We departed from Miami Beach, a huge port of call for cruise ships of all nationalities. Not surprisingly, none were leaving at 3 that morning, so our exit path was wide and un-obstructed. By about 0415 however, our AIS revealed seven of the giants heading inbound. They cue up for entry into port, covering an area of many square miles. Their light bills have to be astronomical as you can see them from up to 15 miles away. The actual distance can be deceiving, so relying on our radar is essential.
As the sun came up and flat seas continued, we started to relax and really enjoy the journey. We hit speeds of up to 7.4 knots, were befriended by another eastbound trawler, took turns at the helm and just generally had a great ride. At 0740 the captain put his first lines in the water. Would there be fish for dinner?
By eight we were surrounded by fields of man o war jellyfish. At first glance, the sun reflecting off them made them look like bobbing plastic water bottles -- thank heavens that wasn’t the case. And, what about those flying fish? Thousands of airborne little guys shooting off in every direction to escape the menace of our hull. An amazing sight that had us laughing out loud and wondering what other magic acts we will encounter along the way.
All of our preparation paid off and the passage was great. We anchored just off the coast of South Bimini island at 1140.…an 8 hour trip that we had thought could take us up to 10. Bill took Love Me Tender into ’town’ and cleared us through customs. We now sport a small Bahamian flag for the duration of our stay in addition to the US flag we always fly.
We’ve now been in the Bahamas for four days and there’s already a lot to write home about: a crescent moonrise over an abandoned lighthouse on Gun Cay, anchoring overnight in the middle of the Great Bahama Bank (15 miles from the nearest land and in only 11 feet of water), and snagging a wahoo while trolling in 5000 feet of water, only to free him when a mahi mahi hit the other line (and yes, there was fish for dinner!)
After last night in a very funky marina in Nassau, we head for ports south in the Exumas. So from us, for now....Let’s Dance…Carol and Bill
