Travels of Geo Nova

March 6^th

We had cold weather over the weekend so it kept the crowds down in No Name Harbor. We took a walk into town each day. On Sunday several boats got together for another cookout and planning session for the crossing to the Bahamas. On Monday Jean and Jan picked us up at 8:30 and it was off to a local breakfast place. We then left the island to get propane tanks filled for 4 boats. Jean and Jan wanted to take us to a favorite farm stand that has great veggies and a bakery that has sticky buns. We thought we would get back early but after getting the goodies Jan said we are only an hour away from Key Largo how about going down there for lunch. So on to plan B. They called friends from back home that live on Key Largo so we all got together for lunch. It’s been 27 years since David and I drove down there.

We needed supplies so on the way back to Key Biscayne we stopped at a Home Depot and a grocery store. We got back about 5pm, got everything to the boat, then got the jerry cans to fill with diesel. Jean and Jan were great sports helping us with everything. We had a wonderful time in No Name Harbor but it was time to move on.

March 5^th the weather was calm so we got the anchor up at 6:30 and headed to Bimini in the Bahamas. It was light winds so we had to motor all the way. Sea state in the Gulf Stream was 4-6 feet, which made it a little rolly. We were safely tied to the dock by 3 PM. First order of business was to clear customs and immigrations. The process was relatively painless with the exception of the $300 fee.

Bimini is a typical Bahamian island. Everyone is very friendly. There are dogs and goats wandering all over the place. It is very simple, nothing fancy. The water here is unbelievably clear. Yesterday we saw a 7 ft shark cruise through the marina. We took a walk to the laundry to get a load done that we didn’t get too before we left. You drop it off and the ladies wash dry and folded it for $10.00. While the laundry was getting done we went for a walk around the island. Everyone is very friendly and easygoing.

We will enjoy the day here today and get the boat ready to leave in the morning at 8 am. We will cross the Bahamas Banks and arrive at the tongue of the ocean at dusk with an out going tide, which should be good. We will cross the ocean and head south of Nassau and continue on to arrive at Highborne Key we hope by midday on Saturday. From there we will be making our way down the chain of islands, stopping where and when we want.

Well off to enjoy another day in paradise!