Adventures of the "Q": Exumahhhs!

Well, we have enjoyed the past month in our favourite part of the Bahamas – the Exumas. The area, also known as the ‘Out Islands’, is a 90 mile chain of small cays and islands. The waters of the Great Bahama Bank are on the west side and the Exuma Sound (essentially the Atlantic) are to the east. Life moves slowly and nature is at its best here.

We were well sheltered in the Cave Cay Marina harbour. Hot showers...yah !

This year we arrived in the Bahamas in early March, which is later in the cruising season than usual. This meant that as we worked our way south through the Exumas we met friends who were on their way home. We had hello/farewell visits at the same time and enjoyed a Mahimahi meal with each boat before moving on.

We met our friends Joannie and Keith from Minnesota on the way and enjoyed five days of sailing and snorkelling together. Keith spent his high school years in Nassau and is an excellent spear fisherman so Kim was very happy to fish with him and pick up some new techniques. Cathy and Joannie were happy to not be watching for shark or Barracuda ‘company’ during the fishing time. One afternoon they brought back two Lionfish and a crab that they had speared. After consulting Google we decided that Keith had speared a Clinging Channel Crab (aka Bahamian King Crab). Kim removed the poisonous barbs from the Lionfish and we steamed the crab in a large pot and enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

Keith and Joannie from Pelican

Clinging channel crab. No points for beauty, but those hairy legs were delicious.

The crab and lionfish waiting to be dispatched.

After enjoying such tasty gifts from the sea we thought our fishing run might be over but we had more excitement ahead during Corinne’s visit. We spent a few laid back days with Corinne at Lee Stockin Island, a retired marine research station. On our return run to Georgetown, where the airport is, Kim had a pretty good fight with a 30 pound yellow fin tuna and won! These fish immediately dive after taking the ballyhoo bait. After three or four good runs with the drag set at about 15 pounds they were both finally tired out. We named him ‘Ted’ to reflect his strength and dignity. Corinne was our official photographer for the occasion so there are plenty of pictures. We only take as many fish as we can eat (and we have plenty for the rest of our trip) so the fishing rod has been cleaned and stored awaiting next season!

Not sure who was more tired. He took one more dive and run after this shot.

Getting ready to tie the fish to the boats stern

We bleed and drag the fish to the anchorage and deal with it there.

At the calm of the anchorage Kim will fillet the fish. Pictures first !

These tuna are very thick !

20 pounds of sashimi

It was great to have Corinne visit for a relaxed week – too short for all of us though. (We hope to see Cal and Megan down here next winter!) Here are a few shots of island life.