Last evening was a rough one. The winds had picked up from the SSW, gusting to 23 knots. the mooring field did not afford protection from this direction, so we were jostled and tossed throughout the night. On top of that, my lower legs have been attacked by no-see-ums and they itched so badly, I could not sleep. The winds continued blustery throughout most of the day, but began to calm and shift to a more easterly direction, from which direction we are more protected.

We slept a little later given the night of restless sleep. After prayer and reading, we decided that today would be a laundry day. We did several loads using our bucket/plunger technique and hung them out to dry on deck. The strong southerly wind helped to dry them. By the afternoon, we were antsy to get off our rocking and rolling home. So, we boarded Dalí and rounded the next bend toward the north, landing her on a desolate little beach. There is a rocky trail which begins on this beach which winds its way up the slight elevation of the island to some ruins. These ruins are the remains of the Russell Family Plantation (1785-1830). It was good exercise and a fun afternoon excursion.

Dingy on the beach with the trail to the ruins

From the trail, looking back on the beach where we left Dalí

Walking to the Russell Family Ruins

Cindy on the trail

More Ruins

Island Ruins

Ruins from 1785 on Hawksbill Cay

After looking over the ruins, Cindy made her way back to the beach while I explored a side trail which I believed went to a beach on the Atlantic side of the island. I went far enough to reach the crest of the hill and see that it likely did lead to the Atlantic beach. However, it was at least three-quarters of a mile a way. I would have been gone from Cindy for an hour or more if I was to explore further. So, after taking a nice photo of the Atlantic side from my high vantage point, I returned to find Cindy sitting in the shade on the beach. It has been nice and warm the last few days, with temperatures around 80. We then returned to Beatitude to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing evening aboard.

Looking out toward the deep water side of the island

Cindy on Hawksbill Cay

Hawksbill Cay

Sunset

Sun sinking into the waters