Hopetown

May 24-25, 2012

Art, Brenda, Renne' and I decided to continue exploring Hopetown.  We were there 5 days, and honestly, it was my favorite community in the Bahamas.  We started off heading behind the marina to the Lighthouse at Elbow Cay.

Although the lighthouse was a welcome sight to ships approaching the Bahamas from the East, the residents of Elbow Cay, and consequently, Hopetown were NOT happy about the addition.

Built in 1864, members of the community tried many times to sabatoge the construction.  The men here made their living as "Wreckers", salvaging cargo from ships that inadvertently sailed on the reefs off Hopetown.  Competition was very keen for these cargoes, and the individual who FIRST arrived on a wreck was the one in charge of distribution of the cargo.  A very lucrative postion to be in.  St. James Methodist Church was built facing south on the top of the hill overlooking the coast.

It is said the minister was able to look seaward during services and would be the first to notify the congregation if there was a ship in trouble.  This caused immeasureable irritation among other community members when they realized the plan.

As you enter the lighthouse, you realize we are in a historical building.  101 steps lead the way to the top of the lighthouse. 

At 61, I was pleased there was a mid-stop where we were able to read about the burner that provides the light for the fresnel lens.

Amazing as it is, this is the original lens and burner built in 1864.  And the light for the lighthouse is lit every night for ships to navigate by.

Looking out from the lighthouse, these are the views from the balcony at the top:

South

Southeast

East

Who is this????

North

Northwest

From here, we headed farther down the coast toTom Curry Anchorage in Little Harbor.