Crooked Island, a remote southeastern island in the archipelago known as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas boasts of beautiful clear waters. Besides rolling hills - perfect for cyclists and skateboarders, numerous caves for spelunkers,ponds, creeks, bluffs,woodlands, blue holes and historic sites, this island serves as an ideal haven for nature lovers, families, the curious adventurer, historians, geologists and vacationers.

Henry, a tour guide and friendly fisherman, had to wait to receive medical attention at a nearby clinic. He chose to relax and pass the time among friends at the Landrail Point Public Library. Before long, Henry was chatting and sharing his knowledge of fish found in Bahamian waters with a hubber. Her rising hub and profile scores as well as the details of the hub Crooked Island-Majestic Jewel captivated his interest. What did he need to do to tell the world about his thriving enterprise? Immediately, Henry and the hubber were plunged into action, brainstorming and discussing possibilities for a tour

Business demands detailed planning. Without profound insight, the vision of owning a successful business disappears like vapour. Henry owned and maintained his boat; and it was seaworthy. Where would he find interested online customers for his tours? What package could he offer them? How much would the deal cost? Tours Henry and the hubber considered were to Bird Rock Lighthouse and the Caves, French Wells, Long Cay, to see Flamingoes in their natural habitat and visit Shell Beach as well as Diving for Conch and Fishing. Fortunately for Henry, the hubber knew two tourists who would be interested in the Long Cay and French Wells tour. This couple enjoyed nature ,especially fishing ; and they desired to see flamingoes as well as explore Shell Beach. On Shell Beach, countless varieties of shell wash ashore and await eager collectors. Just relaxing on the clean ,white powdery soft sand and swimming in the clean,clear water where one can see one's feet would etch pleasant, indelible memories.

Henry declared that he believed in 'on time tours'. This declaration thrilled and met the approval of the tourists. Although Henry was ready to leave at 8:00 a.m and return by 3:00 p.m., he exercised flexibility. What time would serve them best? They lived in Major's Cay, quite a distance from Landrail Point. Everyone agreed that 9:00 a.m would be a more suitable time. His boat would be tied up at the marina in Landrail Point and the party would meet him there.

By 9:30 a.m., everyone had entered the boat and Henry headed for the open seas. The wild waves pranced and danced, forcing the vessel to bounce. Who has heard about riding stallion billows? Henry turned the boat closer to the shore, providing the passengers with more comfort. This twist of fate brought the vessel not only in proximity to the shore and a smoother ride, but also to matchless art Do you admire the artistic genius and creativity of Mount Rushmore? Come to Crooked Island! Nobody planned and etched the awesome view along the shoreline. Snorkeling enthusiasts, the curious adventurer and the spelunker can revel in the knowledge that countless underwater caves exist ; and they are worthy of exploration. Those who view the boulders on the cliffs may wonder who was clearing an area in the sea and tossed them there, out of the way randomly! That the views are breathtaking and leaves one speechless is not an understatement. It is true! Binoculars and binocular cameras are an asset during such a tour.

Aquamarine, a colour in the Bahamian flag, aptly describes the dominant hue of the water. White sand beckons you, inviting you to slip off your sandals, shoes, flip flops and exfoliate your skin. The proximity of the boat to the shore heightened the temptation to jump ship and swim to the land, not waiting for Henry to beach the boat. French Wells proved an irresistible en route stop. At French Wells, history is awakened as the buccaneers and piriates exploited the shelter provided by the islands for their lucrative business of preying on unsuspecting ships. Pirates used the Bahamas as a playground and haven, Henry showed a well on French Wells that provided precious fresh water to passing ships, including pirates' vessels. In addition to the well, tourists can see and sample dohling plums, wild dillies and berries when they are in season. Although the dohling plum and berries were ready, the wild dillies needed a few more weeks to ripen.

Walking barefeet on the sandy, white, powdery soft beach and looking out to sea at the varying hues, inhaling the fresh air and inviting the cool , refreshing breezes to tousle the hair allows an individual to create indelible memories. What does it feel like to be young again, to run along the beach with chidlike abandon, to play ' hide and seek' or 'catch me' with a spouse? Endless possibilities exist especially for newlyweds or those who may be losing or have lost the loving feeling. French Wells is the place for love restored. .As you walk ,run or frolic in the footsteps of history, an adventurous excitement overwhelms you. Family fun revives and refreshes itself at French Wells! Apt imagery attempts prove futile and even the best camera cannot perceive the pleasure and heightened awareness. French Wells needs no advertisements as it speaks clearly for itself. Once will never be enough!

Bidding adieu to French Wells proved heartrending; but lingering there delayed the arrival on Fortune Island, now known as Long Cay. After leaving French Wells, the island which was silhouetted and seemed distant loomed ahead. Within minutes Henry docked the boat and the small party went ashore at Long Cay. From the dock, they journeyed up the short flight of stairs, a brief but worthy exercise. Everyone navigated to the shady almond tree, which has a picnic table and bench. A guitarist, local entertainer and vocalist awaited and welcomed the tourists with his charming and friendly warmth. After some Now and Again, he cleared his throat and accompanied himself on his treasured guitar. Talent appears in many forms; and sometimes few acknowledge and appreciate it. The entertainer/ musician provided a legendary performance that is unique to Long Cay. He knows that fortune has smiled on him in spite of the vicissitudes of life. He is simply thankful; and his songs, mostly originals, are riddled with a cultural flavour.

A brief tour of the area began at the local post office and then moved to the nearby buildings, some in ruins. Then the tour wend its way past flaming poinciana, guinep, cordia and other trees. Roosters roamed freely, announcing their presence at intervals. The older folks will tell you that fowl don't crow for fine feathers but for long life. The roosters on Long Cay, like the wild goats there, seem to live in a sanctuary. Finally, the touring party arrived at the oldest church on the island. Can you envision the majestic grandeur of a cathedral? Transport that vision to a small island- a cay. Within the churchyard lies a cemetery. One grave belongs to a soldier from the late nineteenth century.

The south side of the island, which the flamingoes favour for their habitat, proved too rough to access at that time. But flamingoes are not stationary birds. Observant residents of Crooked Island have watched flocks of them travel from Long Cay to visit their island. They have been sighted at the culvert, in marshes and in ponds. Wherever these birds are seen, they are stately symbols as they are the national bird of the Bahamas. At the Ardastra Garden in New Providence, they perform for tourists who may not be able to enjoy the view of seeing them in nature.

A visit to Long Cay seems incomplete without salt from the salt pond there. Thus, a gift of salt proves perfect. As Henry pulled the boat away from the dock, the group noticed a large stingray. To photographers in the group, it appeared as a dark blot. Minutes later, Henry sped out of the harbour and headed for an area known for its conch population. Fish savour conch bait; and some of the boaters on board enjoyed such delicacies as conch salad, conch fritters and cracked conch. Henry knew where to steer his boat; and one of the passengers eagerly awaited the opportunity to dive for his meals at the designated location.

To Be Continued

McHenry On Time Tours Part 2