The Berry Islands

Rather than head directly for Nassau, which would require a 30 hour passage we elected to anchor on the Bahama Banks overnight and head for Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands. As you can see from the entrance it certainly would do for the expected cold front and has offered good protection in hurricanes. Here we were able to check in with immigration without some of the hassles others had experienced at Chub Cay.

We spent a couple of days here looking for conch [rhymes with "bonk"] and lobster known down here as "Bugs". No bugs but we did get some conch. Next on the agenda was teaching novices how to clean one! Well Colin, on Lady Margaret gave me "Conch Cleaning 101" and the local harbourmaster checked out my technique with a polite smile. The guy looking over my shoulder said he would buy prepared conch at the restaurant. Slimy little critters they are but the conch chowder, fritters and "cracked conch" were delicious.

It was late and had been a busy day so we went up to the Great Harbour Yacht Club outdoor deck and had what seems to be a common Bahamian dish - Cheeseburger and Fries. Before we left, Peter and Carol O. gave us a bottle of "ice wine" to have when we arrived. We really appreciated the thought in this snug harbour and shared it with our friends on Lady Margaret. A beautiful end to a great Bahamian day.

From here we headed up around the top of the Berrys and down the eastern side in a blustery east to southeast wind. Great sail; lots of spray on our recently washed boat. The seas were a little rolly for the trawler, Lady Margaret, so she headed back down the western side. We ducked into another snug spot for these winds - Little Harbour Cay.

Tomorrow Nassau.