Loads of Fun

Black Point   

We love visiting Black Point for so many reasons. It was our goal today to get out and hit all the high points. First, and foremost, Rockside Laundromat is the best in the Bahamas with nice machines, a helpful staff, and a view that cannot be topped. I changed the bed linens and eagerly gathered up all the dirty towels, sheets, and daily clothes. Our two laundry bags were full and heavy, much like when we were college students coming home for break. The dinghy was at full capacity as we headed into shore. We lucked out and found four empty washers into which we dumped all our presorted loads. No swearing from us today, everything was going just fine. The wash cycles go for 30 minutes and the dryers for 45, so there was a bit of juggling involved as there was a shortage of open dryers. No worries. We went out on the deck and enjoyed the morning. Kelly and Richard on Untethered passed by Crossroads as they departed the anchorage. The two Selenes only appeared to rub noses. We smelled fresh bread baking in Ms. Peermon's kitchen and went over to buy a loaf of her famous coconut bread. We found her on her back porch, weaving a mat to be used in making baskets which she sells at the straw market. Her fingers flew in and out of the straw/grass in a long-practiced rhythmic motion. She is such a delightful lady and showed us how she was cooking down the coconut to use in tomorrow's batch of bread. I guarded my loaf while reading on the deck.

Barry chatted with other cruisers about boat systems and electronics. We were both in our happy places. Just after noon, all four loads were dry, folded, and in our bags. As we walked down to the dock, we were treated to one amazing view. The water was flat and clear. It was a smooth and dry ride back to Crossroads. We put everything away and had some lunch. As we prepared to go back to shore, Barry received notice that our heat exchanger had landed in Staniel Cay. Woohoo. We will pick it up in the morning and can't wait to get our generator issue resolved.

We landed at the Government Dock and disposed of a bag of trash. Our afternoon walk would take us north on the island to a spot we know well. In years past, there had always been a sign directing us to the "Blow Hole." There is quite a bit of new development going on in the area, and the sign was no longer posted. Good thing we knew the way. The dirt road led us down to the rocky shelf at the edge of the water. The waves of Exuma Sound were crashing hard offshore and making their way to escape through the blow hole. We stayed several minutes and got dampened with sea spray as we awaited the perfect blow picture.

Our next stop was the beach not far from the blow hole. I walked from one end to the other looking for any kind of treasure. There were no shells of any type, but I did collect a few pieces of sea glass and a small piece of driftwood. The rocky shoreline was not walker-friendly and the sand was course. The most disturbing sight was the crazy amount of plastic -- in all forms -- washed up along the shore. I saw everything from used motor oil bottles to toothpaste tubes and shoes, and the ever present bottle caps. What a shame that such a remote area is so affected by the discards of mankind. Walking back into town, we could see the sandbars emerging as the tide receded. This side of the island -- the Exuma Banks side -- is the classic sandy Caribbean beach.

We enjoyed a beverage at Lorraine's Cafe then stopped at the grocery store for some lettuce and tomatoes. Back at the Government Dock, we bid farewell to Black Point for the afternoon. When we pulled away, we noticed that every piling had a seagull upon it. Bird life is thriving here. We took the dinghy out as sunset approached for a final joy ride in the anchorage and were treated to another green flash. Lights from Lorraine's Cafe and the Black Point Yacht Club brightened the water as darkness fell on the harbor. As I write this, a big party with more fun is happening ashore. An incredible mix of classic songs and laughter are streaming through our open ports.