Abaco Arrival

Cruising in a big circle to stage on the east side of Great Harbour Cay, bought us a lovely afternoon on one of the most expansive and beautiful beaches in the Bahamas.  Also, we even managed to wander the shelling beach at low tide and found a few treasures to remind us of our visit.

Leaving before dawn, we spent a long day bouncing around as we crossed the New Providence Channel to Great Abaco Island.  The depth meter tapped out after 2500 feet – Steve refused to reset it again.  The only real excitement was working around a few freighters and being passed by a catamaran who was enjoying the wind. The big water can also come with some serious waves, so, unlike the sailor, we were glad the winds did not freshen over much. 

Fortunately, after rounding the point aptly named “Hole in the Wall” with its picturesque lighthouse, the waters finally calmed down a smidge.  Frank, however, must be readjusting since he slept almost the whole way across not even visiting his food bowl until well over seven hours into our trip. 

We first touched land in the Abacos at the new exclusive community of Schooner Bay with a dramatic manmade harbor. The local marketing crew chief, Tracey, gave us a golf cart tour of the show house and community amenities.  Although it is still in the early stages of development, it is clear this will someday be an impressive and private retreat for a lucky few. Hopefully the marina will remain open to passing boaters such as ourselves, so we can also enjoy this hidden gem.

It is a relief to have the last BIG water behind us as we hope to spend the next month or so wandering among the close and protected islands of the Abaco Sea. Tomorrow the boys are looking forward to fishing our way up to the entrance at Little Harbour – reported by the Schooner Bay folks to be prime fishing territory. ….