Heidi, Michael, and Magdalena (H, M&M) arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, April 10th to join us for 10 days. They were originally going to meet us in the Bahamas but the general rule for meeting up with sailing cruisers of “Pick a time and a place, but not both” came into play. Since our first crossing attempt before their arrival didn't work out (see previous blog post), we decided to wait for them in Florida and make the crossing to the Bahamas together.
Fort Lauderdale was great fun! The Tortuga Music Festival was in full swing at the beach across the street from the marina so we could hear the concert for free each night from the comfort of the boat (Doobie Brothers, Kenny Chesney, etc). The weather was perfect for spending a day at the beach and getting caught up. It was especially great for Ava and Reed as it had been nearly 6 months since they’d seen M&M and having kids to play with had been in short supply so far since we left Seattle. And of course, any time I get to spend with my amazing sister, Heidi, is special to me.
To get H, M&M familiar with the boat, we took Night Music out for a day sail out of the Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) inlet. It was perfect conditions to get everyone comfortable; sunny, breezy, and warm. Great practice for crossing to Bimini later in the week.
We motored on the ICW south toward Hollywood City, FL, for a couple of days to wait for the right crossing weather. Hollywood City is a great town, with a beautiful boardwalk and beach. It was definitely less crowded and touristy/commercial compared to Fort Lauderdale. We will stop back there again this summer if time allows for it.
Our final leg on the ICW was to Miami on April 14th, with a great anchorage off the Miami Yacht Club and pretty views of the skyline to the west. After a refreshing swim and yummy dinner, we all got a great night’s sleep in advance of our crossing the next day.
We made landfall in South Bimini on Wed, April 15th, and stayed at a great marina there called Bimini Sands. It is a sport fisherman’s destination but also very welcoming to sailboat cruisers. Reed and Michael fished off the dock every day and caught us enough fish for some wonderful dinners!
A short walk and then water taxi ride to North Bimini brings you to Alice Town and the supermarkets for provisioning. The mail boat with supplies from Nassau arrives on Thursday so Friday is the best day to shop. We spent our first two days in South Bimini relaxing by the pools, taking dinghy rides, and adjusting to “island time”.
On Saturday, April 18th, we left the marina to explore a local snorkel dive site and then anchor off of North Cat Cay to celebrate Ava’s 13th birthday. The wreck of the Sapona, an old cement boat, is a very prominent and popular site. We anchored off while most everyone snorkeled, then picked up anchor and headed to North Cat Cay. It was a lovely anchorage and we celebrated with cupcakes and singing. Ava’s favorite gift was having her Aunt Heidi and two cousins there. Her second favorite gift was the two tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in DC this summer. Happy girl! The next day we took the dinghy to the beach and snorkeled, swam, and explored. There were small rays that circled around looking for food – they are used to being hand-fed by visitors. Later that day we headed back to Bimini Sands as H, M&M had to leave early on Monday morning. The 10 days went way too quickly but we felt so lucky to have them be our first visitors! We are already looking forward to a return visit next sailing season.
Fort Lauderdale was great fun! The Tortuga Music Festival was in full swing at the beach across the street from the marina so we could hear the concert for free each night from the comfort of the boat (Doobie Brothers, Kenny Chesney, etc). The weather was perfect for spending a day at the beach and getting caught up. It was especially great for Ava and Reed as it had been nearly 6 months since they’d seen M&M and having kids to play with had been in short supply so far since we left Seattle. And of course, any time I get to spend with my amazing sister, Heidi, is special to me.
To get H, M&M familiar with the boat, we took Night Music out for a day sail out of the Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) inlet. It was perfect conditions to get everyone comfortable; sunny, breezy, and warm. Great practice for crossing to Bimini later in the week.
We motored on the ICW south toward Hollywood City, FL, for a couple of days to wait for the right crossing weather. Hollywood City is a great town, with a beautiful boardwalk and beach. It was definitely less crowded and touristy/commercial compared to Fort Lauderdale. We will stop back there again this summer if time allows for it.
Our final leg on the ICW was to Miami on April 14th, with a great anchorage off the Miami Yacht Club and pretty views of the skyline to the west. After a refreshing swim and yummy dinner, we all got a great night’s sleep in advance of our crossing the next day.
We made landfall in South Bimini on Wed, April 15th, and stayed at a great marina there called Bimini Sands. It is a sport fisherman’s destination but also very welcoming to sailboat cruisers. Reed and Michael fished off the dock every day and caught us enough fish for some wonderful dinners!
A short walk and then water taxi ride to North Bimini brings you to Alice Town and the supermarkets for provisioning. The mail boat with supplies from Nassau arrives on Thursday so Friday is the best day to shop. We spent our first two days in South Bimini relaxing by the pools, taking dinghy rides, and adjusting to “island time”.
On Saturday, April 18th, we left the marina to explore a local snorkel dive site and then anchor off of North Cat Cay to celebrate Ava’s 13th birthday. The wreck of the Sapona, an old cement boat, is a very prominent and popular site. We anchored off while most everyone snorkeled, then picked up anchor and headed to North Cat Cay. It was a lovely anchorage and we celebrated with cupcakes and singing. Ava’s favorite gift was having her Aunt Heidi and two cousins there. Her second favorite gift was the two tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in DC this summer. Happy girl! The next day we took the dinghy to the beach and snorkeled, swam, and explored. There were small rays that circled around looking for food – they are used to being hand-fed by visitors. Later that day we headed back to Bimini Sands as H, M&M had to leave early on Monday morning. The 10 days went way too quickly but we felt so lucky to have them be our first visitors! We are already looking forward to a return visit next sailing season.