Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Berry Islands and Bimini - Bahamas

Berry and Bimini Islands, the last of the Bahamas for us…for now….







We were now on a schedule to get to the States, so Mark could get back to work. After victualling the boat and refuelling, we left Nassau for the Berry Islands. Our friends Calvin and Connie told us they were going to Frasers' Cay for a overnighter before proceeding to Bimini, we decided to join them. 

We arrived just before sunset, Mark was busy taking down the sails, while we were motoring up the channel to the mooring field, when the reel went zzzzz! I realised that I had forgotten to reel in the line and we were still trolling (for Dorado). My first thoughts were oh shit we've snagged the line on a coral head, as we were only in 3m of water. Kieran quickly takes over the helm and I get busy reeling in the line. Well, we didn't catch a reef, but a huge Mutton Snapper! What luck!





Couldn't believe you could catch a snapper on a Dorado lure























There was just enough time to clean and prep the fish, while Mark re spliced the eye on the mooring ball. The current can rip through here, and we weren't taking any chances.







Dinner would have to wait, as Connie and Calvin invited us over to their beautiful AIR CONDITIONED boat for sundowners. After that we met at the pub for a drink. However the mozzies won and we went back to their boat.


















BIMINI ISLAND


we snorkelled this beach and found beautiful shells

Bimini is located about 50 miles off Florida. Also known as Ernest Hemingway's favourite escape. It was used as a smuggling hub during the years of Prohibition. Now it's a favourite holiday destination for everyone, especially fishermen and divers. This was just a stop over for us, we left the following day after visiting the little town and buying some souvenirs. We will be back!!!!








To get to the marinas, you have to enter a tidal lagoon, note the colour of the water here.



can you see the sea plane in the centre of this pic?

USA HERE WE COME...



















































Atlantis - Nassau, the Berry Islands and on to Bimini

ATLANTIS, Nassau - Bahamas



We couldn't stop in Nassau without visiting the Atlantis Resort, our 'friend' Sol's place!

It is the one landmark that can be seen for miles, some say it's an abomnation, others love it. No matter what anyone says it's impressive and boasts one of the best water slide parks and aquariums in the world, notwithstanding the amount of people employed 24 hours a day.

We motored right into the Atlantis Marina and stayed for 3 days. Included in your marina fee are free, unlimited access cards to all the waterslides, movies, etc

After roughing it in the Exumas, being in this first class facility was awesome!






One of the many aquariums.

10000 leagues under the sea!

believe it or not, that's me on the right!
Huge pool all to myself, while the boys are doing their thing on the slides!
Before 930am there is no one around, the hotel guests are all lining up for breakfast. No standing in lines!

the 'Leap of faith' slide, exits in a tube inside the shark tank