Conception Island

After all our moaning about the weather we were rewarded by being able to go to Conception Island and stay in settled weather. This little gem is surrounded by the Altlantic Ocean and is a protected park with gorgeous contrast between the deep blue and the green water of the reef. The beaches are a mix of white and pink sand. We also managed to catch Taipan, Tactical Direction, Cerulean and Wyunna and had lovely food, drinks and great company.

The highlight was the inland mangroves. We drifted in the dinghy watching the turtles, birds and fish life. It was wonderful to see mature conch living in large numbers in the shallow waters. We spent so lon there that we had to eat an army ration pack, my first. All I can say is that if an army marches on its stomach then indigestion can't be far behind.

We mistimed the tide and had to wait for an hour to get over the entrance bar. A handy casuarina tree provided shade, just like home. The other boats were about to send out a search party as we almost missed sundowners which is most unlike us.

We are now in Rum Cay which is a lovely island, though the marina is closed which is a shame.

George Town

I It has taken us a little longer than expected but we finally made it to George Town. It does live up to its reputation and it is easy to see why people decide to stay here for most of the winter. It's incredibly organised and there is a range of boater organised acitivities which would easily keep you entertained. Plus we have had a great time catching up with boats we have met over the last few months; Taipan, Mythago, Le Questeau, Wandering Rose, Marnie, Cerulean and Apparition. 

The weather has not been very kind with lots of wind on the nose so have been cruising  slowly down the Exuma Banks. Lee Stocking Island was a highlight. Lovely anchorages and an interesting island to explore. Sadly the Marine Research station has been closed down and the site has been abandoned. We wandered the site and the Skipper was in awe of the facilities they had had. Obviously they took a lot with them but they left behind lovely houses, generator plant, workshops, reverse osmosis plant and much, much more. Not very environmental when you leave behind large bottles of poisonous chemicals, computers and lots of plastic. 

We buddy boated with Apparition to George Town and Keith caught a 1.5 metre Mahi Mahi, which he generously shared with us, it was delicious. I thinks I'm going to have to change my lures or tactics because still haven't managed to get a bite. Mind you, quite glad not to have to try and get a fish of that size aboard Bounty. 

For a Kiwis birthday I painted an apology for the infamous underarm incident.