On to Nassau

Cupcake on windy passage to Nassau

After leaving Bimini, we tied to a mooring ball off the west side of  Frazier's Hog Cay.    It proved to be a bit bouncy, but we stayed two nights.  A young couple with two children, 13 and 3, in a 35 foot sailboat ( named Cupcake) were also moored there.  They dingyed over for cocktails that night.  She is an elementary art teacher (on leave) and he a defense attorney from Maine.  They are taking 6 months to gunk around the Bahamas and perhaps other islands.

Got a big one on the line.

The big event (other than rocking and rolling in 5 foot seas) on the trip from Frazier's to Nassau was the catching of the first fish by Captain Ahab.  Yes, in 5 foot seas!  The commodore was not in favor of fishing at that point, but you can see who won that battle. Hooking it was one thing.  Landing it without a net or gaff--IN 5 FOOT SEAS-- was very challenging.  When all was done, I must admit the meal that evening was delicious.  The catch ended up being a 2+ foot dolphinfish (mahi-mahi).  Captain acknowledged later that perhaps those weren't the best fishing conditions and agreed to only fish in one foot seas or less in the future.

Captain Ahab

The victim

Entrance Nassau Harbor

The big boys of Nassau

Potter's Cay

Entering Nassau Harbor we first were met by a cruise ship leaving.  They are HUGE!!!!  We found our way to the marina we had been advised to stay at--Nassau Yacht Haven.  Later learned that two marinas down was a much better deal--live and learn!  We enjoyed exploring the town a bit more than planned as I chose the wrong bus and we basically had a city tour.  For a dollar, I thought it was quite interesting!  We ended up walking farther than we would have from the marina.  At Potter's Cay, which is under one of the twin bridges (one bridge goes to Paradise Island, the other exits) we checked out the food stands and bought some fruit.  Tom was eyeing the live crabs until I said I really didn't want to carry them around in my backpack for hours!

Atlantis

Nassau Harbor looking west from bridge

Nassau Harbor looking east from bridge

We then crossed the bridge to visit Atlantis on Paradise Island.  Their marina is gorgeous as are the 100+ foot yachts tied up there.  We walked through the hotel and casino--both of which have several Chahuly glass pieces.  Made one bet and lost, so we left!  Next episode--the Exumas.  To be continued.....

Bimini

Going under Highway One bridge at Islamorada

Entering the Atlantic--BIG WATER!

After several days of  "yes, no, now , later" we finally took the plunge on Wednesday, Jan. 18th and headed out from  Islamorada to the Bahamas. We had gentle SE winds and a pleasant seven hour ride. Deepest we registered was 2176 ft.

Most of the time the poor depth finder just blinked on and off.  As you can see, Captain Tom had a great time.  With him at the bow and me on the side taking the picture, kinda makes you wonder who is at the helm.  Meet our good friend, Auto.

The first thing we noticed upon arriving in Bahamian waters was the color.  Everything from cobalt blue to brilliant turquoise and amazingly clear.  I kept taking pictures, but they do not do it justice.  As we were entering the channel to North Bimini, a sailboat hailed us.  They were having trouble entering because they drew 6 feet.  They tried to follow us, but still got hung up on a sandbar.  So we turned around and pulled them off.  Now both the Sara Lynn and Raydiance have been rescue boats!  

Entering the channel at North Bimini

Once tied up at the dock at Bimini Blue Water Marina, Tom cleared customs without a problem.  Within the hour a young man in a small fishing boat pulled up alongside and sold us fresh lobsters.  We ate like royalty that night.  A nice welcome to the islands.

The next day we put on our walking shoes and explored Alicetown.  It reminds us quite a bit of Ambergris Caye in Belize--golf cart transportation, one road (although this one is paved), small storefronts.

Typical street scene in Alicetown

That evening Chris and Gretchen (aboard the rescued sailboat) invited us to join them for drinks.  We sat on the beach on the Atlantic side and watched another wonderful sunset.

First Bahama sunset

Gretchen, Tom and Chris 

Tom overlooking Spook Beach

Spook Beach

Today Tom and I rode the island tram to the north end of the island to Bimini Bay resort.  It is very upscale with enormous dock spaces  for the megayachts.  We have not seen many, but this is still considered off season.  Temperatures are in the 70's, but the frequent north winds add a chill.  I can feel the sympathy from the snow states as I write that!  We walked part way back stopping at a beautiful beach on the Atlantic side.  It is called Spook Beach because it is located next to a graveyard.  Then on to Sara's--a little beachside restaurant--for lunch of BBQ chicken and, of course, red beans and rice.

Of course we had to eat at Sara's

Giant pile of conch shells

Tomorrow we are leaving  and heading east to the Berry Islands.  I'd love to hear from any of you that are following our journey either with comments here or on our email.

