I found some pictures of another spot we visited while waiting for parts, Pipe Cay. Pipe Cay is actually one of the larger islands in this cluster but it is does not have much elevation, it’s kind of marshy in areas and has some mangroves so it’s also buggy when the winds die down. The cay was used as a navigation station years ago but has long since been abandoned. The basin was dredged to accommodate construction and supply vessels but it’s pretty small so not a place to anchor in my opinion. There is a strong sea wall about 100 feet long, a couple of huge bollards and remnants of some infrastructure. The navigation system was called DECCA and it’s actually quite interesting, it predates loran. DECCA was first used days before the allied invasion of France in 1944. The system was used to guide minesweepers so they could clear a path for the landing ships that crossed the channel. It is a very interesting read, google it. This cay was nice but the surrounding area is breathtaking and it was a great spot to stay while exploring. We passed this place several times on both trips assuming that there would be no room to tie up. Well we decided to poke in see if there was any space, and we lucked out! There was a large power boat tied to the sea wall that looked like a research vessel or something official but we went in anyway, all they could do is tell us to leave. As we approached, two people came out of the boat and caught our lines, it turns out they are from New York. They refitted an old fishing boat into a yacht, they were wonderful people. They had been tied up there for a while and told us we were the second boat to visit in six weeks. They were actually quite happy to have visitors! We spent the next several days, hiking, fishing, exploring, chatting and playing dominoes, it was a blast.
Dea Latis on the sea wall:
Sunrise Pipe Cay:
Dea Latis:
One of the abandoned buildings:
Beautiful beach and in the lower right corner is Kiwi, their two year old yorkie:
The water is so clear here:
Many of the islands around Pipe are privately owned. This is Little Pipe Cay which is about forty acres I think, it is beautiful with amazing homes. I’m guessing it is a private resort for the very wealthy.
This is Hatties Cay, also private, which is a little crescent shaped cay just north of Little Pipe Cay:
This is new construction on the privately owned Joe’s Cay, south side view. There are several buildings/homes going up and a breakwater was put in to shelter the private marina:
Entrance to north side, breakwater and marina:
North side view of the homes:
Private marina:
Arched walkway over to the marina:
Another home being built:
Also found time to do some fishing. I was looking for fish and found this…it was the largest shell I have found. It was in use so I made sure to put it back quickly right where I found it:
I was aiming for a nice snapper but missed it. When I pulled my spear back I had these two on the end. They’re delicious!! Two for one!!
