Flying Fish Marina in Clarence Town, Long Island (Bahamas)

After checking the forecast one more time, we were off the dock around 8 am. Put fenders and lines away. Ben got out of the marina and coral cut without any problems. We got to go closer to Bird Rock Lighthouse, which was on our list to visit, but the weather wasn't cooperative enough to anchor and tender over there yesterday or today.

3.5 foot following seas today. Light wind. I was starting to feel warm and the wind wasn't there to help cool me down. Decided to drink a Nurri to get something in my stomach. That didn't sit well and then I walked around the front of the boat deck, held the railing and "fed the fish", which I hadn't done since we left Rhode Island in May 2021 when we bought this boat. Three down.

Looking at the forecast for the next few days, we knew we wanted to stay in a marina on Long Island tonight and tomorrow night, as the waves were predicted to be 5-6 footers on Sunday. Ben called Flying Fish Marina in Clarence Town on Long Island to inquire about diesel and docking. They told him they don't have room for us but we can get diesel.

Pulled up to get diesel. Immediately we spotted 2 sharks swimming around the marina. Moose said they were bull sharks. Hattie started barking at them, pretending like she could win a fight with some sharks. Time to put the dogs in the cabin! Jamal helped us get 168 gallons for $8.03. We've gone all this way and have only used about 500 gallons of diesel! We estimated needing 1,500-2,000 gallons at $10/gallon for the entire summer. Roo put a sticker on the box.

Ben asked Jamal if there was any room for us. He said he thought there was and took Ben to the marina office to talk to the manager. We weren't sure how it would work out, based on Google reviews and the owner's responses, but figured a face-to-face conversation might bode well, especially after a large purchase of their fuel and being in the marina.

Ben said this is a beautiful marina and we'd really like to stay here. He mentioned being narrow and that we would be here 2 nights. My sweet talking husBen managed to get him to approve it! The cherry on top though? This marina has a POOL!!! 

Got moved over to slip #8 and Moose continued to announce every shark he spotted. Jamal told us there are only two rules in the marina. #1) No fishing in the marina. At all. #2) No swimming in the marina. I giggled because both rules were due to the shark population that calls the marina home.

We put bathing suits and sunscreen on, then went to the pool for a quick dip. No one else was there- we had it all to ourselves, which was very peaceful (even with our kids there!) and just what we needed. Ben asked Jamal for car rental recommendations. He brought us a list of 3 places to call, saying we should call tonight since tomorrow is Sunday.

Came back to the boat to put on regular clothes to walk around the town. As we were leaving, the marina security guard, who was propped on a lawn chair in the shade chatted with us a bit. We asked him where to go. He immediately responded that this island is very safe so you dont have to worry. Ben clarified that we knew that, just wanted suggestions. He told us about Erica's Bakery and the Catholic Church, as well as some restaurants that were within walking distance. He said there was a lot to see and that we would need a car to get past this settlement.

Walked toward Erica's and saw the ditch that connects the ocean to the salt ponds, dug by the slaves. There were fish and tons of sea turtles that we all enjoyed watching. We were impressed with how long this ditch ran!

There were a few white buildings with blue accents that reminded me of Greece. The church was one of those, and we could see it all the way from the marina. I couldn't wait to see it up close and go inside.

Passed the government dock and saw a garbage truck either being loaded or unloaded from a barge. Walked by the welcome mural.

Made it to Erica's! Her house was a combined grocery store and bakery. She didnt have many bakery items left, so we got a pound cake and a rum cake, then looked around at the other items she was selling. The kids got slushies that were frozen in plastic cups, Ben got a cherry limeade drink, and I got a coconut chocolate bar- similar to a Mounds, that's called a Bounty Bar.

Continuing on our walk, we headed toward the Catholic Church. The security guard at the marina told us it was open and we could walk in and around, but when we tried the door, it definitely wasn't open! We sat on the steps of the church, overlooking the harbor for 20-30 minutes, just taking it all in while the kids finished their slushies.

Walked back along the ditch and saw even more sea turtles. We could watch them forever. Even Moose commented about how cute they were. Ben explained how the ditches were built to help the people harvest salt, but don't seem to be used for that anymore on this island.

Finished up our walk, dropped the breads off at the boat, and walked to the marina office so Ben could buy a hat he liked. Climbed the stairs to Lighthouse Point, the marina restaurant.

This was the best meal we've had in the Bahamas this year! Moose and Ben got mahi fish tacos. I got shrimp tacos. Bear got a philly cheesesteak. Roo got fettuccine alfredo with chicken and we kinda laughed it off, saying we have that on the boat. After taking a bite of hers, we all realized she probably made the best decision! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed what they got. They had a coconut cheesecake on the menu, so we got 2 slices of that. The kids barely touched theirs because they were so full. Ben and I finished ours. It was delicious! Then we said that if we can't find anywhere to eat along our drive tomorrow for dinner, we would come back here.

