Monday, May 21, 2012

Last days in paradise! Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas

Cecil and Carolyn planning the day!


There was a dog aptly named "Stella" that roamed freely around the resort.  She was a favorite at the airport where she had her own bed and food bowl.  She was a favorite up the hill at the resort also.  We saw her many times at the various places around the resort....



We had met "Bruno", the chef at the resort, the previous night at the restaurant.  He was chatting with us after we had eaten and we mentioned that we were heading over to Hawks Nest on Cat Island the following day.....He said he'd love to join us - so I volunteered our back seat.  Hmmm - most people don't take you up on those offers.....but Bruno gladly did!  I guess 30 years on the island makes you want to leave it if you get a chance!!  He was a nice temporary traveling companion.



Cat Island - less than 20 miles from Stella Maris...



The small resort, Hawk's Nest, is just a short stroll from the runway.


We had a very nice lunch at the restaurant...even chef Bruno approved!





Absolutely stunning -


For the return trip to Stella Maris - Bruno rode in the back of Dick and Lindy's plane - he took this neat closeup of our plane!  After our nice lunch at Hawks Nest we returned Bruno safely back to Stella Maris!

The following day, Duane, Dick and I were up early to head out on our only SCUBA diving of the trip.



The dive boat ran into some steering problems a few miles out - so they radioed shore and were sent another boat.  Within a half-hour, we were back on our way.  Here our Divemaster and assistant were arranging the boat changeout.



Here is Robert the divemaster leading us on the start of our first dive.


Duane looking around.



Nice coral, lots of fish...


A pretty angel fish - probably a foot long.  I noticed that the fish here were not as "skittish" as the fish in BVI.  A nice SCUBA trip.


Time was catching up with us - about time to end our spectacular trip!  Here we were at the Stella Maris Beach Bar for our last "cocktails".


A last view of the rocky shore.


Up early the next morning for final packing, clearing out with customs and heading back to the good ole' USA!



A bit cloudy while flying up the Exuma chain - this is  about where we crossed over to Highbourne Cay on the sailboat.

And back to Ft. Pierce!  After un-eventfully clearing customs back into the U.S., we were in for a cloudy/rainy flight back home.  This is the first of many such trips, I believe!!!


5 comments:

affectioknit said...

Sweet doggie!...and amazing about your hitchhiker...

Love,

T

Elizabeth said...

All looks lovely, especially the very white sand. Fun with Friends. MOM

AMC279 said...

I enjoyed reading your blog. We have been to Stella Maris twice and just loved it. It was great to see the photos of the resort, Chef Bruno, diving with Robert, flying over Exuma, the Rainbow House... takes me back! :)

AMC279 said...

I enjoyed reading your blog. We have been to Stella Maris twice and just loved it. It was great to see the photos of the resort, Chef Bruno, diving with Robert, flying over Exuma, the Rainbow House... takes me back! :)

Miranda said...

I can't tell you just how jealous I am of your trip! That's an awesome shot of your plane!