Back when we were at the free dock in Jacksonville on the ICW we had met some great folks on the boat Duchess, Rob and Allison, they were heading south as well.  So far south that we reconnected with them In Great Harbor Cay.

Our first day in Great Harbor Cay we took advantage of some bikes to check out the island and see what the local market had.  Was not until we were well into our bike ride that we realize there were so many hills to go up and down and to make even worse the bike I was on had a bad wheel that was rubbing the fender so every peddle took the energy of two.  Those hills started to feel even bigger, ended up walking the bike up a few hills. 

Day two new adventure decided to take a dinghy ride to the other side of the island through Shark Creek.  It was suggested that you go through the creek at hightide because to all the mangroves and shallow water.  We had to go outside of the harbor to find the entrance.  Once there it started out great, we hit the creek shortly before high tide quickly finding out that the water was still shallow for the outboard and had to paddle like a canoe for awhile.  No worries we were up for the challenge. We were able to see sea turtles, puffer fish, grouper, needle fish.  It was truly its own eco system, even saw a shark. Once we got to deeper water and a clearing, we could not get the motor started, so now we are taking turns rowing, but Walter did most of the work.  We finally got to the beach and open water on the of the side of the island and called for a rescue.  Duchess was anchored there, and Rob came to our rescue, not before we gave the engine one more try to start, OMG it started, we think the engine got flooded when it was tilted up for the shallow water  We motored to Duchess and visited for a while we gave the motor time recover before we motored back down Shark Creek, as that was the only way to get back to the other side of the island and our boat. 

We made it back to the boat in time to shower and meet Rob and Allison for dinner.  We owed them a drink.

Day three, decided to walk to the other side of the island and play in the water. On the walk we came across what the locals call the “Old Club House” ruins.  Apparently during the 1960’s this was a hot spot for many of the Hollywood types and the infamous Rat Pack.  Tried to find some history but only found a little.

https://escapetoghc.com/the-old-clubhouse-still-breaths/

 Made it to the beach, swam for a bit and then headed back to the boat with a slight delay when we happened upon the Beach Club that was open, so we decide a beer and rum drink were in order.

 

Spending day four prepping for heading south toward Nassau. Use the wi-fi, do laundry, fill the water and fuel tanks all things that can only be done at a marina.  The next few days we will be on anchor.