Kids wanted to swim again, but all the sportfisher people were returning and swimming after being on the water all day. We didn't want to crash their party, so we went back to our boat. The kids were taking photos of the sharks in the marina and a guy on the boat next to us told them he had some bait fish and they could feed the sharks after he was done cleaning up from the day.

Some of the other guys on the docks were telling us to be very, very careful- no running or jumping on boat or docks- because they've had to pull men out of the water twice in the last few weeks who fell in. One was bit twice and had 5 guys pulling him out of the water and out of the shark's mouth. 😳 Another guy managed to get out of the water, but the sharks ate both of his flip-flops right off his feet. They told the kids that they'd die if they fell in. Why does it take complete strangers telling them these things for them to believe it?! I've been saying these things all week- ever since we heard about a 12 year old boy (Moose's age) who was swimming and got bit by a shark in the Exumas- not that far away. All they do is laugh at me.

After they got to feed the sharks, we went to the boat to unwind.

Ben got a call back (at 10 pm) from a guy who can get us a rental car tomorrow, all day for $75. He said he would meet us at the marina at 9 am, look for plate number 0012. We have to drive him back to his house by the airport (20 minutes north of here) and then pick him up so he can drop us off after we use the car all day. No joke. This is how the Bahamas works!

Off to bed so we can meet the guy at 9 am!

Ben woke us up at 7:15 so that we could have the hour and a half he insisted we need to get ready. We got ready and then sat around and waited for 45 minutes or so. 😛 

Just as we were stepping onto the dock, we saw a silver Suzuki car/van pull into the parking lot and honk. Sure enough, it was plate 0012 and our vehicle for the day.

Ben sat in the front passenger seat, which is actually the driver's side in the US because they drive on the other side of the road here. The kids and I squished into the back seat.

The car owner, Mr. T, took off down the road, like a jet down a runway. The kids and I looked at each other, wide-eyed. I gasped when the guy nearly hit an oncoming car after being in the car for only about 90 seconds. My heart was in my throat. Ben was the only one buckled. Our driver had his seat belt buckled, but was sitting on top of it so the car wouldn't continue to beep at him!

Our 20 minute journey to his house was punctuated by narratives of different places we passed and things to see, as well as pointing out the gas station, telling us they close at 1 pm on Sundays (today), and that the tank was currently at half. He had a thick accent that was hard for us to understand and was hard of hearing, so the conversations were pretty minimal.

Mr. T took us to his house, to drop himself off, telling us all about the new airport that they were building and how they were trying to buy him out of his house. He pointed out several properties that he owned along the way, so maybe he will take them up on his offer. He has to decide by November.

It wasn't until he stopped the car to point out the runway we were about to cross that we realized that he actually lived AT the airport. Not the building itself, but he has to cross the runway in his car every time he leaves his house! My hands clenched, I was ready to look left and right a zillion times to ensure no planes were taking off or landing while we crossed. Ben clarified that this is the NEW runway and no planes use it yet and it was confirmed that was true. Thank. God. 

Mr. T pulled into his yard, told Ben he will have his other car- pointed to a Rav4- with him at the bar he pointed out down the road when we come back to get him to bring us back to the marina later today.

As soon as Ben got in the driver seat, we were on our way, recalling exactly how lucky we were that we made it that far alive! We all were laughing and agreed then and there that Ben would take me and the kids back to the marina and he could come back to get Mr. T and drive to the marina with Mr. T in the passenger seat since we were sure he would be drinking for several hours today and his driving couldn't have gotten any better after that!

Since we were planning to return the car by 7 or 8 pm, we had to ensure we filled up the tank and it was greater than or equal to a half tank. The gas stations Mr. T pointed out were on the southern part of the island, and we were headed north. We knew our time was limited to getting us north and returning in time to fill up the tank.

There is only one main road (Queen's Highway- that's the name of the road on every one of these islands!!) so we knew we couldn't get too lost. The road has different sections with all types of road- paved, coral, sand- and LOTS of potholes. Ben said he sure hopes we don't get a flat tire after driving on all the rough roads and potholes. I brushed it off thinking he was overreacting since this car lives on this island and Mr. T. either drives it himself or rents it to people often. 

Sure enough, just 30 minutes into driving, I heard a very loud pop and asked, "What was that?" Ben stopped the car and said, "A tire. There better be a spare in here." I couldn't believe it. It's always an adventure...

Ben got out of the car, checked for and found the spare, and got to work. Moose hopped out to help him while the girls and I sat in the air conditioned car hoping for the best. All I could think was- It's Sunday. Nothing is open. Of course this happens to us on a Sunday.

Several cars passed by. No one stopped. As the spare tire was almost on, I saw a man walking toward our car from the north with a bicycle tire. I asked the girls where he came from and no one knew- he just came out of no where to offer us his bicycle tire. Ben thanked him for his offer and said we were good. 

