March 25, 2015
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March 25, 2015
Wednesday: Norman’s Cay
We persuaded Jack and Evie to give us a tour of Normans. They graciously obliged us. As they led us to Shrouds Cay, we could see clearly through the water. As we approached Shroud, there is a small opening in the mangroves through which we entered to another world. It doesn’t seem possible, but the water became even clearer. After winding through what seemed like a lazy river, the creek opened up into the Exuma Sound with breath taking unspoiled beaches. Unspoiled except for the odd bits of washed up debris from the ocean.
Shroud is part of the Exuma Land and Sea Park where all visitors are encouraged to take only photographs and leave only footprints. The debris found on the cays are thrown overboard from vessels at sea and perhaps from other countries who dump garbage into the sea. Like others before us, we picked up our share of lone shoes, bottles, and other debris and piled it on the stacks around the island. Eventually the Park Officials will gather or destroy it.
Shroud is named for a shroud used to wrap a body. Kind of interesting name given its proximity to Norman’s Cay and the violence of Norman Lehder. Shroud is actually not one cay but a grouping of cays between which lies a mangrove and marl salina. A salina is a salt lake or salt marsh. The root systems of the mangroves is clearly visible above the water line. The creeks are a breeding ground for conch, lobster and fish. We rode atop a bed of about 15 conch. The bottom of the creek is sandy and the water is so clear that we could see the ripples in the sand that had been left by the movement of the tides. We had to zig zag from side to side to find water deep enough to get through with the dingy which requires about 3 feet. We could raise the propeller for a little added room.
Jack took us a different way back where we found another unoccupied beach. We are very grateful to our tour guides for sharing what they have learned during their 11 visits to the Exuma Islands.
Toucanne arrived this afternoon. They have guests Peggy and Rupert from Beaufort, SC. Everyone from Toucanne and Eldridge C came over to Meandering Joy for appetizers and an opportunity to catch up on our travels.
Joy