February 13, 2024
It’s finally time! Over a year ago, we bypassed the Bahamas due to weather and with the intent on visiting after we completed the Loop. It would be our celebratory lap before heading back home to Seattle. But as we’ve sat in the Keys waiting, it seemed like the perfect weather window would never appear and time was ticking.
Well, folks, the forecast finally flashed a green light for a mad dash to Bimini – the closest Bahamian island in our reach. The plan? Buddy up with a speed demon boat, rev our engines at 8 knots (that’s our version of a speedy getaway), and sail into the Bahamian sunset. Our speed demon buddy boat would catch up to us later as we put putted along.
So we cut the metaphorical ribbon on this aquatic adventure, thinking, “Smooth seas and gentle breezes, here we come!” But, plot twist – it was more like a water-themed rollercoaster than a leisurely cruise.,
So there we were, happily cruising along, when out of nowhere, the winds decided to throw us a curveball. They say don’t cross if the winds are from the north. Both Predict Wind and Windy did not forecast northerly winds, but here they were! They shifted from our friendly guide to an unexpected opponent. I promptly moved items from the counter to the floor and secured all cabinets. The kids and I relocated to the floor for some seasickness prevention and a front-row seat to the chaos. Picture it: a floating living room floor show with crashing waves as the backdrop.
Right about then, our buddy boat rolled in like the cavalry. We huddled up, made a quick decision to shift into turbo mode, and get this rollercoaster over with. But before we could even get our sea legs, disaster struck – the dinghy’s stern strap decided retirement was calling.
The dinghy sits on our swim step, strapped down with two straps and secured with two lines to the boat (for extra safety). The stern strap holding the dinghy in place broke. If the line wasn’t also attached, it would have swung off and caused serious damage. Good thing we had spare straps.
In a cinematic moment, yours truly found herself dangling over the side of the dinghy, in a precarious dance with crashing waves, attempting to play hero and secure a new strap. Our buddy boat stood by like the supporting cast, just in case things got really wild.
Dinghy crisis averted, we cranked up the speedometer, bouncing across the waves like we’d just challenged Poseidon to a race. Check out our buddy boat in the rearview, crushing those waves like a boss.
Fast forward through the watery chaos, battle scars and all, and we finally landed on the shores of beautiful Bimini. The water? A jaw-dropping, crystal-clear blue. And guess who came to say “hello” in the marina? None other than a Bahamian bull shark, welcoming us in style.
In the end, our Key Largo to Bimini adventure might not have been textbook smooth, but it was undeniably unforgettable. So, here’s to facing the waves, embracing the unexpected, and discovering the beauty that lies on the other side of a turbulent sea – because that’s what boating is all about, right? Until the next salty adventure, fair winds and following seas! 🌊⚓🌴
Just A Bit Loopy 