During our first week in Marsh Harbor we met a couple from our marina, Gail and Hans, and another couple across the harbor, Bill and Linda. We had such a good time visiting and sharing our stories that we decided to share a van rental for a day to explore parts of the Abacos that we could not visit by boat. So, for $30 per couple we got the above van for 24 hrs and Peter offered to drive, since it's on the left side of the road. The only problem is that the steering wheel is also on the left! Since there is only 1 main road the length of Abaco Island it wasn't too bad. We stopped at 2 beaches, one we walked, and the other we were able to collect shells, snorkel, and enjoy the sun.
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| Our first beach |
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This little sand crab was determined to
protect it's territory! |
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Peter found this close to shore...
as big as a basketball! |
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| Water...crystal clear! |
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| Drinks? This was a homemade tiki bar on the beach. |
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| Surf's up! |
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| The group walking our first beach. |
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| Good bye to the beach for now. |
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| What is everyone looking at? |
Another highlight of our day was stopping in a place called Palm Shores. It is an area along the east coast of Abaco Island that is within a protected area. It is one of only 2 places in the Bahamas where the endangered Bahamian parrot lives. We discovered that they were roosting in a tree when we arrived but then we were able to take great pictures. We have never seen parrots in the wild. What an experience!
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| This little guy kept posing for the camera! |
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This was one of 3 pairs we saw in the tree.
Incredible camouflage.
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Apparently the parrots were on most of the Bahamian Islands but they nest on the ground. Unfortunately the nests are attacked by feral cats, other animals, and the wind and tides wiped out much of the population so the parrots are now a protected species here. We felt honored to be able to see them in the wild.
Our day ended in Little Harbor. This is a community we can reach by boat and plan to maybe next week. Apparently there is no electricity, only solar or wind to power up. You reach it by a dirt road...only wide enough for 1 car. It was 3 miles to reach from the main road. However once you arrive it is a real Caribbean paradise. The end of the road is Pete's Pub and art gallery. We had enormous gin and tonics for $6, then delicious dinner of grilled grouper or snapper. Of course Peter could not resist the art gallery. We now have our own little parrot to bring home to remember our visit.
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| Enough said! |
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| Peter in Pete's Pub! |
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| Our newest piece of art..a bronze Bahamian parrot! |
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