Mariner's Pat-Down

Day #32: The mariner's pat-down has become second nature to me. Like the penitent crossing themselves, I instinctively swipe a hand across my breast and pants pockets in a 'Z' pattern. To an on looker it must look like I've broken into an a capella, one-handed version of the Macarena. But hey, pre-Z Davy Jones' Locker claimed two cameras, countless prescription glasses, and untold other valuables. As much as the loss of these articles bugs me, it's the sound of the splash that hurts the most. Like fingers across a blackboard the sound hits a raw nerve; it says "You idiot, you did it again!"

Ahh, being at a dock is so comfortable--the unlimited electrical power, the ability to walk ashore, the pool, but most of all simply not having to worry about the hook slipping. What usually dissuades us from this luxury is cost. But here at the the Blue Water Resort, at $1/ft, it's an affordable luxury. In fact, Bimini is awash with affordable marinas. Our thought of possibly visiting some other marinas was put into action when JR, Blue Water's dock master, asked if we'd move to an inside slip so he could accommodate an incoming 120' yacht. Heck, if we have to move anyway, why not to some place new? Today's picture shows Bicki happy, I think that 's a happy face, to be underway. It was an arduous 1nm to the Bimini Sands Resort on the island of South Bimini. It boasts floating docks, two pools, and two restaurants. Ok, Bimini Sands is really little Americana. But like scuba divers, we cruisers need to decompress too. It's frightening what can happen when you go without transition from the solitude of the Exumas to the congestion known as south Florida. 1nm today and 672nm thus far. DBH