Here are a few more details from our time in the Bahamas.
One of our last days in Staniel Cay, we decided to see the wild pigs for
ourselves. Approaching the beach in the dinghy, a fleet of seagulls escorted us
in as we excitedly pointed out a small pig scavenging in the sand. As we got
closer and looked for more pigs we were astounded as a monster of a pig emerged
from the trees fringing the beach. Wow was it big! And I don’t mean just fat, I
mean BIG! The pig started to trot and ran straight into the water to swim out
to us. I have to say, it was one of the strangest and funniest sights I’ve ever
seen. Two slightly smaller pigs soon followed and several little ones stayed
behind on the sand. We tried to feed the big ones carrot shavings (our
guidebook said they really like carrots), but they couldn’t seem to see them in
front of their oversized snouts. The big one started snorting in annoyance at
us and moved on to another approaching boat.
Following Staniel Cay, we spent several overcast days in
Man-o-War Cay, a very quaint and unique island community. Many of the houses
have nautical decorations (old fishing nets, colourful buoys, and ocean-themed
knick-knacks) artfully organized in lovely tropical gardens, and residents drive
heavy-duty golf carts around the tiny path roads that turn from cement to sand
in the outskirts of the small town. Docks line the waterfront along with
various boat services, making it clear that the water is the main focus of this
community.
Now we are currently in Beaufort, North Carolina and
enjoying the lovely amenities available here. After the remoteness of the
Bahamas it feels a lot like returning to civilization. Beaufort is beautiful,
quiet and interesting, with numerous well-maintained houses dating back to the
late 18th century. There are many nice shops and being near large
supermarkets again is convenient. Over the weekend we stayed at the Town Docks
along the waterfront where an Annual Wooden Boat Show took place alongside the
Annual Beaufort National Boatbuilding Challenge. Under a large tent, teams of
boat builders worked quickly throughout the day to build small wooden boats to
race later on in the day.
The local museum also
offered free admission and was interesting to explore with its intense focus on
local boating history and an exhibit on Blackbeard, who once prowled these
waters. Compounded with all this happy activity, we were all excited to have
shower and laundry facilities at our disposal (silly sounding, maybe, but after
weeks of bathing in the ocean and doing laundry in a bucket these become highly
valued luxuries!).
We are now anchored just off the town docks and plan to
remain here until a good weather window appears to get us to the Chesapeake. So
far the weather is warm and sunny, and although there is crispness in the air
at night, it doesn’t feel much cooler than the Bahamas.
All the best,
Nicole.
Staniel Cay Photos
Man-o-War Cay Photos
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