Rock Sound 2015

White Pepper has written about Light House Beach and Harbour Island, but what about Rock Sound? We spent 8 days there celebrating the Easter holiday and the homecoming festival.

Rock Sound, Eleuthra, has so much to offer the boater. There is almost 360 degree protection. The anchoring is secure in 8 to 10 feet of tenacious sand.

Fuel and good groceries are readily available. There is a bank, restaurant, and liquor store within easy walking distance. A very good doctor attends at the local clinic. It would be easy to spend weeks here.

Within Rock Sound itself there is less good news. Many buildings and homes are well kept. Many others are derelict, the inhabitants having gone to Nassau or to the graveyard. There are a number of other interesting buildings which appear derelict, but are actually inhabited by illegal Haitian refugees. Bahamians regard Haitians with suspicion, but possibly these immigrants will reinvigorate Rock Sound. Tourism is far away. There is no industry here. Agriculture has been abandoned. Fishing is difficult considering the population pressure. Regardless Rock Sound has many natural advantages, and with proper guidance prosperity should be possible.

One of Rock Sound's natural advantages is the Ocean Hole. It is a land based blue hole that rivals Dean's Blue Hole in depth, size and beauty. The town has created a park around this hole that is peaceful, refreshing, and beautiful. A mile and a half away there is a marvelous ocean beach that is much under utilized.

The Easter homecoming was both festive and poignant. Many natives return annually to celebrate Rock Sound. The music is very loud and lasts well into the early morning. Hugs and “how are you”s are the norm. Easter Monday is a particularly English holiday that is scrupulously celebrated in the Bahamas. Since nothing is going on and no stores are open it is a true day of rest. But by Tuesday morning everybody is gone, having returned to Nassau or wherever.

White Pepper left Rock Sound with deeply mixed emotions. We were pleased to have spent such a marvelous week here. There was a sense of mission accomplished having fulfilled a promise made long ago to visit for Easter. Hopefully, White Pepper will be able to come for many future Easter weekends. However, for now it is off to northern Eleuthra and more adventures.