Our journey north through the Exumas was my favorite part of our trip thus far. We stopped at new islands and old favorites. The weather was much nicer and the water so much warmer than when we first came south through the islands.
Wild Rover on anchor at Lee Stocking Island
We left Georgetown late in the day on April 8th. We had planned to go straight to Rudder Cut Cay but due to the late departure we decided to stop in Lee Stocking Island. I'm so glad that we did. Lee Stocking Island is known for the remains of the Perry Institute for Marine Sciences. The research station was founded by John Perry who purchased the island in 1957. By 1970, he had established a thriving scientific center that included a tropical marine laboratory equipped to study the coral reefs, fisheries, ecosystems and underwater biodiversity of the region. In 1984, the center became part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Undersea Research Program.
Hyperbaric Chamber left behind at the Perry Institute on Lee Stocking Island
Laboratory at the Perry Institute on Lee Stocking Island
In 2012 their funding dried up. Due to the cost of removing the equipment, most was just left behind. Although its been picked over over the years, it still appears like they just vanished in the midst of the work. File cabinets and desks still hold binders of their data. Dry erase board still show data and dates in the small tank building. Even the hyperbaric chamber was left behind.
Abandoned Office at the Perry Institute on Lee Stocking Island
We enjoyed our walk through the facility. We found the tanks, large and small, the laboratory, multiple housing units, a maintenance shop, huge walk in refrigerators and freezers, docks, etc. They even had their own airstrip.
Outdoor tanks at Perry Institute for Marine Sciences at Lee Stocking Island
The anchorage here was gorgeous. Typical beautiful blue Bahamas water over white sand. The island was lush and green with beautiful flowers still growing throughout the settlement.
Next up was Rudder Cut Cay. This is where magician David Copperfield placed the famous underwater sculpture, The Musician. The sculpture is in approximately 12 feet of water but the current is crazy. I'd definitely recommend slack tide for this dive. We enjoyed it so much that we dove it twice.
The Musician at Rudder Cut Cay
Our second night at Rudder Cut Cay we started hearing that bad weather was on the way. We contacted some friends that were already a bit further north. We heard stories of 50 knot winds, torrential downpours, and lots of lightening. We heard many boats dragged anchor including one that ending up on the rocks in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. We begin our preparations for the boat. We were as ready as we could be. At the last minute the storm moved slightly east and all we got were a few drops of rain and a huge lightening show on the horizon. We were very lucky but I'm happy we had time to prepare and got the boat ready. It was definitely good practice and a good reminder that crazy weather can creep up fast.
Family Selfie From The Cave On Rudder Cut Cay
Next stop was Blackpoint Settlement. Blackpoint is well known as a traditional Bahamian settlement and is famous for its laundromat and for Lorraine's mother's coconut bread. The cruisers rumors were correct. It was the best laundromat in the Bahamas and the coconut bread was devine. Cruising life is amazing but a lot of the conveniences of home, like inhouse laundry, are just not available on a boat. For the majority of the trip i have done 'bucket laundry'. Literally doing our laundry in a 5 gallon bucket with a washing wand. You add water, soap and clothes to the bucket, swish around with the washing wand for a minute and let soak for awhile swishing with the wand a few times every once in a while. then dump the water and rinse out the soap of each piece individually. Finally, hang it all on the life lines. The loads are small and it usually took two days to get everything done. Of course, while its soaking you have plenty of time to read, swim, cook, or go explore. So the Blackpoint laundromat was a special treat, one with a great view.
The Best Laundromat View in the World. Blackpoint Settlement, Exumas
The sail from Blackpoint to Big Majors Spot was a quick one. We were all happy to be back. The anchorage here is calm and beautiful. This time the anchorage was mostly full of charter yachts instead of cruisers. We quickly dropped off some old veggies for the pigs and noticed that there were many new babies. We snorkeled Thunderball Grotto again and we still loved it. Mikey finally got up the nerve to jump, twice. I love this anchorage.
Mikey Jumping into Thunderball Grotto
Absolutely No Jumping. Thunderball Grotto, Staniel Cay, Exumas
We have truly loved our time in the Bahamas. These islands are beautiful beyond words. Unfortunately a downside to island life is the huge amount of trash that washes up on these mostly uninhabited islands, especially plastic and fishing nets. We need to do better for our planet. This is just a small sample of the trash along the east coast of Lee Stocking Island.
Trash Along the East Coast of Lee Stocking Island
The trip north was slow and relaxing. In the backs of our minds we know that our time in the Bahamas is ending. We really don't want to leave. We are trying to soak up all the water, sand, and Bahamas life that we can.
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