Dat Way To Da Beach, Mon

"Beach Dat Way"

We only spent at day at Spanish Cay before pushing off for Green Turtle Cay.  We motored most of

New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay

the way due to light winds, but fortunately this harbor is a mere 16 miles away from Spanish Cay.  We were particularly interested in going to Green Turtle Cay because we stopped there in 2001 with our children.  We took a mooring ball in Black Sound, provided by Donny's Marina.  We were surprised at how much the island had changed and how much it remained the same.  The town, New Plymouth, is bigger now, and they have cell service, but the same Easter-egg-colored houses, post office and narrow streets still exist.  

 

Relaxing at the New Plymouth
Post Office

There are more cars and trucks on the island now, but the locals still prefer to drive golf carts around town.  We found the people to be very friendly, offering us golf cart rides into town and making sure all our needs were met.  Donny was exceptionally nice, answering our many questions and recommending sites to visit around the island.   We remained at Green Turtle Cay five days attending community events, visiting the museum and meeting the locals while waiting to round Whale Cay.

Rounding Whale Cay

Whale Cay has a reputation of being the most difficult and treacherous passage in the Abacos.  In certain weather conditions it is impossible to traverse this area.  This is because a shallow bank extends out from this small island, and when the wind is blowing out of the north the waves kick-up a "raging sea".  On these days it is impossible to get around the island.  When we made the passage, however, the wind was out of the South and the waves were fairly calm.

Leah at Baker's Bay in 2001

Once around Whale Cay we stopped at Baker's Bay to celebrate our passage and enjoy brunch.  Baker's Bay is another area that held fond memories for us and our 2001 trip, but this is one of those areas that had changed drastically,  almost to the point of non-recognition. In 2001 this was an abandoned cruise ship destination: Treasure Islands.  Our children enjoyed playing on the beach and exploring the ruins -- tiki huts, amphitheater, empty shops, etc.  Today the beach is restricted and high-end homes have replaced the ruins.  Somethings never change, while others change so much they will never be the same.  Time marches on!

Exploring Treasure Islands Ruins in 2001

Until next time, Fair winds.

Sand Dollar Beach, Green Turtle Cay