Nassau (Part 2) ....

To get to Paradise Island there is a bridge. A big bridge. We stood at the base of it on the Nassau side in awe. Afterall, the island isn't all that big yet the bridge is huge - 70 foot tall at center. On the far side stood the pink high rise of the Atlantis Resort. We debated, should we go or shouldn't we, and eventually grabbed a taxi to take us over the bridge.


What awaited us was an amazing blend of entertainment - shopping, a casino, waterpark, beach - all amongst a tranquil setting of sunny sky and water. While we were still absorbing the view we got a call on the radio from Ken and Francie on Release. Stomachs were grumbling and they were looking for dining companions. We strolled through the Atlantis marina - chuckling at how our 38 foot boat would be a wee small compared to all the 75+ foot power yachts tied up in the marina complex - before we caught a cab to Fish Fry Village.

Fish Fry Village was quite the contrast to Paradise Island - and much more my style. It is a collection of colorful restaurants along the water many serving meals outdoors on picnic tables. The menu was just as you'd expect - lots of fish - mostly fried. After a day of footing (mostly) around Nassau fried conch, fries and a cold beverage hit the spot.

One more crossing awaits! Then the Exumas!

The Admiral
2/6/11

Nassau (Part 1)

We left the solitude of our anchorage in White Cay and traveled 40 - 45 miles toward big city of Nassau, where 75% of the Bahamian population resides. Throughout the southeastern journey we attempted to contact our friends on Release and ChrisJen, but unfortunately could not reach them. We eventually gave up anticipating that they had trekked further south and out of radio range.

That afternoon we found a pleasant anchorage west of Nassau and eased in to drop the hook. Two other sailboats were inside and we were delighted to hear the radio come alive with Mike from ChrisJen welcoming us into their bit of paradise. Both ChrisJen and Release had been enjoying several days in the anchorage. What luck that we should meet up with them.

Our anchorage, as it turns out, is on just off the main street headed into Nassau. We were able to catch a bus just up the street and for $1.25 ride one way into the city. Mike, Lou, the Captain and I did just that. Spending the day with so much exploring that I am opting to break our adventure into two posts.

Our morning started at the corner of Bay and George Street where we left the bus and headed up the street to the Columbus statue. Plenty of photos later and a near miss of having the camera run over in the street, we left the famed explorer behind and began our own expedition. First stop - the ice cream parlor.

Having consumed our fill we headed in-shore towards Fort Fincastle. One of three forts near the city, Fort Fincastle sits atop a hill with a great overlook of the harbor. Nearby is the Queen's Staircase. An escape route from the fort carved out of the rock heading towards the sea. The staircase is remarkable. The effort to remove the rock and allow passage was immense given the depth of the cavern.

By mid-day our feet were beginning to ache. The pedometer said we had logged many steps and it was time to find some air conditioned comfort. So off to Paradise Island we went.

The Admiral

2/5 - 2/6/2011

Are We There.... Really?

Did I say we were in the Bahamas. Perhaps I should have prefaced that by saying we are in the western - far western - Bahamas. For once we arrived in Bimini, I had forgotten that the next challenge would be the 60-70 mile stretch across the Great Bahama Bank to the Berry Islands. Huh....60 -70 miles....yeah my thoughts exactly. Who'd have thought a small grouping of islands could cover so much territory.

Nonetheless we were off - GO EAST! We sailed and sailed and sailed. It didn't help that we were headed into the waves and on quite the beat to make some mileage. We dropped hook the first night - or was it morning? - around midnight - not entirely sure where we were given the darkness surrounding us. In the morning we woke anticipating we'd see the Berry Islands to our north and east. No, that would be too easy. We woke and found ourselves surrounded by clear water and not a speck of land in sight.

Fortunately, within a few hours we found a delightful anchorage between Great and Little Stirrup Cay in the Berrys. Some of you may recognize these islands as they are private islands owned by Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. We enjoyed the day at anchor with not a cruise ship or passenger in sight taking in the sun and scenery.

From the Stirrups we headed around the north end of the Berry's to White Cay anchorage. Our passage got exciting as my fishing pole started whirring - FISH ON! DINNER? Well no fish dinner tonight as the Captain reeled in the 2 1/2 to 3 foot fish and found it was a barracuda. We pitched him back to live another day.

At White Cay we would spend two days surrounded by a series of 4-5 islands each featuring at least one beach. We truly could have spent a week here sampling a new beach each day. We pulled out our looky look bucket - a new addition this season - and took in the scenery under the sea. We found ourselves chasing sting rays in the dinghy in an effort to get a glimpse of them through the bucket.


After three glorious days in the Berry's we've opted to move on. Another good sized passage awaits and then we hope to find Nassau.

