February 2003: Bahamas with the Sherwood family!

This is the day of departure with 1100' overcast. We didn't see the ground again until north Georgia, where they turned us on the localizer about a mile inside the marker at our fuel stop near Atlanta. GPS sure makes it easy to correct for a lazy controller.

 A P-51 on the ramp at Kissimmee, where we stopped for the Daytona 500 and some Orlando fun.

Banyan FBO at Fort Lauderdale Executive, where we topped off for the crossing and picked up vests and a raft. Very busy place.

Banyan ramp.

Here's a map of the ocean crossing - Fort Lauderdale on the left to Eleuthera on the right.

Leaving the US coastline headed toward Freeport to keep somewhat close to shore.

Looks like a towed barge near Grand Bahama.

Passed this cargo ship. It was like constantly scanning for an emergency landing field. When there's a choice between two or more boats, go for the one that looks most luxurious; more likely to have a well-stocked bar to calm post-ditching nerves. ;)

Sometimes that's all you see. Altitude is Good, this is 9500'.

Nice to see the West End of Grand Bahama after nearly losing sight of land.

Just south of Freeport, about to turn southeast toward Eleuthera.

Had to change to IFR with thicker than forecast undercast. Only Wx reporting is at Freeport and Nassau, where the only approaches are, too. Cancelled over large hole just off Eleuthera, and had to spiral down below the deck over the shoals just offshore.

An hour forty after takeoff, we're down at North Eleuthera in front of customs and the White Crown FBO (fuel, DTN, phones).

A watertaxi is needed to get to Harbour Island.

A view of Harbour Islands docks from the Rock House, one of the nicer restaurants.

Harbour Island is 3 miles long and a half wide. Most vehicles are golf carts. This road leads to our hotel, the Coral Sands, and the very posh Pink Sands, where you'll find an occasional celebrity on their 28 acres of cottages.

The Coral Sands main office, lounge, and dining room.

The beachside dining deck and bar.

Looking south down the beach.  This is truly the best beach I have seen with the possible exception of Cancun.  The sand has a pink hue to it from finely ground conch and other shells, but we never saw any in the beach and surf itself.  Makes it very pure and comfy, like clean baking soda, very little debris, seaweed (just one tide brought some).  Wide and flat, perfect for frisbee, running, horseback riding, etc.

The oceanside balcony of our room, along with the nemesis of a full night's sleep.  The island is infested with roosters, hens, and their chicks.

The benefit of facing east and rising with the roosters.  What a sunrise!

Arthur's Bakery - our breakfast of champions spot.

The duty free shop and the Rock House restaurant looking down to the docks.

The preferred mode of transport.  Nice to wear shorts again, too.

The sun didn't have all the fun.  All in all, a very laid back, cozy island.

Four days later, time to leave.

A slow beach fly-by.

Past the middle of the island.  Dunmore Beach Club on the left, our hotel, Coral Sands, to the right.  Docks and "downtown" on the backside, looking west toward Eleuthera.

Heading west, climbing out to 8000' to pick up IFR, passing Spanish Wells northwest of Eleuthera.

A third of the way, passing the Berry Islands.  No camera does the shades of green shoals and reefs justice.  It seems to radiate its own glow even in full sun.

Almost there!  Fort Lauderdale on the horizon.

Feet dry at last, going back into Fort Lauderdale Executive to drop off the floaty stuff.

Arriving at FXE customs.  Unexpectedly easy process today.  Forms are available ahead of time to make it even quicker.

The other purpose of our trip, just a week later.  We wanted to fly in, but if you saw the race, you saw the Wx. Driving's no fun afterward, but neither is trying to leave IFR with the rest of the racing community.  We sat about halfway up near the entrance to pit road.  Saw a flying racecar and John Travolta's Boeing 707.

Next year, a two-ship trip?  Anyone?