ssloop: Ft Lauderdale -The Bimini Islands

On January 22 we left the balmy Michigan winter behind us and flew to Fort Lauderdale where PV2 was waiting for us at our friend Brian Keenan’s dock. By Friday we were provisioned and ready to go. That night we anchored out in Lake Sylvia in Fort Lauderdale. The next morning we headed out to the Atlantic and traveled south to Haulover Inlet. Haulover Inlet is known to be one of Florida’s nastier inlets when the tide and winds oppose each other. We had a relatively easy transit. Conditions were in our favor but we still came in fairly hot to maintain control of the boat. We anchored out for 3 nights in a pretty bay off from Oleta River State Park. With weather in the mid 80’s and sunny it was perfect for enjoying the area including a 8 mile run up the ICW in the dinghy to Le Tub Restaurant for one of their famous burgers.

Tuesday we headed south down the intracoastal, past Miami to Prime Marina in Coconut Grove where we were met by a smiling dockhand holding an Amazon package containing our new alternator. An hour after we were docked, Captain Fix-It had the new alternator installed! After a walk to the local grocery store we were stocked and ready for the Bahamas.

By 8am on Wednesday we were headed across the Gulf Stream with a destination of South Bimini, Bahamas. We had a smooth crossing and pulled into Bimini Cove Marina by noon. This was our home for the next 5 nights. We enjoyed the awesome beaches, amazing waters and local cuisine while here. One day we took PV2 south 10 miles to Honeymoon Harbour. This is a gorgeous cove where we spent time with the stingrays swimming right up to us looking for treats. All we had was some bread which was not to their liking. (They prefer squid) But it was sure fun petting them. The feel like silicone!