Merry Christmas to all! We spent a very relaxing Christmas Eve docked at Palm Cay Marina.
Our adventure started back in November when Parka was launched after the eye of hurricane Irma passed within 30 miles of the Boatyard. We were very lucky as the only minor damage was a scuff on our dinghy. We had never experienced hurricane season before so we listened to the Marathon Boatyard team and removed or tied down anything that could possibly move. We built a wooden cradle for our dinghy and tied it down with 100' of line. It is actually the cradle that saved our dinghy. As it started to float away the cradle caught on a post .
When Irma hit there were reports of 150-180 mph winds and a sea surge of several feet. The water came over the Overseas highway and flooded the boatyard. Not all boats were as lucky as us and their stands were washed out from under them and the boats tipped over. Our launch was delayed by 2 weeks while the mess was sorted out, insurance adjusters came etc.
As soon as I was allowed to transit the Keys I came down to see Parka. I could not believe the devastation. Trailer parks completely obliterated, roofs torn apart and homes collapsed. Miles and miles of debris piled at the roadside awaiting pick up.
In just a few short weeks most of the debris is gone.
We said our goodbyes and left MBY December 19 on what was supposed to be a perfect crossing. We left at noon with a light North east breeze that was supposed to turn east. Unfortunately soon after dark we had NE wind at 19 knots right on the nose. The north component of the wind was fighting with the Gulf Stream giving us steep 3-5' waves. What was supposed to be 21 hours took us 26. We arrived at Biminiin good light and hot temperatures in the high 20's. Bimini was as remembered. Super friendly people and very clean.
We didn't stay this time as we are trying to get further south. We left Bimini at first light and sailed to Nassau.
We called in to Harbour Control at Nassau and were given permission to anchor in the Harbour. It was almost sundown so we set the anchor and enjoyed the view and activity of the Harbour.
The next morning we motored around the south east tip of the island and checked in with Palm Cay Marina. We are going to be here until tomorrow then we will move on to the Exumas.
Merry Christmas!