Arrival In Spanish Wells

Russell Island to Spanish Wells |  1.2 Hours  |  2.3 Miles  

Seventy one days came and went since we were last in a marina in Bimini. All of our dock lines, fenders, and power cords had been stowed away. This morning's big task was to get Crossroads prepared for docking. The sun was out and the wind and waves were calm, making for pleasant work conditions. I positioned all eight dock lines not knowing which side we would need. Our first stop was the power plant to pick up diesel. The long wooden dock is designed to accommodate boats much larger than ours. Learning from past history, I secured the lines to the understructure without any issues. We arrived before they opened at 9:00, but were one of three boats waiting. Seems like everyone was anxious to get moving after a string of poor weather days. The tide was falling and Barry was able to walk directly off our upper deck onto the dock. I was thankful for the high-volume pump that made 400 gallons flow quickly. I did have a nice view of the waterfront homes on Russell Island as I held the nozzle. Once we were done, Barry climbed to the top of the hill to settle the bill. Capital One was loving us today.

With enough fuel now onboard to get home, it was time to move into Spanish Wells Yacht Haven. Turns out we hit the narrow channel at rush hour. We held station as three large fishing boats exited then made our way through the cut. A large sand barge pinched the left turn to the marina, but we took it slow and three more exiting boats slowed to allow us to thread the needle. Our slip assignment was on the far west pier, just before the docked fishing boat. Tredwell, a welcoming fixture at this marina for as long as I can remember, helped get us tied up. We had not been off the boat in four days and were anxious to go for a walk. The meandering sidewalk through the marina grounds was a good place to warm up my knees and try to get them to bend on command. There were all the usual bougainvilleas, hibiscus, and desert roses, but a delicate lily was the first specimen to really catch my attention and draw me in to take a closer look. We headed east out of the marina, then turned and walked across the island. Colorful, beautiful, and well-manicured houses lined the streets.

A closer look revealed striking stained glass windows in the gable. It is the small details that make a difference -- like the pineapple motif on a retaining wall. We stopped at Budda's Snack Shack for lunch and some reading. The entire dining room was covered in whimsical signs. We took the long way back to the marina by looping around the east end of the island and returning via South Street along the waterfront. Lobster season ended on March 31 so all the large boats are back in port for cleaning and repairs. The port stabilizing arm of Sea Gem was lowered over the road and a worker was applying a fresh coat of white paint.

Back at the marina we walked through large hedges of bougainvillea on the way to our slip. I read on the bow while two gulls kept me company from atop a nearby piling. Clouds returned as afternoon transitioned to evening. After dinner we walked west hoping to catch a sunset, but the sun was prematurely hidden before it reached the horizon. 

We turned back and followed all the buggies to the local hotspot -- Papa's Scoops. It had been closed for three straight nights because of the weather and it seemed that everyone was craving some ice cream. Barry and I got our small cups and walked over to the beach for a twilight look. Two folks were way out on the sandbar.

We finished our ice cream and walked back to the marina. The plumeria shone with even more saturated colors in the low light. The recent days spent waiting in the anchorage are now forgotten. We have reached Spanish Wells, one of our favorite spots. Tomorrow will be a big day as we get the opportunity to visit with some extended family and visit more of the island.