Our time in the Bahamas has been amazing. From the aquamarine waters lapping gently at a pink powdery beach in Eleuthera to the swimming pool clear water of the Exumas, we have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this area by boat. Our time in Georgetown was particularly enjoyable, as we met many old and new friends. The boys spent every day playing volleyball and climbing trees at Chat n Chill. The grocery stores, while still Bahamas expensive, were better stocked and significantly cheaper than Staniel Cay. (Where I accidentally spent $20 on a honeydew melon!)

We were in Georgetown for my birthday and had a big bonfire on the beach with a bunch of other cruisers. We roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, a friend brought dough for “stick bread,” met new friends, and got eaten alive by no-see-ums. Unfortunately, Rowan stepped on an ember that had escaped the fire pit and burned the bottom of his foot (what is with that kid and fire??) but thankfully is healing nicely.

As much as we’ve enjoyed our time here, this lifestyle is a nomadic one and it’s time to move on. The cold fronts needed to disrupt the easterly trade winds so we can get to the Dominican Republic are becoming fewer and farther between, and hurricane season is always looming on the horizon. I expect this next part from here to the Virgin Islands will be our toughest passages of this year as we embark on “the Thorny Path” to get into the Caribbean. Coming up next: a 72 hour passage with very few bail out options, thunderstorms on the front end, and strong winds with big confused seas on the other. We have been endlessly pouring over weather predictions and consulting with friends and our coaches on Totem for weeks and have decided to move forward, but there are definitely some nerves this morning!

We are also parting ways (only briefly I hope!) with our friends on Kaia, who we have been buddy boating with for the past several weeks. We will miss their companionship over the next few days on this passage but hopefully will catch up with them again in Samaná.

A few more pictures worth sharing:

Stay tuned for updates on our passage to the Dominican Republic!