February 18, 2018 - Caves then Royal Island

 

February 18, 2018 Visiting  Hatchet Caves
 

7:30am- We wanted to see the caves so we figure we might as well have a good hearty breakfast.  After we enjoyed our French toast, we packed up for the caves.  People told us to bring good lighting.

We dinghied into shore and saw Francis, the chef, from the Front Porch since the restaurant was right as we got off the dinghy.  He asked if we had enough water since it was at least 4 miles away.  Knowing that we only brought one bottle, he was kind enough to give us another.  He also told us if we hitchhike, that someone will pick us up.  And that is exactly what we did.  It would have been a long hot walk.

 

As we approached the cave sign, we noticed many abandoned silo and grassland. At one time it was cattle land. 

We managed to find the cave and entered.  When we entered, it was very musty and damp.  You can go down a set of ladder rope and continue on however we decided we wouldn't since there was no one to guide us and I didn't want my allergies to act up.  We actually were very disappointed with the graffiti which was sprayed onto the walls.  As we were walking back to the road, we talked to a local who said there are many others caves but they do not want the general public accessing them because of the damaged done to the one we entered.  We surely don't blame them. 

 

The bridge at Glass Window

12:15pm- We are just going by the Glass Window.  It is a 9.8 mm from CURCE on a course of 073/253 true to the Glass Window.  The Glass Window is a narrow bridge that is the only land link between the north end of this very long, thin island and the southern two-thirds of the island. 

To the east, and right up to the concrete bridge itself, you see the deep blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.  To the west, it is turquoise green. 

 We found out surfing is the favored sport here. East on the Ocean Blvd about 2 miles south of Gregory town on the Atlantic side to Surfers Beach.  It is home of the 'Big Wave Surf Classic Pro Am'

2:00pm-  We went they the Current Cut. At slack time currents and with the wind behind us boat speed showed 5.6 but the GPS showed 10.2 over the ground. We were flying thru the cut. 

Current Cut is the Eleuthera Panama Canal that runs between Current Island and Eleuthera. It is known to Divers as a source of the greatest 'drift' dive ever.  Divers report that it is not uncommon to be rocketed totally out of control through the cut at 6 knots or more.  CRAZY! 

On the path to Spanish Wells lies Royal Island.  Royal Island is only 430-square acres strung out 4.5 miles wide at its widest point.  This is where we will anchor tonight. 

3:30pm- We are anchored at Royal Island.  We covered 23.9 nautical miles today.

When we were arriving at Royal Island, we thought this boat might of been Audrey and Randy from Heart Tug from Fifty Point.  It was an American boat.  She is a beauty!

 

 

5;30pm- We are barbecuing steak tonight.  Yum Yum.

Watched the sun set and had a conch blowing contest with other boats who had conch.  I think my sister would be proud of me since I out blew them all. 

Getting to bed early tonight since we are doing a long crossing early tomorrow morning to Linear Cay.  

Goodnight.