Traveling the Keys

Wednesday looks like the day we may jump over to the Bahamas, so I thought I'd better update the blog before we go.  We are planning to spend most of our time in the outer islands of the Exumas and I'm not sure what to expect in the way of internet service there.

At La Ti Da--Cher

Randy Roberts signature character

Since last writing, my sister, Pat, and her husband, Jim, from Wausaukee, Wisconsin (an hour north of Green Bay) have spent a week with us.  We met them in Key West and spent three nights there showing them the sights.  By now, we feel like tour guides in that area!  We were only going to be there two nights, but had an electrical problem that needed attention. Apparently a power surge hit us on a very windy day and fried two old TVs and the microwave.  We stayed the extra day to get everything checked out and working properly. Since we were there the extra night, Pat and I and Connie (in neighboring boat) took in a show at La Ti Da--Randy Roberts, female impersonator.  What fun!   He impersonated  Bett Midler, Cher, and a signature character.    When in Key West!!!!
     On Saturday, Jan. 7th, we left Key West and headed east on the Hawk Channel, the Atlantic side.  The water was fairly calm so we decided to make a side trip to Loo Key for a dive and snorkel.  Tom and I dove and came into a school of a dozen or more LARGE barracuda--at least 5 - 6 feet.  It was amazing, but also intimidating.  They had a sly "smile" that showed their teeth and I decided we should turn around and leave them to their business. Wish we had taken our camera with us.  After leaving Loo Key, we went just off Little Torch Key and anchored in Newfound Harbor.  The current was rather swift so it was not a very calm anchorage.  But we had an amazing sunset and Pat and I were domino champions!

Can't get enough of these amazing sunsets!

     The following day we moved east to Bahia Honda--a state park.  The entrance to the harbor is quite shallow, so we decided to anchor between the highway 1 bridge and the old railroad bridge.  Again, a swift current did not make for a restful night, so the next day we entered the harbor at high tide and tied up to the wall.  Ah!  No rocking and sound sleep that night!  Pat and I snorkeled and we all  hiked on the old railroad bridge which is now a national monument.  The bridge was built in the early 1900's and was a massive undertaking.  I believe it was only used until the late 20's.

Sunset through the old RR bridge at Bahia Honda State Park

Now a little flora so I can stay active with Nancy Weber Garden Club.  The following pictures were taken at the state park.

Sea grapes.  Look carefully you can see the grapes.
Apparently you can make jelly and wine from them.

Thatch palm-- for tiki hut roofs!

Leaving Bahia Honda on Tuesday, we headed for Marathon.  We paralleled the highway 1 seven mile bridge and a key named Missouri Key.  The story goes that some of the men working on the railroad bridge were homesick for their homes in Missouri and thus named the key, Missouri Key. Pat and Jim had a chance to see dolphins jumping in the distance.  I was hoping they would come alongside like the one below, but just seeing them anywhere is a thrill.

The high point on seven mile bridge is 65 ft. Most sailboats
can cross here from the Atlantic to the Gulf side.

Missouri Key

Keeping up with Raydiance (see the boat shadow and wake)
Taken as we were heading toward Coral Bay Marina at Islamorada

We stayed at a very nice resort/marina, Banana Bay, in Marathon.  We enjoyed the use of their pool and hot tub and a funky island restaurant next door.  Pat and Jim took a shuttle back to Key West on Wednesday.  Their visit went by much too quickly. One of the gold loopers (meaning they have completed the loop) on the dock offered us the use of their car so that we could do a  major grocery run.  We greatly appreciated that as we were supplying for the Bahama trip and our little roll cart wasn't going to be adequate!  The following day Tom and I rented bicycles and pedaled around the island.  We found Craig and Ginny (aboard Brown-Eyed Girl) in a marina on the other side of town and enjoyed reconnecting with them.  Last time we had seen them, we were anchored together up a small river and tied to trees hoping to avoid a tornado in Alabama.  

What a way to travel!

We are now at Coral Bay Marina in Islamorada.  The first night here we were invited to share in a dock pizza party.  We have met such generous people at each stop. Today we attended the Matecumbe United Methodist Church which is just across the road from the marina.  Many snowbirds and other travelers were there.  One man came up to us after the service and told us he knew Janis Chatman from Farmington.  So if any of you see Janis, tell her cousin Jerry Narrowmoor from Louisiana, Missouri says hello.

 Several people at this marina have been to the Bahamas and they have shared with us much advice and information.  They recommended that we leave from here and get the full advantage of the Gulf Stream, but the winds are not favorable yet.  So we are going to head east tomorrow up the ICW (which is on the Florida Bay side of the Keys) to Biscayne Bay.  There we will wait until the wind and wave forecast is a go.  I'll leave you with this picture of a unique boat in the harbor at Loralie Marina in Islamorada.  

This really should be in Key West!