Flying in to Walker's Cay.

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For years, my husband and I had flown to Walker's Cay directly from Fort Lauderdale on Chalk's Airline. Five years ago, hurricanes destroyed Walker's hospitality industry, and there are still no plans for redeveloping that famed spot. But we discovered Grand Cay right next door, and you can still fly to Walker's airstrip (where there is a customs office) and enjoy all of its waters by staying on Grand, home to many of the folks who worked at Walker's.

The standard route takes you from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Bahamas on a major carrier, where you pick up a Regional Airlines flight to Walker's on a 9-seater small plane. Regional Airlines runs regular flights to and from Walker's Cay four or five days a week. Both flights took 20 minutes but there are the usual wait times with any major airline.

Recently, we've learned a more direct flight option. Arie Bakker's charter service, [phone] or arieb@bellsouth. net, flies from Fort Pierce, Vero and Stuart to Walker's. Up to 5 passengers can fly on Arie's plane for a total cost of $800 one way, and the trip takes about 45 minutes. If you have the group, that makes the trip much quicker and more reasonable.

On our most recent trip, as usual, Ishmael Albury, former Walker's Cay dockmaster, [phone], met us at the airstrip and had us over on Grand Cay by boat in 15 minutes. There are a couple of hotels on Grand Cay, including the beloved Rosie's, and also Maxine's and Cooper's Cove. Albury sets us up in private apartments (about $125/ night). Meals can be very reasonable, or more luxury-style. Fishing charters cost about $350 for eight hours. We like reef fishing, but there's also bluewater and bonefishing. Barry Albury, Ishmael's brother and former Walker's Cay divemaster, [phone], can take you on great dive trips. Don't expect much for night life. The place is idyllic, and traveled by anglers and sailors.

Knowing that there are ways to fly in and fish the waters of Walker's Cay is good news for those of us who do not have the capacity to boat over to the area.