The Admiral
2/1 - 2/4/2011

PS. Christopher on Tiffany Rose. Every time we pull out the looky look bucket we think of you and our day of fun at Sombrero Key. We hope you are enjoying the New Year!

Arrival Bimini...

Can it be true? Yes, we are in the Bahamas!! It was a bit of a battle in the Gulf Stream as the Stream kept trying to push us north of our destination but in the end Tropical Breeze won out and we have arrived!!

Our experience thus far - in a word - spectacular. The sun is shining, the sky clear, the water a clear green that you can see to the bottom in 25+ foot. The fish are plentiful and we are looking forward to casting our lines to see if we get any nibbles. But the best part - and we haven't even sampled it yet - the water temperature is 81 degrees.

For today, we tied up at the Bimini Big Game Club (where Ernest Hemingway hung out) and made our way to customs and immigration where we completed all the necessary paperwork and got our stamp of approval. From there it was back to the boat where we both enjoyed a nap following our overnight cruise. Then it was time for the serious stuff - dinner with friends Ken, Francie, Mike and Lou including a discussion of where to next. A big meal and several drinks later the jury is still out on what is next. The group will reconvene in the morning following the weather report for a final decision.

So stay tuned. The fun is just getting started.

The Admiral

1/29 - 1/30/11

Ready to Roll...

Well with the new wind transducer installed and the steaming light repaired, the projects are finished. The weather is cooperating nicely as the northerlies are moderating and the temperatures improving. It is looking like a fine morning to push off from the dock!

Yesterday as a final Florida hurrah, we attended a Pig Roast sponsored by one of the local yacht sales companies. It was a big bash with lots of food, drink and music. A good sendoff as we trek towards our first Gulf Stream crossing.

Next stop, the Bahamas!!!!

The Admiral

1/29/2011 8am

Getting Ready....

Has it been nearly 3 weeks since my last post? Hard to believe!!

We've been busy working through some of our boat projects. The Captain was up the mast taking down the non-functioning wind transducer. The watermaker installation is FINALLY complete. And the list just goes on and on.

But the work will not be in vain, as we are hopeful that at the end of the month we will be able to cross to the Bahamas. Yes, you heard right.....after three years in the making, we think we are finally going to do it.

We are awaiting the new wind transducer which should arrive early next week. Once that is installed we will be headed south to the Miami area and looking for a weather window to cross to the islands.

More to come.

The Admiral

PS. Our New Year resolutions are finally starting to pay off. The Captain has lost 8 pounds and I've lost 7. Not a bad start.

Happy New Year!!!

We certainly hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying the New Year - with your resolutions still intact!

The Captain and I have some resolutions of our own that we are pursuing. First, the Admiral - I've been getting rather frustrated with my hair as of late. So my resolution was to get rid of it and gone it is. I am loving the short cut especially with the warm weather that we are once again experiencing in Florida!

The Captain and I's joint resolution will be no surprise - drop some pounds and get more exercise. We've both been doing well on both counts. It was not our intention to make this our New Year resolution ....... but ......we welcomed in the New Year with a bit of fun overload and after 3 parties in two days decided perhaps we needed to cut back a bit on the New Year fun factor.

Of course it all began on New Year's Eve. We wanted to take in the final sunset of the year so the Happy Hour began at 5:15pm. It was a great turn out with about 75 boaters and lots of goodies to sample. By 7:30pm the first bottle of champagne was uncorked in celebration of boater's midnight - 8pm. Another toast at 9pm for second boater's midnight. Then a third at 10pm ..... well you get the idea. By the 'real' midnight I had the Captain on the dance floor doing quite the boogie woogie.

More fun continued on New Year's Day as we enjoyed brunch with friends. Lots of goodies. More champagne and Cesears too. Oh my. After brunch I was in need of a nap!

Then our friend Rod came home. We couldn't welcome Rod home without a bit of fun. Especially with the welcome home treat that awaited him on board. Our friends Russ and Linda had decided to have a bit of fun and wrapped the interior of Rod's boat in aluminum foil. Yes, I said aluminum foil and yes, the whole darn boat interior. With the shock and awe of Rod's arrival behind us it was off to the Harborage Grill where we had great plans to swim and enjoy the hot tub. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit cool so we opted to sit in the bar instead and enjoy more bar fare. It was here that a group of us decided we needed to all eat less and exercise more in the New Year.

As of January 3, the Captain and I are doing well on the resolution. Friend Ellen and I have picked up the pace of our morning walk and are now jogging parts of it. We are doing what we can to eat better and staying away from Happy Hour for a while. We will keep you posted on the results.

The Admiral

1/1/2011 - 1/3/2011