Just need to warn you Internet may get a little difficult as we move south , especially as we head to the next island Eluthera . So blogging may be patchy.
After a quick half hour trip from Marsh Harbor, we entered into the charming town of Hopetown on Elbow Cay. The 120ft red and white candy striped Lighthouse dominates the area. This is one of three working lighthouses still operating with a kerosene light in the world.The other two are also in the Bahamas. For the techies , the group of Fresnel lenes ( called bulls eyes) produces 5 white flashes every 15 seconds with a 15 nat mile visibiltiy.This town was settled by the "Loyalists " in 1785.
Our three boats were given great spots on the dock all together.Looks like the best place so far.Like a luxury resort.Two pools, restaurant , including an in pool bar ,villas and new docks and lovely gardens . Most of the work was only completed a year ago. We can see the developer has put a lot of money and effort to make it appealing to visitors who come either by boat or else by ferry. Nearby Marsh Harbor airport gives it easy access.
So time to relax with swim followed by a casual lunch by the pool and time to read .
The cool island breezes kept us comfortable. In the evening we decided to have shared drinks and snacks ,rather than a heavy dinner.It was so pleasant, having our own private area, complete with pool and deck.
The second day after breakfast we went up to visit the lighthouse and climb the 101 steps to the top.(Roger had booked to go bone fishing for the morning.This is a bit like fly fishing in shallow waters).
The view was spectacular. Looking down on the harbor and out back towards the Seas of Abacos with all the different blues and greens of the water.The turquoise water here is particularly vibrant. Around 11 am we took the Marina shuttle over to the town and we wandered the narrow streets , took lots of photos of the pink, periwinkle , yellow and green painted wooden houses We stopped at a very fancy small art gallery , selling some expensive local art . The best part was to beautiful garden surrounding it over looking the ocean. Had lunch at the Hopetown Harbor Lodge on the ocean side . Roger joined us there. He had had no success with catching a fish, just one that got away! Bill and I took a walk down to the sandy beach.Water was just perfect temp. Took the shuttle back for some relaxation , ie swim , read, do what ever we fancied.Could get used to this life! No wonder people come over here for a month at a time or more.
In the evening we took the shuttle over again,then were picked up by golf cart ( again usual mode of transport here) bound for ,Fire Fly one of the best restaurants on the Island they say. It was a lovely setting , tables outside overlooking the water and we saw what was left of the sunset around 8 pm. The service was very slow , but we are in Bahamian time after all.Moon and stars came out clear and bright. Dinner was delicious..Most of us had the mutton snapper.Had never heard of that one before! Roger declared it was the best fish he had eaten so far,and that says a lot as we have been eating fish very day! As we took the shuttle back to the marina , we saw the lighthouse operating, lighting up the sky Very special.
So ends our two day visit here. I could have happily stayed here a week but now we get to move out and try anchoring instead of having the cushy marina life.
Over and Out,
E n G.
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