Sapadillo Bay, Caicos

What an awesome day!  We woke this morning in time to get the weather on the local “net” … someone at the marina gives the weather over the VHF … just like they did in Georgetown.  We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and did a few projects.  Mid-morning, Ray and Sandy (from Megerin) dinghied over.  They were just returning from clearing customs themselves.  They were headed to shore to go to one of the local restaurants they’d heard about.  They eat out a lot it seems.  They offered to have us join them but we were still full from brecky.  We declined.

Shortly after, we lowered the dinghy and went ashore to the beach.  It is a beautiful beach with warm sand and surprisingly warm water.  FINALLY!!!  We’ve been on a quest for warm water and are shocked to realize we had to come this far south to find it.  We pulled the dinghy onto the beach and locked it to a rock.  The rocks are so porous with holes, we were able to just slip the cable right through the middle of a big rock and out the other side.  Let’s just see someone try … they’d literally have to move the earth to take our dinghy!  We aren’t in the habit of locking our dinghy.  In the Bahamas, nobody locks anything.  BUT … we’re in a different country now and not sure how “safe” it is.  Better safe than sorry!

We walked the short path to the paved road and soon found the sign for the restaurant where Ray/Sandy were headed.  We decided we’d pop in for a drink.  Ray/Sandy were just finishing up and we all went to the pool bar for a drink and some catch-up conversation.  It was an awesome view, wonderful breeze and time well spent with old friends.

Back at the beach, we parted ways.  Their intent is to go to the nearby marina for a few days.  With us being on a strict budget, we will pass on marinas unless it is imperative that we go for reasons such as protection from weather, boat repairs, provisioning … or maybe splurge occasionally and have the reason be HAPPY HOUR and socializing!  But not this time. 

We watched Megerin leave the anchorage.  We are not certain of their plans for the crossing to the Dominican Republic but if our schedules sync, we will travel together.  If not, given our track record, I am certain we will see them again down the road.

We gathered our snorkel gear together and headed to the rocky shoreline near the beach.  The water was refreshingly warm.  However, the clarity of the water was surprisingly … well, not clear.  The Turks & Caicos is famous for it’s clear water but this had kind of a murkiness to it.  It didn’t stop us from enjoying our snorkel though and the amount of sea life in the bay was pleasantly surprising.  Under the rock ledges, Larry found several clusters of baby lobster.  Hmmm, if only we could take them for dinner!  First, they were too small – not the legal size.  Secondly, we don’t even know if we have or need a license for this area.  In the Bahamas, a fishing license comes standard with your cruising permit.  Here, nothing was mentioned so we aren’t really sure.  Oh well, we will only be spending a few days here so not to worry.  I am sure there will be other ledges and other lobster down the road.

While snorkeling, we saw so many things.  Grouper, Grunts, a Ray, masses of tiny fishes … there’s even a bunch of sea turtles in the bay (much like in Clarencetown).  We had an awesome snorkel and I hope some of the pictures turn out but given the murkiness of the water, I have my doubts.

It is a beautiful evening.  We are, once again, the only boat in the anchorage.  There is a warm breeze and ever so gentle motion to the boat.  The sky is clear.  The stars bright.

Everything is good.