Conch

Day #31: After Nassau, North Bimini is the most developed island we've visited on this trip. It's amazing that this thin strip of land, its width only accommodates two narrow roads, is choc-a-block with buildings. The new and abandoned are side by side. Everything is in some state of disrepair; it's almost as if 'disrepair' is a style like colonial or ranch. The clubs and resorts appear to be 1940's vintage. So much so that it's almost a surprise not see Steinbeck belly-to the bar. The people are very friendly and engaging. A warm smile and a 'hello' are offered by almost everyone.

Funny how we're only 45nm from the US and yet still a world apart. Electricity at the Blue Water Resort is a flat $10/ day; maybe just a little more than we'd pay in the States. Water, however, is metered and costs $0.65/gallon. Each slip's utility pedestal has a padlock on the water bib. In part the price of water can be explained by the expense of the reverse osmosis process. In part it can't; it's $0.35 at an adjoining marina. What's ironic here in the land of expensive water is that the marina's unlimited length showers are free. In British Columbia, where the water is free, marinas charge as much as $2 for a timed shower.

More so than anywhere else in the Bahamas the conch is ubiquitous. Conch middens line the eastern shore. Friendly Joe, from whom we bought freshly made conch salad (think cerviche) at his eponymous shack on the beach, told us that during the season Bimini takes as many as 2000/day. Curious about the sustainability of such practices I asked how far they have to go to get them. Several miles, was the answer, just off the shipwreck SW of here. He then added, sort of amazed himself, that the conch just keep coming. I'm glad they do because now I've got a hankering for some cracked conch too.

Still in the Bimini Blue Water Resort. 0nm today and 671nm for the trip. DBH