A week in Nassau
17 July 2013 | Nassau, New Providence
So once Sherry/Jason left we discovered that Tara and Chris decided to visit us, and perhaps crew with us back to Florida. It was therefore decided to RV with them in Nassau to make life simple. Couple of days before we headed in and decided to stay at a marina until they arrived, chosing the Nassau Harbour Club. Nice place, pool and right across from a mall with superb grocery, liquour store and starbucks. Once Tara/Chris arrived we decided to anchor out.
Mother Nature had different plans for us which precluded a crossing. Plan B was head back to the Exhumas, but our concern was we might not get back to Nassua because of the front. So we ended up sticking around Nassau.
Interestingly, after 3 years of cruising the Bahamas this was our first time at Nassau! Never been one for crowds or busy places we never saw the need (coupled with negative reports of high crime). Our friends on Dutchess gave us a totally different perspective so we decided to try it out.
Had a great week playing tourist. Did a few walking tours as well as dingy tour. Downtown is very interesting at how the athmosphere changes dramatically when a bunch of cruise ships are in.
We really enjoyed the national art gallery, which is in an old estate converted to a gallery. Next was the rum distilllery tour, with of course sampling after. Next day we toured one of the forts and the Queens Staircase. Had a great local provide a superb commentary on the fort and staircase, including the history and background. This is a much see if your in the area.
The best was some of the local food. We checked out the Fish Fry out at Arawak which was good, but the best we found were in the food shanties under the bridge over to Paradise Island. Probably the best conch fritters I have ever had! Great prices too, so highly recommended.
While Nassau is definately not the Exumas we felt safe there and found a lot to see and do. Day after Tara and Chris flew out of Nassau and as the front cleared and behind it gorgeous weather. Throwing off the lines we headed past the cruise ships and headed to Frasiers Hog. Arriving there at noon, with a great forcast for the next couple of days we decided to press on and so pushed across the banks, the gulf stream and dropped the hook at West Palm around 1100 the next day. Great crossing! Even hooked a nice MahiMahi, but lost it as we got it near the boat.