12/13/2017 – Old Bahama Bay, Bahamas Docked – 175 nm
We made it! Ka Lani Kai sailed all day yesterday, racing the sun, and brought us to the harbor entrance on the West End of Grand Bahama Island just before sundown. The handline caught a good sized male Mahi with its forehead bigger than a shaka. A few shots of vodka, some whacks on the head and finally a good gaff through the brain finally allowed us to wrap him in two kitchen bags. One for the head and one for the tail. We doused the sails and motored between the two breakwaters, took two 90 degree tight turns with following seas and 20 kt winds into the flat waters of Old Bahama Marina.
Tough docking behind the Shark Week motor yacht, but with plenty of muscle to pull in the dock lines we got her in snug.
Primary color buildings, no people in the off season, grilled Mahi steaks for dinner (we froze the other half), a few glasses of wine on the boat and another in the marina’s bar. The bartender was talking about the horrible hurricanes he’s experienced, then talked some politics. I asked him if he’d rather experience another hurricane or have Trump as the Bohamian prime minister to which he immediately asked, “What category?” Haha.
Woke up this morning around 8am, breakfast by chef Cheryl, then we walked along the empty beach dodging conch shells. Water was around 80F, sun shining bright, but with the cold wind blowing I couldn’t build the nerve to go swimming. If only I had a kite, though! Butter smooth water and 20 knots of onshore wind!
Ate some conch salad for lunch by Harry who said he could also drive me to the airport for a lower fee than the taxis, so that worked out great. But first, Patty, Gary and I borrowed some marina bikes to explore the village. Oh my god, so many conch shells! There were hills of them all along the road, thousands and thousands built up over the years. The town was pretty rough and run down, but the people were friendly and always said hi as we passed by.
Grabbed a quick shower, then said goodbye to the rest of the crew as they had to move the boat down towards Freeport while I had to catch my flight.
What an amazing trip! Lots of work, tough weather, time away from my lovely wife for the longest stretch since our marriage, but what an adventure. My first true voyaging experience.
Thank you Cheryl, for the meals and tiny dancer performances. Gary for helping with the numerous fix-its along the way. Patty for the constant assistance, safety watch and lots of dish washing. Everyone for the fun company with absolutely no crew issues. And of course Chris for making it all happen! Ka Lani Kai rocks!
The End.
(Panama Canal next month?)