CODA BAHAMAS BOUND 2025 (14)

 CODA :  Departure point for Bimini, Bahamas.

23 January 2025

No Name Harbor, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne , Florida 

The color of the water in and around Miami is extraordinary.

Marc- We left the Harbour Towne Marina docks at 09:00 this morning under heavy clouds, drizzle, Northwest winds of 10 knots and a 60 degree temperature.  No issues as we made it to the Cape Everglades Inlet.  Once out of the inlet we started feeling the rather large ocean swells (barely noticeable from a distance).  Let's just say it was a bit rolly until we raised the sails and the wind picked up to 15 knots.  By the time we reached Miami three hours later the sky had brightened and the sun was burning through the clouds.  We averaged over 8 knots but we were motor sailing.  We skipped Government Cut, the inlet at Miami, in order to round Key Biscayne and enter Biscayne Bay through the reef from the South and leave an electronic breadcrumbs trail (useful for when we leave in the early morning hours for Bimini).  I think this advice came from Mary Langworthy.  

We came up to Cape Florida Light on the southern tip of Key Biscayne and worked our way north until we reached the entrance of No Name Harbor.  The were at least a dozen boats anchored outside of the harbor entrance quite exposed to wind, waves and passing boat wakes.  Fortunately for us our friend Carrol Edelmann who lives here had scouted out the harbor and informed us that there were only a few boats inside.  The harbor has almost 360 degrees of protection.  The only downside is it becomes party city at times when the nearby Miami party boaters pay a visit.  The only other reason may be the the $ 20 per night fee charged by the State Park.  

Cape Florida Lighthouse.

There is tradition of leaving for the Bahamas from here.

Lighthouse tours are available.

The lighthouse is 141 feet tall and is 200 years old.

Recently rebuilt Lighthouse Keeper's Residence.  Note that the roof drains to a cistern.  Fresh water was scarce out on this island.

Note the thickness of the base walls.

The structure tapers on its way to a thinner wall near the top. Lots of cast iron was used to internally strengthen this structure.  Proof of its strength is its survival through many hurricanes.

Back at No Name Harbor.

Coda anchored in front of the Restaurant, in No Name Harbor.

Sue:  The ocean swells on the way over this morning were not very enjoyable.  We took Bonine just in case, and probably a good idea.  We had a nice walk in the State Park.  Very pretty here.  And we are just a mile away from a Trader Joe's, CVS and Winn-Dixie.  That's good, as we have final provisioning to do.  It's looking like the next weather window is 6 days from now, on Wednesday, January 29.  

There isn't much to do on the boat.  I find myself wanting to be home.  But I have started reading, and I'll work on postcards, all better than doom scrolling.  And I like the walking a lot.  We've got our walking sticks!  As my friend Csilla says, "Bahamas or Bust."  I want to go there, swim in that beautiful water, and take in the pretty sights.  I just hope I don't gain 30 pounds by the time we finally get there and back.  There is a lot of food on the boat, and we're eating it!

It's still cool.  How can it be cool way down here?  At 9pm it's 57 degrees, "feels like 47" and the wind is howling. Tomorrow the low is 55 and high is 62, with clouds all day.  It will be another long pants and jacket day, and I will wonder if I need the down jacket or not.