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Adventures of a Modern Pirate: February 2019

I officially had the heebie-jeebies. Swimming in the blue hole was spooky, and I was creeping myself out with images of the Creature from the Black Lagoon flashing across my mind. Though I was told that it was just a huge cavernous hole filled with water and there were no creatures with large teeth, I still felt as if I were being watched from down below. 

Regardless, we swam and enjoyed the cool, serene spot and I even managed to sunbathe and nap a few minutes in the warmth of the day. Mysteriously, a soothing feeling washed over me that I had not felt before. Something about the luxuriant salt water made me feel slackened all over and even a bit heavy. Whatever it was, the blue hole seemed to administer a healing power that I never forgot. 

A couple hours later, there was a consensus that our stomachs were in need of some hot calories and cold beers. So we took one last look at the beautiful blue hole and started back the way we came. 

“There’s a joint where we can eat called The Wrecking Tree, near the Green Turtle Ferry Dock,” Tom said. 

“They have fabulous food,” my uncle added. 

On cue, everyone said, “Let’s go!” 

Tom led the way along the inconspicuous and soundless road, followed by Evelyn, Peter, my uncle and me. Once back on the main road, we walked alongside each other reminiscing about the awesomeness of the blue hole. It was a unique and fabulous spot. 

The Wrecking Tree was more or less a small shack in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint with a tree jutting skyward through the middle of a small porch. The view from the enclosed dining area was just as spectacular as the food. I had the recommended conch salad with fried fish ‘n’ rice. The conch salad was delectable and I finished it off in record time. The rest of the meal was likewise toothsome, with a couple of beers to wash it all down with. 

Afterwards, I meandered and read the history on a sign. The restaurant was built around the tree! Throughout the mid-1800s, wrecking ships salvaged ships that fell prey to the many reefs in the area. The Wrecking Tree itself was where Green Turtle’s wreckers would bring their salvaged treasures. From here, under the shade of the tree, the loot was cataloged and prepared for shipment to Nassau. 

I was standing on holy pirate ground! 

Gotta get back to my coconut concoctions . . .

This column is part of an ongoing story of tales from the past that continues each month. Read Josh’s previous columns here:

To read more about Josh’s new novel, click here!

Joshua MacLeod is a NSB local and a Florida native. He is the author of Savage Tango and Chasing Latitudes. He lives with his dogs, Durango, Higgins and Oscar.

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