It was another beautiful and calm morning in Bimini. Shortly after breakfast we loaded into the dinghy and I led us out of the marina and south along the shore. This was the first time I had "captained" the new dinghy and was pleasantly surprised at how much smoother the ride was compared to last year. The crystal-clear water was mesmerizing. Our destination, the S.S. Sapona, was four miles south, just off Bennett's Harbor in 15 feet of water. The Sapona was one of a fleet of US concrete ships commissioned to serve as troop transport during WWI. It was completed after the war ended, and sold off. It was used as a casino, for oil storage, and as liquor warehouse during Prohibition. It ran aground in a 1926 hurricane and was later used as a bombing target by US fighter planes in WWII. It is now a popular dive site.
On our way back to the marina we passed the liveaboard dive yacht Dolphin Dream anchored off to the west. Following a quick lunch we headed out again, this time to North Bimini. With a high sun, the water was even more captivating. At the mouth of the entrance, we slowed to look at another shipwreck. This one was much more recent and the result of a late night joyride ending up on the reef. I was surprised to see that the radar, ball fender, and deck cleats were still present and not yet picked clean by scavengers. As we proceeded down along the row of marinas we passed a sailboat and recognized the name -- Elsie Mae. John and Valerie were our dock neighbors several years ago at Regent Point. They had just crossed and were flying their Q flag. We chatted for a quick moment and then both continued on our way.
We continued to the Bimini Big Game Club where we tied up to their dock and went ashore. Following a little walk, we settled on their deck and watched the boat parade while enjoying a beverage. We then hopped back aboard and returned to the mothership in time for a late afternoon beach stroll and the sun setting on another day.
On our way back to the marina we passed the liveaboard dive yacht Dolphin Dream anchored off to the west. Following a quick lunch we headed out again, this time to North Bimini. With a high sun, the water was even more captivating. At the mouth of the entrance, we slowed to look at another shipwreck. This one was much more recent and the result of a late night joyride ending up on the reef. I was surprised to see that the radar, ball fender, and deck cleats were still present and not yet picked clean by scavengers. As we proceeded down along the row of marinas we passed a sailboat and recognized the name -- Elsie Mae. John and Valerie were our dock neighbors several years ago at Regent Point. They had just crossed and were flying their Q flag. We chatted for a quick moment and then both continued on our way.
We continued to the Bimini Big Game Club where we tied up to their dock and went ashore. Following a little walk, we settled on their deck and watched the boat parade while enjoying a beverage. We then hopped back aboard and returned to the mothership in time for a late afternoon beach stroll and the sun setting on another day.
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