Month: April 2021

BREEZIN’ THE BAHAMAS

Mike & Pam

From Southern Abaco we headed northwest to explore the never ending small islands and beautiful surroundings in Central Abaco, Northern Abaco and Grand Bahama Island. The impact of hurricane Dorian (Sept 2019) has become more apparent and it is clear the Abaco settlements have really struggled to build back the infrastructure. We wandered into a “man camp” on the Great Abaco Island comprised of hundreds of workers brought in from all parts of the world to help build it all back. We originally thought it was a resort but it was shelter and accommodations for skilled workers. We did our best to support the local communities by frequenting as many establishments that we could while traveling to all the islands.

Breakfast at the liquor store, and got the T-shirt too!

The high end resorts and real-estate seem to have a lead on the construction and rebuilding. We stumbled upon a beautiful private resort called Bakers Bay Golf and Resort located on Great Guana Cay . The resort opened back up a couple months ago and guests were enjoying all the spoils. We wandered up to the CASAMIGOS BAR which was located between the 8th and 9th holes right on a picturesque beach we had just dinghied to. After having a beer and some tacos the waitress asked for our member number….uh oh, they don’t accept cash, only charge to account .. After some discussion we ended up asking one of the REAL members if they would pay our bill and we gave them cash….no one really seemed to mind either way.

The signature hole #9, par 3, 222 yard, dog leg left overlooking the Sea of Abaco…
with a club and ball would have been a certain birdie. The recommended
attire for this course is “no shoes and no swimsuit”.** True!
C-minor is beached in the distance…
This brave critter showed no fear, see the right claw growing back!
“The Ocean Is My Potion, I need my Vitamin Sea”, Mishka & J. Buffet
Many British loyalist occupied the islands after the War of Independence. This is a memorial to many.
Popular meal in the Bahamas, fish dinner (whole snapper), rice and peas,
(the peas are really beans) and slaw. Oh, and a Kalik beer to wash it down.

The weather started getting rough
Mighty Sailin’ gal
Brave and sure Skipper

We had a couple of rough weather days at sea, so much so that a song was written about us, you may have heard it..

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip,
that started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship. 

The mate was a mighty sailin' gal, the Skipper brave and sure,
they set sail that day, for a three hour tour, a three hour tour.

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew, Sea C Rider would be lost...
Sea C Rider would be lost.....
The welcome committee chairman at No Name Cay!
It is a must to swim with the pigs.
Our Octopus friend trying to be a rock
Trekking across Powell Cay to do some spear fishin’
A Hawaiian sling spear for fishing while free diving along a wreck.
Spotted a Lion fish, swung and missed!
A symbol of peace and goodwill
Sunset on the last evening at the West End – red sky at night – sailor’s delight!
Readying to cross to the Gulf Stream to Lake Worth inlet.
Leaving Grand Bahama Island, West End for the good old USA after a fantastic month…we’ll be back!

OUR BAHAMIAN MINI LOOP – 1st half Key Largo — Bimini — The Berry Islands — The Abacos

Mike & Pam

The Bahama Islands are not officially part of the Great American Loop but many boaters choose to visit these beautiful, pristine waters since they are not far out of the path. The trip does not come without some effort and challenges. We left the US from North Key Largo with the plan to enter the Bahamas at Bimini, which is considered an out island settlement.

Our entry into the Bermuda Triangle began with our autopilot compass heading going wonky, forcing us to manually steer across the Gulf Stream. We also nearly lost our dinghy (C-Minor) when we discovered her nearly submerged, dragging behind the boat, and hanging on for dear life by one measly line . After an hour of bailing/pumping and battling the 4 ft. swells of the Atlantic, we managed to get her secured onto the davit once again. We’d love to blame both of these incidents on the mysterious forces of the triangle…. but in turns out we only have ourselves to blame.

The cordless power drill (which has magnets) was too close to the autopilot sensor core in the engine room throwing the compass out of whack. As for C-Minor….we just didn’t secure her well enough for ocean travel. Live and learn!

The colors of the Bahamian waters are so blue and have so many shades of blue it looks fake.
Pictures don’t do the fascinating blue water color justice. This is us approaching Bimini.
Our flag being flown here is a Bahamian courtesy flag, flown as a token of respect to the Bahama Islands.

Bimini arrival, Bimini Sands Marina
Ferry from South Bimini to North Bimini with bikes. All of a 4 mins ride.
Pam feasting on a fresh conch salad at Joe’s Conch stand, she decided that conch might not be her favorite seafood!
The beautiful infinity pool looking out towards the Atlantic.
Pam creating her own sunset.
60 miles out of Bimini, dozens of cruise ships are anchored waiting for the pandemic to pass. Eerie site so far out at sea.
A deep blue hole in the middle of Hoffman’s Cay (pronounced key), in the Berry Islands.
This furry friend boldly boarded our boat at Great Harbor Cay Marina in Berry every night for a comfy sleep in the fly bridge. Pam discovered her late one dark night while checking the pillows as the wind was picking up…Yikes to find a warm and furry stowaway!
Mangrove Cave through Snake Creek to the turtle spawning pool near Shell Beach
One of hundreds of darting turtles spotted in the clear waters.
A moment of Zen at low tide…. Oooommmm
Bahamian Easter mass in the Great Harbor Cay, Berry. We got our moneys worth at 2hrs 30min.
The congregation of St Bartholomew was very welcoming and friendly
Looking for Pete’s Pub in Little Harbour, Abaco….found it just off of the Bight of Old Robinson!
Video – This pod of dolphins met up with us on our dinghy ride out to a blue hole.
Our own secluded beach on Hoffman’s Cay in the Berry Islands
  • Newly dubbed Sammons Cay
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Sandy Cay Reef, by far one of the healthiest and vibrant reefs we have seen.
Shark swimming off the bow of Sea C…
The level of hurricane devastation to the Islands is apprent everywhere. While much of the infrastructure has been rebuilt there is still much to do.
The pandemic has unfortunalty slowed the progress. The locals are still incredibly friendly and upbeat as progress continues.
  • Hope Town Marina, Officially reopened April 1st
We took the ferry across the harbor to begin cruising Hope Town via bikes, the best way to view the highlights –
On Da Beach Bar, Abaco Inn, Tahiti Beach & our Hope Town Marina