Bimini

         We had a good crossing to the Berry Islands, which lay like a capital J northwest of New Providence island, where Nassau is, though we didn’t go any farther up the J than Chub/Frazer Hog Cay.  We stayed in this area several days, exploring the beaches and snorkeling.  (Actually, I snorkeled while Dan kept watch, because he was keeping his nose out of the water and sun.  He’s looking much better these days.) We conferred often with our friends Tim and Tawnya on Knot Quitters, about the best time to push westward to make the big crossing back to Florida.  One of the nights we were treated to an incredible lightning display that almost looked like fireworks on the other side of the island, it was that continuous and bright.  The next night a waterspout sprouted right behind us.  We didn't see that, so here's one picture of the lightning.   

        It seemed a weather window was opening, and after much discussion, we decided to make a very long day of it and cruise over to Bimini and take a marina slip while we waited out a weather window for crossing the Gulf Stream.  On Wednesday, March 15,  Knot Quitters and we set out just before five am, two and a half hours before sunrise, for our twelve hour passage to Bimini.  

It turned out not to be the most comfortable cruise.  The wind shifted earlier than forecast, and stronger than anticipated, and the seas - which we took on the quarter beam - were bigger and quicker than we thought.  Needless to say, it was a very rolly passage.  At one point Dan thought we might even put the port rail in the water.  We could hear the bottles and cans clinking in the cupboards, and there were several hasty trips to tie something down more securely or to stow it somewhere else.  It made for a very long day.  As we finally approached Bimini, we could see storm clouds gathering to the west; a driving rain began just after we’d tied up.  Tim and Tawnya were right behind us, and we helped them tie up.  Tawnya’s first question was “Are you still married?”  They had taken a video of the seas we’d endured.  We all four went out to dinner at a nearby restaurant, and Tim’s traditional grace before the meal was especially heartfelt for us all having come through the day to enjoy a meal together. 

Breakers and thunderstorm at the entrance to Bimini.

We’ve not been to Bimini before.  It’s a small, narrow island with very narrow streets, and everything looks ever more run down than is usual in the Bahamas, but the people are all just as friendly.  Dan and I took a walk on Thursday to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping. 

Our marina building.

        This is when we both tripped over a root or rock or hole in the ground and he managed to stay upright but I went down.  I often joke about my medical checkups because since I turned 65 they are - to me - overly concerned with any falls I have taken.  Well now I have an exact date for them - March 16 - resulting in a sprained hand.  It’s humbling and depressing to understand just how often you need two hands to do something, and to realize that tomorrow when we cross to the US, Dan will be doing everything smoothly and efficiently by himself while I sit with a bag of ice on my hand.  We did get the souvenir shopping done.  

We are planning to leave at 0500 tomorrow.  Goodbye Bahamas!  it’s been fun.