Finally saying goodby to Key Largo. Jason and Kate Briggs are staying this month in Islamorada so they came over for dinner. So fun catching up. Today, 2/27, we did the wash, got a few more things at the store, filled out documentation that we need, washed the boat, secured the dingy and stowed things that might go flying if we hit a big wave. Tomorrow we leave at 6:00 am and should be in Bimini by 6:00 pm. I'm a little nervous but weather looks great so it will be fine!
Saturday, Feb. 28
It was sad to leave Key Largo after 5 weeks. However, it is time to tackle the Bahamas! Alarm went off at 5:00 am. Coffee first and my NY Times games. The marina was quiet and still. At 6:00 am we cast the lines and left the dock. We navigated Crash Corner again with ease and then the jetty as we left.
Since our buddy boat was a huge catamaran, we left 2 hours before them. They eventually caught up with us.
Our coming into Bimini with strong current was interesting but many hands helped us. The "Lobster Man" came by while we were docking to sell us lobster but Kim said we had a lot going on so to come back tomorrow. LOL. We had to put up the yellow quarantine flag until we cleared customs and immigration. I could not go, only the Captain could. I chilled and took a shower while Kim handled business. Now we are flying the Bahamian Flag. We are here for a few days and off to more islands!
The first challenge would be to cross over Mosquito Reef to get to the Gulf Stream. The map to the left shows the shallows of the reef. We never saw less than 8 feet of water. Most of the time it was close to 20 feet.
Due to our location in the canal we have not seen a proper sunrise. Maybe it was the excitement and nervousness that made this sunrise extra beautiful.
Once we had left the reef we caught the Gulf Stream. Our speed went from 4.5 knots to 10 knots. We were flying! Saw flying fish, a cruise ship, freighters, and sailboats. Kim did wear his life jacket every time he went to check on things.
LAND HO! Bimini was in sight and we had made it! No yelling or screaming from the crew (me).
Went to Big John's for dinner. which is the Tiki Bar on site. Amazing food and drinks but pricey. We celebrated but will do more cooking on our boat while we are here.
Sunday, March 1
Slept great. First sunrise in the Bahamas. Fishing boats are already out. Can't wait to see what adventures we find today.
The southern most point of North Bimini had sea glass and huge old destroyed cement block homes or hotels. I assume that was due to hurricanes. Also saw a ship wreck.
Next we went to Radio Beach. Now this is what you expect in the Bahamas.
We then wandered on the streets (there are two main roads) to see what how the Bahamians live. It is Sunday so there were many church services going on. Doors were open so we heard pastors preaching, pastors singing, people responding. Found a bakery and bought some danishes, more bars, grocery stores, resorts. You drive on the opposite side of the road and even the driver's seat is on the opposite side. Lots of golf carts and scooters.
After coffee and breakfast we headed out to explore Bimini. It was still early so not a lot of people were out and about. We went left out of the marina and found a cemetery that you walked to to get to the point. The lizard that looked like he had eaten a chunk of headstone didn't bother me as much as the pull handles left on the graves as if you can reopen the vault.
Everyone is so friendly here. They say hello, ask if they can help you, welcome you in to their businesses. We walked 4.5 miles and everyone we saw, even kids, said good morning or hi. It rained hard this afternoon, washing the salt off our boat. Tonight we are heading over to our buddy boat for Caribbean Chicken Salad and wine. I am taking the danishes so we all can share. Good day!
Sherri's salad was great. Her friend Julie was visiting for a few days. I did not catch Steve in the picture.
Monday, March 2
Our buddy boat took off at 7:30 am so we are now alone. It is super windy here and we are bouncing around in the marina. It was sunny so we packed our beach bag and got our bag chairs and headed to the beach. A cruise ship was in port so there were lots of people milling around. We stayed a few hours then headed back to the boat to drop our beach stuff and head into town. The city center had shops open with t-shirts, souvenirs, bags. We bought a few things and then walked to Stuart's Conch Salad Stand. Kim had conch salad, I had a veggie salad. They were shucking conch right next to the restaurant.
For dinner we went back to Lalo's Cheeseburger in Paradise for cheeseburgers. Very small place and we had to take our burgers to go. Good burgers!
We decided to continue walking to find where the cruise ship was docked. Came to an amazing resort called World Resort. Marina was almost empty. With the higher fees we have to pay to enter the Bahamas now, a lot of people are choosing not to come to the Bahamas.
