We have been provisioning for days in anticipation of our little summer cruise. The first stop is Bimini where we will deliver a year's supply of art supplies and equipment to the Bimini All Ages School. Mr. Pinder, the art teacher, emails us his list and we purchase what he needs. We've been contributing these supplies for years and it is always rewarding to see the work the kids are able to create with proper art materials.
The art supplies and some fruits and vegetables and meats for our friend/fishing mate, Willie will be welcomed happily.
The balance of our provisioning is groceries.
Our trip is planned for three days in Bimini and three days in Nassau where we will look forward to the arrival of Galen, Joy, Garrett and Kendrick.
While in Nassau, Jay will fly home and we will continue the trip with the family.
Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini
Travelers:
Jerry, Nancy, Capt. Jay O'Neill
We left our dock at the Venetian condo early the morning of the 9th and crossed the Port Everglades channel markers approximately 8:am.
In order to conserve fuel we cruised at about 10 knots for 2+ hours. Around 10 we picked up speed to blow some carbon out of the engines.
It was a nice leisurely ride to Bimini where we arrived about 12:15pm.
Approaching the island of Bimini is always a treat. The crystal clear waters in multiple hues of blue and green have an immediate effect. We are entering a different world.
The Bimini chain of islands includes the small islands of North Bimini and South Bimini--connected by a shallow flat. It has a fascinating history. As the closest Bahamian island to the United States, Bimini served as a convenient offshore speakeasy and liquor store during prohibition. Rum runners stored their prize both ashore and on a concrete Liberty ship called the Sapona that still rests where it grounded during a hurricane. Now it is one of the favorite snorkeling spots in Bimini.
Ernest Hemingway is closely tied to Bimini's history, leading the way for generations of fishermen who pitted themselves against the fabulous blue marlin, one of the world's feistiest game fish. I use the past tense "pitted" because those days are gone. Certainly Hemingway is gone but so are the blue marlin-- at least they are not here in the numbers they used to be.
Bimini has changed over the years. The local haunts are gone. Poor economy has taken its toll. The little island which is only 7 miles long depends solely on tourism and with a down economy people aren't coming like they used to.
But, we continue to come. It is one of my favorite spots. We've made great friends here and always feel welcome.
For me, approaching Bimini is always magical.
The approach to North Bimini and the channel through the flats. South Bimini is to the right.
Approaching the Bimini Big Game Club and Marina.
Just as we are tying up, Willie appeared. He has been our fishing mate since we started coming here. He was 17 years old. Now he is 45 and he still guides us to the Wahoo and Dolphin fishing grounds.
Jay tying the lines, Willie at the dock talking with Jerry.
I am always happy to get to Bimini. As I said earlier, Bimini is one of my favorite places.
After settling in, we unloaded the art supplies and some gardening supplies for the agriculture teacher.
The dock looked like a littered mess. We had gallons of school glue, 2-part epoxy, wood glue, acrylic paints, brushes, canvases, computer ink, copy paper, two skill saws, yards of rug canvas and over 100 packs of colored rug yarn. The agriculture teacher needed organic soil, plant food and lots of vegetable seeds.
After getting everything off the dock, Mr. Pinder, the art teacher and a few of his students took a break for a visit.
Willie with Mr. Pinder and three of his students.
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Location:Bimini, Nassau, Upper Exumas
