I've had a fascination with the Bahamas from an early age. Raised on a farm in rural Michigan, I didn't get out much. We didn't know people who went on vacation, and travel time was always by car to visit relatives. When I was about 8, my parents had an opportunity to travel to the Bahamas for a week. I'm not sure what that trip was about, except that my parents returned with the most spectacular shells and a couple of photos of the most beautiful water I had ever seen. Years later, in the mid 1980s, while studying at Michigan State University, I joined the Adventure Club with the sole motive of going on their $350 week-long sail from Miami to the Bahamas. Everything about that week was pure magic. Well, everything except for the sea leg sickness for the week after I returned. That was a pure, living hell. Even so, spending the return week with the walls spinning was a small price to pay for a week in paradise. The captain we hired for the sailing trip kept us in completely remote locations, landing us in anchorages where we were not only the only boat, but usually the only people within sight. The one exception was an anchorage outside a tiny settlement somewhere in the northern Bahamas. There were a couple of houses and a tiny bar on the beach. The bar was probably 700 square feet, had a sand floor and a simple wooden bar the length of one end. Our captain told us we'd all be enjoying "Captain's Punch" that night and instructed us to buy what we wanted and pour it into a communal bowl. Before long, the bar was filled with locals, music started up, we were dancing, laughing and having a great time - a bunch of college kids from Michigan and a bunch of local kids from a little spot in the Bahamas. Somehow, we all successfully navigated the nighttime swim back to the boat and the tricky climb up the ladder to our beds. It's all about the people you know and without our captain, we would never have hooked up with that amazing night in that tiny remote bar. Likewise, when we were picked up at the airport on Cat Island before stopping at the rental home, our host asked if we'd like to stop for a Kalik at a tiny bar just down the road. Our host, Nick, introduced us to Clonious, the owner of a tiny little bar south of Orange Creek called North End Liquors and explained that this was the best deal on Cat Island with 3 beers for $10. Exhausted from a long day of travel, we each ordered our elixir, Clonious took the cap off each of our bottles, and we followed Nick to the water's edge behind the little wooden building so we could enjoy the sunset. It was marvelous. Over the course of my two week stay, we walked down to Clonious' bar several times. We had the opportunity to chat with all kinds of area people, and to enjoy the pulse of life on Cat Island. Whenever we passed, walking or in the car, anyone hanging out on the front porch waved and hollered greetings. It was really nice to feel so welcomed when we were clearly outsiders. Nearly every visit, Clonious' parting words were "Come back again and bring all your friends!" Our last night, I invited my husband to walk down for a some Kaliks. I asked Clonious if I could take a picture of him and explained that I might be posting it online. He responded with "Of course! Why did you wait so long?" He then asked if I would take photos of the front and post those, too. Of course, I promised I would. On that last visit, Clonious' bar was uncharacteristically packed with Emancipation Day celebrators. The front porch was filled with guys enjoying a few drinks together and I didn't want to take a picture without their permission. I explained that Clonious wanted me to share a picture with my friends back home and did they mind being in it, they were not only happy to oblige, but pulled us into conversation about their beautiful island, their history and how we should return. These guys were so ready to tell Dan and me all about Cat Island that we never even went around back to sit and watch the waves. Once again during my two week stay, I was struck at the deep seated pride residents hold for their home. It was also a lesson on visiting the local spots. Not only does the local economy get a boost, but the connections made with people can make memories that will last a lifetime. Dan and the guy directly under the window started talking music, inspiring our new friend to launch into "Have you eve seen the rain?" just as a huge clap of thunder hit directly overhead, sending us all into peals of laughter. It was one of those magical human moments that makes for the best vacation souvenir.< Sitting on the iron shore behind Northside Liquor, looking south.Becky and Virginia's last night on Cat Island, behind Clonious' place, looking northwest.
2 Comments
Becky
11/10/2019 04:05:22 pm
Thanks for the beautiful pictures and for the generous invitation, Elizabeth! It's one of my all-time favorite vacations. I hope you drum up some business for Clonious! I can attest to the deliciousness of the cranberry Kalik!!
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Elizabeth
11/12/2019 03:31:41 am
I loved our trip to Cat Island. I can't wait to return for more discoveries on that beautiful northern coast!
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AuthorI'm a mom to two, wife to one, and a math teacher to many. We live on Michigan's West Coast, in the beautiful town of Holland. We love the people, natural beauty, and peaceful vibe of the Bahamas Out Islands. Archives
December 2021
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