Manjack Cay

4.11.11

We left Green Turtle Cay Monday morning and made the short trip Northwest to Manjack Cay. It is uninhabited and we thought we would have the island to ourselves - but we were way off base!! We got around the corner into the protected harbour and were facing 10 other boats! So much for our quiet anchorage. We attempted to anchor 3 times in the grassy bottom before throwing in the towel and heading for the Western end of the island.
We were not alone at this anchorage either, even though it has no protection at all. After another 3 anchor drills, we managed to get a bite in a sandy patch. We stayed on the boat for the evening since the wind was blowing just enough to make us nervous that we may drag anchor. With so many other boats around, that would have been disastrous.
The following day we headed in to explore the island, mutt in tow. We walked across to the ocean beach and found our first (and only) Hamburger Bean!!!! YAY! This has to be a good sign for a safe passage across the Stream...I'm convinced of it.
We walked a few miles around the West end of the island, admiring the shells and beautiful turquoise waters surrounding us. We rounded a corner and found a beautiful little cove that we didn't know was there. We jumped in and played around with Koa for a bit, relishing the cool water after our hot afternoon walk.
The island was beautiful and we were sad to be leaving the following day.
We were so sad, in fact, that we decided to stay for an extra day! So, we spent more time splashing in the clear water and playing with Koa on the beach. And we had just gotten back on the boat when we heard the first claps of thunder. Due to the tall trees on the island we had not seen the black approaching clouds that were approaching on full speed ahead! We rushed to close all the hatches and sat staring at the GPS, key in hand, praying that the anchor would hold.
The anchor held...kind of. We drug a short ways, but the anchor bit back in and held steady for the remainder of the blow. This grassy bottom sure is giving us some trouble! After this experience, we will be glad to get back to the muddy waters of the ICW!