Still in Bimini - Part 2

We have now been in Bimini for almost a week.  We have seen all of the Island and I think we are starting to grow roots.  On Monday we slept in as much as we could.  The wind it still blowing 25 - 40 mph, so rough night with rocking and wave slapping.  We took it easy in the morning, and then went for a walk. After visiting the straw market, we decided to walk down the beach.

We found a Tee shirt that reminded us of Tony, but did not get it for him. Sorry Tony.

 Marcia on the beach - just in case you did not figure that out.

 Now we know where we are.

We did stop in Big Game for a beer on the way back, but took it easy and just had dinner on the boat.

On Tuesday, we did some cleaning and chores on the boat in the morning.  The plan right now is it move to Chub Cay tomorrow weather permitting.  Think it may still be bouncy, but hopefully not too bad as we have been here long enough.  I know - here comes the pity party.

After chores, we decided to take the water taxi to South Bimini.  We were excited to see the Bimini Sands Resort there.  It was kind of a let down as it was mostly deserted with nothing open.  Still a good day to walk the island check out new scenery.

Coming into South Bimini

 Bimini Sands Resort

 Thought of Green Turtle Bay and the time we spent at the Thirsty Turtle.

After leaving South Bimini, (like 200 yards away), we decide to go to the pool at Big Game.  Was a nice day, but still a little windy.  I was the only one that got into the pool.  Guess I still have Cincinnati blood in me.

After the pool we decided to go back to the boat and then go to CJ's on the beach for dinner and a sunset. Food was OK, but the fresh made Pina Colada's was awesome - and potent.

CJ's

 View from dinner

 Bartender making Pina Colada's

 Sunset

 Same sunset

 and another sunset

Back at the boat preparing for a 100 mile run to Chub Cay.  Plan is to fuel up in the morning and head out.  Wind is still predicted at 10-20 with 3-4 ft waves.  Might be a bouncy wet ride, but looking forward to moving on.

Still in Bimini

Stats - Key Largo to Bimini - 87 miles -  Total 2684 miles.  98 days on the boat, 46 travel days.

The winds have really kicked up here - 20 to 30 mph or higher.  We are not going anywhere until at least Tuesday or Wednesday now.  Don't feel too sorry for us, we are still in the Bahamas. 

On Saturday, we decided to rent a golf cart and explore the Island a bit.  It was still very windy as you can see from the waves at the beach.

We carted down to the other end of the Island and toured the massive Hilton that they have there.  There was a pool on the roof that had a great view.

We walked around the Hilton for awhile and stopped in a couple of the shops.  After the Hilton we were on the cart heading back and found an outdoor vendor selling shirts and things.  Marcia bought a sea glass necklace but there really was not anything for me.  We walked across the street to the liquor store and bought a 6 pack of Kalik's, then walked over to Edith's pizza for a slice.

Back on the golf cart and low and behold we found another bar.  Ebbie and Pat's.  (how could we not stop with a name like that).  Was a fun place for a couple more beers and a rum punch.  Water was very clean and could see some of the aquatic life.

 Sea Urchin

 Star fish

 Sting ray

 Back on the cart again.  Found another bar.  I know, I don't know how it happens either.

Back to the boat, and Mark and I dropped off Marcia and Deb.  We carted back up to a roadside bar for rum punch and a cigar.  Back to the boat and loaded up for dinner.   The restaurant up the hill from the Marina was open and we had a great dinner there.  Sunset was nice and Marcia finally got her lobster tail.  I should have, but my creole smothered grouper was still pretty good.  

  

We took it easy the rest of the night as it was a long day.  On Sunday we decided to go out for breakfast as we still had the golf cart.  It was a 24 hour rental.  Very, very windy today, so we wanted an inside place.  1st place was on the beach so it was out.  2nd place was not open.  3rd place was just right, so we ate inside at the Big Game Club.  Took another tour of the island before we had to return the cart.  Lot of new construction going on at the Hilton Resort.  Back at the boat we did a few chores, some cleaning and put the dinghy up.  Doubt we are going to be able to use it again here with the winds.  Plan is to grill up some steaks on the boat tonight.  Think we have eaten at just about every place on the island so far.  Again, don't feel too sorry for us.

