BAHAMAS HIGHLIGHT I

HARDAGROUND // Lubber’s Quarters // The Abacos (Out Islands)

If someone asked me what to do in the Bahamas, I couldn’t encourage them enough to get themselves out the outer cays and “rough it.” Ok - it wasn’t exactly roughing it, but it was definitely not a packaged experience. I think my Mom got the idea after reading a write up in a newspaper about this type of holiday, but wherever she got it it was brilliant.

We arrived via private charter in Marsh Habour on Grand Abaco Island, about a 40 minute flight north from Nassau. When we arrived, we suited up with our power boat and headed out to “Hardaground” - a classic Bahamian style cottage, 2 levels with a great wraparound porch and a long dock. It was just great having the flexibility to pack up a lunch and boat out to a secluded beach and snorkel in the reefs — or else boat to a nearby harbour and explore the town and grab a bite to eat at a local spot.

We spent the better part of all days out on the water — boating to good snorkeling spots, or good beaches. Along the way, we visited several of the outlying cays, including Elbow Cay, Sandy Cay, Pelican Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Great Turtle Cay, and Great Guana Cay.  Everything we did was spontaneous and we were rewarded with some great vistas and some amazing real life marine encounters — among the most perilous were the Lionfish and Beracudas! (Although, speaking for myself, I didn’t see those guys).

What really made it great was the truly friendly attitude that people had out there — every morning people tuned in from all over the area on the sailboats or yachts to listen to the VHF radio on channel 16 — to say hello, give weather and wave updates or introduce themselves to the community. We met some very friendly people on Lubber’s Quarters, including Donnie —the caretaker of the property we stayed at— and Deanne —a lovely lady who bakes and delivers delicious muffins and breads right to your door! We discovered that the local island community is deeply-rooted —a lot of the families are descendants from original settlers from England.

As a place to relax and sometimes some adventure and risk — the Abacos were ideal. Very laid back, very friendly, and lots of opportunities for fun!

Special Thanks to Lindsay and Mark for Photos

BAHAMAS HIGHLIGHT II

ATLANTIS // PARADISE ISLAND

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island was a sight to be seen… I admit that at times it was beyond belief. The hotel is a vast compound of hotel accommodations, restaurants, shopping, a casino, water slides, pools and what seems like hundreds of marine habitats swarming with fish, rays, sharks, and jellyfish. The place has the look and feel of Walt Disney’s Little Mermaid palace, replete with lagoons and giant mythical sculptures.

The resort was conceptualized as the sunken city of Atlantis — the architecture and decor of the buildings is all inspired by a the culture of the Atlanteans. Decorating the walls and ceilings are tiled mosaics and frescos — made to appear like ancient artifacts — depicting this mythical people’s livelihood and connection with the sea. While the inside smacked a lot of Los Vegas — the outside grounds were spectacular. Crossing a footpath bridge, to your left you might see a shark habitat and to your right a family pool. The marine life was ever-present — seamlessly surrounding you both above ground and below — in the ‘ruins’. Best of all were the after dark walks through the glass walled corridors lit up with all kinds of fish.

My two favourite parts about Atlantis were: firstly, swimming with the dolphins (Joyful!) and secondly, bobbing through the lazy river and bouncing from stream to stream headed for different slides and chutes. The dolphins were especially endearing — 8 of the dolphins were rescued in the aftermath of Hurricane Catarina. Originally from a state ocean preservation in Tennesee, the dolphins were washed out to sea and were unable to fend for themselves in the wild. They have all been reunited at Atlantis and they appear to have a loving team of Marine Mammal Specialists keeping them in good shape. They were very, very adorable.

In general, Atlantis was summed up quite aptly by my mother in two words: “Rampant Commercialism!” But, of course, it’s easy to be cynical about the whole thing. At times it was quite magical.

Special Thanks to Lindsay and Mark for Photos