It is a four hour cruise to our final Bahamian anchorage. We cruise the west side of the Islands with such high and low tides, we have to be extremely cautious. In some parts Mike has to
stand watch on top of the roof to try and spot large coral heads.
We fished with shallow dive lures and still one broke off presumably hitting a reef.
We eventually reach 'New Providence Island' and anchor east at 'Sandy Cay' as we wanted to stay in the wilderness for one last night. This was our worst anchorage due to the surge, wind and currents here. As we are only here for one night so we stick it out.
Wednesday. We are now entering back into civilisation after 3.5 months of wilderness. The town of Nassau is the capital of New Providence Island and is the federal capital of the Bahamian 700 Islands.
This was the famous 17th century Pirates headquarters. It was a very wild and bawdy place until 'Woods Rogers' was appointed by George 1st, in 1718 to wipe out the Pirates and re establish lawful English rule.
It is now gentrified and the hot spot for Caribbean tourism. It's major attraction is the resort of 'Atlantis', one of the largest in the world. It is situated on 'Paradise Island', a short distance across from Nassau over the causeway.
We enter the Atlantis marina overwhelmed with the huge size and opulence of this modern playground. It boasts one of the biggest aquariums in he world, together with multiple swimming pools, water slides, and many other bulk tourism attractions including a casino.
There are 4 massive cruise ships in the harbour descending on Atlantis in their thousands, daily.
However, the marina is fully occupied by large expensive cruisers but remains a peaceful place with a small shopping area in the front of it. It is not huge and is surrounded by quiet attractive colourful buildings.
After we Dock, Brad, Sima and MB head out to a game fishing charter. They trolled unsuccessfully for 4 hours. The bait was rigged Ballyhoo with squid skirts, which we have found very popular in the Caribbean. Eventually they find birds feeding and change to wooden plugs. This resulted in only one small Benito and that was it for the charter. They are very disenchanted, but are cheered up on their return by a water slide at the Atlantis park with all the other kids.
JB and Amanda explore the resort shops and find the spa to make some bookings.
That night we have our traditional pirate party. Brad and Amanda in their typical generous way have provided new costumes. JB and Amanda have become 'Pirate Wenches' in their new garb. MB is a well attired 'Captain Hook' almost unrecognisable in this new flamboyant outfit. We all then dine at a beautiful restaurant in the marina 'Cafe Martinique'.
Thursday. MB and Brad have a swim at the resort beach. The friends all pack up and leave after a light lunch.
JB, MB and Paul get a taxi and head to Nassau and the fishing tackle shop. We bought some down rigger weights and rigged Ballyhoo bait, for our final fish when we head to Fort Lauderdale.
We then took a quick tour of the historic parts of Nassau which we found quiet attractive with some substantial 19 th century buildings that had been decorated to celebrate their forthcoming Independence Day. Our taxi driver explains where the old slave market used to be, and we tour through the main shopping street, 'Bay Street'.
Paul takes us to the 'Seafront Sushi' restaurant which he remembers from a previous stay. This turns out to be a great find with delicious food that is not expensive.
We are attempting to finish our series of Deadwood, before we get home.
JB and Mick