Exuma Land and Sea Park

     Shroud Cay is the northernmost cay in the Exumas Land and Sea Park. We arrived at midday and went to explore the island. Once again we were amazed at how soft the sand was. The boys started a game of Ultimate Frisbee while the girls waded up the tidal creek. Later, everyone joined in the game of Ultimate. It was a lot of fun, and Mom made an awesome catch so that her team won the game. Unfortunately, we have limited internet again, so we can't put up pictures now, but hopefully we will be able to soon. Mr. Potter (from Ruahk) proposed a race in the dinghies back to the boats. He said that the loser would cook dinner for the winner. The menu was to be: filet mignon, fresh asparagus, and peanut butter parfait. We won, but we're still waiting for our dinner to be delivered. . .

     Later that evening, we serenaded the entire anchorage with worship songs. Dad accompanied us on violin, and Mr. Potter, played guitar. Inexplicably, the next morning a number of boats left the anchorage.

Monday morning we had an early dismissal from school. At 10 am, we packed a lunch and loaded up the dinghies. We explored a tidal creek that led to an ocean beach on the east side of the island. It was beautiful winding our way through the mangroves. It was warm enough for us kids to go swimming (but not the adults), and the waves were great! A short hike up a hill led to the remains of a camp used by the DEA to spy on drug smugglers at Norman's Cay, the next island to the north. The drug raid took place in the '70s, and Norman Cay is now free from the drug smugglers and we'll probably visit it on our way back north, so that we can snorkel a plane wreck from the years of drug smuggling.

     That afternoon, Mom and Michael both took turns joining the Potters on their kayak, exploring another creek.

     Tuesday morning we motored south to Waderick Wells, where the park headquarters are located. We went on a fascinating hike around the island, where we saw a skeleton of a whale, blow holes, and stunning 360 degree views of the entire island. Blow holes are holes in the ground that connect with caves along the coast, so that as the waves splash into the caves, air is forced up into the hole.

     One of the most famous parts of Waderick Wells is Boo Boo Hill. This is a place where, for years, boaters have carved their boat name in driftwood to be added to a sort of monument. It was fun to read all of the boat names and look for boating friends who have come here before. We added Sheet Music to the collection.

     We plan to stay here tomorrow, exploring the snorkeling sites and more of the hiking trails on the island.