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.