It took us almost two months bouncing our way along the south coast of the Dominican Republic, but finally we were on our way to a true island paradise. We planned our final stop in the country for Isla Saona – a palm-tree-lined, soft-white-sandy-beached, crystal-clear-water, daytime getaway destination for Dominicans, resort folk, cruise ship passengers […]
Dominican Republic – Episode 2: Puppy Love!
She was barely noticeable in our rental car headlights as we pulled into the marina, but there she was, stumbling forward aimlessly, desperately searching for even the smallest morsel of food in the dirt in front of the guard station. Kimberly jumped out of the car and picked up the tiniest baby puppy we have […]
Dominican Republic – Episode 1: Marina Madness!
After eighteen exhausting hours of motor-sailing into the trade winds and bouncy seas, we reached the Dominican Republic, our home for the following month. Just as we crossed the border, a huge pod of Spinner dolphins raced, leaping, toward Pura Vida as if to welcome us. Shortly after the spectacular greeting, we arrived to the […]
The Forbidden Coast
When we got our boat insurance, it had a clause prohibiting us from going to Haiti. Asking most cruisers about Haiti, we heard “you can’t go there!” The reasons ranged from crime, personal safety, health, lack of facilities for cruisers, and the simple fact that almost everyone heading to the Eastern Caribbean goes straight from […]
Sailing Down the Spiral
We left the safe anchorages of Georgetown for the last time, heading to destinations less traveled by most cruisers. Extending south for 75 miles along the eastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank is a chain of a couple dozen small cays and islands that are uninhabited, except for a small settlement at the very […]
Regatta, Friends, and Frivolity
I am the biggest whiner when it’s time to leave a happy anchorage, especially one that offers crystal clear, still waters and fantastic scuba diving. Leaving Conception Island ordinarily would have had me pouting, but we had the best reason for departing – our friend, Ashley, chose to celebrate her 30th birthday with us on […]
Out Islands
The “out islands” is a term generally used in the Bahamas for describing the multitude of islands east and southeast of Great Exuma that used to be off the beaten path for most cruisers, but are now excellent destinations for those venturing beyond the comforts and safety of Georgetown. Some islands, like Long Island, Rum […]
Trouble Child
“There’s a dinghy missing!” someone at the bonfire shouted, cutting through the darkness, and instantly halting all conversations. We looked over at the dimly lit beach where we had “parked” Lagniappe, and were relieved to see the shadow of a tender that looked a lot like ours. Kimberly and I immediately felt for the people […]
Fun with Family in Georgetown!
The anchorage where almost all boats in the Bahamas eventually end up has many names. “Elizabeth Harbour” is the actual body of water. “Stocking Island” is the long skinny stretch of land next to which most of the boats settle in, but almost everyone knows it by one moniker – “Georgetown.” Cruisers also refer to […]
Paradise Found
After the fiasco in Bimini, we were ready for some smooth sailing and fun in the water. Once we got everything ready, we did an overnight, 110 mile crossing to West Bay, near Nassau, arriving at 8:30 in the morning to a beautiful, calm anchorage. We were one of only three boats in the entire […]