Out Islands

March 8, 2014

Last Saturday (3/1) we departed Royal Island near northern Eleuthera and transited south.  Rock Sound was too far for a day trip, so we stopped and anchored near Pineapple Cays and the settlements of North and South Palmetto Point. 

Going ashore and walking through both settlements we knew we were not in the Abacos anymore.  The people in the Abacos are predominately of European Loyalist heritage; there are a lot of cruisers, and cruiser diversions. Destinations are close together and there are many places that provide good protection.  Abaco cruisers seem to 'park' a lot, with occasional trips to nearby places in fair weather.

The people in the Out Islands, however, are predominately of African Slave heritage; there are fewer cruisers and related 'support'.  

On Tuesday (3/4) we moved on to Rock Sound where we intend to spend some time.   There are probably about 20 boats here, but Rock Sound, while providing some great services, is not focused on the cruising community.  There are no beach bars, happy hours, beer bottle bingo, trivia contests, etc. - it the largest settlement on Eleuthera and the commercial center for the people who live here.

The cruisers seem different.  There is little 'buddy boat' chatter on the VHF radio.  There are two boats hailing from France that crossed the Atlantic on their own bottoms a few years ago and a boat from South Africa. A significant cold front came through yesterday and virtually everyone just moved over to the west side of the Sound for better protection;  only one boat that we know of sought refuge in a marina.

Our hangout here is Sammy's place, where we have already had several great conversations with locals - but more on Sammy's later.

The Abacos are interesting, but it is great to be back in the Out Islands - our favorites!

Tom
Anchored Rock Sound, Eleuthera