D116: Cambridge Cay 2/24-3/1/2020

On Monday, February 24 we weighed anchor at 0815 in Big Major and headed out for Cambridge Cay.   We had a nice sail with both main and Genoa, moving at an average speed of 7 knots through the water.  We were able to sail to the Rocky Dundas waypoint on the Bahama Banks, when we turned into the wind toward Conch Cut.  The tide was going out (which was good), but the wind was blowing hard out of the east (which was good until we turned toward the cut).  

This made the final leg of the trip rather rough and wet.  The final turn into Cambridge Cay involved weaving our way through some coral reefs, rocks, shallows, and points of land.  I have to say this was one of the most nerve racking entries we had made so far, especially with the rough water in the cut.  But, we made it without any problems.  

We decided to contribute to the Exuma Park, so we took a mooring for $30 per night.  

Cambridge Cay became one of our favorite stops during the entire trip. 

More below.  

On 2/24, the day we arrived, Cathy and I took an afternoon hike across the cay to do an initial exploration.  We found a beautiful beach and some nice rock formations, including Bell's Rock, that we planned to explore more in the next few days.  From here, we went back to the boat and relaxed by watching others enter the harbor and grab their mooring pennants in a strong current.  Always entertaining  

2/25/2020 Tuesday

We hiked across the island again but climbed up to the top of the hills that provided some fantastic views of Cambridge Cay as well as nearby cays, the ocean, and the Bahama Banks.  Later we dinghied down toward the southern part of the island to plan our next trip.  

After our treks, we headed back to the boat to shower and take care of other little projects, like making water.  The water here is beautiful as well as the scenery.  Cambridge Cay offers several nearby snorkeling and exploring options and it is well protected from all directions, so we decided to stay a few days to wait for a front to come through.  We will look for some calmer waters to venture into the snorkeling spots, which require some distance on the dinghy.  Cathy made split-pea and curry soup for dinner.  Tough life.

2/26/2020 Wednesday

We took advantage of a somewhat lighter wind window to dinghy up to the Sea Aquarium, which is north of Cambridge Cay at O'Brien's Cay.  The dinghy ride was about a mile and a half.  Going north with the SSE 15 knot wind was pretty easy.  

The Sea Aquarium is a natural underwater cove where a variety of coral grows that attracts all kinds of fish.  This is a must see if you are in this area.  As soon as you jump over the side of the dinghy, you are surrounded by fish of all colors and sizes.  Sorry, I do not have an underwater camera. 

In the chart below, you can see the location of the Sea Aquarium identified by the top red circle.  This was the first snorkeling location that Cathy really enjoyed.  Even wearing a wet suit, she did start getting cold, so we headed back into the wind and waves.  There were a few other spots to dive, but nothing as nice as the Sea Aquarium.  Running the dinghy into a 15 knot wind, you can guess that we were pretty damp when we got back.  

Later that day while resting up from our adventure, we were watching a large eagle ray pass by the boat.  Suddenly, it darted forward and launched up into the air and spun completely around before hitting the water.  The wingspan must have been 6 feet or more.  Amazing.  

After washing some clothes and polishing some stainless, we had boat-tails in our cockpit with Greg and Lisa Smith, who were the volunteer hosts for Cambridge Cay.  They live on their Kadey-Krogan, Privateer,  and volunteer for one month each year.  In addition to collecting fees and monitoring compliance with rules, they build and maintain trails all over the island.  Super nice people, who I hope we can stay in touch with.  

After that I noticed the boat Makaira picked up a mooring near us.  I recognized the boat name and they were from Virginia.  I stopped by and it was Wally and Patti Parolari from Hampton Roads and BBSA members.  We chatted for a while and planned to catch up the next day.  Given a change in weather and choices from their buddy boats, they left the next day and we missed spending any time with them.  Hope to see them in Hampton Roads.  

2/26/2020 Wednesday

We took advantage of a somewhat lighter wind window to dinghy up the the Sea Aquarium, which is north of Cambridge Cay at O'Brien's Cay.  The dinghy ride was about a mile and a half.  Going north with the SSE 15 knot wind was pretty easy.  

The Sea Aquarium is a natural underwater cove where a variety of coral grow that attracts all kinds of fish.  This is a must see if you are in this area.  As soon as you jump over the side of the dinghy, you are surrounded by fish of all colors and sizes.  Sorry, I do not have an underwater camera.  In the chart to the right,  you can see the location of the Sea Aquarium identified by the top red circle.  

This was the first snorkeling location that Cathy really enjoyed.  Even wearing a wet suit, she did start getting cold, so we headed back into the wind and waves.  There were a few other spots to dive, but nothing as nice as the Sea Aquarium.  Running the dinghy into a 15 knot wind, you can guess that we were pretty damp when we got back.  

Later that day while resting up from our adventure, we were watching a large eagle ray pass by the boat.  Suddenly, it darted forward and launched up into the air and spun completely around before hitting the water.  The wingspan must have been 6 feet or more.  Amazing.  

After washing some clothes and polishing some stainless, we had boat-tails in our cockpit with Greg and Lisa Smith, who were the volunteer hosts for Cambridge Cay.  They live on their Kadey-Krogan and volunteer for one month each year.  In addition to collecting fees and monitoring compliance with rules, they build and maintain trails all over the island.  Super nice people, who I hope we can stay in touch with.  

After that I noticed the boat Makaira picked up a mooring near us.  I recognized the boat name and they were from Virginia.  I stopped by and it was Wally and Patti Parolari from Hampton Roads and BBSA members.  We chatted for a while and planned to catch up the next day.  Given a change in weather and choices from their buddy boats, they left the next day and we missed spending any time with them.  Hope to see them in Hampton Roads.  

2/27/2020 Thursday

The winds were now blowing about 10-15 out of the NNE with a forecast for strengthening winds.  Cathy started the day baking bread and I updated this photo journal and the BBSA website.  After lunch, we hiked the Honeymoon Trail on the south side of the island.  It ended at a beautiful beach with a wide view of Conch Cut and Compass Cay.  

2/28/2020 Friday

Friday was another lazy day on the boat with NNW winds at 10-15 knots and gray skies.  The weather just did not motivate us to do much exploring so we focused inward on projects.  At the end of the day, we joined other cruisers for a Friday evening gathering on the beach, organized by Greg and Lisa.  It was so much fun to meet all the other cruisers who were anchored or hanging on mooring in the area.  Thanks Greg and Lisa!!

2/29/2020 Saturday

We plan to leave tomorrow, so today was my last chance to try some of the more challenging snorkel dives.  I had been waiting for calmer seas, but that was not going to happen.  I took the dinghy over to Larry's Reef, the red circle on the bottom of the chart above.  This is also the reef we had to dodge on the way into the anchorage.  

I took the dinghy up-current and up-wind (NNW 15 knots) and hopped into the water, holding onto a line tied to the dinghy.  I drifted several times over rocks, coral and tons of sea life.  This was an amazing dive, but a bit strenuous given the current and proximity to Conch Cut.  I highly recommend this dive spot.  

As I mentioned before, this is one of our most favorite spots in the Exumas.  We hope to come here again.  

Click on the photos to see larger images.