April 28-29 Hoffmans Cay

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Hoffmans Cay is the heart of the Berry Island wilderness.  We moved here after three great days at Bonds Cay.  The anchor went down in a tiny cove with a gorgeous beach that Lois has declared her favorite place we've stopped.  We were here on our trip south and couldn't resist another visit on our way back north.

We took a dinghy ride to investigate the area, reaquainting from our previous visit in late March.  In the shallow keyhole bay just south of the boat we found countless turtles and many small to just delectable (to the turtles) size fish among the mangroves.  As we are prone to do we took the dinghy far up a narrow path in the mangroves.  The clear water is astounding and the creatures are everywhere.

This guy was crawling along under our boat. About 6" long.
What a beautiful cushion star!  About 16" across.
The water in this area is crystal clear.  This fella came out from the tangle of mangrove roots to check us out.

The next day a walking path through the jungle led to a rugged beach on the ocean side.  
This succulent-like bush is in flower now.  We were told it's edible & tastes very salty, but I think I'll pass.

Lifting the anchor and moving south  a short ½ mile put us anchor down in a different very fine bay.  Here we snorkled among the corals under the watchful escort of this very, very large barracuda. 
The barracuda followed us the entire time usually at a safe distance but occasionally within arms reach.  Not that in any way would the barracuda allow being touched, but uncommonly close for a human/fish interaction.  He swam quite close to Lois and he was as long as she is tall!

Someone had a big conch feast on the beach.  The shells are beautiful, but I find it sad the animals are no longer crawling around in the water.

In the afternoon Nick and Megan arrived having just made the crossing from the Exumas and anchored nearby.  We decided to take a walk up to the blue hole, and on the beach met another cruising couple, John & Jane.  They are in their upper seventies and have been liveaboards for 5 years. Coincidentally they are from the St. Louis area, just like Lois. We had a nice hike to the blue hole together, and Megan  & John took a swim.  John even jumped off the cliff into the water! Braver than me!  We did find the trail to the waters edge this time, and found the overhang had some very nice rock formations.  
The winds have slacked off to absolutely nothing.  The water's surface is glassy, the colors of the sky & sea blend together so it's difficult to pick out the horizon.  Without the breeze it's uncomfortably hot and the bugs have come out in force. We continue to be glad we have good bug screens and fans.

We do love the Berry Islands


Comments

Lynn and Ed said…
Sounds so wonderful! We may have to go to the Berrys someday.
May 2, 2021 at 9:23 AM
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