15 June 2014 | Compass Cay
14 June 2014 | Warderick Wells Cay
13 June 2014 | Norman's Cay
12 June 2014 | Allen's Cay to Norman's Cay
Florida
28 June 2014
I'm writing this as I'm looking at Fort Lauderdale's skyline, the month long trip is over. A lot of people thought we were crazy for doing this, some even called the coast guard on us. Even though the boat name was not officially changed in time for the adventure - the name Two Roads gives the perfect description. We are a family of living and adventure, trying to give our kids the best experiences possible while we have our blessed time with them.
We left at 6am and had a very smooth crossing, even caught 2 Mahi along the way. The water was like glass for hours which was the exact opposite of our first crossing which was so terrible. Things certainly got easier during the month - less boat bruises and scrapes as we got used to our new living situation, masks and snorkels were put on quicker without tangling long hair, kids learned to wash dishes off the back of the boat without fighting, how to unhook fish by themselves, sunscreen was applied even and often and no burns for 3 kids! I learned how to wash clothes in a bucket and use clothes pens to dry (Grandma Mary is smiling), how to cook 3 meals a day for 5 people with only one burner, how to live without cell phones and Internet, not wear makeup and live in a bathing suit. Chase learned to slow down some, things in a sailboat just take longer and we were not in a rush. His knowledge of engines and fixing things has always impressed me - but how much more so while we are at sea with no help. He had the most fun spearfishing, which to my knowledge he has never done before. Lots of books were read, mostly by me and Jax, and lots of games and 'team' work. Jax has been the best first mate a 10 year old could be, and the girls became best friends.
We have lots to do packing and cleaning the boat, but the awesome memories are already being mentioned. I look forward to making an awesome photo journal coffee table book sometime in the future as my bahama tan slowly fades. The turquoise water will be missed...
Honeymoon Harbor
27 June 2014
Just another gorgeous view
Last Day in Bahamas - Gun Cay
27 June 2014
Stayed at marina for first have of the day, lots of sea life around the docks to see. Walked around North Bimini and did a little shopping. Lunch was at a conch shack on the beach - definitely tastes better if you don't have to clean it! Saw two huge spotted eagle rays swimming next to each other as we left the Bimini harbor - very cool! Headed a little south to Honeymoon Harbor on Gun Cay. It's an amazing little beach cove with very friendly sting rays swimming the beach shallows. Great last day here with kids getting to experience the best of the islands.
Crossing to Bimini
26 June 2014
Chase started us off bright and early 4am for an 11 hour crossing to Bimini. Weather and seas were great, caught a few fish on the way but still kind of boring. We docked at a fun marina, The Big Game Club in Bimini. The kids had a nice pool to swim in and lots of fun at the docks. Even though there were restaurants around we ate on our boat because there is nothing better than our Mahi. The picture is Jax bringing in a barracuda on the hand line Cuban reel.
The Beach Bar
25 June 2014
Jax is so tan - and his hair is becoming translucent
More Blue Hole fun!
25 June 2014
So the kids really wanted to go back to the Blue Hole again. Everyone in the family jumped in this time, mommy was the last...and only after Allie went in with daddy holding her. Headed up the islands to The Beach Bar restaurant on Great Harbor Cay and got to update the blog :-) beautiful white sand beach here. Plan to head a north and around Stirrup Cay, the two cruise ship private islands and anchor for the night. We have a long crossing tomorrow and will start early to get to Bimini.