Elbow Cay
Bahamas
26.30.420N
76.59.036W
18.9 NM
3.28 Hrs.
5.4 Kt Avg.
6.6 Kt Max
Current Odom: 7914.1
When the tide changed direction, our anchor spot proved to be a bit more rolly than we first thought but we stuck it out and managed to sleep through the majority of the slaps and motion.
Once again, the day dawned gray and overcast but we were on a mission to visit Pete’s Pub and Art Gallery when it opened, so that we could still catch the high tide for our transit north to Tahiti Beach. We lowered the dink and worked our way into the horseshoe shaped harbor tucked behind patch reefs. When we rounded the entrance, we were surprised to find some good sized boats in the little marina. Obviously, they must have used a high tide to transit across the shallow areas we observed coming in.
There were two high docks that extended out into the harbor. One had a sign indicating Pete’s Pub and Art Gallery, so we tied the dink up to that one. Climbed the ladder and started down the dock. At the end, we found several life sized bronze statues of dolphins, turtles, sting rays and figurines. We followed the dirt road a bit to the gallery but found that it was still closed. Pete’s Pub was actually next door to this and it too wasn’t quite open.Dale and I walked the boardwalk past huge bronze turtles & rays placed like garden art in the seaside vegetation on our way to the beach that faced the Northeast Providence Channel. I snapped a couple of photos and then caught up to Dale on his way back to the Pub.
Dale had spied a line of Adirondack chairs placed between the bar and several picnic tables scattered in ever expanding locations. They were along one side of the bar under the thatched roof covering the open establishment. Several other couples were making their way in and waiting patiently for the waitress to start taking orders. One couple told us that they had been here yesterday and watched as the lone waitress served 122 lunches.
The food was good (Dale had grouper; I had a blue cheese burger) but we were actually here to see the gallery. The bar was filling up quickly, so as soon as I was done, I left Dale to pay the bill to get a head start at the gallery and walk around a bit more leisurely. Dale soon joined me and we methodically circled the gallery to view everything on display. We really like the bronze statutes. Dale like the rays, I liked the turtles.We headed back to the Palace and lifted our anchor to make our way to Tahati Beach on the south end of Elbow Cay. Dale suggested taking the longer, deeper route to make sure I didn’t have a nervous conniption on the way there. I have to admit, most of the trip north, I stayed in my seat, hopping up only when the depth sounder indicated 7’ of water (we draw 5.5’). But on the very last leg, Dale ended up hand steering very slowly; the theory being that if we touch earth going slow enough, we can back out without any damage being done. The depth sounder indicated 6’ and slightly less for an extended amount of time. I can’t remember ever being so happy to see a 7’ depth before. I’m obviously going to have to get used to being in the Bahamas again.
We made our approach to the Tahiti Beach anchorage and spotted Toucan Dream and Annabelle II right away. We selected a spot right between the two to anchor. We waved Bob & Karen on Annabelle II over as soon as we were anchored. They had been watching us through binoculars and were wondering whether we would make it or not. We spent the rest of the evening catching up and speculating about whether or not we’ll be able to buy a home in Florida at this time. Apparently the availability of (or rather the lack of) insurance is a determining factor these days. Bob & Caron dropped by as they returned to Toucan Dream from a day out fishing. They had caught 3 tuna and were handing out portions of it to those they knew. They gave us a couple fillets and Bob & Karen a couple.
Before heading below for the evening, we dropped the screens and buttoned up the Palace against invading mosquitoes. With all of this rain and humidity, the little blood suckers are thriving.
