Conception Island

 

We left around 830 and enjoyed a slow steady sail from Georgetown to the northern point of Long Island. Even though it was slow we were still able to pass two monohulls and catch up to a catamaran that left earlier. Rounding Long Island we cross out into the Atlantic Ocean for the final three hours to Conception. Big long rolling ocean swells greeted us as we traveled and the wind was closer to the bow so it was not as comfortable for this final leg but still we were able to sail all the way. 

This isolated Island, part of the Bahamian Land and Sea Park, has been fully discovered as there were 25 boats spread about the anchorage. Two of them were very large ships. Once the anchor was down I made up a plate of fried plantain and a piña colada to settle in and enjoy the sunset. I needed to run the generator for a bit prior to bed to charge up the batteries which is not uncommon when all the instruments are running and you’re just sailing. 

Sheri was up first and let me know that the solar was not increasing our battery level in the morning sun. I then spent the next several hours diagnosing then replacing a burnt out solar controller. Thank God I kept the old smaller ones that this new one replaced. Once the new one was spliced into the existing wiring the power levels started to improve and so we’re our dispositions. Even though it was a beautiful location to go out and enjoy this day was all maintenance so we planned big for tomorrow. 

After breakfast we spent over an hour floating along in the dinghy watching the beautiful acrobatic Tropic birds flying around the shore. Though their wings are white as they fly near the water they reflect the aqua color. In flight, it looks like a mating dance in high-speed, their tails touch as they swoop around.

Next off to the inland tidal flats. The waterway snakes around and we spend our time looking for turtles, rays and baby fish that grow up in the vast shallow mangroves.  

Besides the turtles we saw quite a few baby barracuda. We returned to the beach near the boat for the short hike across the northern tip to the other side.

Zoom in to see Sheri up on the cliff top

Returning to the beach we set up our chairs and I spend an hour snorkeling the close reefs. The bright colors on the small tropical reef fish are amazing. Good Vacation day. 

The colors in the water are ever changing as the light changes. I took a few pictures from the boat into the water because it looked so cool. On our third night we made our plans to leave in the morning for Long Island.

The sea settles so tomorrow’s trip should be smooth 

Most often travel plans are structured for weather. Being able to be in a safe anchorage when the winds pick up and having the ability to sail there with wind and seas mostly following is best.

We had both of these conditions in our favor as we left.  We reached Thompson Bay ahead of Purrfect and O’Deas our buddy boats this year as they came down from Lee Stocking Island.