We are in the Bahamas!

We arrived Bimini, Bahamas!  For once I got it right.  We took the 126 mile trek from Marathon to Bimini on Thursday.  We had a gorgeous day and it was an uneventful crossing.  The only drawback is we had to run fast (for us) around 16 knots.  At that speed we burn 36 GPH as opposed to 10 GPH at 10 knots.  Diesel is $1 higher per gallon here, so that was a chunk.  But there are no navigational markers here so we didn’t want to arrive at night.  You have to “read" the water so as not to run aground.  Without sunlight, can’t do that. 

Bimini Sands Resort has a protected marina and a nice pool.  It is on the south island, which has the airport, Bimini Sands, and not much else.  The north island is where the people live, and it has a few stores, restaurants, etc.  There is a ferry that runs between the two islands.  I caught a cab (another story) to the airport and cleared customs.  All in all not a bad day.  And  the front arrived today (Friday) so it is a good thing we did not listen to the weather gurus who said the front would not make it here.  We will let the winds come down, and start the trek to the Exumas, where we will meet up with the boys and families.  

Today is grandson's Jude's fifth birthday.  Happy birthday Jude!!!

7 mile bridge as we leave the USA.

There are lots of ships in the Atlantic, and they are deceptively fast.  My AIS tracking system warns me of potential collisions which I will most certainly lose.  

We were on a collision course with this one.

The warning.

Bimini.  

Serenity flying the Bahamian courtesy ensign, which is required after clearing customs.

Bimini Sands Marina.

The pool, and the approaching front.  

And a beach for shelling!