RESPECT THOSE MARLS!
On the western side of central Abaco lies an area of muddy,
scrubby cays and shallow channels called The Marls. Respect those Marls!
They form a maze the Minotaur would be proud of.
Michael Barry and Jenny Whitlock found this out when they ventured to Woolendean
Cay from the South Side Dock for a quick visit in early October in an aluminium
dinghy. They found the cay and headed back to resume their normal activities
like feed the cats and pay the maid. They only intended to be away for
an hour or so. The Marls had other plans for them.
"It was frustrating," Michael told the Journal. "We had
GPS and a compass and knew we were only 4.2 miles from land. We could see
it but couldn't find our way to it." After hours of searching for
the way through and no gas left, Michael and Jenny practised survival techniques.
Luckily the couple were strong and resilient and a few rain showers provided
them with some water. By Monday morning, however, things were getting desperate.
A search plane flew right over them. Seven hours later they were spotted
and an airboat picked them up.
The Marls form one of the world's most complex natural mazes. You could
base a computer game on its intricities. As Michael said, "Don't go
there without a guide. Or plenty of water."