Emerald Rock/Hawksbill Cay/Highborne Cut

Our plan was to go to Obrien’s Cay by way of the Sound today but as we approached it we could see it was extremely rough so we changed plans and headed to Emerald Rock via the Exuma Bank. It was still a little rough with 4-5 foot waves but made for a great sail with the centreboard down. Emerald Rock is just around the corner from Wardrick Wells and is a lovely spot. We dinghied over to Wardrick to pay for our mooring ball and to also exchange some books at the book exchange. After lunch we both had a nice swim and then Richard headed to shore to do some exploring as I settled in for some reading time. He found some old ruins as well as a few termite hills. The wind picked up considerably during the night so it was nice to know that we were secure on the mooring ball.

  The next morning we got an early start for Hawksbill Cay, the winds were still strong and it didn’t take long to reach our destination with another great sail with 5-6 foot waves. We again picked up a mooring ball as we are in the Land and Sea Park there are balls provided so as not to damage the coral with anchors. There were only two other boats here so we felt rather secluded and enjoyed swimming off the boat and walking along one of the longest beaches we’ve seen here. If you look close at the beach picture you will see the dinghy at the far end. The gecko in the picture figured we didn't see him..... The banks down here are very eroded as they are made of limestone and the water creates holes and sharp edges in them! Not much good soil to grow anything.

  Friday morning we were up and on our way early enroute to Highborne Cay. Our plan is to cross the Sound to Eleauthera from here. We found a big bay to the north of Highborne and have the place to ourselves, it is a beautiful spot! (the panorama pictures)