Compass Cay

 Coming in to the marina

Blossom at Compass Cay

Saturday was a stressful and successful day – we made it in to Compass Cay Marina! Last year we took the tender there with my Mom and we all swam with the nurse sharks. This is what they’re known for – there are dozens of “tame” nurse sharks that you can swim with. (They may not be “tame” but they are very habituated to people.) So this year we discussed docking at Compass. Martin did Not want to because of the shallow depths and narrow channel in, but the theme this month with Jim here is to “push ourselves” and so we did. We came in on the rising, almost high tide and never saw less than 8’. Martin did a great job and I’m very proud!

Blossom at the first dock

Unfortunately, we had to scoot around the dock later in the day to make room for a fuel barge that called to say they were coming in the next day. The current was ripping through the marina (yes, we should have waited a couple of hours) but Martin did a great job and tucked us around the end.

The first order of business was to pet some sharks, of course. It was high tide so I didn’t even have to get in the water J

Me petting a baby nurse shark

An even smaller shark coming to say hello

We noticed a very cool compass carved into the dock and Tucker told us that our friend Bob (Sandy & Bob who we met last year and visited with in St. Pete in February) had made it. How cool is that?

Bob’s compass at Compass Cay

That afternoon, Martin and I hiked the southern half of the island. Wow – talk about stunning views! There are a few trails on the island, all marked with cairns. We got a bit lost at the very end. We could see Blossom, but she was oh so far away! It was just so beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures and I can't choose which ones to put in so I'm just going to include a bunch below.

Martin ready for the hike

Stunning views

Martin on rock

Interesting stone

Following the path

There’s home!

On Sunday was wanted to visit Rachel’s Bubble Bath. High tide is the best time (most bubbles) so we timed our arrival. It was another gorgeous hike.

Hiking the trails

A topless beach!

Mr. & Mrs. Dork wearing matching Octopus rash guards J

I really like little lizards and the curly tailed guys in the cays are adorable. We saw dozens on our hikes.

A similar photo to one I took back in 09’ on Warderick. Lizard enjoying the view…

A close up, this guy posed for the shot

Big ship that had just come through the cut at slack high tide (as seen through RBB)

Calm

With bubbles

Martin thought the water was a tad chilly

Martin about to be deluged

We took our time coming back and scoured the beaches for sea glass. We found a lot – including 2 blue pieces (highly coveted) and 2 sea beans. I’m enjoying my new past-time immensely but there’s a dark side to beach combing. Have you ever wondered where all our trash goes? Well unfortunately, a lot of it ends us washing up on beaches.

L

Once we got back to the boat (it was a 4-hour adventure) we ordered Fabulous cheeseburgers and watched folks swim with the sharks while we ate lunch. We met a couple of very sweet ladies from Scotland and chatted with them too. Then it was Jim’s turn to meet the sharks. I threw some fish in the water to get an exciting shot. Jim was thrilled ;)

Jim with sharks (not as impressive as his swim with the hammerhead, but hey…

That evening was perfect - warm with a cool breeze so we enjoyed watching the sunset from the fly bridge and dinner in the cockpit.

Sunset at Compass Cay

View off the back of Blossom in the under water lights - could the water be any more clear?

Around dinner time we heard music playing. So we wandered over to the office area and found there was a cruiser party. Carl was playing his guitar and several folks from various boats in the marina were hanging out, enjoying the music. We listened to fun music, met some fabulous people and petted the sharks on the dock. It was a great evening!

Carl cranking it out - even with a broken string!

Petting the sharks (he did not feed them his beer)

Later this morning we’ll be heading to Cambridge Cay where we’ll stay for a couple of nights. We’ll have no cell or internet there so we’ll be silent for a few days. The current idea is that we’ll cruise over to Eleuthera from there.  Stay tuned…

Boat Business.

• Engine starter battery. We had a bit of a shock when we went to leave Big Majors as our main engine refused to crank. The problem was that the starter battery was too low. We have a smart charger that is supposed to keep the battery charged – it’s obviously not working. Martin paralleled the starter battery to the house bank and we were off.