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Day #182 - West End, Grand Bahama

January 29th, 2009

I can hardly believe we are here.  Up at 5:00 and couldn’t leave until 6:45.  Actually out into the ocean at 7:08 am.  They had predicted 2-4 foot seas with southerly wind 10-15. 

Well…!  It was rough to start and got worse as the day progressed.  For those of you who know the lay out of our boat, picture me with only one good foot, afraid to move and perched in the corner of the pilot house (commonly known as Karen’s corner!)  Andy said if they say 2-4 footers, add them together as we had 6-8 we think.  Andy tried and tried to use the auto pilot but it went too far off course so he had to steer and fight the wheel the entire way.  Brilliant job, I might add!

 

Salvage Crew making their crossing

We had arranged to cross with a boat named Salvage Crew (Brad and Patti Salvage from Alabama).  We had originally met them at Joe Wheeler at the Rendezvous back in October.  They were in Marathon while we were there, although at a different marina.  We hooked up in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and stayed in touch to go together on the crossing today.  Glad we did as it was nice to have company and know you weren’t out there alone. 

 

7.25 hours and 84.7 miles later we arrived at Old Bahama Bay Resort.  It is just beautiful here and exactly as I expected The Bahamas to look and feel.  Friendly people, beautiful facility, a Class A resort.  We are going to have dinner with Brad and Patti and make the decision how to progress from here.  Andy is currently out washing to boat as it is a complete salt block from the wind and waves.  Something us fresh water boaters need to get used to.

This is the view across the bow of Good News happily, securely tied to the dock and we are glad for it.

Glad to have internet here, especially as I had to take the battery out of my Blackberry.  Now I know how Obama feels.  Hoping you all keep in touch via email. 

  1. 4 Responses to “Day #182 - West End, Grand Bahama”

  2. By Bob and Charlotte Snider on Jan 29, 2009

    Congrats on the safe crossing Mary and Andy! You must feel a great sense of accomplishment and just a little tired! We really look forward to hearing how you enjoy the Bahamas.

    Cheers,
    Bob and Charlotte

  3. By Barb Vettel on Jan 30, 2009

    I’m sure you can appreciate how wonderful these pictures look! Guess what, its snowing and snowing and snowing………

  4. By Ted Evans on Feb 2, 2009

    You’re not going to believe this, but the score was the same on the game I watched as well!!!

  5. By Buck Leahy on Feb 6, 2009

    It may be windy and chilly (for the Bahamas) at the West End, but in Chantilly, Virginia where I’m working on a client engagement for a couple of weeks, it’s 16 degrees.

    I can’t WAIT to get back to Florida, and I’m looking forward to getting together with Andy and Mary as they head up the Atlantic Coast of the Florida Peninsula.

    Fair winds and following seas!

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