This Little Long Island Of Mine

Sunset Over Long Island

By Bianca Major Photographs Courtesy Of Bianca Major

As the morning sun rises, the sound of chickens chuckling under the kitchen window breaks. The kettle steams, whistles, and the early bird pours a cup of sunshine. Nothing like a cup of sweet “fever grass” tea to accompany a hearty Bahamian breakfast. Native grown yellow grits, smothered with a helping of steamed “sawchiss” and sliced avocado pear, will put plenty of “pep in your step”.

“Make haste, eat ya food, work to do.” Probably the most motivational quote a person can ever hear. Because without a “belly full”, nothing can be accomplished.

Growing up on the “islands”, Family Islands, things worked a bit different. The daily routine consisted of tending to the house, farm, animals, fishing, hunting, opening your shop or doing whatever it is to earn your living. Island folk worked for themselves. “Get up and get it done” and “If you don’t do it, no one else will do it for you.”

The backbone of Long Islanders is the independent spirit that lives amongst them. When you take a step back and observe the humble people of Long Island, it overflows daily throughout the community or wherever Long Islanders are. Building lives, businesses, neighbourhoods one day at a time. You won’t find these people looking for handouts. If anything, they will be lending a hand during times of hardships.

Having the ability to live independently brings a soothing freedom to one’s soul. It’s that “island living”, so they say, but I beg to differ … its Long Island. The tropical island atmosphere created by Mother Nature and the hardworking people of Long Island makes for a unique blend of independent freedom.

Long Island, the skinny, “long” island in the southern Bahamas, has a unique charm. From the moment you step foot on land, it’s as if you have stepped into an alternate universe.

The freedom Long Island breathes into your soul is mind altering, making you want to stay on vacation forever.

You don’t have to go far. Once you arrive on Long Island, and experience this freedom, it will be exhilarating. Nature embraces you with all its beauty. Flowers and trees galore. Every hue of the colour palette is on display, from the lush flora to the powder sandy shores, crystal clear turquoise and indigo seas, all the way to the bright blue sky. As the sun sets, the horizon burns with corals so mesmerizing, you will wait for the stars to fill the night sky like shiny diamonds, dancing on parade.

Saltwater therapy for the soul is a major component to indulge in. Just “aaaahhhh” the freedom of Long Island when you touch the waters. Imagine

View at Lochabar

Dunmore Plantation Gate

diving into your own real-life aquarium—that’s what it truly feels like. Grab your fins and snorkels for an under the sea adventure.

From Southend to Northend, you can stretch out on a sandy beach without another soul in sight. Long Island’s Top 10 Shades of Blue Beaches:

1. Gordon’s Beach 2. Cape Santa Maria Beach 3. Galloway Beach 4. Ford’s Beach 5. Deal’s Beach 6. Dean’s Blue Hole Beach 7. BonneCorde Beach 8. Lochabar Beach 9. French Harbour Beach 10. Diamond Crystal

Adventure is on the agenda as this little island offers up multiple ways to enjoy and explore Long Island. You can make your own fun, make your own plans—break them, too—and still be having the time of your life.

Exploring the caves at Hamilton’s, where extraordinary rock formations and ancient writings can be found. Moving along to dive at world-famous Dean’s Blue Hole, or making another trek to the Shrimp Hole, where you can literally swim with the shrimp.

Making a pilgrimage to see the historical churches throughout Long Island, like the “twin tower” churches of Clarence Town.

Ancient ruins of former slave plantations are still visible, like those of Adderley Plantation and the site of Lord Dunmore’s estate at Dunmore’s settlement.

Experience the freedom of independence when you travel to Long Island. It’s life-altering and the feeling to never want to leave this paradise is permanent. Just ask somebody, but don’t tell anyone. Long Island is still our best-kept secret.

As a returning visitor describes, “Long Island is really amazing. I’ve been here six months, and this is probably my twentieth trip here and yet, I still squeal with joy when experiencing the pure, unadulterated beauty and magic of this place!”- F. Miller.

We wholeheartedly give this statement the stamp of approval. Definitely a must-do experience for yourself. But the charm of Long Island doesn’t stop there. The freedom to embrace the independent nature of the island living is here for all.

“This little Long Island of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” - B. Cartwright describes Long Island as a light shining when nature is in full bloom against the crispy blue sky.

“Oh, this island, this Long Island! This land of warm sun, trade winds, white floury sands, pale turquoise water, schools of fish, flowers everywhere, clouds of pale-yellow butterflies, and warm, genuine smiles everywhere ... everywhere you find magic, big and small.”- F. Miller

“There is nowhere else on the planet you can align yourself with Mother Nature in such synchrony, only Long Island does this. It’s as if you are on a different plane” - B. Cartwright

“The way Long Islanders embrace visitors with open arms and a heartfelt ‘Welcome Home...’. The sweet, innocent lyrics and tune of a rake ‘n’ scrape song. I’ve travelled a lot, but nowhere else have I ever experienced elsewhere what I get here.” - F. Miller

Long Island does this to you, and we bet if you visit, you may just want to stay, too!

Marking 50 years of independence, Long Island has maintained its own growth. As it is true, the independent-minded people of Long Island have built a thriving business community and will continue to persevere through the future. UA

Trail at Miley’s Royal Poinciana Flower