Author: Mike & Pam

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
  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .
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

HEADIN’ NORTH FROM SOUTHERN MOST

Mike & Pam

Winter is over and its finally time to move on and pick up the Loop. The Florida Keys are a treasure and we could not have asked for a better few months. The weeks flew by as we filled our days with fitness, family, and friends ~ old & new! When we weren’t entertaining we were busy with daily bike rides to pickleball or yoga, dining with fellow Loopers and Cruisers, with a little bit of Sea C boat maintenance & Sea Converting work peppered in there…..But now its time to MOVE ON, next stop….the BERMUDA TRIANGLE…gulp.

Sam, Scott & Carly! From Islamorada to Key West, we sure packed a lot into a few days.

STARFISH CLUB – East Bahia Honda
Lorelei’s, Islamorada
Nothing like Fresh Stone Crab along with the secret mustard sauce from Ponchos Fuel Dock.
The art of opening claws without mangling your fingers.
  • Chocolate covered Key Lime pie on a stick….out of body experience.
Sea C Rider donating to the cause at “No Name Pub” in Big Pine Key
Happy to have Cousin Lynn along on a perfect boating day.
Seven mile bridge, the old railroad and the newer highway.
Dingy day to Burdine’s – a ‘chiki tiki’ waterfront experience with fab fries!
Dueling conchs at sunset with Captain Crusty!
Back to East Bahia Honda with the Oswald crew for the ‘best day ever’ – truly one of the most peacefully calm days on the seas.
Keeping an eye out for crab pots as we cruise
Dingy Day with college BFF, Kathy, is complete with manatee sightings, bottoming out in the shallows & derelict boat sightings.
Kathy get’s a Sea C Rider shirt for staying overnight (3 nights) on the boat!
Shoaf/Sammons/Waterloo/Iuorio/Cousin Lois visit in Key West ~ Cookout at Fort Zachary sunset beach.
Lazy Days South – saying hello to old friends!
Saying goodbye to some new friends at Dockside ~ premier waterfront music venue directly on Boot Key Harbor ~
Right down the way from our new slip at Skipjack’s Marina & Resort
Dingy drifts in the mangroves.
Welcome to John from Ecstasea! (anyone want to crew with him in August or Sept give me a call! He single hands his boat if not)
Yoga in the bandshell – M,W,F – Loopers & Cruisers stretch together!
These beautiful ones greet us most mornings along the pylons on the dock
Do NOT board the boat….Sam has a history with these guys!
Breakfast buddies – Every morning I take my breakfast on the flybridge to see who comes by while listening to
the Cruiser’s Net on VHF 68.
Made great friends on the PB court – Look, Rick is still wearing his shoes in this pic! 😉
Mangrove trails
Happy Captain!

WINTERIN’

Mike & Pam

Winter activity in Marathon suits us well. It has been a fantastic January and we are so blessed to share some of the time with such great family and friends.

Nice day with the Shoafs and Iuorios…… dinkin’ around under 7 mile bridge…. through BOOT KEY HARBOR…. around Sister Creek….
capped off with a lunch at Burdines Waterfront….. best basket of fries in the Keys!
Marathon Community Theater presentation of The Vagina Monologues….it’s healthy to move out of your comfort zone, sometimes..
Favorite lunch spot…IRIE ISLAND EATS, lives up to the name.. Powerful and pleasing…the state of feeling great!
Plenty of opportunity to play pickleball. Key Colony has 6 courts and Marathon Community Park has 4.
Marlin Bay Pool – the crew logged at least 40 pool hrs each
Crab Claw Night, freshly harvested claws procured from Poncho’s Fuel Dock & Supplies
Another spectacular sunset at Marlin Bay water front
  • The palatial estate, 3 story, 5 bedroom, with plunge pool lanai.
  • See Sea C out the window…
Marlin Bay Resort Unit 40 – Thanks to Tom and Anne for sharing their palace with us for the week. Fantastic accommodations. Great family, food and fun
The crew helping to plan our snorkel trip to Sombrero Reef
Underway to Sombrero Reef
Underwater visibility – 50ft. Water temperature – 71
GO!
Outdoors….distanced…and masked…
Aqua man and a school of snorkelers…….the reef has dozens of different fish species and marine life.
Swam with hundreds of Yellow Tail Snapper….great tasting fish but today was viewing only.
We experienced a few jellyfish stings during the outing…nothing too serious…
by the way Jellyfish are posers because they really aren’t fish, fish have a backbone..
Friendly fish
Return Journey
Sat afternoon music at Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Doug, Patrice and Bob & Sue from OSIMO