12/3/06 Ship’s Channel to Allen’s Cay

 

Mileage:  6.9 miles

Time:  1 hour 6 minutes

Average SOG:  6 mph

 

9:09:26 AM                1.2 mi 0:15:09           5 mph 220° true        N24 48.647 W76 49.695

9:24:35 AM                2.0 mi 0:15:03           8 mph 188° true        N24 47.852 W76 50.437

9:39:38 AM                1.7 mi 0:15:08           7 mph 172° true        N24 46.157 W76 50.716

9:54:46 AM                0.4 mi 0:15:14           2 mph 355° true        N24 44.730 W76 50.483

10:10:00 AM              20 ft     0:06:00           0.0 mph 26° true        N24 45.071 W76 50.516

10:16:00 AM                                                                                     N24 45.074 W76 50.514

 

We dinghied to Leaf Cay after the short motor trip and a check of the anchor set.  Several iguanas awaited our landing.  Boaters in the boat anchored just off the beach were hesitant to set foot ashore.  They encouraged us to be the first ashore, assuring us they would “have our backs.”  Once we were ashore, it was apparent the iguanas were curious, not aggressive. 

 

Our first opportunity to snorkel came along the eastern ledge of Allen’s Cay.  It was wonderful to be back in the water!  We saw healthy, colorful coral, sponges, reef fish, one of which was extremely unusual and not listed in our book.  (We later learned it was a poisonous lionfish not indigenous to the area.)   Tried to catch our first lobster, but he proved allusive as he backed too far beneath the coral.  Our surf and Turf dinner tonight will be minus the “surf”.  SHUCKS!  Next time we will be better prepared with gloves. 

 

The western shore of Allen’s Cay has an interesting rock feature.  Apparently, boaters and sailors who go ashore add rocks to those placed before.  From the water, it resembles monuments or markers made eons ago.

 

Anchored for the night, we will head to Highborne Marina tomorrow to refuel, then on to Warderick Cay.