Kayaking the Caves of Baine's Bluff

The caves and boulders of Baine's Bluff on Long Island provided a perfect opportunity for exploring by kayak. 

Continuing our exploration of Long Island, we sailed south along the west lee shore and discovered Baine's Bluff. With trade winds gusting to 20 knots from the east, the high forested bluffs gave us great protection.

We felt as if we were floating in space over the crystal clear water.

We spent a day paddling our kayaks along the shore of the anchorage. Caves and crevasses, some large enough to kayak through, made us feel like kids again. Schools of snapper darted underneath us as we pulled ourselves through caverns just wide enough to squeeze through, with shafts of sunlight lighting our way.

No need for paddles as we pulled our way through the caves.

Finding a small beach, we tied off the kayaks and trekked along the tidal pools and boulders, finding more caves, along with signs of large animals that had tracked through.

With S/V Pandion anchored off the bluffs, we set off on foot for a hike.

That mystery was solved as the sun began to set, and a herd of wild goats showed up, leaping from rock to rock along the shoreline. We watched as the herd of a dozen animals, led by a big bearded billy goat, settled in for the night in the caves of the bluffs.

Pretty cool! We toasted to the wild goats of Baine's Bluff as the sun sank on the horizon, with a plastic glass of bag wine. Another great day!

A herd of wild goats on the bluffs.