Saturday 14 April 2012

All's Right at Allen's Cay

Allan's Cay

Our trip across Yellow Bank was a pleasant experience. It is amazing how quickly sailing away from land can lead to relaxation. It was a bright sunny day with the occasional ripple on the water, winds were light maybe 5knots. The advice Dave got from the navtours Captain was bang on, we had lots of water under us the entire time. And as we crossed the bank it became more apparent where the coral heads were. Dave was at the helm and I was on coral watch/camera duty. I am amazed at the clarity of the water, I was able to take pictures from the bowsprit to the bottom about 25 feet below.

When we arrived at Allan's Cay we dropped anchor and fired up the bbq. It took a couple of attempts to get the anchor in a good spot, we hooked it perfectly the first time but with the scope out we were a little to close to the sand bar for comfort. Our second hook placed us in a better position and have been enjoying the anchorage ever since.

Allan's Cay is home to the iguana iguana. These iguanas used to exist on all the islands of the Bahamas, but post Columbus they only remain here and on another Exuma Cay.  Dave and I took a dingy excursion to two of the Cay's to check out the iguanas. We found the Cay where all the tour operators go have the more aggressive iguana. They are not afraid to run at you, I think they learned that technique from all the people who visit. Over the last few days I have watched tour boats and private boats visit the iguanas. I have watched people chase them, poke them with sticks and even watched one guy chase a few down and throw them. Not very impressed. For the most part people have been respectful. The guy the threw the iguanas pulled up on a powerboat with two 250hp outboards and few of his buddies.  

The other entertainment in the anchorage has been swimming around in the current. And watching everybody anchor, if you ever find yourself anchoring here don't give up on the spot you want to anchor after the first attempt and make sure you read the water. Today we watched three different boats drop anchor in different areas at different times throughout the day, when it did not work perfectly the first time they would pick up the anchor go somewhere else and repeat. Eventually they would return near the spot they first attempted and eventually get it. And about reading the water, a 65 foot mega yacht in its haste to anchor cut the corner and ended up on the sand bar, ooops. He was able to reverse off the bar, and make a quick exit. The next day a few more made the same error. Anchorages are tricky, there will be a perfectly deep pocket of water to drop anchor in, however you have to pay attention to the shoal or shallow water that is leading to it or in front of it, as well as know if it will it dry up at low tide.

- Jennie







 Storm's a brewin
 Look for the lightning bolt!
 That's a funny coloured moon
Woah, put away the electronics.

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