Nassau Fish Fry

We finally got a weather window to cross to Nassau.  It was a rough trip. We got into Nassau Yacht Haven Marina which is very centrally located to  downtown Nassau.  We were in walking distance of groceries and Starbucks!  I really started to see class divisions of very rich and very poor often.  Not much middle class.  We discovered the greatest transporation. the jitney buses.  You get on and when you get off it's $1.25.  Very few street signs, no bus map.  You have to know where and what number bus.  Thank goodness we had some helpful Bahamians to give us directions.  Our fist adventure was to the "fish fry".  I expected a local fry like at Great Harbor Cay.  No, it is a whole area of fish fry colorful shacks.  Great food.

Ready to try Jerk chicken

Great Harbor Cay Berry Islands

We had another rough crossing to Great Harbor Cay.  Spending the night on anchor was soon to let us know we needed to find a more protected spot.  Great Harbor Cay Marina was it.  The pass entance was literally blasted out of solid rock!  Great marina, we stayed through Easter and really enjoyed getting to know some great Bahamians.

Entrance to harbor

Happy to get here!

Miss Em in her slip

Office and bath house

We met a doctor from Miami and lots of people who come to sport fish.  We got lots of Mahi Mahi.  Also met a few cruising couples from the states and other countries,

John and Susan took us on a trip
This was a ruin of a club

Beach club stop

All roads lead somewhere

Beautiful beaches

Lots of road walking

Just chillin

British pub and resort

Dr. Orlando's home

Dr. Orando gave us the cook's tour of the island.  His home is right on the beach and beautiful.

After a great Easter service at the Angligan Church in high mass, we met several teachers.  The priest is the Principal.  I was impressed that even the small school has technology.  A smart board in the math/science teachers room.  Reminds me of 5th grade classrooms I had.

Outside Church at Easter Service

Church fundraising fish fry

Across to Bimini Bahamas Bound

Leaving White Marlin Marina at the end of March, we traveled up the East Coast to Key Biscayne to get  a good weather window for the trip to Bimini.  We stayed at No Name Harbor in Beggs State Park. We had a fair crossing to Bimini but didn't make slack tide.  The current is so strong traveling to North Bimini pass, (probably close to 5 knots).  We were checking in at Big Game Club.  It took 4 men, including Gary, and all of Miss Em to get us on the lay a long dock.  Check in was fine and we were there!

Miss Em on her lay a long at Big Game Club

Looking out the pass at Bimini

Arch at the straw market

Our first conch salad, yes Gary ate it raw!

We enjoyed a few days of rest before heading to our next destnation, Great Harbor Cay.

Old Friends New fun

A great winter here at White Marlin Marina.  We were so happy to get here and relax from the major work on the teak decks.  I did do some more bright work and Gary upgraded us some new fuel gauges.  We enjoyed our Marina friends and the great weather here this year.  Lots of prep work for our first trip to the Bahamas with Miss Em.  

Big Igwanas during mating season

Lots of fun times at Havana Jacks with Mike and Debbie

Chillin' in the most comfortable seats in Marathon

Reflections of Miss Em at Christmas

Beach time for Jan

Gary at one of Bloodlines' bars in Islamarada

Still kickin it!

Cocktails and blue water

Lori and Mark on a great bike ride

Christmas Tree Key West Style

Pennycamp Park beach

Love xmas lights

Debbie and Mikes boat our winter neighbors

Happy times on Mark and Lori's boat

Mark and Jan, barbecueing at the Tiki Hut

Gary and Mark were actually in a dingy behind a dingy

Our favorite spot, the sand bar with Jim's boat

Skin diving in the Keys with Amanda and Chuck

We had another great visit from Amanda, Gary's daughter, and her boyfriend Chuck.  We picked them up at Key West airport and had a great time eating out and having fun despite some rain.  We took the boat out to Sombreo Reef where we stayed out on  mooring ball.

Amanda the mermaid

Beautiful day and water

Getting gear ready for snorkling

Visit to Lorilei's beach bar

Blue Macaw in Key West

Pick up at the airport

Plane down

Touch down!