Spanish Wells to Hopetown Abacos! 3/19-3/28

 While waiting for good weather to cross to the Abacos, we took our dinghys to an island next to Spanish Wells, and walked three miles to a cave. This cave was a temporary home for some people who were shipwrecked in the 1600's who came from England to escape religious persecution.

Michael with the lobster on his spear

 The afternoon before leaving Eleuthera, we anchored at Egg Island. There was no settlement, so Christine and Michael went spearfishing, while Mom did some snorkeling. Michael, Christine and Emily all worked together to get a lobster.

Mom and I went shelling on a beach and tidal creek, where we found lots of sand dollars, sea biscuits, and a helmet conch.

 We had to leave a first light for our 10 hour day to the Abacos. It was rolly, so we kept the Dramamine close at hand! The next morning on our way to Marsh Harbor, we dropped the hook near a reef so Mom and I (Erin) could go snorkeling. It was probably the prettiest reef we've seen. Along with many anglefish and other types of fish, we saw a spotted eagle ray and two baby sea turtles.

We arrived at Marsh Harbor and felt like we had returned to Forida. It was a big town, with lots of people and cars. There was even a stoplight! (although it was broken!) We were finally able to experience an evening of Rake and Scrape. This is a kind of music played by dragging a nail down the blade of a saw. They sometimes also use a washtub with a broomstick and a string attached to make a base. There is also a congo drum. The Bahamian men sing along!

Our next destination was a quaint harbor village called Hopetown. The cottages are painted with bright colors and all the streets are the width of a golf cart! While exploring the town we relaxed in some cute colorful chairs we found on a dock.

 We were worried about the Abacos being chilly because they are so far north, but a south wind has been blowing so it is very warm here, which makes for great snorkeling weather!












Hopetown is famous for being home to one of the three remaining manually operated lighthouses in the world. It is open for visitors during the day, and we took the opportunity to climb it's 101 stairs all the way to the top!

From the top of the lighthouse, you have a spectacular view of the harbor at Hopetown and the Sea of Abaco.