The island of Eleuthera is a mere two miles wide at the widest point but stretches to 110 miles in length. White sand beaches fringe most of the island but a few special areas boast powder-soft pink sand beaches. One of these gems is Lighthouse Beach. It is located at the southernmost point of the island, on the Atlantic Ocean side where it converges with the waters from the Caribbean Sea. An old abandoned lighthouse stands watch over the beach.
The pink color of the sand is derived from microscopic coral insects, known as foraminifera, which have a bright pink or red shell full of holes through which it extends a footing, called pseudopodia, which it uses to attach itself and feed. These animals live on the underside of reefs, on the sea floors, beneath rocks and in caves. After the insect dies, the wave action and scavengers pulverize their colorful shells. Waves and currents then mix the shells in with the sand and bits of coral and wash the remains ashore to a final resting place of powdery sand.
The beach is 50 miles south of Governor's Harbour which is a two hour drive. The three miles just before you arrive is rough road. An SUV is advisable but a regular sedan can make it if you're very careful over a couple of rough spots. Don't forget to bring large bottles of drinking water.
Email me the answers to these three questions and log your find. Enjoy!
1) The pink stands out more in the wet sand at the water's edge. Grab a handful of sand and describe the color and texture in your own words.
2) What is the name of the animal that gives the sand its distinctive hue.
3) Stand at the cache coordinates and give a quick description of the geological formation visible to the west.
This is a beautiful area. Show me some pictures of what caught your eye.
