It was another short travel day, but it included a trip through Whale Cay Passage. Our guidebooks devote several pages to traversing this quick dash out into the Atlantic and back into Abaco Sound, around Whale Cay. We've heard stories and seen photos of folks getting sideways on breaking waves. Thankfully, all the weather factors were in our favor today. As we entered the cut, we were checking out the megayacht coming in, the bonfire teepees off to the north, and the very large houses to the south. The view ahead of us was rather boring, and for that we were very thankful. The Whale was a pussycat this morning.
Once back in the Sea of Abaco, we sat back and enjoyed the view on the way to Green Turtle Cay. We will definitely miss the many shades of blue in the Bahamian waters. We joined a group of 10 other boats when our anchor was dropped just outside Settlement Harbour. We quickly loaded into the dinghy and prepared to visit the town of New Plymouth. A quick distraction was the sight of several large (dinner plate size) starfish, just off our transom in eight feet of water. We made the short trip into Settlement Harbour and exited the dock under the welcome sign. On a quick walk around the immediate area of town, we visited the Loyalist Sculpture Garden and passed by the Albert Lowe Museum. We had hoped to go into the museum, but it was closed today. The street signs are themselves artwork -- all hand made with recessed letters and different nature icons.
Knowing that we had only a few hours on the island, we rented a golf cart to expand our range. We went up and down streets lined by colorful, well-maintained houses with neat yards. Most also had white picket fences and colorful tropical flowers. At the southern end of town was a larger sign welcoming visitors to the island. We then headed all the way north, to then work our way back. The first stop was Coco Bay. Our map indicated turtles could be found here, but we didn't see any. The water was out at low tide, leaving tidal pools full of warm water.
Another stop was Ocean Beach where sea grass grew in dense patches just beyond the surf line, creating dark shapes in the water. The big-name spot on the island is the Green Turtle Club. We went in and walked around, checking out the resort shop (didn't buy anything). We did spot a shark swimming amongst the fish just below the cleaning station. We hit the road again, stopping at the Leeward Yacht Club for a refreshing beverage at the poolside Lizard Bar and Grill. We enjoyed the nice breeze, warm sunshine, and watching the three boys playing Marco Polo in the pool. Barry was brave and ordered their signature drink, the Leaning Lizard.
The afternoon was getting late, the good time by the pool had to end. Back in the golf cart, we continued south along the Atlantic shore and stopped occasionally to get out and walk down to the water's edge. Our final beach stop was Gilliam Bay, accessed by a long "road" through the trees. Once we finally made it to the end, the view did not disappoint.
Upon re-entering town, we passed another welcome sign along with a friendly reminder to keep left and be careful descending the steep hill. We had thoughts of visiting Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, home to the world-famous Goombay Smash, but only did a drive-by. The dinner special sign in front of McIntosh Restaurant had caught our eye and we stopped in for an early meal. The food was excellent and Barry and I shared entrees to get a good sampling. I will miss grouper with peas and rice which has become a favorite during our two months in the Bahamas.
The sun was dropping fast and it was time to return the golf cart. We had spotted the waterfront ice cream stand earlier in the day and made good on the plan for a final treat on our final night. The conch shack was still open as we returned to the dinghy and Barry picked up a to-go container. The gentleman overfilled his bowl so he had to take a few bites in order to get the lid on it. We zipped back to Crossroads as the sun lit up New Plymouth as it began to set behind the mothership.
We will leave in the morning and begin our trek back to the States, with anticipated landfall in Charleston, SC. We have about 400 miles to go and look to arrive by Tuesday afternoon. So, no blog posts for a few days as we will have no cell service. When cell service returns, I'll get a post up. We'll also reinsert our US sim cards into our phones and get back our "regular" phone numbers.
Once back in the Sea of Abaco, we sat back and enjoyed the view on the way to Green Turtle Cay. We will definitely miss the many shades of blue in the Bahamian waters. We joined a group of 10 other boats when our anchor was dropped just outside Settlement Harbour. We quickly loaded into the dinghy and prepared to visit the town of New Plymouth. A quick distraction was the sight of several large (dinner plate size) starfish, just off our transom in eight feet of water. We made the short trip into Settlement Harbour and exited the dock under the welcome sign. On a quick walk around the immediate area of town, we visited the Loyalist Sculpture Garden and passed by the Albert Lowe Museum. We had hoped to go into the museum, but it was closed today. The street signs are themselves artwork -- all hand made with recessed letters and different nature icons.
Knowing that we had only a few hours on the island, we rented a golf cart to expand our range. We went up and down streets lined by colorful, well-maintained houses with neat yards. Most also had white picket fences and colorful tropical flowers. At the southern end of town was a larger sign welcoming visitors to the island. We then headed all the way north, to then work our way back. The first stop was Coco Bay. Our map indicated turtles could be found here, but we didn't see any. The water was out at low tide, leaving tidal pools full of warm water.
Another stop was Ocean Beach where sea grass grew in dense patches just beyond the surf line, creating dark shapes in the water. The big-name spot on the island is the Green Turtle Club. We went in and walked around, checking out the resort shop (didn't buy anything). We did spot a shark swimming amongst the fish just below the cleaning station. We hit the road again, stopping at the Leeward Yacht Club for a refreshing beverage at the poolside Lizard Bar and Grill. We enjoyed the nice breeze, warm sunshine, and watching the three boys playing Marco Polo in the pool. Barry was brave and ordered their signature drink, the Leaning Lizard.
The afternoon was getting late, the good time by the pool had to end. Back in the golf cart, we continued south along the Atlantic shore and stopped occasionally to get out and walk down to the water's edge. Our final beach stop was Gilliam Bay, accessed by a long "road" through the trees. Once we finally made it to the end, the view did not disappoint.
Upon re-entering town, we passed another welcome sign along with a friendly reminder to keep left and be careful descending the steep hill. We had thoughts of visiting Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, home to the world-famous Goombay Smash, but only did a drive-by. The dinner special sign in front of McIntosh Restaurant had caught our eye and we stopped in for an early meal. The food was excellent and Barry and I shared entrees to get a good sampling. I will miss grouper with peas and rice which has become a favorite during our two months in the Bahamas.
The sun was dropping fast and it was time to return the golf cart. We had spotted the waterfront ice cream stand earlier in the day and made good on the plan for a final treat on our final night. The conch shack was still open as we returned to the dinghy and Barry picked up a to-go container. The gentleman overfilled his bowl so he had to take a few bites in order to get the lid on it. We zipped back to Crossroads as the sun lit up New Plymouth as it began to set behind the mothership.
We will leave in the morning and begin our trek back to the States, with anticipated landfall in Charleston, SC. We have about 400 miles to go and look to arrive by Tuesday afternoon. So, no blog posts for a few days as we will have no cell service. When cell service returns, I'll get a post up. We'll also reinsert our US sim cards into our phones and get back our "regular" phone numbers.
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