Long Island, Bahamas, February 21,2022

No, not New York.  It was a smooth 37-mile sail over as we led our buddy boat to Thompson’s Bay.  We were afraid after watching all the other boats leave Georgetown that it would be very crowded here.  Much to our pleasant surprise, it wasn’t and as we dropped anchor as are one of half a dozen boats in a large bay.  Then the relief set in.  THIS is what we had been waiting for.  The weather was warm, quiet anchorage, it was sunny and beautiful, pristine beaches, and friendly locals.  We got our anchor set in great holding and after a few hours, headed over to the local beach bar, Tiny’s hurricane hole for some beers on the beach. 

Tiny’s was the only thing open, and it was a bit crowded, but we met some terrific locals!  They had cruised the Caribbean for 10+ years and now owned a house here.  They believed it was the best place they had ever visited, and right about now, we agree.  The only downside is the mosquitos are no joke and we raced back home for bug spray and shelter.  We are still paying for that one but were glad to be home by dark.  We checked out town the next day but found the Atlantic side of the island was too rough to snorkel which was disappointing, but we are still hopeful to find some good spots in this side. 

As the snorkeling spots were non-existent, we ended up renting a car with some fellow cruisers.  The first place we checked out was Hamilton’s Caves.  It is a privately owned cave and is the largest in the Exuma’s.  It used to be used as a hurricane shelter but no longer is.  I tell you; it gave Mammoth Caves a run for its money!  It is run by the owner Leonard who gave us a fantastic tour!  He even had his own small grove of banana trees.

One on the coolest parts of the cave was the “oasis” in the middle of it.  It was created by the wild Fig roots that are a relative of the banyan tree in Cambodia.  It will bust a hole in the ceiling looking for water and grow from there.  It was very beautiful even if it was invasive.  As of yet, Leonard had not tried to control it but at some point, he expects to have to. 

 We also saw 4 different species of bats.  There were only about half a dozen of each type, but he said during their mating season, there are thousands that come there.  There were fruit bats and insect eating bats.  They didn’t both us and I was happy.  He has had many paleontologists and professor’s from local university’s coming to study and all the artifacts from the Lucyan people, who as the natives of the island, have been removed and are now in the hands of the Bahamian Trust.

The caves will remain the family and he has 4 grandson’s who will inherit.  He said his youngest is very interested in running it which was great to hear it would be preserved.  Good thing, Ron wants to move in!    More to come on the next post of our adventures in Long Island.