West End, Bahamas to Vero Beach, Florida

May 7, 2017 - May 14, 2017

We motored to West End on Great Abaco Island which would be our final destination in the Bahamas.  This is where we started our Bahama adventure as well.  We spent two days at the marina preparing for our Gulf Stream crossing and waiting for the calm and variable winds that were predicted for Wednesday, May 10, 2017.  The weather was perfect and the pool was a refreshing break from our preparations.  Unfortunately, the lack of wind allowed the no-seeums (tiny biting gnats that you can’t see or feel until the itchy bumps appear) to land on the boat and on us.  When we got up on our last day in the Bahamas we were covered with bites with no benedryl on board.  We sprayed the inside of the cabin with bug spray, but that didn’t help our bites.  We used aloe vera gel to soothe our skin and keep us from scratching and making things worse.  

The night before our Gulf Stream crossing we left the marina and anchored outside so we would not have to maneuver out of the marina in the dark.  Our crossing was easy this time with the Gulf Stream current boosting our speed enough that we decided to continue on to Vero Beach once we were in the ICW (Intra Costal Waterway).  Two interesting things occurred on the crossing.  First, a tiny yellow finch flew onto our boat and rode off and on with us for an hour. Second, a pod of about a dozen dolphins swam around the boat doing flips and jumps, and basically showing off their skills. Amazing.

Now that we are back in the states I am thinking about the things I will miss about the Bahamas…the beautiful turquoise water, the sea life (turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, rays, and even sharks), the laid back life style of the islands, the quaint and charming villages, and the friendly people. We have been somewhat overwhelmed since we have been back with the pace (cars and highways) and abundance in the USA.  We have to make so many more decisions in the enormous grocery stores and shops.

However, there are a multitude of things I am looking forward to enjoying while back in the states.  The best luxury is that I can easily be in touch with all of my family by calling and texting and I will be able to visit with them soon.  Reliable internet service is also a plus.  I missed American food…salads, pizza, Mexican food, Italian food, just the overall variety.  Even though we enjoyed eating out in the Bahamas the restaurants all had very similar menus with very little variation in food preparation.  Once I get back into Baltimore I’m anxious to get a good pedicure and have my hair restyled (boat/beach hair is getting old). I loved the Bahamas and want to return again next year; it has been an amazing adventure, but I’m also glad to be back “home”.

Once we rest up here in Vero Beach we will be traveling north on the ICW.  My next blog post will probably be from St. Augustine.

Thank you for reading my blog.