The hungry pigs of Big Major Cay
After thoroughly celebrating our first night on the boat, we were all moving a bit slow the next morning. Jen got some coffee brewing, and we had a great breakfast to rebuild our energy for our first day of sailing. Before we left the anchorage we had to make a quick trip to the beach to visit some of the famous natives. The boat was anchored just a couple hundred yards from the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. The weather was a little overcast and cool, but the pigs were ready for visitors rain or shine so we packed up some table scraps to feed the pigs and headed for the beach. As we headed to shore there were no tourists or pigs in sight, but as soon as we got near the beach there were pigs appearing everywhere.
We were quickly surrounded by pigs, which gives you a strange feeling like you just landed on an alien planet ruled by mutant swimming pigs. The pigs have been conditioned to expect gifts of food from the alien visitors. Business must be good, as these pigs look like they eat pretty well. They do get a little pushy on getting to the food as you see Jen getting chased in the video. We read about other boaters getting bit as they tried to feed the pigs, so the best method is to dump the food and get out of the way. After they realize you do not have any more food they go back to laying around the beach and in the shade of the vegetation. Almost all the pigs that swim out to the boats and greet you are full grown. If you walk up to the edge of the vegetation you will find piglets! I am sure their parents teach them to stay away from the crazy tourists. The pigs have a great beach, and I bet they picked it for the nice sand and pretty blue water. It is also perfectly positioned for them to enjoy the Bahamas sunsets and enjoy their piggy sundowners.
All the piglets hit the beach as soon as we left
Watch for our next post when we actually sail somewhere on our Exumas sailing trip!
The Sailing Rode / The Sailing Road