Moose got in the car. Ben put the tools and flat away, got in the car, and then we drove off. I thought that offered some relief until I found out the spare had a patch and was low on air. Sheesh. Pushing our luck again. I was sure Ben would turn us around and call it a day, but he kept driving north and just went much slower. Just a little down the road Ben said he forgot if he tightened the lug nuts, so he got out to check that and then asked me to see if I could find some type of business that could possibly help us. 

Miraculously, we were only 3 km from Knowles Auto Repairs, but of course, they're closed on Sundays. I said we should go there anyway because the shop is probably at this person's house and we could beg for some emergency help. 

When we pulled in, Ben called the phone number, but no one answered. He saw a lady across the street, so he went to talk to her. She tried calling the owner of the shop, but didn’t get an answer either. She was getting ready to leave and had an air compressor, so Ben brought the car over, filled up the tire, and we were on our way once again.

We were still about 20 minutes from the north end of the island. After having success with filling the tire, Ben told me to look for a gas station on our way north. We found one AND it was open! Filled up, everyone picked out a cold drink, and we made it the rest of the way to Cape Santa Maria without any problems!

Columbus Monument was empty. We were the only car in the lot. Beautiful outlook with all of the shades of blues that we normally cruise through, now seen from above. We were going to come to this monument by boat, but now we will just make our way to the next island.

Crossed the Tropic of Cancer on our way north and again on our way south.

Debated eating at Tiny's Hurricane Hole or Gordon's on the beach at the south end of the island. Tiny's was closer to where we were and where we wanted to get ice cream, so it made more sense.

It was a cute, tiny yellow hut on the beach, with a tender dock, a beach swing, and yard games. There were a few rental properties on the same stretch of road. Before we even got our food, I was really happy that we chose to come here.

Bear and Moose had fresh fruit punch. Roo had her first (that she remembers) Shirley Temple. Ben and Moose shared a pizza. Bear got... you guessed it... a cheeseburger. Roo got chicken tenders. I got tai chili wings. Everything was really good, once again. 

Roo asked if we could add our sticker to the wall. She spotted the sticker of another Endeavour couple we know, so she put ours right next to theirs, with an assist from Ben.

We walked back to the rental car from Tiny's and these people who live nearby told us to be careful of the brush fire on our way out. Ben is the only firefighter on this island, no fire department exists here, and he consulted with them about what to do because when they called the volunteer police force, no one answered.

It wasn't a huge fire and has been burning for a week, but the property owners were concerned about the fire heading away and toward the main road because of the power lines that would affect the whole island.

They haven't had rain in over a month and a half here. Ben said they have to just let it burn, but that it would only take 2 firefighters and a water tender to put it out, so it would not be hard, but they just don't have the resources. The biggest problem is it is Sunday and there is no one willing to work or help.

Dean's Blue Hole, located here on Long Island, is the second deepest blue hole in the world at 663 feet. In the center of the blue hole, there was a platform on the surface with a long rope going down, anchored to the bottom. It works as a guide for the divers so they don't get disoriented. Didn't see anyone swim down, just some people swimming in the area. We didn't have our swimsuits with us, so we just took off shoes and put our feet in.

Google told us that The Good Nest Marketplace sold ice cream and opened at 4 on Sundays. It was 20 minutes north of Dean's Blue Hole and we got into the car at 3:40. Perfect timing. We showed up right at 4, but it looked closed. Ben went to try the door and the lady on the Ring told him that she was 5 minutes away. After a few minutes, she showed up with her 2 boys and husband. We gave them a little while to get in and set up before we walked in and started thinking about what we wanted to order. She had some awesome milkshakes on her menu. We all got our own, except for Moose. He just wanted Rocky Road ice cream in a cone with maraschino cherries on top.

Made it to all of the places we wanted to on this island, except Gordon's Beach on the very south side, but it wasn't worth the anxiety of wondering if the patch would hold while we went another hour south on the road just to come back another hour.

Drove back to the marina. Said goodbye and we hoped to see Ben alive again, as he drove to Mr. T's bar. Took kids to the pool. No one was there, again. Not much time went by before we spotted Ben walking to the pool from the parking lot!

We wondered how it went when Ben walked into the bar. He said there were 8 or 9 guys there, drinking and playing dominos. Mr. T asked if he could finish this game. Ben said yes and that he would meet him in the car. This was perfect for the plan, Ben got back in the driver's seat and when Mr. T came out, he walked over to the driver side and realized Ben was there so he got in the passenger seat, WITH his drink of choice- Sky Juice.

As they got back to the marina, Ben told Mr. T about the flat tire and said the spare is on there for him. He didn’t seem too bothered by it, which is probably why he didnt answer the phone when Ben tried calling him this morning right after it happened.

A storm loomed over the island as we got out of the pool, but nothing ever came of it. Dang. We were hoping it would help the fire. It made for a pretty sunset though.

Long Island, thanks for yet another Carter adventure! I'll take a flat tire over a shark bite any day.