Video of the Exumas by Robert Morton
Some episodes in the "CoreyPearson- CIA Spymaster in the Caribbean" spy series take place on this great Bahamian archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau. There's three major areas- Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays.
They’re all unique! Great Exuma and
Little Exuma are laid-back and traditional. You cross a tiny bridge to get
between them! The long string of Exuma Cays have become a playground for the
rich and famous and private cays boast private homes and luxury resorts and
beachside condos.
The Exumas
are also rich in history, as they were settled by British Loyalists who fled
the U.S. with their slaves following the American Revolution.
Renting a
car and exploring Great and Little Exuma, I was amazed at the miles of pristine
beaches with talcum-powder sands. Sipping a Bahama Mama made by the one and
only “Dr. of Livation” at the Peace & Plenty hotel in downtown
Georgetown, Exuma was a wonderful experience. What a great person he is! The
video features a few other Exuma hangouts I discovered when writing the spy
series down there.
There's a
ferry boat that takes you over to Stocking Island...go there! Hint: If you stay
at the Hotel Peace & Plenty, the fare is free. Stocking Island is a
mile from Government Dock in Georgetown and is long and narrow, with a
population of 10 people. It protects Georgetown from ocean waves and creates a
natural harbor. Climb the hill, known as the Beacon for a breath-taking view of
the Caribbean and harbor. There’s an unused gas beacon at the top, which is
cool. The glass top portion is missing, but the concrete pillar is visible for
miles.
Hike along
a path to the middle of Stocking Island to an inlet called Hurricane Hole. I
met some yachters there and had a good talk, learning much about their sailboat
experiences. Hurricane Hole is a protected inlet and boaters seek shelter there
from approaching storms.
Also,
on Stocking Island, hit the Chat and Chill bar and restaurant! It’s located on
a sandbar beach called the Split and accessible by boat only. I had a great
talk with the bartender there, who told me about the local culture…great stuff
for my Corey Pearson spy series!
At the Chat
& Chill you’ll meet locals and yachters. Grab a Kalik beer there and try
the conch salad. By the way, their conch salad is called "Bahamian
Viagra" by the locals and by Pedro, the conch man. Wade in the gin-colored
waters and smell the ribs and chicken barbecuing on the huge outside grill.
I devoted
the 8/16/16 Issue of “Caribbean Best-Kept Secrets!” newsletter to
cool places to visit and fun stuff to do in the Exumas…enjoy!