Hoping winds die down soon.  Until next post.

Bahama Baby !!!!

We left Key Largo on Wednesday morning headed for Bimini in the Bahamas.  After a long wait (4 days), the winds were showing an OK crossing.  We left around 7am, and made the 85 mile crossing to Bimini.  Was not a bad run.  Waves were 2 to 3 foot in the beginning, but got bigger to 4 to 5 footers as the wind increased and we got closer to Bimini.

Leaving Key Largo Wednesday morning

 Crossing to Bimini

 Coming into Bimini

Boat at Blue Water Bimini Marina

 

 View from the Bimini Marina

 View from Bimini Marina

When we arrived at Bimini, Mark and I went to clear Customs and Immigration.  Nobody else was allowed off the boat until we cleared.  No issues clearing Customs so all good there - I know - Surprising.  Boats were full of salt from the spray, so we did have to do a quick wash down.  After that we walked up to Big Game Marina for drinks and dinner.  We did also manage a celebratory cigar and bourbon.

Bar along the way

 Celebratory beers

 Just a view from the walk

On Thursday we walked the island for a bit and then went over to the beach.  The water was warm and the water is so blue and clear the pictures do not do it justice.  We walked down to Big John's for dinner and it was excellent.  Shrimp, Lobster, Grouper, and Conch.  Back to the boat for more Bourbon :).

View of the beach, and Yes that is a real Cohiba

 Beach

 More beach

 More beach

Water was beautiful 

 Dinner at Big John's

 Dolphin House.  1 guy building this over 27 years

Had a little bit of rain on Friday morning, then we dropped the dinghy in for a little cruise. After the cruise it was off to Sharky's for some Kalik's and ribs.  Fresh off the grill, and was some of the best ribs that I have had.

Sea Plane for those in a higher income bracket

 Little sport fish yacht

 Think this could really be Boyle-n-Water IV - it even has the "5" already on it.

 No words

Shorter post this time. but believe me, it is so cool to have the boat here.  Truly feels like we are starting to get into Island time Mon!!

FYI - new ice maker is working great

Still in Key Largo - for the moment

Monday - 03/02/20

On Monday we took another walk in the morning.  Nothing too exciting, just wanted to get off the boat for a while.  We did stop at the Snook Bayside restaurant for a Bloody Mary and a Lobster sandwich.  Both were excellent.  I will try to stop blogging about eating and drinking, but it will be hard.

We just did some chores on the boat the rest of the day, then I started happy hour with a beer and cigar.  We kept it simple and cooked up dinner on the boat.

The good news is that it appears that we will cast lines and head over to the Bahamas on Wednesday.  Wind and waves look to be OK, at least a lot better than what they have been over the last week.  We are ready to move on and are looking forward to getting to Bimini.  We will not have cell coverage in the Bahamas, so do not expect me to respond to text.  If you call me, you may get international phone charges, so check you plan first.  There is a free app call "WhatsApp".  It is an internet calling and texting app.  That will be the best way to communicate with us if you would like.

Tuesday we Uber'ed to Publix and did a small restocking trip.  Cabinets are full, freezer is full, refrigerator is full,  cooler is stocked and full of ice, water is full, fuel is full, you get the idea.  We are as ready as we are going to be.

Oh - forgot a funny story in the last entry.  As we were all sitting on the back of Mark's boat waiting to go to the Fishery for dinner, a bird flew over and relieved itself on Marcia.  Right down Mark's boat, into her hair and down her arm.  I know that this usually happens to me, but not this time.  Marcia was quite displeased with this event.  (use your imagination) :). 

Next time I hope to be blogging from the Bahamas.  Fingers crossed and pray for a smooth and safe crossing.