After spending some time around Eleuthera we decided to head back towards the US. While we weren’t ready to stop cruising, our late start to the season had us unable to make it through the islands to Grenada for Hurricane season. We also had determined that we wanted to make some changes to Ventolines and the most cost effective way was to perform the work in the US.
Our path out of Eleuthera had us back tracking to the Glass Window Bridge in Northern Eleuthera and then westward towards Nassau. Outside of Nassau we stopped at Rose Cay for a exceptionally uncomfortable swell at anchor. We decided to cross to the Berries the next morning and began looking for an Anchorage that would protect us from the prevailing wind and swell. After a long day crossing, we passed Whale Cay and discovered Bird Cay.
Bird Cay turned into one of our favorite stops. This was due in large part to the fact that the island is uninhabited. Though abandoned now, it was once the getaway for Francis Francis, an apparent heir to the Rockefeller fortune. The house, now in decay, once hosted musicians and actors from around the world.
It was fascinating to explore the island. There are many buildings for workers that once maintained the island. The main house and a guest cottage are in a sad state of disrepair, but still have something to offer the explorer.
The haunting calls of Peacocks fill the air. They are shy and elusive. But this island is still their home and they nest in the thickest undergrowth. At least they do so until the next developer creates plans for this little oasis.
Sadly, the clock was ticking on our adventure and we had to push onto the Bahamas bank to get to Florida. But this is one of our favorite places.