Last Day in the Bahamas

Today is our last day at Grand Bahama Yacht Club and our last day in the Bahamas. Martha returned yesterday and we will spend the day preparing for departure. It has been almost six weeks since we made the rough crossing to West End. We will cross over to Fort Pierce tomorrow and the conditions look much better. We have a reservation for two nights, but may have to extend it due to wind and rain coming on Friday.

I had made arrangements to have the engine oil changed while in Ft. Pierce, but the provider is dealing with an employee illness and will not be able to get it done while we are there. I am now working to see if I can arrange something in Jacksonville next week. It's a real challenge to schedule these types of things when you are at the mercy of the weather as well as the schedule of the provider. We have a little flexibility, but not much as we do need to head north and don't really want to spend long spells in marinas.

This marina is relatively inexpensive compared to many others in the Bahamas and has provided me a nice place to hang out while Martha travelled home. A number of the boats will be heading out tomorrow as it is the only good weather window to cross back to Florida for the next week. The pool warmed up enough to swim a little and I was also able to wash and wax the boat. It has been nice to meet many of the boaters here. Some have been here for the entire season. I would definitely stay here again as it is very protected, comfortable and reasonably priced. The grounds are well kept, the docks are sturdy and the on-site restaurant has good pizza. The marina provides free car service to the grocery store every afternoon at 2pm and the on-demand water taxi will take you to the marketplace area where there are a number of restaurants. There is a small convenience store and liquor store just outside the property gate. You can't really ask too much more of a marina.

We are going to miss the warm temperatures, clean air, beautiful water and friendly people that we have found here in the Bahamas. I think we both would like to come back at some point in the future. The windy conditions created some challenges, but we have been told by the regulars and the locals that this was an abnormal season for both temperatures and wind. It would certainly be easier the second time around, but we will have to see.

The journey home begins tomorrow, and when we get there in a few weeks it will be boating season. Can't beat that!!