Bahamas
20 November 2009 | Bahama Islands
We left the USA and the real adventure begins.
Ah Bimini! We arrived after dark and set the anchor off South Bimini. The next morning we pulled into Bimini Sands Marina and cleared Customs. It was an absolutely beautiful marina and we practically had it all to ourselves. The busy season here is March to September. It does not appear that Bimini has changed much over the years. The other day we went to Honeymoon Harbor where the stingrays are so tame that they follow you around like puppy dogs. I adore stingrays and this was a great time. I will try to get the pictures uploaded soon. From here we will head east but still not sure which island is next. The water is so beautiful and clear that you can see the bottom at 30 feet.
Thanksgiving day. We are setting sail again heading east towards the Berry Islands. We will achor out in the middle of the Northwest channel somewhere and have a ham dinner - canned of course.
11-26-09 Left Bimini and sailed across the Great Bahama Bank. We made it about half way and anchored out in the middle for the night. The bank is the longest distance we have had to sail so far without sight of land. It was calm when we dropped the hook but we were awoken in the night by high winds and real rough seas. We rocked and rolled until dawn and started sailing as soon as possible. We both got about an hours sleep between us so we each napped during the day. We almost made it to the Berry Islands and decided to drop the hook again just after the Northwest Channel marker buoy. What a difference a day makes - smooth seas and slept like old people.
11-28-09 Set sail again and had a great ride to Whale Cay where we anchored for a day of rest and snorkeling. Found a sunken barge which had the most amazing mix of fish we have seen. Whale Cay in the Berry Islands has quite a past history so look it up on the internet. It was a party spot for the rich and famous of the past. We also caught two fish on the way here - a barracuda and a Greater Amberjack. We like it here so much we may spend a few days. Well, we spent two days in "The Blue Lagoon" snorkeling and lounging in paradise (we also cleaned the bottom of the boat - it is not all fun and games living on a boat!) but the weather is changing again with a cold front expected.
11-30-09 Headed for Nassau to hole up for a few days and get some fresh produce. Had a nice day of sailing and made it into the harbor by 3:00 PM. Our SSB Radio will not transmit so we need to have it looked at here.
12-2-09 Wow, what a change being in the big city. We are anchored right by the famous Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island. It is a nice for a few days but we are anxious to leave and get back off the beaten track. Bad news on the radio - it is the mother board so we will be content to listen only. We can still get weather forecasts and listen to Chris Parker for cruising and passage weather.
We found a laundry mat and did some wash then we went to the market where all the fishing boats come in and sell their catch of the day and we picked up 4 big lobsters for $20! I am making Lobster Alfredo for supper! YUM.