The resort is very nice and is at least tolerant of cruisers that anchor in front and dingy ashore to use the restaurant and fill water jugs for the boat. They also have a car rental service which we used to drive down to the southern part of the island to pick up our friends, Kaye and Leo, who flew in on April 16th. Since we had the car for the day, we decided to do some sight seeing.
This is the airport terminal at Deadman's Cay where Kaye and Leo arrived.
From here we drove to see Deans Blue Hole. At 663 feet, this is the deepest blue hole in the world, and is the sight of the annual free diving world championship.
This is the raft, anchored in the blue hole where the divers descend to depths of over 250 feet, without the aid of scuba tanks. This of course falls in the category of, "why would anyone want to do that?" There were two memorial sites on shore, dedicated to people who have lost their lives in the blue hole.
After more driving around, taking pictures of the beautiful vistas, it was time to head back to the north end of the island and settle in on Glory Days. Having guests on a 37 foot sailboat presents some unique challenges, but ours was even more challenging because on the second trip ferrying people, luggage and supplies to the boat, the impeller in the dingy motor gave out and the motor over-heated.
This is Dan trying to figure out what was wrong with the motor. We actually got very lucky, and found a local, Big Deuce, who was willing to bring his boat out to Glory Days and take the motor back to his garage for repairs. The part we needed could not be located on Long Island, but was available from Nassau. Big Deuce's son was flying to Nassau "to take a test" and would be able to pick up the part and return with it, "in a couple of days."
Although it was frustrating to be without a motor for most of the week we had company, it turned out better than it would have if we had not connected with Big Deuce. He came through and returned the repaired motor at a very reasonable price.
In the meantime, we anchored close to shore so we could paddle in for beach walks and snorkeling excursions. Dan and Leo also booked a bonefishing trip with a guide.
This is Burt (the guide) and Leo walking the flats in search of fish. Dan's perfect record of never catching a bonefish is still intact.
One day we sailed out into the Atlantic and trolled for big fish. Leo landed this dandy Mahi Mahi after a long battle.
On our way back in we sailed past the white cliffs of the Cape. At the top is the Columbus monument. This commemorates his landing here on October 17, 1492. This is said to be his third landing in the new world. Of course he thought he was in India, which reminds us of the immortal words of Jimmy Buffet. "The best navigators are not always certain where they are, but they are always aware of their uncertainty."
After our time at the cape, we sailed south to Salt Pond to resupply and see Kaye and Leo off to the airport. From here, it is on to Rum Cay and points north.
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Location:Salt Pond, Long Island
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