Days 3-5:

Day 3:
     It was very windy, and made for some very heavy surf. We checked out the Grotto Beach formation, and got sprayed by the crashing waves on the cliffs. Grotto beach is quite lovely, and the karst features on the formation really show the power of these waves. We then moseyed over to Waitling's Quarry, where we saw some of the fossilized dunes that were cut to mine the limestone. Part of Waitling's mansion is still standing atop the hill, however, we weren't able to find a feasible path to explore it. We then made our way to Sandy Point Pits, where we saw some of our first Bahamian caves. We found the infamous Owl's Hole Cave which was a large pit in the limestone with a gargantuan tree growing out of it. We finished the day by snorkeling at French bay, where the corals were often and large.

Day 4:
      The wind has died down, but the weather is still cool. We started our expedition by checking out the fossilized Cockburn Town Reef, which was covered with sediment in a somewhat catastrophic storm even. We stopped off to see the Inkwell Blue Hole, which is one of the brackish karst ponds you can find here. This one was quite brown with tannic acid, nonetheless the well had an abundance of plant growth around the edges. Next we stopped at several more of the caves where we got to see some Funnel Eared Bats. We ended the day with a refreshing dip in the water where we relaxed and body surfed on the Sandy Point Beach.

Day 5: 
       Today was very hot, but not too windy. We began with the death march hike which followed some of the ponds and lakes near the Gerace Center. The Karren features (basically really sharp limestone rocks) were brutal, but it was really interesting to see some of the other bodies of water on the island. Then to my favorite part... we went to the island lighthouse, and I saw my first lighthouse. This particular one is one of the last existing kerosene fired lighthouses. After climbing up it, we hiked to the cave that formed near it. The cave was filled with water and it even changed with the tide. We made sure to go at low tide so the water wasn't too high, but it was a wonderful experience to trek through the cave (rather swim) and explore the dark unknown.

      The last few days have been exhausting but so rewarding. We have spent many hours exploring the reefs, caves, and lakes on the island. I have to say Lighthouse Cave has to be my favorite stop on this trip thus far. Although, I know there's many more still to come. I have absolutely fell in love with this island, and kitsch as it might be, I cannot think of a better way to spend my spring break.

Technical difficulties have prevented me from being able to upload pictures, but I will be sure to update when I get back stateside.

Cheers,
Heath B.