2001 - 6/1 - 6/3 - Blackpoint Settlement

Molly on watch as we arrive at Blackpoint Settlement

6/1; After frolicking with the pigs, we pulled the anchor and set sail for Blackpoint Settlement. WOODJA, AURORA and STARWIND, (a sailboat, owned by Bob & Sue), were already anchored. We thought it was Saturday because the kids were at the beach. We learned that this was a four-day holiday weekend.  Labor Day and Wit Monday.We took Molly to town to explore which also gave her some needed exercise.Using the VHF radio, Wayne made dinner reservations for 6:30pm at Lorraine’s. The menu was a choice of chicken, ribs, fish, cracked conch or lamb. The DeFever group had been there and gave it a thumbs-up so we thought we’d give it a try. Steve and Diane (AURORA) invited us for cocktails and we, of course, gratefully accepted as we’d been dying to tour their boat. Lust, pure and simple – what a gorgeous boat. Pete and Geneva didn’t make it as they had invited Bob and Sue over to WOODJA. We all walked to the restaurant –a small house

Inside Lorraine's

with a screened-in porch. No one was there when we arrived (?)  there was a note on a napkin saying, “I’ll be right back”.  Lorraine’s mom showed up and told us to help ourselves to drinks in the cooler. Beer and wine for everyone! Turns out Lorraine was locked out of her house. Amazing coincidence

Pete, W&W, Geneva, Bob & Sue (Notice Pete bought his own adult beverage)

that Pete just happens to be a retired locksmith!! Who knew?? He left to get his “break in” tools and after dinner, he went to her house. Turns out it was her bedroom door that was locked and the only room in her house that has air

Lorraine, Winnie, Lorraine's mom & Wayne

conditioning! We had a great dinner on the porch – Naturally, I had the cracked conch…Wayne had ribs.The plan was to share; we didn’t, it was so good we each devoured our own. Very nice evening. We all just clicked. Saturday, 6/2;  Sunny and hot.
This is the largest center of population in the Exumas after George Town. You can anchor anywhere you wish with good holding and in 7 feet of water.

Outside Isles General Store

Adorable little girl outside Mrs.Adderley's grocery store- she loved Molly

However, it’s best to leave a fairway open to the Government Dock. There is no fuel, but good water, offered free, just bring your jugs and fill up. Black Point is famous for their sailing skills & the boats they build. 
We took a long walk through town and met several local folks.  WOODJA left to head south and AURORA went back to Staniel today. Sunday, 6/3; We explored a small island just north of Blackpoint and the Dotham Cut called, Gaulin Island.  Charts showed caves.What it didn’t say was there are Iguanas living there and a small sign on the beach that said "no dogs

Gaulin Island

allowed”. We had taken Molly along but it was too late and too far to take her back so we went ashore.When we weren’t carrying her, we put her in the dingy. Just to the North of this beach, sitting atop a tall cliff, was an eagle. Awesome! Like most of the Exumas, this place was gorgeous and, once again, we were completely alone.We found some very tiny, perfectly formed shells and a sea fan to add to my collection.