Hoffman’s Cay to Nassau, Bahamas (docked)
March 29, 2022
We really liked this anchorage – it was just beautiful at all times. We’d stay longer but we want to see if we can get the electrical stuff figured out and Nassau is the best shot as far as having people and materials we might need. It will about 6 hours to get there from Hoffman’s Cay.
We like to eat breakfast in our cockpit and this morning we saw a visitor as we were eating.
This was the fifth or sixth sea turtle we saw in this anchorage. They kind of float to the surface and then pop their heads up and take a quick look around before diving.
Once again, the water was very calm and winds negligible. Not great for sailing but very comfortable for me!
We were in very deep water – in some places thousands of feet. This area is also known as “The Tongue of the Ocean” because of its depth in the relatively shallow area of the Bahamas Bank.
Usually deep waters can be really rough – there’s a lot of energy that can build up. We definitely experienced that when we travelled over the Gulf Stream.
The water was silky and really smooth. It was another gorgeous day out on the ocean! The water was a gorgeous deep blue. We watched flying fish leap – we thought they would just kind of jump out and right back in. They actually look like hummingbirds and can change direction mid flight. They fly about three inches above the surface and go about 100 yards.
Since we were over deep water we thought we would see if we could catch anything by trolling. I had hoped to catch a mahi or even something cool like a marlin (I can dream). I didn’t catch anything but I agree with my dear friend Rebecca who says, “A bad day fishing beats a good day at work.”
We made it to New Providence which is the island on which Nassau is located. Boaters have to request permission from Harbor Control to enter because there is so much traffic (so many cruise ships but also mail boats, pleasure craft, and small ferries taking folks to Paradise Island on the other side of the harbor).
We had to go under two bridges – our first bridges in about five weeks- to get to our dock. We’re here with some boating buddies we met in Bimini and hung out with in the Bay of Five Pirates.
We were able to go to a real grocery store and get fresh fruit and veggies (and a bunch of salty snacks). We also restocked cheese and some canned goods. So much has to be imported here so prices are somewhat shocking ($20 watermelons for example). I am thrilled to get salad greens, though!
There’s actually a small shopping center across the street from us. We’re going to Starbucks tomorrow – neither John not I went all that often back in Charleston but we both miss going out for a beverage. There’s also a Dairy Queen – I do miss soft serve!
We’ll work on some boat tasks tomorrow and get ready to head out in a few days. It’s nice to plug in every now and then.
Life on Lailia 