Visit to The Bahamas - Part 6

18 February, 2026 

Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina - High Rock

     Miriam had a tidying up session, so this is a good time to show a little of the interior of our "home" for the week.

     We were very comfortable there, and again we express our appreciation to Braden for moving out of his house so that we could use it.

     I was outside just after 06h:00 and walked along the wall to see what I could discover.

     Predictably, a Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) was the first bird I saw.

     Mourning Glory (genus Ipomoea) is always delightful wherever it is found.

     Egg came to join me, perhaps to make sure I didn't get lost.

     I am quite sure that her tail was stiff from wagging it!

     Miriam emerged after a while and saw a Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica).

     In the distance, out on the open ocean, boats were sailing by.

     Frangipani Trees (genus Plumeria) are beautiful.

     Like many species of Plumeria, however, the branches and trunk contain a milky, latex sap. Contact with this substance causes irritation to the eyes and skin.

     White Peacock (Amartia jatrophae) was far and away the most common butterfly we saw. This individual has ragged, abraded wings, perhaps due to attempted predation or simple wear and tear on these fragile structures.

     Just along the way, this one was in pristine condition.

     I waited for a while to see if something would enter or leave this hole, but nothing did, so I still have no idea who the occupant is.

     After breakfast Miriam and I explored along the road in front of the house.

     It was encouraging to see this attempt at environmental responsibility.

     To what extent the messages are heeded and put into practice is another matter entirely!

     We often saw Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), sometimes in unlikely places.

     It appears that a feral or semi-feral population has become established. They are exceedingly handsome birds.

     Nothing says "tropical" quite like a Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera).

      Back in the mangroves, the Willets (Tringa semipalmata) congregated in the usual places.

     A Brown Anole (genus Anolis) scampered up and down and round and round a tree.

     Predictably, a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was never far away.

     In late afternoon we went to the Island School to see Holly and some of her pupils. Classes were over for the day and she was supervising the children whose parents had not yet collected them.

     It was a delight to get to meet the students, have a chat and get a glimpse of what the future holds. 

     They were well spoken, polite and not at all shy.

     Not everyone wanted to do a jigsaw puzzle.

     And some just came to observe. 

     We took advantage of the opportunity to look at the classrooms.

     Don't you want to be six or seven years old again?

     A Northern Mockingbird looked in on us.

     As soon as Holly was free to leave we drove over to High Rock, a well known headland for adventurous folk to dive from a height into the pellucid water of the blue ocean.

     Many were braver than I!

     As you may see, bravado trumped style!

     A kind lady lounging on the deck offered to take a group picture of us.

     We left the Island School to go over to the nearby Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, where we had enjoyed dinner on Will's birthday.

     Fishing is a major activity at this location and the catch is cleaned at the water's edge, with inedible portions thrown into the sea. Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) have become habituated to the easy pickings and are often seen.

     There were no fisherfolk present when we visited, but by simply throwing a few pebbles into the water, a shark was lured in.

     It was an impressive animal, imbued with grace and power. We were privileged and excited to see it.

     We returned home well satisfied.

     Tonight we had planned a barbecue with all manner of food to be grilled. The first order of the day was to get the fire going, and burned down to generate heat.

     As soon as the embers were glowing Will took over as chef supreme.

     There was food aplenty, with a salad and potatoes brought from the house. Everyone ate to their heart's content. I even had my first hot dog in years!

     Will and Andrew, the fire starters and grill masters celebrated as befits a father and son team, with a beer and a Cuban cigar. 

     Now there's a Bahama memory for the ages!

     It was a balmy night enjoyed by all.

     I am sure that we all slept well!