Candace jumping into Charlie's Blue Hole

Tuesday, March 22

Hey Everybody! Horse girls here to bring you day five in the Bahamas. We started the chilly morning        (60) with a delicious breakfast.  Followed by a lecture on the history and culture of Andros Island and the Red Bay community. After Dale's lecture we started our journey to the Red Bay area, it's hard to believe such a civilized group of people can keep hidden for almost 200 years. It wasn't until a hurricane hit in 1927 that revealed Red Bay and the people living there. Our first stop in Red Bay was to the famous wood carver, Henry Wallace and his lovely family. Henry Wallace has had his carvings displayed in the Smithsonian! His wife, Eldita, carved wood into different figures including turtles, a parrot and a beautiful box. She also wove baskets that varied in color and sizes. One of her baskets was big enough for Savannah to sit in.

At Henry Wallace's wood carving studio

 After learning how to weave baskets last night we are able to appreciate how much time, patience and effort go into completing these masterpieces. Their son, who is following in Henry's footsteps, also carved a box with beautiful designs. Henry was in the process of making a bonefish, we had the privilege of watching him carve something simple into a masterpiece. Our next stop after lunch was to visit Wilton Russell, another wood carver and musician. After looking at his wonderful wood carvings we sat down and listened to his stories as he played beautiful music accompanied by his grandsons on the drums. The music was something extraordinary and we were glad to have the opportunity to listen.  One of our last stops in Red Bay was to the late Miss Marshall's residence where we got to purchase baskets made by family to who she had taught her trade. On our way out, we stopped at another local Red Bay residence. Otis is a fourth generation sponge farmer. Once we left Red Bay, our last stop of the day was to Charlie's Blue Hole, a 300 foot deep hole formed when limestone erodes. Legend has it that it gets its name from  a diver that died in the hole and his body was later discovered in the caves of the blue hole. The water was chilly but refreshing. After we returned to camp and had dinner we finished the night with more lessons from Miss Annie on basket weaving. The day was full of new knowledge and experiences.

Mr. Wilton Russell

Dear Mom, Dad and Scott
  I am having so much fun going on all our adventures this week. We have so many more fun activities to come. I never want to leave the weather is beautiful and the people are so nice. I love and miss you all. See you soon. Love Ashlee
Dear Mom and Garrett
   I am having a lot of fun with everyone and everything. I am really bummed that I missed Giborra. I hope the filly is healthy and adorable. I miss all my boys and you guys I guess! Can't wait to come back and see everyone again. Love Candace