We were up at the crack of dawn and ready to go. Our buddy boat, Dulcinea, developed an oild pressure problem upon start up and we waited around to see if they could fix the trouble. At about 6:30 we gave up and decided to push on to No Name Harbor, south of Miami, in search of another buddy boat. Then we received word from Dulcinea that their oil problem was solved. We joined them at Angelfish Creek and went out, heading for Bimini. The seas started out at 2-3 feet but it built fast and we were getting beaten up badly by 8:45. We decided this was not our day for crossing the Gulf Stream and we turned around. We reentered at Angel fish creek and proceed up the inside to No Name Harbor south of Miami.
No Name Harbor turned out to be quite a delight. We anchored for the night in a protected little cut with about 15 to 20 other boats. We were able to pick up on a lot of radio chatter about other boats leaving for Bimini the next morning. We were very glad to hear this and went to be early knowing that the next day would be optimal for crossing.
Friday, Feb 17
Departed No Name Harbor at 6:45 in calming seas and in the company of three sailboats ahead of us and three behind. By 7:29 we were clear of Flashing Yellow Buoy "N" and into the open sea. The Gulf Stream is strong and we steered a course that accounts for its northward push. Took latitude and longitude readings every 30 minutes to chart our actual position.
The seas was the deepest blue I have every seen. Just beautiful. A sail boat ahead of us reported whales leaping but we were not able to see them. It was exhilarating just to know they were out there.
We sighted several huge container ships along the way and some fast Sportfishing boats heading to the Bahamas.
At 12:45 we sighted land!! We hoisted the yellow"Q" (Quarantine) flag that must be flown until you clear customs.
 |
| Hoisting the 'Q' |
 |
| Entrance to Bimini Sands Marina |
By 2:20 we were safely docked at Bimini Sands Marina on the island of South Bimini. Our captain filled out all the required forms (many of them) and trooped off to the airport for Immigration and Customs. When he returned with our clearance we raised the Bahamian Courtesy flag.
 |
| Bahamian Courtesy Flag- thanks Molly!! |
We traveled only 56 miles today but traversed the mighty Gulf Stream and now we are in another country. Our plan is to stay here in Bimini for several days to allow a weather front to pass us by.
Saturday, Feb 18
- Luxuriated in a great shower, sparkling clean facility and loads of hot water.
- Visited North Bimini by ferry (takes about 3 minutes to cross the channel).
- Saw Hemingway's haunts
- Visited the Dolphin House, built by local craftsman/historian/teacher/author Ashley Saunders
- Collected shells and sea glass from the beach south of Bimini SandsSaw a nurse shark right here in the bay
- Linda negotiated for three lobster tails (for $10) from some fishermen who came by in their boat, Favor,
- Consumed said lobsters and pronounced them excellent.
 |
| Beach on North Bimini |
 |
| Local Church |
 |
| Linda in front of the Dolphin House |
 |
| Ashley Saunders in front of the Dolphin House |
 |
| Look at that Starfish on the ocean floor!!! |
 |
| Yummy lobster on the grill |
Sunday, Feb 18
Today was Conch and Bonk Day!! We found conch in the bay here and a big Lazzara Yacht crashed into a dock causing a large bonk on his port stern.
 |
| Cleaning conch that Glenn dove for under the boats in the marina |
|
| Ouch...and yes there was some yelling going on when this happened |
Today we experienced conch from beginning to end. Glenn from 'Coral Reefer' went down looking for lobsters and came up with loads of conch. He shared with others on the dock and also taught us neophytes how to get the little critters out of their shells and cook them. We had conch fritters and lightly fried conch that was delicious. Glenn and Jeri on Coral Reefer have been so nice to us..Glenn even shared fishing tackle and knowledge with us.
Monday, Feb 18
Today we went to North Bimini for another day of exploration.
I gave Ashley Saunders, from the Dolphin House, a tile that I have being hauling around with me for years. My friend, Therese, gave it to me years ago as a memento from her visit to Spain. After seeing the Dolphin House I knew my tile had found a new home. Ashley accepted it gratefully and said that the next time we are here he will be able to show us where the well-traveled tile is placed in his home/museum. He was a very interesting man and we bought a first edition of the book he authored about Bimini's history.
We also got the chance to experience a "Trunk Lunch" while we were in Alice Town. A local woman cooks up a storm and serves lunches out of the back of her car. We had Bar-B-Q chicken, Bahamian Mac and Cheese (a local speciality), cole slaw and pineapple upside-down cake. It was all delicious.
When we got home I tried my hand at Conch Chowder using fresh conch from yesterday. It turned out okay and was fun to make.
Tuesday, Feb 21
Getting ready to leave tomorrow for Chub Cay and Nassau. Did laundry, mucho boat maintanence and blogging (using the world slowest connection). I must love my readers dearly because it was a pain in my "ask" to get all these pictures loaded.
We will be making a long crossing and we will be anchoring out for a couple of hours in between here and Nassau. We are in the company of two other boats that have done this several times so please don't worry about us.
 | ||
 |
| Warren is having good time....and so are we!! |
Will blog again as possible.
Love to all.
Christie
No comments:
Post a Comment