Slow Cruise

The summer was approaching – days got warmer, cold fronts became weaker and less frequent, weather more enjoyable.
It was also the time COVID-19 has started. My initial intention to wait it out, quarantining in the islands. Not bad place to be stuck – sunny beaches, warm turquoise waters, not many people…
So we headed further south down the Exuma Islands chain.
Our first stop on the way was Little Farmers Cay. It was quieter then usual. We had a chance to buy fresh fish from the local fisherman at the pier, walked and stretched our legs around the island, then back to boat.

This was our first time visiting Rudder Cut Cay, and we really liked it.
There is a postcard palm beach, two caves, and the famous Mermaid and the Piano underwater sculpture. The whole area is protected and beautiful. Fishing was successful as well.

Stayed several days in the area near Lee Stocking Island, including anchorages at Leaf Cay and Normand’s Pond Cay.
Lee stocking island is know for its now abandoned NOAA research facility. Leaf Cay is a small Wildlife Reserve area, with large pink iguanas being main attraction. Norman’s Pond Cay is more rarely visited by cruisers and has a nice beach on the south west side.
Have seen marine police zooming through the area and chasing people off the beaches due to COVID-19 restrictions.

No trip to Exumas is complete without going to George Town. We have been here before and have fond memories.

This time is different. Due to coronavirus / COVID-19 restriction put in place, there was no fun cruising the islands any more. Beaches are closed, all businesses except grocery stores are closed. No straw markets, no island events or festivities, no activities on the Volleyball Beach, etc…
You are not allowed to leisurely cruise around the islands – only to get out of Bahamas.
We didn’t have much of a good choice except to leave the Bahamas and go back to Florida, and then home.

We have briefly stopped at anchorages in Exumas, Rose island and Berry Islands, and then sailed overnight to FL.
Our trip was cut few weeks short this season. Pity – the weather was starting to be really nice.

Sailed from Berry Islands to Lake Worth / Palm Beach, then Inter Coastal Waterway up north to our boat yard near Ft. Pierce.
Some anchorages along the ICW were unexpectedly busy. Hit by a windy storm on the way – nothing serious, as waters here are well protected. I usually stop listening to weather reports once inside ICW.