Hopetown, Elbow Cay

The wind had finally subsided in Treasure Cay after our first real rain storm in the Bahamas. We learned a couple of valuable lessons. First, close the windows - much better to keep the interior dry. Second, don't leave your dingy tied up along side the boat under the deck drains, unless you want to collect a boat load of water - literally!

With those lessons learned, we set off for Hopetown on a lovely calm day, barely a ripple on the water. We were cruising along in 20 feet of water and watching the coral, starfish and stingrays as we moved along - very cool!

Smooooth Sailing!

When we got to Hopetown bay we found a mooring ball and tied up for the evening. We are still trying to work off the meal plan in Green Turtle Club, so a couple of weeks swinging with a restaurant at least a dingy ride away helps to avoid the temptation of fried Conch!

Hopetown is a lot like New Plymouth, but more developed by the tourist trade with a lot of picturesque little homes to rent.

Little Cottage with a BIG Lawn

Cottage with Bay and Sea View

I'm a Goof!

However, the big attraction is the lighthouse! At 109 feet above sea level with a 5 flash-15sec cycle, it was a big part in making the waters in the area safe for ship and crew from 1865 to present! In fact, it was so successful, the townsfolks back then tried to sabbotage the building during construction by taking the materials to build other homes to keep it from being built at all. The reason was economic - the townspeople were known as "Wreakers" or "Wrakers" and would conduct salvage operations for profit.

When we visited the museum we were told a funny story where the local parish priest conducted his services from the back of the church so he could look out over the reef in the event of a wreck he could put the service on hold so he could be first on site and become the "Master Wrecker" and divide the spoils. It seems everyone back then had at least two jobs!