Day 26 – 1/27/11

Once again we were off to Boo Boo Hill, this time to hike down the Exuma Sound trail.  Our first stop was Boo Boo Beach.  Along the trail we spotted several boats heading south, as the anchorage was fairly sparse this morning.  Although a bit cloudy and windy, the colors of the land and sea were still exceptional.  Arriving at the beach, it is not your typical beach, with rock and coral a short step from the sand.  Rock outcroppings dot the seascape. 



 Back on the Exuma Sound trail, we weave our way through rock and dunes heading for the Pirate’s Lair beach.  The variety of vegetation a few hundred yards apart is astonishing; from succulents to scrub brush and palms.  This beach is similar, rock lined with dunes away from the water.

After leaving the beach, we headed inland via Shady Tree trail.  Once again, there is a transformation of the environment from beach to tropical canopy.   Although there are breaks in the canopy, it should be noted that this part of the island was harvested of all of its large trees, and since the designation as a park is starting its restoration.  With the harshness of the elements on the island, the growth is slow. 

Turning on to Hutia Hill trail we encounter a huge hole, Murphy’s Hideaway, with a rather sketchy ladder to allow you access to the depths below.  Beth said NO!!  We took some pix and continued on up the hill.  At the top of the hill we could see our friends Dennis and Mary on the causeway bridge.  They were on their way to Butterfly Beach, a hike that we will have to do the next time we visit.  We descended to the bridge and snapped some pictures of fish under the bridge. 

After our hikes, Dennis and I compared notes on where we should go next.  We are trying to schedule our trip south to catch the 5 F’5, Farmer’s Cay First Friday in February Festival.  We felt that we could easily get to Staniel Cay tomorrow, about 25 miles away, where we could refuel, get water, and remove the trash.  Back on the boat, we had a visit from 5 bananaquils.  As noted before, they are not shy and soon we had them shuttling through in and out of the hatches and the door.  Eventually, some were brave enough to perch on the table and back of the salon seats.  When one pooped on the table, they had worn out their welcome and were sent on their way.