We spent a few nice days in Sapodilla Bay, but eventually got chased out by the winds. Problem with these islands is that there just aren’t many protected anchorages. Most are pretty open to moderate weather, and would be downright scary in any sort of big blow.
Nearing the end of a day spent up on the bridge with salt spray routinely flying in our faces at 20 knots.
Approaching our night’s anchorage behind a couple small cays.
Lots of fun things for the kids to dive for.
Ouest had an idea for a birthday gift she wanted to make Lowe, to give him on his birthday. She wasn’t fazed by his birthday being four months off. She toiled for hours building him a piggy bank in which you’d put your coin in a basket that a toy man was holding, then pull a string which would slide him along a box, and at the end the coin would be deposited into the bank. It was pretty great stuff, and wasn’t a surprise to me one bit when the next day she couldn’t stand the excitement any longer and had to give it to him, birthday or no birthday.
We moved on up to South Caicos the next day. Just a short hop to another nice anchorage tucked behind a string of islands. 7 feet of water on one side, and deep Atlantic on the other.
Crazy thing was that we had this anchorage to ourselves, but just a quarter mile away half a dozen boats were bucking wildly right in the deeper water of the cut. They looked like they were out at sea battling a fierce storm, all so they could have a little shorter dinghy ride to “town.” Town belongs in quotes here, as it doesn’t consist of a whole lot. There is a very small grocery, a hapless restaurant, and a do-it-yourself laundry. For just $17.50 you can wash and dry a load of clothes yourself. At that price, I think if you do ten loads you get to keep the washer and dryer.
These islands are absolutely littered with wrecks.
20 Comments on “South Caicos”
Do you have space on board for a combo washer/dryer?
With some modifications I’m sure we could. Not on our list at the moment. We aren’t complaining, just sharing how life is around here.
Looks about perfect! Love Quest’s gift…so sweet.
What are you using for underwater pictures?
We are using the “kids” Fujifilm XP for underwater photos. They do a decent job, right?!
Those look outstanding for a $140 camera! Of course the beautiful water helps 🙂
Great photos. Thank you for sharing. Looks as if you are keeping the kids well protected with sunscreen. Kudos to you for that.
The biggest challenge of life on a boat. And you are welcome, Rex. Thanks for sticking with us for so long.
Another beautiful post of the bum’s life. Great pictures.
Always nice to see Ali get in some of the photos! Love the one of Pat with his hair flying. You guys get some great captures! Thanks for bringing us along on your adventures.
yes, i agree. and how is it you never age, Ali?
Ha! I wish, but thank you.
Paradise. Does it get boring? Stupid question.
Pat; Wear a hat – you look like a sailboater …regards!
Thank you for today’s lesson. I have always seen conch shells without the live animal in them. Never thought about the fact that they are living together in a colony on the ocean floor. Have seen divers bring them up and serve ceviche made from the meat but never thought about them in the natural habitat. Very interesting picture! Love seeing your adventures and learning about the world through your “eyes”. At my age, I appreciate the new insights you are bringing us.
Liked Pat’s hair do. Have been there many times on the sail boat and on land.
Your children are delightful to watch.
Unfortunately those are all eaten discarded conch shells stacked up on the ocean floor. We’ve seen live conch moving slowly across the ocean floor in very shallow areas. If they are stacked up, they are just junk left by others. To get the conch out they smash a hole in the shell, break the muscle that is holding the conch in there, and pull him out. The shell is now worthless, to collect or for another conch/crab to move into. In some places the discarded shells can be piled up like a mountain.
I didn’t think of that! Well now I know. It is good to learn something new each day!
Awesome photos… you make me want to go somewhere and explore with my kids, stat! thanks!
Well you have loads of places to explore where you are! Still hoping we can meet up in person someday…
I wonder if the radar on that wreck still functions….HAH!
Pat, your writing and photos are always so good. Incredibly entertaining. And Ali, as someone above said, you don’t age. You two are, as always, an inspiration.