Safe in Nassau

Hi All,

We made the big crossing, leaving Ft Lauderdale early yesterday morning arriving here in Nassau at 3am this morning.

Fortunately the weather window panned out even better than expected, with a beautiful day across the Gulf Stream (calm seas). As we approached Bimini and North Rock, which is the passage into the Banks, we converged with a fleet of 4-5 boats (mostly sail) who had departed Miami. The next 5 or so hours we were treated to various conversations between these Georgetown-bound cruisers, who we knew from previous years. Gradually, as we put more distance between us, we lost radio contact.

Hitting the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Bahamas was a welcome return to familiar waters. Oh, we caught only 1 fish on the crossing-- a small jack, which we threw back.

Approaching Nassau across the Tongue of the Ocean (so named, because it is extremely deep water shaped like a tongue between Andros and New Providence Island), we were guided by the bright lights of Nassau. In fact, entering the harbor, we were greeted by 2 Carnival Ships at the docks, lit up like Christmas Trees.

We dropped the anchor in the harbor at 3 am just behind Different Drummer, and grabbed a couple of hours sleep.

We are now tied up at a marina, have cleared customs, got our cruising permit, took down our Q-flag & hoisted the Bahamas courtesy flag, and now WE ARE HERE!!!!

I believe we will set sail early in the morning towards Norman's cay & share a bountiful Thanksgiving feast with Diff. Drummer when we arrive. (I hope the turkey fits in the oven)

Love and Blessings to all of you,

Sue and Paul

aboard Independence in the Bahamas

the Lauderdale economy...a small turkey on Monday, & cast off for an island thanksgiving

Stationed at Las Olas Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

This marina is 2 blocks from the beach, which in this area is a long, publicly accessible beach with Rt A1A running right alongside. There is a bike lane and a wide, winding sidewalk along the beach heavily used by joggers, strollers, tourists, and occasional skaters all zigzagging through the scattered palm trees. A low, wide, undulating wall separates these pedestrians from the fine white, sandy shore. At most beach entrances, showers flank the steps, and lifeguards keep a vigilant watch on all water-access. Down at the south end of the stretch, kayaks, hobie-cats, and kite-boards can be rented, and there is often a brisk business renting lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Across the street, there are sidewalk restaurants offering oversize glasses of Margeritas and live music. Shops filled with tourist mementos, sell bikinis and T-shirts with off-color messages. Tucked in side streets there are ample choices of tattoo parlors, and bars.

At the north end of the strip, recent high-rises have sprouted, throwing afternoon shade on the beaches across the street, and desperately trying to rent or sell to high-end market in this economy.

In the week that we have been here, we have done our very best to stimulate and support the Lauderdale economy. There have been numerous trips to marine supply stores, Home Depot, supermarkets, K-mart, hardware stores, and restaurants. Each time we return to the boat we unload the car, unpack purchases, remove and recycle wrappings and then find yet another corner on Independence to tuck things away.

Every evening we have had the pleasure of having dinner with friends who live here, or are passing through.
This orgy of shopping and dining will end abruptly as soon as we get our weather window to cross over to the Bahamas. For the next 5 or so months, we will be lucky to access a market with fresh milk and eggs, and will grab what we can when we see it. I am confident that we could live for close to a year on the contents of Independence right now!

The weather window we have our eye on right now is possibly opening up for Tuesday. If this stays as is forecast, we will buy a small turkey on Monday, & cast off for an island thanksgiving. Of course, these weather situations change by the hour, so we could possibly be here w/friends for turkey day, & still be watching the horizon for our next calm Gulf Stream opportunity.

Finally, let’s remember to say Thank you. As Cicero said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Skinniest Canals

Each new place becomes familiar as we take our time to settle in. Different Drummer came on Tuesday and tied up behind us. Deb and I went to a 7am yoga class recommended by Jessica, the next morning. We had a warm welcome, and a free class.We then had a fun, winding trip down the skinniest canals with switchbacks bordered by banyans and waterfront homes. The trip was taken in Flying Colors, a 70 ft Huckins, which defies sensible expectation-- this is a route perfectly suited to a kayak!

We ended up bringing Flying Colors to Wald’s dock, so now 3 of us tied up, where there is usually no boat the rest of the year.

"More friends there, then final provisioning."

Stuart, Florida

Independence is at a stopping point, here in Central Florida. You really don’t realize how big a state it is, till you start making your way down the ICW [editor: Inland Coastal Waterway goes down most of the East Coast]. This is a planned stop, as we have free dockage at our generous friend’s dock. It is also a good boating town and premier fishing area, thus many marine supply stores. The Wagner’s are here, also provisioning and planning to jump off and do a fast run to Georgetown as soon as Paloma clears out & seas die down. As we re-charge ourselves, we plan to visit many friends in this area before heading down to Ft. Lauderdale for a while.

More friends there, and final provisioning.

This past week, listening to election results at an anchorage in northeast FL, then making our slow way south while the world, the country, and Florida (!) get accustomed to the idea of a non-white President, and a very different administration, has been quite momentous. Emails and phone calls and text msgs were flying between Independence & friends & family. Wow, what a difference 4 years makes. (and 8 years ago, when Lisa called us in Palm Beach County & wondered what the hell was going on down here, & why didn’t we straighten them out?)

We attended the Stuart air show yesterday, and were treated to an impressive display from sky-writing to wing-walking to formation flying to very fast and very loud air force jets, all amongst a family-style carnival atmosphere with heavy recruiting & promotion going on at many booths. Our tax dollars at work. They are just completing the final run for today right above Independence, with the “Missing Man” formation. I will post some photos to picasaweb soon.