Category: North America

Welcome to The Bahamas

You know when you are trying to get away for a holiday or long weekend and everything takes so much longer than it should? That was us trying to get to Bahamas last Saturday, only our problem wasn’t traffic, it was the Gulf Stream.

Longer Than Expected

We figured the 40 nautical mile (nm, or knot) trip would take us 8 or so hours. Nope. With the wind at our front and the gulf stream pushing us north, we had to give up on sailing and turn on the engine. We discovered that the engine overheats when we go too fast. That 8 hours took 12. We cut it short and stopped north of our destination and anchored in the dark. But we made it to Bahamas in one piece! Success!

Our route from Miami to Bimini
Our route from Miami to Bimini
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Blue Water Sailing

Six months ago, we started looking for a boat. Three months ago, we officially bought Sava. Two months ago, we flew down to Florida and moved onto our boat. We’ve gotten used to her, learned how she works and kitted her out with the things we need for our life and journeys on board. Tomorrow is another new experience for all of us: our first “blue water sailing” trip. Destination: The Bahamas.

New Experience: Blue Water Sailing

This is not our longest trip. The sails to, from, and within The Florida Keys were further distance and tomorrow’s should take less time. What sets it apart for us as sailors is that we will not have sight of land for a few hours tomorrow. It is a bit scary but we’ve built up to this and are taking baby steps. We aren’t trying to cross an ocean here, but the Gulf Stream, which has its own set of issues, like pushing us away from where we want to be.

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So Much To Do In Key West

When someone mentions Key West, you think sunshine, music and beachy cocktails. Having come from there just now, yes, yes and yes but so much more too! We found there was a lot to do in Key West, and here are our recommendations.

About Key West

Key West is known as Margaritaville after Jimmy Buffet, who lived and worked on boats there in his 20s. Much of the music style heard in the bars on Duval Street today is a descendent of Buffett’s “yacht rock”.

Key West street scene
Busy Key West streets

We learned a lot of bits of history on our tour with Key Lime Bike Tours, an entertaining 3 hour roll through the town’s highlights. Bike tours are generally a good way to get an overview and see a lot of a new place and this one was no different!

Key West is also known as The Conch Republic and got that name after a P.R. succession from the union to protest a government roadblock at the entrances to The Keys. It worked! Locals call themselves conches ever since.

We loved The Conch Republic and its residents. They embrace weirdness and like to have fun. Like Nashville and New Orleans, the bars are open early and full of live music. The restaurants are also good, serving local seafood and Cuban cuisine.

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