May 19, 2004

Meeks Patch, Eleuthera  Latitude 25° 30.75N - Longitude 76° 47.0W

Continuing our trek north, we finally left Hatchet Bay Pond even though the winds were still hovering around 20 knots from the ENE.  We reefed down and enjoyed a downwind sail through Current Cut that separates the Western tip of Eleuthera from Current Island.  The great sailing continued as we made our way to a small island north of the current called Meeks Patch.  Even though you could hear the wind roar, the north-south orientation of the island provides a comfortable anchorage from prevailing easterly winds with excellent holding in sand.  It is uninhabited, but its proximity makes it a great playground for boaters and folks from Spanish Wells.  Low tides provide opportunities for long walks along its windward shore to a couple of small barrier islands.  The lee shore has been made into a Robinson-Crusoe (sp)  type picnic area with plywood tables and bars nailed into the trees, a few chairs, barbecues, and other items for beach parties.