Whirlwind Tour of the Abacos

White Pepper was blessed to have friends, Kathy and Robert, on board for a week. After arriving at Mangoes Marina in Marsh Harbor, the first evening we all had cocktails on board Lark Spur. Lark Spur is a beautifully maintained Hinkley Bermuda 40 Ketch owned by fellow Texans, Tom and Diane Carpenter. Tom keeps is boat in pristine condition and maintains an active cruising schedule at the age of 87! The next morning we set out on a whirlwind tour of the Sea of Abaco from south to north.

First up was Little Harbor. After a 17 mile drive south White Pepper entered the channel into Little Harbor. It is shallow with a controlling depth of about 4 feet. We arrived 2 hours after high tide but still had 6 inches under the keel. After a deep exhale we picked up a mooring ball. We kayaked and visited Pete's Pub again. We also rendezvoused with mutual friends Tammie and Bruce on Dos Libras.

The next morning on the high tide we left for Tilloo Bank. This area is known at the “remote” part of Abaco and does remind me of the Exumas. It is a great stop for snorkeling and beach combing.

Robert and Kathy had seen Hope Town on Elbow Cay so we went to the next cay in the chain, Man-o-War Cay. We picked up a mooring ball and went exploring. Man-o-War was Robert's favorite cay. He was impressed with the boat building tradition and the funky fastidiousness of the place. I was amazed that it was over 240 years old and probably little changed save for a new coat of paint.

Next stop was Treasure Cay. This is at the far northwest corner of the Sea of Abaco. It is a highly civilized development anchored by an amazing beach. The beach is about 2 miles long and filled with fine white sand. At the far end of the beach is the new Treasure Sands Club. All 6 of us spent a wonderful afternoon there eating lunch and lounging by the pool. It was a spot of luxury and felt good to pretend to be rich.

Pool At Treasure Sands Club

Walk back up Treasure Cay Beach 

The next morning we left Dos Libras and made a quick march back to Marsh Harbor. After lunching on tuna sandwiches at Snappa's we had to say good bye to Kathy and Robert. It had been a wonderful week! White Pepper had done it all before (except Tilloo), but it was great to do it again with friends.

White Pepper with Kathy and Robert at Snappa's

Now White Pepper had to look reluctantly to Florida and the slow trip home.