2001 - 5/30 - 6/1 - Staniel Cay

I trolled on the way and caught the dreaded Barracuda. YUCK!  What a PIA (pain in ass) to get off the hook. From Exumas Sound all these islands look alike so you watch for the BaTelCo towers (for their communication) and then you know you’re at a significant Cay. Staniel is a popular spot because it is centrally located in the Exumas, It has a 3,000 ft paved air-strip, good

Staniel Cay harbor rentals (note the green house boat)

facilities like Happy People Marina and Staniel Cay Yacht Club, moorings, plenty of sheltered anchorages and adequate, though simple shops.WOODJA was already anchored just off the channel in the harbor. We had a little trouble deciding where to anchor. There were several moorings near the Thunderball Grotto but the current was terribly strong so we anchored on the West side of Big Majors Spot instead. It’s a good anchorage but a longer dinghy ride to 'town'. Got gas for the dinghy and a few groceries at the Isle grocery store. Drinks at the Staniel Cay ‘Yacht Club’. A nice, comfortable bar and restaurant but they wouldn’t let Molly in. It was also pricey. In addition, we heard that the food was not that great so we ate at on the boat. Thursday, 5/31; We snorkeled the famous Thunderball Grotto. Amazingly, we were alone. It was truly spectacular with coral, fans and fish everywhere. We snorkeled out the other side of the cave and into a strong current. I was first back into the cave with Wayne at my heels. I stopped dead in my tracks…a huge Barracuda was guarding the entrance! Could it have been the very one I caught? He really gave me the evil eye. They filmed some of the 1964, James Bond thriller here - now we gotta see it again. Pete and Geneva soon arrived so we hung around. Pete got caught up in the current and had a hard time swimming back to his dink. Geneva had never operated the dinghy so we rescued him. Men…teach your women how to operate everything!. Later that day, we went to Club Thunderball, which is high up

Staniel Harbor & Thunderball Grotto

overlooking the harbor. I called Frank and mom while Wayne had a Kalik at the bar. Nice, clean bar and restaurant with a wonderful porch overlooking the harbor, very friendly barmaid, from Canada, and a pool table. Now that's what I'm talkin about.

Sign at Club Thunderball-there's a replica of this on the beach

We ordered a drink and Wayne got talking to the couple from MR. MAXI about, guess what…boats, motors, toilets and pumps! I ventured down a path to the beach area where someone had constructed a ‘so called Pirate Trap’ –an odd

Pirate Trap on the beach - Staniel Cay

collection of ropes and other flotsam hanging in trees (not sure if this came 1st or the picture on the building) Wayne and I shared 3 really good appetizers. I found every restaurant we visited in the Bahamas to be basic & clean with incredibly spotless kitchens. The states should take note! We played a few games of pool and splurged on 2 Bailey’s after dinner drinks. Another great day in paradise. It can't be Friday, 6/1 already! Sunny & hot…Just as we were getting ready to pull the anchor, I saw what looked like a huge pig on the beach at a near-by Major's Cay (yea, right! a pig on a beach in the middle of nowhere-HA) I thought we should check it out. I looked through the binoculars again and saw - two pigs?! We took Molly ashore. What a mistake that was.When Molly saw the pigs she barked that sounded like a scream - didn't know if she was terrified or angry. I've never heard her make that sound before. …no way was she going to let that pig come near her dingy – or me! It was comical, really. But I was afraid if she got loose, she might actually try to attack the pig and she could get hurt.

Damn thing was actually chasing me down the beach!