3/6/09 - From Compass Cay to Big Majors

Rachael's Bubble Bath

Wayne was determined to see Rachael's Bubble Bath before leaving Compass Cay, so we decided to hike up there. It was still very windy and cool, so a dinghy ride did not appeal to us, and we certainly had no intention of bathing. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there and back. Rachael's Bubble Bath is a natural pool at the far north end of the cay, full of bubbles from ocean waves crashing over the edge. Here are more photos from our hike:

Did I mention that Compass Cay has pet sharks at the marina? And people swim with them? Mom, you'll be happy to know that I kept my promise and didn't go in.

One of the best things about Compass Cay? They recycle, so we were able to dispose of all the cans we had accumulated for the past month, as well as trash that had been piling up since Nassau. And they didn't charge us extra! Many places charge $2-$5 to dispose of a bag of trash. Of course, we paid $2.50/foot dock fee; electricity would have cost an additional $25-$35/day and water was $.50/gallon, had we used them. We so appreciate the self-sufficiency afforded us by having a generator and water maker. For those who don't know, a water maker removes salt from the sea water and filters it with a reverse osmosis system, so we never have to worry about having good, fresh water. The marinas here usually charge for water. There are places where you can get free water, but not at the marinas, which means you need to schlepp it some distance using containers. Many cruisers we've talked to didn't have water makers on their first trip to the Bahamas, but were quick to install one before they returned; Wayne installed one right before we left.

We left Compass Cay early Thursday afternoon, and with strong winds from the east, sought protection at the anchorage on the west side of Big Majors - along with 40 other vessels (Wayne actually counted them).

I wanted to do some shelling today, but didn't want to venture out too far because of the wind, so we went to Sandy Cay, about 1.5-2 miles west of here. It looked promising, with a gorgeous sandy beach. I didn't find much (even with snorkel gear), but it was a lovely spot and I enjoyed the day. Wayne isn't into shelling, so he amused himself watching the kite surfers who chose OUR beach to do their thing. It was a group of four young people who are the crew of a yacht anchored near us; they are moving the boat for the owner and had the opportunity to enjoy a day off.