Wardwick Wells to Rock Sound

Thursday, Feb 24th we left Wardwick Wells and sailed to Staniel Cay. We anchored about 15 minutes before TAMURE pulled in which gave us just enough time to launch the dinghy.  I dropped off Bill on TAMURE as she was coming into the harbor then met them at the fuel dock. The crew from STRADIMARIUS did the same thing.  Altough Scott and Kitty are perfectly capable of going to the dock themselves it was easier for them to have help because of Scott's broken arm.
Friday Bill went fishing with Wilson.  In the evening Jay and Nichole from CHINA DOLL came over for sundowners.  Saturday we went fishing with Wilson and Gail.  Jay came with us. The guys spent quite a lot of time snorkeling.  No fish were hungry but Wilson managed to get a lobster.  Saturday night we went to Wilson and Gail's for dinner.  The dinner was delicious and they also let us bring laundry.  Thank you Wilson and Gail for your hospitality!

Sunday we were up at the crack of dawn and headed for Eleutheura.  The cut was rough as the tide and wind were opposing each other but after that we had an enjoyable fast sail for most of the way to Rock Sound.  We made the 55 mile run in 9 hours which is pretty speedy for a small sailboat.

Monday we went grocery shopping.  The store in Rock Sound is well provisioned and although expensive compared to the states it is relatively affordable for the Bahamas.  It was nice to have choices of what to eat.  After we went shopping we went for a walk to the ocean hole.  Ocean holes are very deep holes in the island that connect to the ocean through underground tunnels so they are tidal.  The local legend is that this hole is bottomless and that Jacques Costeau tried to find the tunnel to the ocean but could not find it.  I don't know if this is true but this is what the official looking sign says.  There are quite a few fish swimming around and apparently some sea turtles, but we did not see the turtles.

After visiting the ocean hole we went for a walk to the caves.  The trail in to the caves passes another smaller ocean hole that is very peaceful and reminded me of being at a quarry at home on a nice summer day.

The trail continued past the idyllic little ocean hole through the woods and to the entrance to the caves.  To get to the caves we had to climb down a homemade wooden ladder balanced somewhat precariously on a ledge and a loose piece of rock.  Walking into the caves little lizards were scurrying under our feet and there were cobwebs big enough for us to try to remember the name of the spider from the Lord of the Rings. As caves go the ones here are quite well lit because of the holes in the ceiling that the tree roots grow through.  I was having a fun time exploring the caves until we woke up the bats, then they were not quite as enjoyable.

The town of Rock Sound is very pretty although many of the buildings have been damaged by hurricanes.  One building will be missing a roof while the one right next to it will be immaculately cared for and surrounded by beautiful flowers.