat was scheduled to arrive today so the fruits and veggies from last mail boat run were looking a little shrivelled from the heat.  We managed to find some cheese and a lovely homemade coconut bread to add to our grocery mix.  We made it back to the boat and weighed anchor for Pipe Cay.  We had a quick tour of the abandoned Decca Station there  and then moved a few miles north where we were all alone with exception of a couple of sea birds that enjoyed a rest on the dinghy as they watched the sun set.  Connor did the honours of blowing the conch as the sun slipped beyond the horizon.  During our tour of the Decca Station ruins we found a small bundle of wire in the rubble.  Connor has been dying to make jewellery with his sea glass and started twisting a few sea glass pendants with the copper wire that he cleaned up.  They looked great for his first try!

2016-04-21 - in Big Majors (Pirate Beach)

In Little Farmers Cay Kerry and Connor met a lovely couple from Berlin, Germany who were travelling by their private plane.  They keep their plane in the U.S. and decided their next trip would be to the Bahamas.  The airstrip is parallel to the beach which is steps away from the beach bar.  Perfect spot!  They all chatted that night at the restaurant and, in the morning, Stephanie and Torsten came to the beach to call to us and let us know they were leaving and they would take some aerial shots on their way out.  How exciting for us! We scrambled on deck and waved our friends off. These pics just arrived to us today!

2016-04-20 - in Big Majors (Pirate Beach)

Connor woke up early and got straight into his school work.  He has been working really independently  which helps us all and he feels good about directing his learning.  We had a great discussion on tides as we are learning about the interactions of the sun, moon, and Earth for science.  We made models to help us understand Neap and Spring Tides.  Tides are ripping through the cut beside us during each tide cycle.  We were excited to jump back in and do another drift dive.  By late afternoon, we were in the dinghy and made about 4 runs on the cut.  It is absolutely exhilarating jumping in and letting the current take you as you experience whatever sea life is below.  Today we saw lots of great animals...eagle Ray, sea turtle, etc. Connor especially loves to dive to the middle of the water column and 'fly' through the water. (In the pic below he was about 15 feet below the surface with 15 more feet under him)

2016-04-20 - reminiscing 2007-2012-2016 same beach....

2016-04-19 - in Big Majors (Pirate Beach)

View from the front and back porch where we have been anchored for the last few days.

  

2016-04-18 - in Big Majors (Pirate Beach)

'Dylan loved the fast dinghy ride to check out our pig friends on the next beach!

Fishing update:  we now have a ballyhoo for each rod, all new line for the rods, and a gaff.  Look out!

2016-04-17 -in Big Majors (Pirate Beach)

First, we went on a snorkelling trip to thunder ball grotto.  After, we moved the boat over to Big Majors anchorage. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at Pirate Beach! Later on all of the cruiser friends came to the beach with snacks and played a version of bean bag horse shoes.  Dylan (who was almost ready to go back to the boat) was thrilled to watch the tournament!   

Fishing update:  we met a lovely couple who are retired and live on their boat year round.  she is an avid fisher.  She told us we need to buy frozen ballyhoo all rigged up with a hook.  They are about 7 dollars each but they are a sure fire way to catch these big guys.  Also we need a gaff... Going into town tomorrow.