Enroute to Harbour Island via Bahamas Fast Ferries

A trip to Harbour Island two weeks ago reminded me of this first voyage that broke the spell of fear from me. I was reintroduced to the Bo Hengy, in its sleek grandeur. Traveling at some 35 knots, with a capacity of 177 passengers, the Bo Hengy manipulated the seas. I relaxed in air-conditioned comfort, as I watched the waves dance upon the deep dark ocean. The bright blue sky was filled with gallant cumulus clouds as rays of sunlight glistened on the water.

The view en route to Harbour Island seemed to be handcrafted by God - especially for that moment. As we approached the tropical isle immersed in Bahamian history, the darkness of the ocean faded into clear turquoise and aquamarine waters, making me believe I probably could touch the bottom if only I stretched out my hand.

On my right, wooden houses sat upright on grassy hilltops, looking down into the flawless sea; we also passed the historic Preacher's Cave, and Devil's Backbone, which, ironically, both gave their own sense of justice to Mother Nature; on my left, as we neared the Bo Hengy first stop at Spanish Wells, just West of Eleuthera, wooden pastel coloured houses graced the coastline, and the settlement's steep and narrow streets were busy with roaming golf carts and construction workers repairing rooftops , victims of Hurricane Jeanne. This was indeed a neatly knitted community.

Upon arrival at Harbour Island, I could tell the air was different - the atmosphere was different from Nassau's. There were no busy streets and traffic jams - and I really don't even remember seeing a street light. What kind of world was this that seeped into a simplistic way of life rather than modernisation? It was a beautiful world.

Pink sandy beaches beckoned to be touched, and the 250-year old Dunmore Town, with its narrow streets and sherbet coloured colonial-style architecture, invited the hearts and talents of artists and tourists alike.

Driving carefully through the streets in a golf cart, NG photographer Letisha Henderson and I went "up yonder" and "down yonder." Dag nabbit, they really do exist!!! We continued our tour passing Tingum Village, the Red Apple Hotel, and the Romora Bay Club on Colebrooke Street. And of course, I think every Family Island must have a Queen's Highway and a Bay Street. In this case, Bay Street is unlike the busy congested metropolis of modern day Nassau.