There Be Dragons

Ahoy Mateys,
In spite of what Sherry Sheppard said on the "The View" a couple weeks ago, the world is not flat! We did not fall off the edge, and we are here! Columbus was right!
We left on time from Palm Beach at 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23 with light winds from the east, slack tide and an almost full moon, gorgeous, peaceful and solitary. Spectacular skyline views leaving the harbor, but perhaps a bit of trepidation in our minds because we were about to cross the GULF STREAM! No sight of land in any direction, in the dark, and virgins at the game...Plus, the sea depths would reach far more than our depth sounder at 2000 feet and that's where the charts of old say "There Be Dragons". Oh well, it's true; ignorance is bliss! Out of the darkness the lights of several container ships approached us, and since steel beats plastic every time, we allowed them to continue on course without interruption. Since Flying Fish were our only companions, we have nothing exciting to report on dragons, whales, or even dolphin sightings. However, it was a perfect day; winds subsided after dawn about the time we reached the western edge of the Gulf Stream, and our passage was very "comfortable," considering we're such "ol' salts" now ... Kingdom performed perfectly!
We arrived in West End, Grand Bahama without incident about 1:00 p.m. right on schedule, and tied up at the Old Bahama Bay Marina & Resort. It's beautiful here, small groups of Caribbean style Hotel buildings, lush tropical landscaping, white sandy beaches, pool, spas, 5 star amenities, 3 restaurants, and a snug mooring. As Captain, Walt is responsible to clear customs, therefore he's the only one allowed to leave the boat...he spent a good hour filling out forms, even though we had made copies of everything they could possibly want including our ammo stores. It must be on their form! I spent a good hour rigging lines, setting fenders, cleaning up, and making lunch.
When we entered this beautiful marina, approaching the dock, Captain Bill Meissner gave a shout " Great looking boat you have there!" I glanced sideways, and there sat our boat's twin! Another 58' Hatteras LRC.. "Kismet". We quickly became friends, and they have graciously shared their 7 year experiences cruising the Bahamas with us. We plan to depart Old Bahama Bay with them tomorrow morning, heading to Great Sale Cay (pronounced "Key") and onward to the best Tiki Bar in the Universe - "Nippers" in Great Guana, Abacos, Bahamas. This journey may take a week or more, waiting for perfect conditions and lingering in the spots deserving of more investigation. Internet access may not be available.

Important Note: Yesterday Walt and I began living "The Dream"... we spent several hours on a white sandy beach, gazing on tranguil azure blue 75 degree seas, sipping rum drinks in the shade of a palm tree, reading novels, listening to the sound of the Caribbean band playing at the Resort Tiki bar... ALONE...(Off Season 'till April, and they have only have 9 hotel guests staying here). Paradise!!!
We have been enormously blessed, during every step of our adventure. Yesterday, once again Spirit brought us a special blessing: "Cinderella" . A couple of hours after we tied up, this beautiful female cat waltzed aboard, black and white patches all over, cute as a button and very well behaved, she adopted us. I fed her, much to Walt's dismay, and talked to her like she was a member of the family. We have now learned she is somewhat a prima-donna of the harbor, does not like life at sea, and is much loved and cared for here at Old Bahama Bay, and although we love her, we will make sure she's ashore before we depart in the morning. Plus, I don't do litter boxes!

Today, we lazed around, checking e-mail, reading, shopping in the hotel gift shop, making Coc-au-vin in the crock pot (uhmmm), going to the Managers' (free) Cocktail Party, and making plans for tomorrow with Bill and Shelley Meissner for the morning departure.
I would post a pic or two if we had the ability, but the Internet connection is troublesome. We have a part on order and when it arrives we should be able to show you all what a beautiful place this is. We'll be in No Man's Land for a few days, and completely out of touch, but know that you are never far from our thoughts, and always in our hearts!

We love you most,
Walt and Susan