The Bahamas are an amazing array of over 2000 islands and cays ( pronounced keys) scattered in the most
beautiful turquoise waters . Its been nice to shed our long sleeves and pants for shorts and tank tops now that we are further South. The Abacos , the most northern of the Bahamian chain has been our home for the
past three days . We re-provisioned and fueled in Marsh Harbour the first day then off we went to
Elbow Cay , home to Hope Town our destination.  It was a fairly short distance over the open waters
and still early in the day as we set the mooring and plenty of  opportunity to relax and enjoy this picturesque
harbor before nightfall. Caribbean  colored cottages , shops  and restaurants dot the waterfront . The colonial feel and gingerbread architecture is reminescent of  Nantucket or Martha's Vinyard.

Caribbean Colored cottages

Candy  striped lighthouse in Hope Town

  The dinghy sprang to life as we skipped across the harbor to Captain Jack's for the 2 for 1 margarita
special. Mango was the unanimous choice . After a few rounds,  I needed to visit the ladies room but  had
a bit of difficulty deciding which one to choose...which one would you have chosen ?

 The next morning Doug surprised us all with  a delicious breakfast of french toast and fried ham . This certainly gave us the energy required to climb the spiral staircase consisting of 91 steps which takes you to the top of the lighthouse from which a spectacular view awaits you .

Sugar sand beaches

It also  gave us the opportunity to orientate ourselves and decide in  which direction to head out for exploring. On the East side of the island , we discovered pristine  beaches with  sugar  white sand and much to my delight I was able to collect  a bit of seaglass some of which  are jewelry quality . The weather was perfect for a long leisurely stroll.






 By mid afternoon , our legs grew weary and we decided to finish our tour of the island in a golf cart. With Scott at the helm and Courtney in the rear we headed West to the very tip of the island which really wasn't too far as  Elbow Cay is approximately six miles long and 1/4 wide at its widest point.

Scott and Courtney in the cart

Evidence of the recent hurricane was much more noticeable on this end of the island . Boats were beached , palm trees and fronds were strewn about  and beach sand literally covered the road and walkways.










The day couldn't have ended on a better note.  As we rounded a corner Scott noticed a gorgeous pink lipped conch shell on the beach . I scrambled down the sand embankment and retrieved my newest treasure.
Let's hope it makes it back home thru Custom and Immigrations.