Great Bahama’s adventure stats.

For all you nautical nuts- our Bahama stats:

Total nautical miles-1,123 (Miami to Bimini to Berrys to Nassau to Exumas to Eleuthera to Abacos to Ft. Pierce).

Total days-83 (47 of which were at marinas).

Total diesel used-1,207 gallons.

Total engine hours-130 (each engine).

Total genset hours-220.

As I have said before, it was an incredible adventure.  We covered a lot of water, but each set of islands are unique, and I would not change our route.  Now that we have experienced all these islands, if we ever get to do this again, we may pick and choose a little more, but for our first visit we have no regrets.  Alexis and I would both skip Georgetown next time.  It was too organized, and too many boaters for our taste.  I do not need classes arranged by the boater clubs, etc., or as Jimmy Buffet sings, not that much organization in my life!  Although the organized activities and club atmosphere is exactly why so many boaters do end up there.  It is a matter of taste.  I would spend more time in the central Exumas, Alexis the Abacos.  The Exumas (north of Georgetown) are by far the best for clear water, remote islands, snorkeling and anchoring out.  The Abacos (Hopetown, Marsh Harbor, Man of War and Green Turtle) are more “American” with shops, restaurants, services, and are cheaper than the Exumas (more competition).  Both are charming and neither of us would want to skip either.  We did not go ashore at Nassau, so really can’t comment on it.  Some people love it, others not so much.  It is the largest city by far in the Bahamas, and will appeal or not because of that.  I can see why so many boaters leave their boat in Florida, and travel to the Bahamas each year.  I could get real use to that! 

It has been a real adjustment for me back here in the States.  Planes, trains and automobiles everywhere!  What is a hermit to do?  However, the Kennedy Space Center reminded me of just how great this country can be, and meeting up with fellow loopers is a blast.  Even  the short leg we have completed  on the east coast of Florida has reminded us as to how great people are here, and how much we have as a country.  We experience that much more travelling in the US, than by following the news media.  If there is one constant topic among boaters, it is how much better things are in the US than what is reported on any news network.  We are experiencing the true America through our own eyes, rather than depending on extraneous sources.  It has been truly refreshing so far! 

Today, we traveled to Daytona, FL.  It was a long day on the AICW, but there is a electrical guru here who has made time to look at our ageing and failing autopilot.  The marina is first rate, and we are off to the adjacent Charthouse Steak House as a reward for our hard day.....  I know, pigs we are.  Daytona is roughly on the same latitude as Houma, and we are seeing similarities on the waterway.  Muddy water, trout fisherman in Carolina Skiffs, crab traps, roseate spoonbills, pelicans and dolphins to name a few.  A big bad cold front is on its way and we are secure in the marina.  It will drop into the mid 50s tonight.  I have to find my jeans and shoes...  Alexis says I have let my hygiene slide too much.  I guess its time to clean up..