Wednesday, November 23, 2011
If we’re going to do it, let’s go.
These were the words that Paul said to me this morning, after the final check on off-shore weather, between Ft. Lauderdale and Nassau for the next two days. We were as ready as we could be, having returned the rental car last night, after the last run through Total Wine (priorities!) and packing the big cooler with ice and fresh produce.
Many of our cruising buddies had already made the crossing a week ago, which we were glad we missed—as it was a rough one for a trawler. So they will have a jump on us on nabbing the season’s first lobster and maybe even getting the kite boards wet. We became the designated boat to pick up those last minute bits of equipment and provision that always crop up.
So, finally, good bye civilization as we American consumers know it, and off to the Islands, and catch as catch can.
Out of the cut, after topping off the fuel tanks, we were amidst an array of fishing boats anxious to get out for the morning bite, after a week of steady NE blow and big seas. The roughest part was that initial 2 hours, as the seas were still settling down from the week of strong wind, and we soon separated ourselves from the fleet, as we took our easterly course away from the Florida coast and the fading skyline of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
Thankfully, seas settled down, so Paul and I could eat some lunch, and get the fishing lines out. While he was resting down below, about 30 dolphin approached the bow of Independence for a spirited swim, leading the bow wake, riding the waves. They gradually peeled off, and I noticed behind me, as the pod regrouped, they were leaping clear out of the water, doing flips and generally showing off how to have a great time. Dolphin remind me of puppies, living for the sheer joy of each moment.
We have picked up a lot of radio chatter as we approach North Rock, our first waypoint. This is the entrance to the Bahama banks by Bimini. All the other cruisers who also took advantage of this weather window are congregating as they pass this waypoint. Paul and I enjoy a tasty dinner before sunset, which includes the best filet mignon steak I have ever tasted—courtesy of Matt and Lindsay in a rush package mailed to us just before we left.
By, nightfall we have passed through a fleet of about 20 boats (mostly sail) and have taken the lead through North Channel into the Tongue of the Ocean, for the final leg to Nassau. Our 1-hour snatches of sleep are not quite enough to stay lively, but we make it in together by 5am Thanksgiving day, and tie ourselves up at a designated slip in Nassau Harbor Club.
A couple more hours of sleep, and now we find ourselves waiting for them to open to clear customs/immigration, and hopefully press on to the Exumas.
We are so thankful to be here! Everyone enjoy your Thanksgiving!
