A Pleasant Surprise

Shroud Cay to Norman's Cay |  1.2 Hours  |  5.7 Miles  

Our time in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was everything we had hoped for with plenty of adventures both under the water and on land. The plan was to depart early this morning for a short trip north to Norman's Cay. Mother Nature said, "Not so fast." Heavy showers to the north put us in a rain delay, although it never rained in our anchorage at Shroud Cay. The clouds moved out then we did likewise. We anchored in a wide open space with a great view of the cell tower. It was nice to get our internet service back. Our neighbors were one lone sailboat close by and two trawlers a half a mile to the north. Barry and I assumed they were the two Flemings that we'd been seeing since Cambridge Cay. We were waiting for high tide around noon to visit Norman's Pond so we had a few free moments. I went downstairs to watch the livestream from Home Church. About the end of the liturgy, I heard multiple voices and laughter from upstairs. We had visitors. Surprise ... the two trawlers were not Flemings, they were fellow Selenes SaltyMare and Finish Grade. Susie and Todd (SaltyMare) and Lynn and Terry (Finish Grade) were on their way to the pond when they spotted us. We chatted for a few moments from the stern of Crossroads and made plans to catch up with in the pond on the opposite side of the island.

We have attempted this trip twice before, but had chickened out both times because of rough seas. It was still a bit bouncy today, but we made it to the small opening where we met the other dinghies. We ventured in single file through the narrow gap between two jagged rocks. Inside, a lone white marker guided us around a shoal. The water was sparkling clear with wide-ranging depths. The lighter areas being shallow, and the darker areas deep. We rafted up together in the center of the pond and discussed what to do next. At the top of the list was a group photo. 

The second issue for speculation was how in the world that large motor yacht made it into the pond -- first through the small opening, then across the shallows. The pucker factor must have been intense. The boat was an eye-catching art deco design. We tried not to stare, but were not very successful. We visited two caves before identifying a beach to land upon.

We all anchored and waded through knee-deep water along the shore. Lynn and Susie discovered treasures while walking in the incredibly soft beach that sucked out feet in like quicksand. I enjoyed walking through the shallows and admiring the little mangrove trees putting down roots in the surf. With slack tide disappearing, we exited the pond and returned to our anchorage. We followed in the wakes of the two larger/faster boats and enjoyed a slightly smoother ride back to Crossroads. 

All along the shore are signs of new development around the marina. Waterside bungalows are sprouting up in a long row. A large private jet landed at the airport, followed shortly by a helicopter. I finished another book on the bow before getting my shower. We gathered with Finish Grade on SaltyMare for sundowner appys. It was a fabulous evening to celebrate the pleasant surprise of catching up with friends.