The Exumas island chain in the Bahamas is beautiful. We have said it. Others too. But you need to see the sugar sand and turquoise waters yourself to truly take it in. If scenic beauty were the only characteristic to the chain it would be comparable to thousands of others around the globe. Comparison? No, that’s not right; but appreciated along side those others.
The warm welcome of these Bahamians will get your attention and might set the Exumas above the others. One Cay in particular became one of our favorites: Little Farmers Cay. It is 20 miles give or take south of Black Point on Great Guana. The population hovers around 55 to 60 residents. We may have met all of them.
Other Islands may have better natural beauty. Others may have finer sand. But Little Farmers has Tasha, the Peanut Man, Mr. Terry and JR the wood carver. All wonderful people that genuinely take the time to talk to you and are never rushed.
We spent many hours over 2 days just talking to Ms Tasha at her convenience store. Often sitting out front at a table with eating fresh roasted peanuts and watching the other tourists come and go from “Kenya’s Delights”.
Around the corner from Lil Harbour Convenience store is the “Ocean Cabin” restaurant and bar. Here you will meet Terry. Likely the most opinionated Bahamian in the entire country. He expounds on any topic with ease, seemingly knowledgeable on everything from 16th century colonialism to modern economics. Its truly fascinating; but do not visit him if you are easily offended. He will try to challenge your way of thinking.
One can walk around this islands perimeter in a few hours. Its quite small. JR the wood carver told us that at one time there were close to 500 residents. But most young people move to other islands or even the US to make a living. Now its dwindled to under 60. Advanced into his seventies he continues to fabricate wood carvings from a local wood. Parrots. Fish with scales, Owls and people are teased from the grain by his axe and chisels. Exceptionally patient he tries to pass on what he knows. He spent some time with our son showing him basics of carving.
Possibly the best time to come is the “First Friday in February” or FFF. Many cruisers time their travel to Georgetown so that they pass by the island to partake of this Festival. We were not smart enough to do that, so should the borders be open after Covid, we will plan accordingly.