Marathon, Florida Keys to Bahamas-Bimini to Nassau

We are preparing to leave Nassau, Bahamas capital this morning but we need to update you on our experiences this past week and a half.
 Marathon seemed to be the most favourable place to have our guests, Mary[my sister] and Ken[our brother in -law] meet us.This had been planned a long time ago with meeting place -Miami.They arrived at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs.-great reunion, lots to share.Friday the winds that had been up most of the week seemed to have seetled enough for us to start our trek north east so we could do our crossing to Bimini Islands on Saturday. . The winds were in our nose much to the dismay of our new crew member and navigator [our seasoned sailor , Ken]. We were all thankful to arrive at our anchorage.at Key Largo[Roderique  Key].The next morning would be the day for the crossing. The winds were in our favour for the first hour or so but after making it through the Angel fish cut it was in our bow . As the morning progressed the winds and waves did too. The crew was generally pretty quiet but our cheerful captain kept our spirits up.He optimisticly would say 'you will forget this rougher crossing soon after we arrive. Actually the last few hours were calmer[a bit]. We were all excited when we noticed land in the distance.We were getting our first glimses of the Bahamas.After going thru some sifted  sand in areas at the channel entrance we were able to follow the markers to our lovely new marina and resort.It was beautiful , well cared for and very quiet. only 8 or 9 boats.We were given customs papers by the dock master, Hylan who helped us and welcomed us to his country.Our scribe, Ken filled out the papers and Bill biked 3 miles to the customs and immigration to pay the entrance fee for the boat and give us permission to visit.Upon Bill's return we were able to change the quarantine flag for the Bahamian flag on our mast ,still flying our big Canadian flag as always from the stern. Sunday we were able to walk to the nearest church[Outreach Gateway Ministries] The congregants were very welcoming.It was a new experience for all 4 of us and I could say a lot more,but,for now-- the message was from Joel 2 esp .ver. 12 &13..
 We enjoyed the huge pool with a few more boaters
 The next day we cleaned ship. Bill was able to rent a golf cart so the men could go to the hardware store while we did laundry downtown , Alice Town.Bill and Ken also came back with a dozen lobster tails.Back for lunch and some repair work on the boat. We walked thru the amazing resort area ,along the ocean walkway to another infiniti pool looking out over the ocean . great place to catch the sun rays..Now it was time to really explore town. back to the boat ,then the golf cart  took us to many points of interest-views on both sides of the long peninsula island , a stop at a little shop for home-made guava[local fruit] ice-cream sundaes and historical sign and buildings, then the infamous Dolphin house.An artist [Ashley B. Saunders]has been building this for the last no. of years from items from the sea and demolition sites.It was amazing. I hope the photos capture some of his creativity.
Mary and I made a great team in the galley. Tonight it was going to be 'lobster' and sweet potato fries. We enjoyed thoroughly. enough lobster left for a salad the next day. what a treat.
 Tues. out on the  waters  for a great sail the Great Bahama Bank, heading-Berry Islands or Cays[pronounced Keys]Since these waters were not deep [around 10 to 20 feet we anchored out in the big waters.Here the galley chefs prepared a steak dinner while the 'captain Bill and captain Ken] plan the next days sail.
 Again a great sail .this time in the Tongue of the Ocean  . These waters were  up to 6000 feet deep[not too shallow].We came to an anchorage just east of Chubb Cay in the Berry Is. The seas had been calm  so Ken was able to use his teaching skills to teach the regular 2nd mate[myself] a lit more about navigating. That was good because I'd been feeling a little under employed since our guests came onboard.Why not take a course. We also learned more about stars.

Dinner at Marathon

The Crossing to The Bahamas

Repairing a cross brace,plus the Bahamian flag

Customs Blg Alicetown

Home made guava icecream

Dolphin House

Bimini view

Anchored on the Great Bahama Bank

Light house at entrance to Nassau Harbour

 The next day we sailed to Nassau and needed to wait an hour for harbour clearance before we good enter the busy channel to our marina at Paradise Club Harbour.We will fill you in on Nassau next blog. {out]