Back at sea again!!!!

[Jim Jackson]

Finally, after many months in Florida getting Blue Heaven ready for extended cruising, we made our way down the ICW to Port Everglades and then went outside to Miami. Came in through Government Cut to Miami (what a trip) then down Biscayne Bay to Rickenbacker Marina. Spent a night there and then on to No Name Harbor on the south end of Key Biscayne. The next morning we looked for someone to go to Bimini with but everyone had left that morning or the day before. Even though it was late in the day to start a crossing we were encouraged to go because the weather was so perfect. Calm seas and south winds all the way to Bimini. At 11:00 a.m. we pulled up the anchor and headed out. We did have calm seas but the wind was on our nose out of the east at 12 to 18 knots and we didn't make very good time. Arrived offshore Bimini about 8:00 pm. Pitch black outside but we called Bimini Sands marina and they were ready to help. They drove a car out to the beach and turned on their lights to act as a beacon. Then gave us directions on when to turn east into their channel. Two young boys with spotlights stood on either side of the channel and directed us in on their portable VHF radios. The tide was going up and the water was flat. We motored right into a beautiful marina with floating docks and surrounded by beautiful pink condo buildings. What great people and wonderful hospitality.
Bimini is delightful. Happy, friendly people everywhere we go. Alice town is funky but cool and very friendly. The food is delicious. Especially the lobster salad. Bimini Sands is on South Bimini island but the ferry runs all day long to North Bimini which is where Alice Town is located.
We are now waiting for a weather window to the Berry Islands and then on to Nassau. After that, it's Georgetown and then points south.
We are glad to be cruising again and plan to live this life for as long as we are having fun. We have already met some great people who are headed in the same direction, so we will not have to make the next legs of the journey alone. Always great to have boat buddies along for the passages.
That's all for now. Will upload some pictures soon,

[Jim Jackson]

Thanks, having a great time here in Bimini waiting for a weather window to Nassau.

[Banana Wind]

Sounds like a great adventure you are having ...we wish you and your crew much success!