Casting Off the Bowlines -- Extended Bahamian Journey
 

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

That's what my husband and I are about to do. We're going cruising on our sailboat. Aiming for the Bahamas. My husband departs on the first leg of our journey -- Annapolis to Charleston -- on Sunday. You can follow our adventures on the blog I've started: http://sabrecalypso.wordpress.com/

Callaloo, what a wonderful adventure! We have friends who have been sailing and living on their sailboat for years. They spend 5-6 months a year on their boat. They spent a few years exploring the Caribbean, they sailed a couple of years around the east coast of Canada and the Great Lakes and now they are exploring Mexico and Baja. I'm always in awe of the things my friend cooks during their journeys. They have a small freezer and they eat very well. She even bakes bread when they don't have access to fresh.

We have another friend who is on his way right now to spend the winter months in the waters around the BVI's and USVI's. This is his first time and his wife will only occasionally join him as she gets seasick. But it's a lifelong dream for him and he loves challenges.

I'll be following along on your journey. I get seasick so I could never do it but I envy those who can. When will you join him?

Happy sailing!

I get seasick too -- hence bringing the super-mega-value-sized bucket of meclizine (aka Dramamine II, Bonine, sturgeron, etc.) I am still working through November 1, and have some other commitments, but will join hubby either in Charleston or Florida mid-November. Cannot wait!

Callalou- you are still my hero!! Have a wonderful adventure and please keep we poor plebs up to date living vicariously throughout your journey!
Godspeed! Ish

What an adventure! As many times as you've been to the Bahamas-this time on your own boat with no deadlines.

So jealous! Tell us which Bahamian islands you're thinking of stopping in! I've been craving a return to the Bahamas myself, but don't think it'll be this year.

Awesome! Keep reminding us here for each chapter

Daniel, we don't have a real plan once we get to the Bahamas. In all likelihood, we'll clear in at West End (Grand Bahama), but head to the Out Islands in very short order. I expect the Abacos will get a few weeks, and the Exumas will occupy us for the majority of our trip. Side trips to Cat and Long Islands are likely. But they are all just ideas right now, because the weather, and the need to re-fuel and re-water, will dictate our direction.

My husband is already en route while I finish up at work. His plans changed from the very first day due to weather and sea conditions, and continue to evolve.

Blamona, I'm updating the blog regularly (with alerts on Facebook). At the risk of pimping my blog, sign up on that page to get email alerts when I make a new post. WiFi is a limited commodity in the way-out islands.

Callaloo-- I love it... lots of room for spontaneity!

Best wishes, Daniel

Callalou,
I was looking today for your report from a few years back when you combined SCYC and Small Hope Bay (I think it was one of yours)- interested in re-reading the Small Hope Bay part as we may take a short trip in September (with trip insurance) and considering it. I am looking at the places that participate in the "two fly free from Nassau" and using ff miles to go to Nassau so I am only looking at certain ones on that list. Do you think I would like it?
Please point me in the direction of the report if you would.
Thanks!
Ish

Ish, here is the link to the report on my webpage: http://islandtime.homestead.com/ExumaAndros09.html. I really liked Small Hope Bay, but it is definitely NOT a great beach destination. It's mostly a dive resort, and while they knock themselves out to make non-divers feel welcome (and, as a non-diver, I will say they were successful), you won't be wowed by the sands. It's a good beach for exploration, and they have a nature trail through the mangroves behind the property, so you won't get bored. If you are content to lounge in a hammock and watch the world go by, it's perfect.

Thanks. I think you said you don't snorkel- is that right? Did you happen to talk to anyone who snorkeled there? We are not divers but love to snorkel. I am not so sure SHB would be for us. Have you been to the Berry Islands or are you planning to do that on this trip? If so, I am interested in knowing more about Carriearl on Great Harbour Cay- I am reading promising things about it but not sure how the snorkeling is in the Berries.

I do snorkel, but I didn't on that trip. I hear it's excellent in Andros. Haven't been to the Berry Islands; may make it on this trip, but we may not. I would suggest Belize for snorkeling.

I've rarely been on Fodor's these days, as I've migrated mostly to other travel forums, but I'm glad I popped my head back in here to see this. Sounds like you've got an amazing time ahead of you and I'm about to check out your blog so that I don't miss a thing. Have a marvelous time, enjoy it all, stay safe, and may seasickness be forever kept at bay!