Upon leaving Ship Channel Cay, we realized we were returning to the top of the increasingly popular Exumas and what appears to be the new norm for boating in that area of the Bahamas. Just a few examples below.
After watching the big boys zoom by, Simplicity and SaltyMare settled into an anchorage inside the “checkmark” at Highbourne Cay just before Noon. Simplicity with her shallow draft tucked in close to shore, while the SaltyMare with her deeper draft stayed further back. Wasn’t long after that, into what we thought was to be a quiet anchorage, boy did it get “popular.” Lord howdy, “popular” meaning bigger boats, charter boats, and water toys. Among them, a modern 113 footer (below), the biggest Cat in the Bahamas at 83 feet (41ft wide!), and no less than four 62-foot cats, and well, we just took pictures as they went by. Old and new, power and sail, all these have more than a dozen guests and multiple crew members aboard. But hey, they are fun to watch go by or anchor next to….. 🙂
Meanwhile, amid the squealing girls, jet-skis pulling skiers, and music…
Kinda interesting to note that while we were slowly making our way into the anchorage, Peggy took the opportunity to send us a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” shot of this guy swimming amongst the boats, which Todd shared after mentioning lunch, swimsuits, and snorkeling. Say what?!
We found a couple of spots nearby that didn’t have sharks or joyously noisy masses, and we had a great time snorkeling and exploring. Colors abound – vivid red, bright yellow, electric blue, wild greens, too many colors and fish to describe!
After a great time snorkeling, we headed to the shore to warm up in the sunshine.
Dave & Peggy on their tender
Peggy is walking through a spot on the sandbar that’s just a little bit deeper and “bowl-shaped,” that makes a natural…. 
Hot Tub!
After enjoying the sandbar and the sunshine, Susie wandered off to get pictures of the SaltyMare at anchor. Wait. Where did Todd go? He was just right here!
Pleasantly tuckered out, we returned to the boat to rinse the gear, shower, prepare dinner, and blow the conch horn in salute to another sunset. Ahh!
Today’s plan? More snorkeling. And Todd is bringing his underwater camera this time. Camera in one hand and spear in the other? Always hopeful!
Our Travels 