Day 13 - 1/14/11

The weather is still partly cloudy, with the temps in the low 70's.  We are still waiting for the bright sunny days.  We walked to the south point of the island by the channel where we had entered, and decided to hike north on the beach.  The waves from the last two days were gone, so we went gathering shells. 

We passed the small freighter wreck that we had seen the last few days and closely examined the remains.  Huge holes in the hull, with rusting pieces hanging on by threads that will probably be gone in the next big storm, reveal how time and the elements will reduce this once large ship to nothing. 

Proceeding on we passed the places where the waves would crash into the rocks send the spray skyward.  On these rocks, several crabs scurried about looking for havens whenever the surf would wash over them.  As we appoached them and they would raise their eyes like periscopes to watch our progress, and then look for another place to hide.  Most blended in to the dark rocks, and only their movement gave away their position. 

After a while, Beth took to the road as I continued along the sand.  In amongst some seaweed, I uncovered a large sea fan. After numerous attempts to prop it up in the sand for a photo op, I abandoned that effort as the wind kept blowing it over. 

We continued on and walking on the soft sand warmed us to where we removed our wind breakers.  As we grew a little tired from the walk we looked for a way to get back to the road.  Most of the empty lots were fenced, and it was not until we came upon a well worn path, that we were able to return to the road.  The house that we passed on our way to the road was covered in 16" tiles and stucco, but was never finished.  Steps to the upper floor had no railings, and it looked like some of the tiles had been removed.  Along the beach road were the local's residences and business.  We turned east and returned to the marina, Beth capturing the street fare and our dockage for posterity. 

Dennis and I reviewed the charts as we believe that we will have a weather window in the next few days to alow us to proceed to another island. Our next stop will be New Providence (Nassau), but we will be staying on western side of the island.  From there to the Exumas.  Afterwards we conducted a BRG (Beverage Research Group) on the Bahamian stout we had purchased.  Dinner consisted of spinach and pasta, utilizing the sauce I had prepared the previous night.