The image of the light house at Hope Town has been reproduced so many times that it is very recognizable to millions who do not even know where the Bahamas, Abacos, Hope Town or Elbow Cay are. It was built in 1864 and is operated by hand every night. It uses Fresnel lens and a kerosene burner designed in London in the 1880's. We all felt quite a thrill as the White Pepper came close enough to Hope Town to make out it's famous red and white candy stripes.
The approach to Hope Town is limited to 5 foot draft at low tide so mega yachts need not attempt it. White Pepper got in 2 hours after low tide with 9 inches to spare. Once inside she could not have been in a more snug, secure or picturesque harbor. We picked up a mooring ball and headed for the light house. The sense of height was extreme on the narrow windy catwalk around the lens. On the way out we met a class on a school outing and asked to take their picture. At night the effect of the light sweeping overhead was romantic.
Also in Hope Town is a nice beach, very quaint and well maintained old houses. The streets are quite narrow, lanes really, and motor traffic is forbidden in the old town. There is shopping, dive shops, two beach bars and a fine dining restaurant. As in all Bahamian locals there are interesting old cemetaries. Provisions are plentiful. All in all, it is cruiser's paradise. We visited a very well done museum (air conditioned even). Sadly, we had to leave after 24 hours because of the Briscoe's travel plans. Several weeks would have been a more appropriate stay.
The approach to Hope Town is limited to 5 foot draft at low tide so mega yachts need not attempt it. White Pepper got in 2 hours after low tide with 9 inches to spare. Once inside she could not have been in a more snug, secure or picturesque harbor. We picked up a mooring ball and headed for the light house. The sense of height was extreme on the narrow windy catwalk around the lens. On the way out we met a class on a school outing and asked to take their picture. At night the effect of the light sweeping overhead was romantic.
Also in Hope Town is a nice beach, very quaint and well maintained old houses. The streets are quite narrow, lanes really, and motor traffic is forbidden in the old town. There is shopping, dive shops, two beach bars and a fine dining restaurant. As in all Bahamian locals there are interesting old cemetaries. Provisions are plentiful. All in all, it is cruiser's paradise. We visited a very well done museum (air conditioned even). Sadly, we had to leave after 24 hours because of the Briscoe's travel plans. Several weeks would have been a more appropriate stay.
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