Camping on Allen's Cay

Bahamian Rock Iguana was staring at me with cold-blooded expression. Its large and dry head was immobile, frozen like a mug shot on the wanted poster, its head tilted in defiance. To brake the ice and encourage the fellow to brake a smile I stretched my hand forward with some breadcrumbs in it. Its weird legs immediately propelled iguana's brown body, the movement giving an impression of some ugly toy dragged by a kid in a hurry. The sun has been up for a few hours already but I was one of the first cruisers to set my foot on the Allen's Cay this morning. Johannes was still asleep and I was looking for something to do. Something different than usual clanking of the chains and walking over his head with the anchors. The beach was a short distance away and I was eager to take some shots of those lizards getting early start on sunbathing.

The dinghy we have picked up from Randy was a riot. It had a little sail, dagger board and rudder and it's 9 feet of pure fun. Our friend from the Keys, who let us use it on this trip couldn't bless us more. This poor dinghy is pretty fragile and I dread the day I'll show it to Randy. But it's so much fun to have it here! An ideal way to zip over the shallow banks, around the small cays, into the bays, to the rocks, reefs and small islands. We used it today to get to the reef where we were treated to some magnificent view of sea life as well as getting some fish for dinner. The water was so clear you could see a mean barracuda some 60 feet away starring at you, guarding its territory. But there were more pretty inhabitants of the reef also. It was heart wrenching to spear those beautiful, relaxed fish. In a few hours however my conscience will be put at ease. The moment onions hit the frying pan I'd have no remorse. Nothing tastes better than a freshly caught... whatever they call THIS fish!

This island was uninhibited and seems like strong Northeaster would make its number tonight. A perfect night to pitch a tent, enjoy the solid land under my bare feet, maybe even make a little fire and watch the sunset. I enjoy having the tent to myself. And don't worry about these iguanas too much, although we've met someone who got her finger bit, they are complete herbivores and I don't think they are very social at night either way. Now Bahamian Boa Constrictor...

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