Reviresco - To Grow Young Again: Back in The Abacos

We left The Exumas last Thursday for Spanish Wells, en route to The Abacos. Using the traditional "pilot" or local water guide, we shaved 1.5 hours off the trip as we meandered through the less travelled and more tretcherous Spanish Wells northern crossing. We crossed the Atlantic with a minor swell and chop accompanied by an easterly wind and made it to Little Harbour Settlement on the southern tip of Great Abaco Island. All in all, a lovely day and a successful crossing.

Little Harbour has an interesting and unique history. The sculptor and art professor Randolph Johnston from Massachusetts' Smith College was disgruntled with what he called the "Megamachine" of industrialized countries. He was witness to the Great Depression, WWII, and rise of fascism and wanted to isolate himself and his family from what he perceived were societial constraints and negativity, squashing individualistic expression.

He sought out paradise with the intent of devoting himself to his art and allowing his family to blossom under more positive and natural influences of the islands. He found his paradise in Little Harbour, a relatively isolated part of The Bahamas in the 1950's. While their life was less than idyllic to begin, they created a paradise which now encompassess a foundry for bronze casting using the ancient wax method, a studio for Margot, his wife, for ceramics, a gallery featuring art from Randolph, his family and local artisans, a full service eatery on the beach (Pete's Pub) and with a beautiful Atlantic Ocean Beach a brief stroll away. His life is captured by his autobiography "Artist on His Island: A Study in Self-Relience".

One of the most amazing aspects of their story, was living in a cave while planning and builiding their paradise home and studios. Yes, a cave, with 4 kids and 2 adults and likely innumerable little critters scurring about. We enjoyed our visit to the cave and the other natural and man-made wonders of the island. FYI, the cave is for sale for those who may be interested.

Our next move is to Hope Town to restock then along the northern Abacos en route to West Palm, Florida. Hard to believe we are now near the end of May.