Traveling across the islands of the Bahamas from the prosperous north to the decaying south offers a complete picture of the life within these island communities. Life here has been largely shaped by the basic necessities required for survival—when certain forces, including natural disasters like hurricanes and economic declines based on local resources of salt, lead to the disappearance of once-prosperous towns. One such place is Albert Town, which at one time had up to 4,000 inhabitants. Now, it is home to just a few residents, whom we never saw.
A grocery shopHurricane shelterRuins of Sts. Augustine and David Anglican Church For whom the Bell Tolls?CTD cast in the Albert Town Anchorage Plot of CTD cast dataSunset
After leaving Clarence Town, we set a course for Pittstown, the northernmost point of Crooked Island. Despite what the names suggest, these places are actually small villages, each home to only about 50-100 people. Thankfully, these are still communities—far from the completely lifeless ghost towns that awaited us further along our journey.
After six hours of sailing, we arrived at our anchorage off Pittstown only to discover that half the houses were empty, abandoned in the aftermath of the 2015 hurricane. Among the buildings, only the new marina and a distant lighthouse caught our eyes.
The Bird Rock Lighthouse was both an architectural marvel and a poignant emblem of isolation. Built in 1876, the lighthouse featured a beautifully designed structure with a wide veranda supported by columns encircling its base. The tower itself rose from a mass of desolate rock that jutted abruptly from the Caribbean Sea, a crucial beacon for vessels navigating to and from the Bahama Islands.
There is a tragedy that happened on this lighthouse, you can read the full story here: https://www.lighthousedigest.com/Digest/StoryPage.cfm?StoryKey=4101
Sailing the oceanIryna is on the helm – so confident!Clear waters of Crooked IslandCatch of the dayView on the Birds Rock Lighthouse from the shoreClose up on the Bird’s Rock LighthousePtitstown MarinaRenting houses in the marinaHawkOceanolog and Lighthouse in blueSunsetArrived by dighny through the raff seasTechnical buildingLighthouse keeperBreaking wavesLighthouses architecture marvelOsprey built his nest atop the lighthouseDoors after doors….Main entranceAnother side of the verandaMillion dollars seaviewView from the baseCorroded stairsCorrosionOil storageVeranda with a sea viewTwo on the LighthouseCTD cast with the Birds Rock Lighthouse on backgroundRuskin plot of CTD cast data
Clarence Town is the capital of Long Island and has a population of 86 people. Nestled along the shimmering shores of Long Island in the Bahamas, Clarence Town emerges as a hidden gem awaiting discovery. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of more touristy hotspots, this quaint settlement exudes an irresistible charm that captivates visitors with its tranquil ambiance and captivating beauty.
Step back in time as you wander through the streets of Clarence Town, where echoes of Bahamian history resonate in every corner. Named after King William IV of England, the town boasts a rich heritage shaped by centuries of maritime traditions and colonial influences. From its humble beginnings as a Loyalist settlement to its pivotal role in the salt trade industry, Clarence Town has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, leaving behind a tapestry of cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.
No visit to Clarence Town is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Dean’s Blue Hole, a natural wonder that beckons adventurers from around the world. Plummeting to depths of over 200 meters, this mesmerizing underwater sinkhole is one of the deepest of its kind in the world, offering divers and snorkelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its mystical depths.
View on Clarence Town from anchorageDigny dock 9 sharks welcomed us!Flying Fish MarinaSV Oceanolog on anchorageSt. Peter and Pavel Catholic ChurchSt.Paul’s Anglican ChurchNice, but very expensive Flying Fish MarinaHappy landing:)Splash poolSalt deposits on rocksSunset splashShipwreck washed on shoreSalt pondSandpipersA road to the Dean’s Blue HoleDean’s Blue Hole – second deepest in the world, place of free-diving training and international competition.
From light turquoise to dark indigoA turtle, which lives in the Blue HoleMockingbirdsWhite-cheeked PintailsSunset CTD castPlot of CTD cast data
