Crossing to Bimini

Thursday/Friday

Arriving in Coral Gables about 5:30 pm, we met up with David Pickett at the marina and loaded our bags onto the boat. While we waited for Carl and Becca, Capt. Dave cooked up a delicious Thai Shrimp dish and we got familiar with the Vesta - where we would sleep, the refrigerator and how to operate the toilet. Since we weren't supposed to sleep on the boat in this marina, we kept an eye out for the watchman and got our story together. It was about 1am when Carl and Becca arrived and were immediately stopped by the watchman. Carl was convincing and Tom, meeting him at the dock, corroborated the story. We never saw him again and about 8am we set sail for Bimini, motoring and sailing. Traveling at about 7.5 mph, the crossing took about 7 hours. A little rocking and rolling at the beginning, it gradually smoothed out. As soon as we reached Bimini, we went snorkeling and that first time of remembering is a challenge - to let go and trust the snorkel. But it all comes back, and once you get all you equipment adjusted, it's smooth snorkeling. Becca and I both say, "Thank God for the noodles!" It's nice to have a rest. Capt. Dave speared 6 lobsters which he sautéed for dinner along with a vegetable stew. After a day in the sun and salt, nothing could have tasted better with a cold beer! We are docked at Keetch's Marina, Bimini, just up from the End of the World Bar. We explored the south tip of North Bimini island, checking out the night spots, but this is not really the party season - even with the 4th approaching.