Bimini, Bahamas

After a 12-hour crossing, we arrived at the closest Bahamian island to the US mainland, Bimini. The crossing was directly into the wind so we motored the entire way, but made between 4 and 5 knots so it wasn't too bad. Loads of sun, but bouncy so Steve manned the helm and I read and made food for most of the way.

The sea was a dark, dark blue until just before we arrived at Bimini when it turned that gorgeous Bahamian island blue/green, aqua/teal. Such a contrast to the white sand beach.

The marina we had planned on staying at wasn't open any longer so we called another and managed to get a slip (not really a big deal if we didn't, we would have just anchored out, but nice for land access). Steve changed into presentable, government official facing quality clothing and headed out to find the immigration office with our 5 immigration forms filled in while I put the boat back together after the crossing. Steve, as captain, was the only one allowed off the boat so I put away all the stuff we'd taken out during the crossing while waiting for him to get back. Then it was showers! (You never realise how much you appreciate unlimited showers until you spend time on a boat trying to do a shower in a gallon of water!)

The water here is just as crystal clear as they say it is. So often we've been in 7 feet of water and you cannot even see a foot in. Here, you can see tiny seashells at the bottom of 7 feet. Can't wait to go swimming!

As an arrival treat, we wanted to try a local restaurant so Steve asked some folks he encountered at immigration where they would suggest one go to get a good meal. They said, "On your boat." We decided to give it a try anyway and found a nice restaurant overlooking the Atlantic which served a quite acceptable fish platter and Bahamian lobster (curried lobster if you can believe it - somewhat sacriligious for someone from Maine, but it was very good!). We also had the best French wine we have ever had!

Making it to the Bahamas was the culmination of four and a half year's work (and four successive / growing plans in the Red Book) so we're very, very happy to be here!