Nasau excitement 2/27-2/28

They're here! Sunday saw us doing one last laundry, building two junior bunks and one big one (the dinette folded down) and heading across Nassau Harbor to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Marina....not something we thought we'd ever do. Turns out it is not such a bad deal. $4 a foot provides an amazing amount of amenities at this first class resort. Admittedly we were in the bleacher section, but it was right next to a perfect swimming pool for munchkins and "The Point", a pool bar and grill. The Hinckley crew was due in at 12:45, so at 1:30 we began wondering. Finally at 2:30 they arrived (de-icing in Boston was the delay - the de-icing trucks kept Ben enthralled during their hour delay!) We immediately made for the pool and Ben showed how much he learned during his recent swim lessons! Oliver seemed to enjoy it too. We fed the boys early and then went in shifts to The Point for dinner.

We fueled up at NHC before heading across to Atlantis where we were instructed to clear to channel because "Casino Royale" was on her way out. We tied up in slip #1 which is right at the entrance, but also near the pool and restaurant. A trip to the pool was imperative!

Check-out on Monday was at 11 and we made the most of the morning by visiting the aquarium which surrounds you as you walk through. It's an amazing display, very well done, and we enjoyed our walk. Atlantis provides shuttle service to and from your slip in overgrown golf carts (room for 6) and deliver newspaper and ice to your slip (the carts are a necessity as it was over 1/2 a mile to the marina office from our slip! We got back to the boat in time to take another short swim before heading out at 11.

The trip to the aquarium was exciting and Ben was happy to offer commentary about the whole adventure.

Our intention was to head for Highborne Cay (a 30 mile trip) but strong headwinds and seas kept our speed down to an average of less than 4 knots and we wouldn't make it there before dark, so we returned to Nassau Harbor, but back to the "other side of town" at Nassau Harbour Club. An early start tomorrow in lighter winds should be better!

The change in plans gave us a chance to send Dan to the "docks" where local fishermen were bringing in their catch for Nassau's restaurants where he got us fresh grouper for dinner AND to celebrate Ben's third birthday with everyone.

Ben enjoyed decorating his sailboat cake

Tomorrow we'll skip Highborne and probably head for Shroud Cay. New day, new month, new adventures! ~~~_/)~~~M&D, S,J,B&O