Now In The Exumas

From Nassau we left with a flotilla as everyone was waiting for the same favorable wind conditions. Our first stop in the Exumas was at Allens Cay. On the way across to Allens Cay we went through an area of coral heads and began honing our skills at reading the water (color). For about an hour I stood on the bow and directed Linda with hand signals to avoid any potential coral heads. As we approached Allens Cay all navigation was by sight using the color of the water to determine deep water and to avoid the sand bars. Allens Cay is known for its iguanas. These are friendly and just about as soon as you land on the beach they are around hoping to be fed. We did not feed them as none of the wildlife should be fed, but we noted commercial boats bring tourist to Allens Cay and some provided food for their guest to feed the iguanas.

After spending a couple nights at Allens Cay we were off to Normans Cay. Normans Cay was once held by Colombian drug lord Carlos Lehder. Remaining now is the air strip, which is active. There is a beach club and a few vacation villas. We let our dinghy drift over a plane wreck. It is perfectly preserved and intact below the surface. The fuselage and tail which were above the surface corroded away. Normans Cay is just outside the Exumas Park where all plants and wildlife are protected. We found the conch to be very plentiful at Normans Cay.

We spent New Years Eve at Normans Cay and celebrated with pizza on Wind Chaser, but we were back aboard Ariel by 7:30.

On New Years day we continued on to Warderick Wells in the heart of Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park. This park covers an area of 176 square miles. The entire area is a no take zone. Nothing can be removed, living or dead. This area has great snorkeling and the island has some very interesting walking trails. We were assigned a mooring in the north mooring field close by the park office.

We have been travelling with the same group of boats more or less since Nassau so we are getting to know many of our frequent neighbors.

On mooring