Fresh Creek, Andros Island

We only spent a two days at Morgan's Bluff and continued south to Fresh Creek, where we spent another 3 days.  We tried anchoring inside the creek, but there were many problems with that idea.  The Mail Boats and water tankers used the dock space right across from the anchorage, there were already 2 tri-marans moored in the best spaces, and the current rips through the creek both ways.  After trying twice to Bahamian Moor, with a bow and a stern anchor, we were too concerned that we would be very close to aground at the low tide.  So, we dusted off our shoulders and went and anchored outside the channel behind a few deserted limestone cays.  The permanent live-aboards docked at the marina hollered to us that was a smart idea as we made our way out, but one of the best tries they've seen in a long time.

Luckily for us, the Lighthouse Marina was so friendly, they let us use all their services for free; water, wifi, garbage, SHOWERS.  Way cool.  These islands are completely different from the touristy spots.  Strangers are happy to see a new face in their town.  They stop and ask, "Where have you come from friend?  Would you like to know where the grocery store is?  Or where the best food in town is?  Glad to see you came for a visit, have a good day," and they wave goodbye.  That's it.  Kind and smiling faces, they didn't try to sell you anything, they even TOLD you where the best fishing spots were?!  Seriously?  What a wonderful place!

Fresh Creek was a very unique place.  We rode upcreek in the dinghy for miles.  We checked out a wreck of an old passenger ferry, found a Blue Hole (a fairly deep pocket of salt water), saw all kinds of birds, and stirred up some sand in the shallow bonefishing flats.  We also checked out the Androsia factory in Andros Island.  Androsia is a cloth made completely by hand using sponges and wax to imprint tropical patterns on brightly colored fabrics.

Here's a shot of the sponge stamps they use for the process.

Shout out to our good friends Steven and Kasee, who came by in Cape Coral to see the boat and send us away with a bottle of wine.  We enjoyed it with an apple pie, recipe courtesy of Matt's Grandmother Madeline in London, Canada, while reading the books given to us for Christmas by Matt's bother, Jon, in particular the pirate novel about Captain Morgan, Blue Waters.  It's a tough life being spoiled by such nice people!  Can't say enough how much we love and miss you all!