Crossing The Bank

Day 294  |  South Bimini to Morgan's Bluff, Andros  |  11.7 Hours  |  92 Miles

The changeover to daylight savings time created a bit more stress than it should have. In looking at our app for first light and sunrise, were we looking at new time or old time? The phones are supposed to set themselves, but will they? That set the scene for tossing, turning, clock watching, and looking out the window to make sure it was still dark. The alarm went of at 6:00 and, yay, it was still dark. We made our final preparations, unplugged, untied and were off just after 7:00. Bimini Sands was a great host, with superb docks and an excellent beachside pool. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful. We'll definitely keep it on our list for future adventures. The sun rose over North Bimini and ushered in another beautiful. By the time we rounded North Rock, the water was back to my new favorite shade -- Bahamian blue. Today's trip was rather easy, as we basically traveled waypoint to waypoint. We turned east to cross the Great Bahama Bank toward Mackie Shoal and met the anticipated levels of wind and waves on our nose. Our ride was comfortable and Crossroads plowed right through the waves. She is now covered in salt, awaiting a rinse with the next rainfall.

The depth across The Bank was usually no more than 20 feet. All the variation of color was visible in the water right up to the point of reaching the Northwest Channel. Once we reached the light (OK, its really a pole with nonworking bulb on top) the depth increased from less than 20 feet to more than 3000 feet in about a quarter of a mile as we crossed into the Tongue of the Ocean. We turned south and the waves relocated to our port bow. We still comfortably quartered them on the way to the north end of Andros where we ducked into the anchorage at Morgan's Bluff. Thankfully there was only one small sailboat anchored and plenty of room. We dropped the hook after close to 12 hours on the water. It was long, easy day and felt good to knock out some miles. The sun was dropping fast and highlighted the beached tug with its golden glow, while at the same time setting behind the trees.

The anchorage is calm and we are well protected from a moderate east breeze. Maybe slightly too well protected as we could use a little more breeze through our ports and hatches. We will head to the northern Exumas tomorrow with a few destination options courtesy of Greg and Glenda on Ti Amo. Thanks, guys, for sharing your tips. We're getting closer.