Exuma Paradise

It's also where a sailor in the late 60's built himself a camp to hang out for a time. The DEA used the camp (on top of a hill) as a place to monitor Carlos Lehder since his island is only 100s of yards away. For us it was the culmination of another great day in the Bahamas.

This is one of the only locations to find stacked coral in the Bahamas.

The contrast in color at the different depths is spectacular.

This was our reward - the other side. The camera does OK, but you have to see this water for yourself. It's the most beautiful we have ever seen.

Actually, I am standing for this, how else can I take these photos! Duh !!! Here I am giving Jenée kudos for job well done and permission to come aboard - Captain's work never done!

Whoa Nellie - that water is getting deep! I won't stand for this!

Well, that didn't quite work, so the Admiral is now guiding the dinghy through the shallow waters. I'm back tending to the engine and whatnot - I'm holding up OK - thanks for asking.

The Admiral did her best to provide forward ballast to ensure the prop didn't drag.

Here we are heading down the mouth of the river - very tidal and shallow at this point.

Shroud Cay is also the beginning of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park - about 150 square miles of untouched beauty.

From Norman's Cay we sailed south to Shroud Cay. This island initially sounded ho-hum. But we both wanted to see a salt water river that cut across the northern tip of the island and we're glad we did. How's this for an anchorage. When we bought Jungle, we wanted a shallow draft boat just for anchorages like this - perfect-o!

We then sailed south to Norman's Cay, an infamous place from the early 70's as a hiding place for drug lord Carlos Lehder. Ole' Carlos wasn't to bad a guy to those that new him, I guess. He built an airport (still in use), held big parties and dealt blow. On one deal gone bad, a 707 didn't quite make it off the runway and still sits half in/half out of the water - nice diving spot. The place is all cleaned up now as the DEA worked to bring Carlos down successfully. Jenée and I just finished a great dinner at the Norman's Cay Beach Club, the only restaurant on the island.

Jenée got a nice closeup of island nature.

As you can see, public transportation runs a tad slow in the Bahamas! Them Bahamians are funny.

We made it to the beautiful Exuma Islands; the pearl necklace of the Bahamas! We sailed for 2 days south of the Abacos Is., through the Eleuthera Is. and finally into Highbourne Cay. From our spot, Jenée got up before daybreak and walked to the other side to the Tongue of the Ocean, catchy name. It's basically a deep water feed off the Atlantic that separates the Exuma and Eleuthera Is. Where was I? Well, I was recuperating - from sleeping.