Compass Cay

The weather was perfect for sailing today and we enjoyed the absence of the constant drone of the iron genny (engine). The approach into Compass Cay is very narrow and winding and is one of the few spots were we have actually seen approach markers. The water is so clear here that you could see many areas where boats have dragged their keel through the sand in the shallow spots. We were very happy to see that there were only two other boats in the area and that we would actually have some space to ourselves! We noticed that the first boat that we passed was Canadian and they waved to us as we past by them.

    The channel that we anchored in was very narrow with a swift current but we found a nice spot as it rounded into a cove, it is a little unnerving being only about 30 feet from shore but such strong current should keep us from going ashore.

   After settling in we checked the anchor and were satisfied that it was well dug in so we set about exploring the area by dinghy. Right behind our boat we saw a turtle, it is amazing how fast they can go under water. We headed around the cove and across the fast moving current in the cut (thank goodness for our new 5hp motor!) into Compass Cay Marina where there were 5-6 huge mega yachts. We were surprised to see a lot of construction happening here as most places in the Bahamas construction seems to have been abandoned. The marina had signs posted everywhere that there is a landing fee of $10 per person (it is a private island) so we didn’t go ashore. On the way back we passed by the other Canadian boat, which is from Saint John NB, and were invited onboard for a visit. The fellow seemed surprised that we figured he was ex-military, this was because we recognized the green military underwear that he was wearing; he was thinking that they would pass as shorts… Turns out Ed is a retired Structures Tech and knows several people that we know…  Sarah is from Grand Manan and knows Jacks (Marg’s partner) grandson who fly’s out of there…

     Richard was very happy that we finally had spaghetti for supper, I am not a fan of it but if we don’t start having it we will be eating it every night for three weeks straight (note to self- bring less spaghetti sauce next year). After supper we watched The Equalizer with Denzel Washington, which was a little too violent for me. We had a very quiet night on the anchor with the boat switching direction with the tide but no large swinging due to the current.

    Richard was happy to be in one place long enough to put the swing up and after our morning reading he tackled the lovely job of dismantling our toilet trying to figure out why the motor is making a different sound. The end result of the toilet is that after replacing parts and cleaning everything its still making the noise but is working fine; we definitely don’t want our toilet breaking on us!

   After lunch we did some exploring with the dinghy and had a nice walk on a beautiful long beach that we had to ourselves. We found a lot of small empty conch shells that had washed up on the beach in one spot as well. It was amazing to be on such a lovely beach and not see anyone else around, truly paradise! It was a salty ride back so fresh water showers felt good on the boat.

   Tomorrow our plan is to head to Obrien’s Cay which is about eight miles from here.