Little Harbour a little gem
AJAYA'S CRUISE
Phil & Nikki Hoskins
Thu 14 Jan 2010 15:41
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OK it did blow & we didn't get off the boat for
a couple of days but it was one of the nicest places to be "stuck". It was
safe & comfortable. On the local "Cruisers Net" we heard that the one
draw in this tiny harbour, Pete's Pub, had decided to close for a few days
meaning we were virtually the only boat here. It also requires a high tide
to get in through the entrance & the tides were not playing ball for a day
time entry or exit.
In fact an incoming 47 foot yacht went hard
aground at the entrance on a falling tide at dusk - skipper jumped into the
dinghy to assist. Communications were difficult as the owner was hard of hearing
and so advice etc was often not heard on deck unless shouted at full volume! Two
trips later back to Ajaya to collect anchors, chain & miles of warp they
managed to kedge the boat off by dragging it through the sand bar - the owner
& crew shaken by the experience. Once skip had collected his hardware
& seen them into deeper water he realised the draw back of nice secluded
anchorages - no guiding lights - in a small dinghy in the dark in a quite large
swell left over from the northerlies it was a little scary. Meanwhile, No
2 was happily baking in the galley when she realised it was pitch black &
the boat & dinghy that had been in the entrance were nowhere to be seen. On
with the deck lights & VHF & skip was soon guided home if a little cold
and wet. We don't even know the name of the boat - still we'd like to
think someone would do the same for us if & when.
Finally we've been ashore & enjoyed the walks -
there is nothing here, just the art gallery, the foundry, the pub & a
few private residences - plus miles & miles of beach. The
harbour provided the inspiration for a sculptor, Randolph Johnston, who
settled with his family here 50 years ago. They built a bronze art
foundry to cast their world renown sculptures & jewellery. His son,
Pete, carries on the work along with his two sons today. In settled
weather small boats from the other Cays descend on the harbour to visit the
gallery & sample the fare at the pub.
  Dusk on arrival pre
storm...........
The dinghy dock......
  Now this is
better..................
Reef at low tide - not for
us.................................
  Sadly there is still a lot of flotsam -
one beachcombers
presentation.......
Skip contemplating the next move.
We've thoroughly enjoyed our first port of call in
the Abacos & know it won't be our last visit to Little Harbour
..................................!
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