MONDAY
TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM
DOCKED AT BIMINI BLUE WATER RESORT
$1.00/FOOT AND $20.00 POWER=$73.00
SUNRISE IN BIMINI: 6:54 AM
SUNSET IN BIMINI: 5:28 PM
HIGH: 80
LOW: 71
There is just something about Bimini that works its way into your heart. You can’t walk down the narrow streets without being greeted by every passing walker, biker, golf cart rider or motorist. “How’s it going?” “Good morning.” “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Every one greets you with a smile. That is almost everyone. At Bimini’s General Store the proprietress answered our greetings with a surly “Well, it’s not a good morning here!” Seems they woke to a boat catastrophe this morning, a leaking something on their boat-home, and she didn’t have the necessary parts to make the repairs. Lucky for us we found just what we needed, The Explorer Chart Book for the Near Bahamas. This tiny store is a gem. It stocks hardware, marine supplies, kitchen gadgets and even an artificial Christmas tree.
The Straw Market where charming Bahamian women sell souvenirs daily was all decked out for the holidays with red and green streamers, a Christmas tree and a Nativity Scene. They are ready!
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| THE STRAW MARKET'S CHRISTMAS TREE |
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| THE NATIVITY SCENE REMINDS US OF THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS |
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| THE OLD AND THE NEW |
The old shipwreck on the western shore is slowly being reclaimed by the sea. We noticed the difference since we last saw it in February. Notice the Pacific M/Y in the distance.
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| THE PACIFIC'S NEW ANCHORAGE |
Later in the day she repositioned to a less rocky anchorage just off South Bimini. From the stern of Quest we can look out the channel and see her anchored in the distance.
We finally got our bikes down and enjoyed some peddling. Heading north we stopped at the hardware store then went all the way to the upscale Bimini Bay Resort. It is so nicely done with tastefully built homes and shops but, man; it is sure not busy now.
After dinner on Quest we walked to the Bimini Big Game Club for cocktails in the Bar and Grill. Famed Guy Harvey and cohorts have completely renovated this old Hemingway haunt. There is a full service marina, restaurant, shops, dive shop, pool and accommodations to rent. Tyrone welcomed us and answered some of our questions about Bimini. It appears that even though I think this is the perfect time to escape the cold northern US, Bimini’s busy time starts in May and runs through the end of August. I guess that is when the fishing is most excellent. I only know that I am loving it right now!
