Little bites of the Bight 2/29

Saturday...As we sailed further from Orange Creek and headed down Cat Island the wind and waves picked up. The direction was from behind which is better than pushing against them. The boat was surfing the large 6’ waves pushing us over 8.7 knots but the risk of a following sea and wind is an accidental jibe. That is when the wind catches the opposite side of the sail and throws it and the boom over to the other side of the boat with a bang. This occurred a few times but since we installed a braking system the boom goes slower so no damage can result. Chris on Purrfect caught a fish and an invitation for fish tacos followed. I tried to set my rig up for fishing but while distracted the boat jibed. No fishing today.

The steeple reads Christ the Redeemer

We tucked into the northern part of The Bight to be protected from the wind and swells then took a dinghy ride the 1.5 nm into town. While landing the dinghy on the rolly beach David lost his footing and sat in the water. I offered to return him to change but he insisted that his quick dry clothes would make it alright. I wanted to get to the local bakery and look around on Saturday not knowing what would be open Sunday. With our cinnamon coconut frosted bread in hand we completed our tour and returned with enough time to prepare our part of the dinner. Great fish tacos and company on Chris and Allison’s Lagoon 42 TPI.

The fish was this big

Sunday the wind was moving from north to east so we all moved the 1.5 nm off of New Bight for better protection which also placed us near the road to the Hermitage. The Hermitage is a small monastery built by a anglican turned catholic priest, John Hawes aka Father Jerome, who was here in the early 1900’s and rebuilt wooden churches with stone so that they might withstand hurricanes.

This monastery commands great views as it sits atop the highest point in the Bahamas of 206 feet. I thought a small monastery meant fewer sq feet but this is small in stature making it easy to stand next to it and place your hand half way up the roof. The last 100 feet of trail went by stone carvings of the stations of the cross. From the trail leading down we found a spur that lead to the caves Fr Jerome occupied during construction. Father Jerome was truly an interesting man of God.

The stations of the cross and the tomb with the stone rolled away...Happy Easter

Heading back to the dingy we went past the small harbor side food buildings but only one was open. Sheri and I shared a meal of ribs, rice and peas cold slaw and corn on the cob. While we ate I asked the older local man seated at the end of our table many questions. Asking about the school he shared how the elementary school closed a few years ago due to lack of children. Younger folks grow up and leave Cat for other busier places like Nassau or the states. He also had left and come back a few times and each time in a different reinvented career identity. Currently Pompey Johnson has a Rake and Scrape band that had been recorded at the Smithsonian and even is on YouTube so type in Bo Hog and the Rooters - Rake ‘n’ Scrape. You never know who’ll you meet.

Online photo of Pompey

Monday we move again because it’s gonna get windy from the south so we all anchor against the shore 3.5 miles south in front of Rolezzz Resort. I was needing some exercise so after looking about Rolezzz I left Sheri with the others and went off for a 3 mile run/walk/run past the High School, an abandoned church, a bar and an old woman who I said hello to on her porch. Twenty minutes later as I ran past her again she had a dozen straw handbags spread over her car that she wanted me to buy. No handbag needed today but I always appreciate the effort. I met the rest of our group as I was halfway back. They were enjoying a walk on this hot afternoon. I showered back on Steadfast and met them at Rolezzz Dining room for a beer. I mentioned to all that Sheri and I were going to eat supper on the beach and they joined us as we watched the sunset. Sheri and I stayed on the beach and I was able to convince her to walk the beach in the moonlit ..Bella Luna

Tuesday was the day we had planned to cross the open ocean to Long Island but conditions were to improve Wednesday so we only moved 2 more miles southwest along this huge harbor so we could more easily access the Joe Sound Creek with our Kayaks. It was a challenging trip as we were always fighting the wind and small waves. We were glad to see this beautiful area, get some exercise and finally use these kayaks. After dinner I happily convinced Sheri to join me on the beach for another evening stroll. Once back onboard we started preparing for the 44 mile trip to Long Island.