Local Fare

Today’s arrival on Acklins Island begins the next adventure. Acklins is in the south of the Bahamian archipelago, lying near Crooked Island, south of Long Island.  With only around 500 residents and not much in the way of services or groceries, it is remote with a capital “R”.  The only commercial flight in or out comes in Wednesday and Saturday, so you better not need to leave in a hurry.  The most remote yet civilized place I have visited. 

I have three days of guided flats fishing scheduled if the weather cooperates. Should have plenty of shots at Bonefish and hopefully a cast at a Permit or two. That leaves three days of photography, exploration, and diy fishing.  

The scars of hurricane Joaquin in 2015 are painfully obvious and deep. It is hard to comprehend the forces of nature required to create such destruction nor the perseverance of this islands inhabitants to keep rebuilding after each subsequent hurricane.  Life is not easy here, before factoring in hurricanes.  It is never a matter of “if” here, but “when”? 

Thus far the people here have been friendly and welcoming, I expected nothing less, Bahamians are good people.  Alice who runs the small lodge where I am staying, is looking out for me this week.  It is early in the flats fishing season, so I am her only guest, and the lucky recipient of all her attention.  Earlier this evening she delivered to my door a fine and tasty meal of Grouper, rice, and coleslaw. The food experience should be outstanding local fare. You do not just go grocery shopping here; store bought food is primarily brought in by inhabitant need.  Having someone prepare almost all your food is the only way to go, despite my normal self-reliant nature.  

Settled in my room and all lined out with my Fishing Guide Fedel Johnson for Friday morning.  Time to get some rest and see what happens tomorrow.