Our new friends here in the Ragged Islands showed us how to make our way into the anchorage known as Between the Raggeds or “The Cut.” It is an area between Ragged Island and Little Ragged Island with a very shallow entrance. It used to be inaccessible to all but very shallow draft boats but recent hurricanes have washed away some sand and made it more accessible. Although it appears to be wide open to the Atlantic—and one would think there would be a lot of surge (waves)—the water is surprisingly calm. There are rocks and reefs that protect the area from the waves but there is not much to block the wind. There is a fair amount of current, but we have been told that the current matches the wind, so we do not get the wind against current effect. The shallowest area is right at the entrance and we saw 5.8 feet as we were entering. Breeze On draws 5’ 8” but we did not touch bottom. It is possible that our depth reading needs to be recalibrated.
The anchorage—Breeze On is the middle boat.
Interesting mounds on the sandbar.
A blue hole (sinkhole filled with water.)
Several small conchs in the shallow water but, when inspected, had hermit crabs inside.
Looking East toward the deep water of the Atlantic. You can see that it looks wide open, but the rocks and reefs keep the water relatively calm.
It is beautiful here with the nearby beaches and sandbars. There are also several reefs for snorkeling but it was too windy to snorkel today.
We plan to leave here early tomorrow morning. We just learned that my uncle—to whom we are very close—is expected to pass away within the next few days. He has been on and off hospice care since July. We knew it was a risk to plan to come to the Bahamas—and we really struggled with the decision—but he was stable when we left home. His recent decline has been quite rapid. We are going to start the 100 mile plus trip to George Town where there is an airport. If he passes away before we are able to fly to New York—where he lives—we will evaluate the best time to make the trip.
The anchorage—Breeze On is the middle boat.
Interesting mounds on the sandbar.
A blue hole (sinkhole filled with water.)
Several small conchs in the shallow water but, when inspected, had hermit crabs inside.
Looking East toward the deep water of the Atlantic. You can see that it looks wide open, but the rocks and reefs keep the water relatively calm.
Oh Bev, I am so sorry to hear your uncle is not doing well. My thoughts are with you and the family. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Doreen. He passed away the day we left the Raggeds. His partner thought it would be better if we waited to go to Albany so we sailed back to the Raggeds.
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