Stepping Across the Great Bahama Bank

When people ask me about the Bahamas, they’re always surprised when I explain that the Bahamas actually encompasses quite a large area. In fact, from North to South the chain of islands that make up the Bahamas strings out across approximately 700 miles and includes 2,400 individual islands or Cays (pronounced KEYS). It’s a big place — and I know this, but I always seem to forget how long it takes to get over to the Exumas from Florida.

The wind has been out of the east all week, but they’ve been mostly moderate, which means that we’ve been motoring quite a bit, but it hasn’t been terribly uncomfortable. Tonight we’re anchored in West Bay on the southwest side of New Providence (Nassau). Tomorrow we’ll make a final push to complete the remaining 50 miles of our 200+- mile pilgrimage to the wonderful Exumas.  We should be able to make it to Shroud Cay in plenty of time to take a celebratory swim in the beautiful, clear water that the Exumas are so famous for. I can’t wait!!

Sunset from Mackie Shoals in the middle of the Great Bahamas Bank.

Sunset from Mackie Shoals in the middle of the Great Bahamas Bank.

Selfie! Clark, Michelle, Tugboat, & Sailor

Selfie! Clark, Michelle, Tugboat, & Sailor

There's all kinds of ways to get to the Bahamas!

There’s all kinds of ways to get to the Bahamas!