Matthew Town, Great Inagua, Bahamas

Thought I'd include this photo from Leslie and Ralph since we don't have that many photos of the two of us - this was in the mangroves a couple of days ago.

Since we're on a dock for the first time in a long time, we all got our bikes out to do some exploring.  Always takes a little while after they've been stored - adjusting and pumping up tires.

Off we went - past the ever-present colorful regatta point buildings.

First destination is the lighthouse in the background.  Duane was several lengths ahead of the rest of the group - a fellow on a bike flagged him down for a chat.

He was stopping Duane to encourage us to visit a new bone-fishing lodge that they're opening down the street.  Very friendly fellow chatting with our gaggle of bikers.

On to the lighthouse - I believe this is one of just a few operating light houses in the Bahamas.  It was built in 1870.  Unlike most lighthouses in the US, the door is open and there is just a sign saying no one under 18 should enter.

Fun to climb all the stairs....there are a few rotten or missing so you have to be careful!

The old kersosene pumps that used to power the rotating beacon for the lighthouse.  (It now has  solor powered flashing light that appears to be L.E.D.)

Ed and Cathy on the way up.

The last 30 or so steps are narrow treads that are more like a ladder, very steep!

Leslie coming into the upper area.

The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular!

I'm inside the glass enclosed circular room at the top.  Cathy is on the catwalk outside in the wind peering in.

And so is Duane!

Looking back at Matthew Town from the windy railing.

Done with the lighthouse, we took a meandering ride into town.  The fact that Morton Salt employs a large portion of the population makes this town look a little more "upscale" than most of the Bahamas we've visited.

But there are still plenty of houses in disrepair, maybe abandoned after a storm.

We stopped at a small grocery and found a surprising stock of fresh vegetables.  Couldn't resist a 3 for $10 ice cold Kalik to be shared between the 6 of us.....the girls resting under a tree.

Someone at the store told us that their favorite restaurant was "Shanya's" just up the street....we finally found it with the help of Google -- since there was no sign or marking on the building.  I guess the locals know where it is....

The guys spotted a fuel truck and struck up a conversation about getting fuel delivered to us at the dock (there is no fuel station at the port).

Had a wonderful meal at Shanya's.  Our friendly server, Raquel even called Mr. Nixon, the park ranger for us to arrange a island tour tomorrow.  He met with us before or meals were served - arranged to pick us up at the dock at 9AM tomorrow morning.  It's a small world on an island!

We biked around and found another small grocery store.  Always fun to see what interesting things they have in stock.

(We had previously gotten some fresh carrots, romaine lettuce and some staples earlier in the day).  At this store, I found some lovely frozen fresh vegetables that look locally manufactured.  The middle bag is "hot" peppers.  We'll let you know how hot they are!  Glad to have some fresh stuff in the fridge again.   The green bag is something called Milo - which is a malt beverage mix.  I got it to add to my coffee - I love the creamers like French Vanilla - but they don't have it here.   I thought I'd give this a try to add some flavor.

Back to the boats - after a nice afternoon nap for most everyone.  Gathering on decks to see if there is a "green flash" at sunset.

As the sun peeks below the horizon - I thought I saw just a little bit of green.  A fun day.