Now to say that Father Jerome was devout would be an understatement at least. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here goes.
Father Jerome & helpers sculpted the signs of the Cross.
Folks were a lot smaller then even though it is difficult to see in these photos.
The sundial is correct within 15 mins! Walkway to the sleeping quarters
We haven’t been to New Bight in quite a while and unfortunately my feet were acting up so Rob made the trek to The Hermitage without me.
First a bit of history. Father Jerome was a Catholic Priest who was quite active in the Bahamas early in the last century. He built many Churches on many islands throughout the chain. At some point he became an Anglican Priest and he chose Cat Island as his retirement home. He built his home on the highest point of land in the entire country at a whopping 206 feet above sea level.
The Hermitage from below
What a sight! I have been up twice with Rob & was very disappointed not to be able to go this year. To think of what this man accomplished in his retirement is amazing. If you ever find yourself in the Bahamas – it would be worthwhile to make a side trip. Even if you are not a Believer, it is fantastic.
In recent years the Bahamian government has started the upkeep of what they call “Heritage Sites” and this was one of the first!
We also had a great time with cruisers we have known for quite a while – the Kalissa’s – and new friends off of Wind Rose, Aloha Friday and Second Option. We decided we wanted to get over to the Exumas so we moved to Hawk’s Nest Point and crossed to Black Point the next day – 1/30/14
Black Point was just a sleepy little settlement when we first came 12 years ago! Boy has that changed. They saw a market & went for it with great success! On our first visit there were maybe 5 boats in the anchorage. The count our 2nd night there was 105!!! We went into Scorpio’s Restaurant for Cruisers Happy Hour & it was so crowded & loud that we had to leave. Black Point does have one of the best laundry’s in the Bahamas & you can also buy a shore shower too!
When the mail (supply) boat “done reach” we decided to wait till the next day as all the cruisers converged on poor Mr. & Mrs. Adderley at the store. When we went in the next morning Mr. Adderley referred to them as a bunch of “vultures”. I believe him because 2 women were in there quite upset that there were no eggs. I thought – Get Over It –What about the locals, the school kids? No eggs for them either because a bunch of greedy cruisers got there first. Geeeze!! I would say no wonder we are called ugly Americans but these 2 women were Canadian! 4 cases of bananas were gone in 20 minutes!
Enough of that…. The reason we crossed to the Exumas is The First Friday in February Farmers Cay Festival The 5 F’s.
We have not been in a couple of years so this is the year! One of the highlights is the Class C Sloop Races. I will not try to describe them With any luck the next posting will have photos. There is a lot of pride among the islands in their boats & Black Point is no exception.
As you can see - this is a very important event. We decided that 100+ boats was far too many for us so around the corner to Little Bay we went to await the 5 F’s
The castle! Little Bay – Bahamian Style!
Not a bit like the one in Norfolk! We are off to Little Farmers Cay and hopefully post this before the festivities begin.
Later!
