RUM CAY

         

        With a name like RUM CAY, how could we not visit this small island located in the Central Bahamas?  It is  mostly surrounded by reefs and was originally named Santa Maria de la Concepcion by Columbus.  Later it became known as Rum Cay after a ship wrecked on a reef and many bottles of its rum cargo washed ashore.  We searched the beaches at great length and must report that no rum is left to find. 

               In fact, over the years, there has been little to find on this relatively small piece of paradise except more friendly Bahamians and a healthy dose of solemnity.  But Hurricane Joachim hit last November and now there is even less to find on Rum Cay.  Much damage was incurred and, although there is an inordinate amount of huge heavy duty earth moving rigs, not much looks to have been repaired.  USAid tarps still flap upon rooftops while other buildings have been reduced to rubble (left photo below).  Many of the few coconut palms here have either had their top lobbed off or are now growing almost parallel to the ground.  Joachim even blew the top planking off of the sturdily constructed goverment dock (right photo below).  

       

        

      

       Years ago, in an effort to control the erosion of beaches along the coasts of many Bahamian Islands, casuarina trees (from the fir family) were planted.  When we were in Georgetown, Exuma, we learned that these trees are currently considered an invasive species.  Casuarinas readily reseed and their roots grow very shallow, so when high winds and surf hit the beach, they tend to fall over, die, and need to be removed.  Joachim toppled many casuarinas on Rum Cay.

 

         One of the highlights of our stay in the bay at Rum Cay was most certainly the afternoon we spent with cruising friends Mike, Kimberly, and Ally of sv ALLY CAT.  We invited them on board Exit Strategy to play a round of games.  It began with playing a few hands of Mexican Train Dominoes and then they taught us how to play Chicken Feet Dominoes (photo below).  The crew of Ally Cat also brought an Apples to Apples card game and we enjoyed that, too.  And we heartily say “THANK YOU!” again to Ally for sharing a freshly baked loaf of Oatmeal Cinnamon Bread with us.