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Salt Pond

We are anchored in Thompson Bay, Long Island—which is just north of the settlement of Salt Pond. There are, as you might expect, a few salt ponds in the settlement and yesterday we walked by one on our way to the beach. We were hoping to spot pink flamingos which Jeannie had told us can be seen at the salt ponds on occasion. The flamingos like to feed on the tiny shrimp that live in the salt ponds. We did not see any flamingos but we did have a lovely walk.  In the evening Jeannie and Brad picked us up—as well as Jean and Michael—and drove us to Chez Pierre for dinner. The dinner was delicious and we had so much fun. George had the catch of the day—mahi mahi—in a tarragon sauce that was wonderful. I had a very large Gorgonzola salad that was also delicious.  Today we ran the water maker and I did some laundry on board with the help of my new spinner. Later on we went ashore to pick up some more produce at Hillside Food Supply, then back again to Sou’Side for drinks.  One ...
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Sou’ Side

Today we joined Jean, Michael, Brad, and Jeannie for lunch at Sou’ Side. While there we made plans to go to dinner at Chez Pierre tomorrow evening. Having the option of eating out is one of the perks of being near civilization. We are definitely taking advantage of that.  The gang at Sou’ Side.  We had company. This kitty enjoyed being petted by George’s foot.     Last night’s sunset just before we saw a great green flash. My camera isn’t capable of catching the green flash effect so I don’t even try—I just watch it and enjoy it. 
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Thompson Bay, Long Island, Bahamas

We arrived at Thompson Bay, Long Island Saturday evening just after 8:30 pm. The harbor was well-lit by the full moon so we motored right up to our anchoring spot (as opposed to anchoring way back). It helped that the anchorage was not full.  On Sunday George started the day by swabbing the deck. When the wind is very light the dew will collect on the deck in the morning. George will occasionally use a mop to swab it in order to clean off some of the salt that has accumulated from days of salt spray. Later in the morning we dinghied over to chat with old friends Jean and Michael on Desiderata II then Matt and Marty on Runaway. In the afternoon we all met at Tiny’s Hurricane Hole for lunch. It was great to catch up again.  Today was a day for chores—two dinghy trips to Long Island Petroleum for diesel, a trip to Hillside Food Supply for fresh fruits and vegetables, and a trip to drop off our garbage.  Swabbing the deck. You can see the condensation on top of the dodger ...
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So Long, Ragged Islands

We have enjoyed our three weeks in the Ragged Islands but it is time to move on. This morning—about an hour before sunrise—we raised the anchor and started north. We timed our departure to coincide with high tide so that we could make it out of the shallow entrance. We decided to make the 100 mile trip to Long Island without stopping so that we could pass through the shallow Comer Channel close to high tide. The winds have been light so it is a motoring trip. We expect to arrive at Thompson Bay, Long Island sometime this evening. Fortunately, the moon will be close to full so we should have good visibility as we enter the anchorage.  Photo of us taken by Leslie Jones as we left the gathering at the beach a few nights ago.  This bird reminded us of the blue herons we see at home.  A lone mangrove sprout on the sandbar at low tide.  We weren’t the only ones walking on the sandbar. You can see the tracks of the conch as it moved from one rock in the background to the ro...
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More Snorkeling

We went snorkeling a few more times—there are so many choices from this anchorage. Here are the photos.  Angelfish, Blue Tang, and a Sargent Major.  Schoolmaster Snapper.  Spiny Lobster.  Parrotfish.   Angelfish, Blue Tangs, and Parrotfish.  Grunts, Blue Tangs, and Angelfish.  Parrotfish and Sargent Major.  Sargent Major and Grunts.  Coral. 
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Settled In

We have settled into our usual Ragged Island routines—walking the beaches, snorkeling, gathering with others on the beach at sunset, in addition to completing chores. It is a relaxed pace that we both enjoy. The crowd in the anchorage has increased significantly. We now have twelve boats and have heard that more may be on the way. We are considering various options for leaving here—all depending on tides and wind direction and strength. Today’s best option appears to be leaving here on January 11.  The forecast changes daily so, as I have heard others say, our decision is written in the sand at low tide.  Saturday’s gathering. It was breezy and cooler than normal so people are rather bundled up.  Dinghies lined up for the evening gathering.  Small tree that is managing to survive on top of rocks and sand.  Last evening’s sunset. 
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Goliath Grouper

Dan, a young solo sailor in our anchorage, went out in his dinghy early this morning and, while snorkeling along a 15’ deep ledge, speared a 112 pound Goliath Grouper on the Atlantic side of the reef. It took three hours for him to finally get the giant fish to the surface and into his dinghy. Then he invited everyone in the anchorage to come to shore as he cut it, filleted it, and shared it. Dan is buddy boating with his girlfriend, Nicole, who is also solo sailing her boat. They each have YouTube channels— Dan’s ,  Nicole’s —and we may be appearing in one or more episodes. George and I did watch some of the cutting of the fish but opted not to take any. We were concerned about ingesting ciguatera toxin which can be in some reef fish, particularly large ones. Although we were told this one would be safe we decided not to take the risk.  Dan holding his 112 lb Goliath Grouper while being filmed by his girlfriend, Nicole. They don’t go anywhere without their GoPro cameras....
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