Imagine it.

 

The skies are clear blue with matching waters beneath. You are stretched out in the white grainy sand, taking it all in, somewhat hypnotized by the wave of the palm branches and rhythm of the soft waves. Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of something swimming towards the shore. Is it a dolphin, a shark? As it gets closer, the image becomes clear – although hard to believe. It’s a pig. Yes, a swimming swine – pink and paddling like no one’s business. And he is not alone. Is this a dream?

 

Perhaps not. If you’re on one of 365 cays deep in the Bahamas, the scenario could be reality. But it has to be a specific island - not the one owned by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill – or the ones claimed by Johnny Depp or Nicolas Cage. A neighbor to Nassau, Big Major Cay is home of the swimming pigs.

 

And that’s not hogwash – any of it.

 

The picturesque Exuma – a collection of cays where both “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” have chosen as backdrops, are known for their celebrity status. But on Big Major Cay, dozens of pigs have adapted to their tropical surroundings. Here’s the abridged version of the story: In 1992, a couple of men, including the son of a Nassau pig farmer, brought five pigs – four girl pigs and one boy pig – to the unlikely destination. From what I gather, it was to preserve the line of swine during a time when area agriculture was in decline and embargo was possible. The originally tame pigs turned wild and as years went on and reproduction took place, these little piggies adapted to their surroundings – even learning how to swim -  snouts up and tails spinning like propellers - so they could meet the boats which came to feed them. Now, boats come to the island just so passengers can see it all for themselves.

I was actually in the air en route to my last tropical getaway when I read the most fascinating story in “American Way,” American Airlines’ own periodical. I was flipping through the issue – on which Lucy Liu graced the cover – when I stumbled upon a story which brought my imagination to full living color.

 

On this late-January wintry night, I hope it does the same for you.

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. More "It's Happening" HERE.