Saturday, May 9, 2009
9 May - Day 67. Today started with some small maintenance projects--new fuel filters for the Racors and Cummins. Bleeding the lines between the last Racor and the engine is a pain. Apparently we didn't do it well enough either as the engine started but then quit seconds later. Bleeding the high pressure lines on the fuel injector got it running again. With the chores complete, we weighed anchor and headed to Matt Lowe's Cay. This private island, along with the small rock outcroppings called the Sugar Loaves, provides a wonderful and protected anchorage. It is just East of Marsh Harbour. The Sugar Loaves surprised us with a small reef which was perfect for snorkeling. After lunch we motored to the quaint community of Hope Town, on Elbow Cay, where we picked up a mooring ball. The moorings are placed by local entrepeneurs and the fees collected as soon as the mooring is picked-up. Nellie's front row seat cost $20. The town was founded in 1785 by Loyalists and boasts an exceptional harbor which is protected by an off shore reef. It's hallmark is the red and white, candy striped lighthouse that has been in service since 1863 and whose beam can be seen for 20 miles. An evening tour up the winding stairs did not disappoint and provided amazing views of the Sea of Abaco. It was interesting to see the keeper light the kerosene-fueled mantle and wind the mechanism which turns the huge prism . The light puts out 325,000 candle power and yet only burns 2.5 gallons of kerosene per night. At the base of the lighthouse there are homes for both light keepers and their families. The two keepers work alternating nights. At a mooring in Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abacos. 7nm today: 1508nm total. DBH
