The alarm sounded at 3:00 and by 3:30 we were underway. Although it was the middle of the night there was just enough light to guide us. An overcast sky dispersed the glow from Miami and Key Biscayne. The slightly-less-than-full moon, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, and lighted channel markers also helped. Once in the ocean there were many lights on the horizon. Half a dozen cruise ships were in a row making their way back to Port Everglades. With reports of yet another norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship, we were glad our floating petri-dish city only had the two of us aboard. I was on watch as the sun rose. It was a smooth crossing and the time passed quickly. As we started seeing the flying fish and the water changing colors, we raised our Q flag in preparation for entry into South Bimini. I prepared the docklines and fenders while being captivated by the "blues." We entered the harbor on a slack tide and easily positioned ourselves in the doublewide slip.
Next was filling out our customs and immigration paperwork. Barry got a ride to the airport (and all the latest news from Rooster, the driver) while I was left to stay onboard until we were cleared. No problem, Fiberglass Beach was open. Barry returned with the news that we were legal so our new Bahamian courtesy flag was raised. Next on the list was taking the ferry to North Bimini and getting the SIM cards for our phones. We passed by the spot where we left our sticker last year, and smiled as it was still there. On to the BTC office where we got back on the internet. We stopped in for a some quick refreshment before reaching the ferry dock. The Sands brewery was destroyed by Dorian, so none of my favorite light and refreshing grapefruit beverage this year. We did a taste-test of two new possibilities while sitting beside some happy flowers.
Back onboard and time for another change of clothes and an afternoon walk on the beach. Two hours later, I had filled my pockets with little treasures. Highlights for sure were a rare piece of red glass and a heart-shaped stone. Happy Valentine's Day. As sunset approached, I made one more trip to the beach where there was not much color and too many bugs. The cute curly-tail was soaking up the last bit of sunshine for the day.
It was a long day, but everything got done and we're all set to enjoy a few more days here in Bimini. Just being here does the heart good. The pillow is calling ...
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