Arrivng Bimini 11:30 p.m. May 20, 2022

A whirlwind to prepare for departure has been at hand. You are never ready and as soon as you get off shore you remember what you have forgotten. We are Bahama Bound and excited to see our friends in the Abacos.

Aboard is Captain Ted and Gail with our crew of a family, who are Monica and Marc with their precious children, including Ava, who is known as the "helm hog." Her desire is to be a boat delivery captain at just 19 years old. Her brothers, Thomas, 17, Oliver, 13, and Emeth, age 9, are all a blessing with enthusiastic attitudes. Then we have Tabitha from Michigan, another great "hands-on-deck" lady with an open heart willing to serve.

As we departed Islamorada, Florida passing through the Snake Creek bridge, we bid bridge tender Vinny Bob a fantastic day, to be filled with the Son-light of the Spirit. Up on the bridge is Jamie, taking photos, and back at our canal dock, we bid goodbye to our faithful friends, Christi, Jeff and Penny.

Now that you know many of my friends' names, let's get back to our journey. Having friends in your life makes life more eventful and full of love and blessings.

I love how God has made the beauty of sea life so abundant. Especially the pod of dolphins who cruised by. This is one sight you never tire of. Later in the day, the thrill of reeling in a black fin tuna was had by Thomas. Fresh sushi was on the mind but with a kind heart the fish was released back into the sea.

Conversations on board have been rich and deep along with naps! The weather was a mix of clouds, rain, and more clouds and rain, with a lightning bolt here and there. In the mix were waterspouts forming high in the sky ahead, behind and beside us. But with all this action in nature, the seas remained fairly calm until 6 p.m. Then the wind and sky let loose for 3 hours, tossing our catamaran, Viento Azul, around. The tackle for the jib lines started slamming on the coach top as the wind increased, and the water slapping the hulls sounded like a stable with a few horses kicking to get out. We were soaked to the bone taking the main sail down. At one time, the sustained winds were holding at 40 knots and gusting to 45, with pelting-down rain. The boat felt as if we were floating in the air like a spaceship, hovering over the water in a cross wind. Then at one point, the wind made a switch, making for sail confusion along with those sitting at the helm. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, or at least that is what it felt like. There was a spiritual nature to the storm -- you could feel the intense forces warring with each other. The sea scape went from relaxed to gnarly and confused.

Slightly before midnight, we came into the shallow water of Bimini and dropped the anchor for the night. What a great relief to be somewhat still. In the morning, Captain Ted went ashore to clear customs . The process was form after form. As 11:30 a.m. rolled around, Captain returned and we were on our merry way. West End of Grand Bahama was our next destination. The day was smooth sailing with no rain or surprises. It is the day you dream about when you are dreaming about sailing into the sunset with your loved ones forever. The apparent wind was reading a steady 15 - 17, filling our sails and gliding us across the water at 7.5 - 10 knots on a starboard beam reach.

26 41'N:78 39' W We arrive West End and tuck in on the lee side. With joy, all jump in the water for a refresh before we fire up the grill. The night sky is clear, revealing lights from heaven. Peace is abounding, and all is well.