Hope Town, Abaco

What a wonderful visit we had in Hope Town. It's picturesque, quaint and perfect for a vacation getaway, even the sign "Slow Down, You're Entering Hope Town" let's you know you are in for a treat.

We were welcomed by friends who are moored there for the winter cruising season almost immediately, and invited to participate in a Full Moon Dinghy RaftUp where you tie up to the other dinghies just before sundown with drinks and appetizers - just to drift around the harbor as the tide was changing.  What fun that was.

Looming over the harbor is the candy-striped Elbow Cay Lighthouse. It is one of the last kerosene lighthouses in existence, and thanks to Jeffrey, the tender, we were given an exclusive visit to witness first hand, the lighting of the lamp.

Before the sun had gone down we walked out onto the gangway surrounding the lighthouse and were given an exciting view of Hope Town Harbor, with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. The climb had been a challenge, but the view was well worth the effort.

It was impressive to learn more about the history of the lightshouse. Even more impressive was to hear that Jeffrey, or his cousin, climb the hundred or more steps to the top, every two hours during the evening to crank the gears to keep the light turning.

If you are ever in the area, you will certainly want to visit Hope Town. And while you are there you will want to take advantage of the spectacular scenery that can be observed from atop the Elbow Cay Lighthouse.