Bahamas Bound
25 February 2018 | Old Bahama Bay Marina, West End, Grand Bahama Island
February 25
Serendipity and crew leave Hollywood FL at 4:03 AM, it is pitch dark but we only have two bridges that need to open for us before we are out in the ocean. As we begin to untie from the dock the wind is blowing and we notice a dockhand walking our dock so we ask for him to hold one line as we back out of the slip, we didn't realize until later he didn't comprenda English because he wouldn't let go of the line and throw it onboard - We all yell "throw the rope" but nope he is hanging on. He finally let go and we are heading out to sea - that was a bit scary. Well, it is now time for new adventures. Serendipity meets the Atlantic in a big way and she did very well. It is really dark and the only boats we meet are huge ships and cruise ships heading into port (I have never seen this many cruise ships). The tide and wind reports are not correct - waves are greater than 2 ft and the wind is not out of the south but coming strictly out of the east. We can't decide if we should proceed in the dark with waves hitting us hard and coming over the bow or turn around and try at a later date or go to the Keys but we think the ocean might calm down and as the sun appears it might be better - at some point it was useless to even consider turning back. The sun did come up and the ocean did calm down and we are Bahama bound! Well, here we are at West End on Grand Bahama Island at approximately 2:00 PM and Stefano is here to help. Bob "The Captain" clears us all through customs and secures a slip at Old Bahama Bay Resort. A beautiful sky, water and marina so it is time for the ocean, pool and drinks at the bar. Becky provided free shots for Bob's birthday. Bob & Pat purchase fresh lobster and conch from a boat at the dock so Pat cooks the lobster while Bob does the rice and salad. Beautiful 1st day in the Bahamas - now I know why Bob was so determined to bring Serendipity here for a visit. While we are relaxing on the boat we see four guys aboard a fishing boat come into the marina and we hear them yell "LAND" - funny (know how they feel!). This is a beautiful spot and it is wonderful for us to finally put our feet in the water and our ___ in the sand!