Today we’re setting sail on an adventure around Grand Bahama, but we’re not just chasing the destination. Our goal is to learn how to sail and to enjoy the journey. We’re taking it slow and steady, with no rigid schedule or corporate agenda to follow.
We started our day with a morning workout on the island, which included running, squats, and lunges. Then, we headed back to the boat for some sailing, but let me tell you a little secret: we don’t really know how to sail. Sure, we know the basics, but we’re still learning how to optimize our sails and navigate the waters.
The truth is, I’ve (Cole) never really sailed before buying this boat. I mean, sure, I’ve been on a Hobie Cat before, but that’s about it. However, I’ve always had a boat and grew up boating. When we met, I had a 27-foot center console and used to blow by sailboats in the channel, wondering why anyone would want to go slow. But now, we’re learning that sailing is the way to go when you don’t have a strict schedule to keep.
It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. We’re actively learning to enjoy the journey, which is hard in a culture that values getting things done quickly. But on this adventure, we’re slowing way down and enjoying every moment.
We turned off our engines and started sailing, and let me tell you, it was a different experience altogether. We dropped from seven and a half knots to 4.9, but that’s okay. We’re learning to trim our sails and read the wind to pick up speed. It’s a challenge, but it’s also rewarding to learn something new.
We’re also learning to appreciate the little things, like watching the tell tales on the main fly straight and feeling the wind in our hair. It’s not just about sailing, it’s about the whole experience. And on this journey, we’re excited to explore the unknown and embrace adventure.
So, let’s set sail and see where the wind takes us. Who knows what we’ll discover along the way? The possibilities are endless.
We started the day excited to explore the caves in the park, and we weren’t disappointed. Ben’s cave, one of the largest cave systems in the world, was our first stop. The cave is 60 feet deep, and the first 30 feet are freshwater, while the next 30 feet are saltwater, and in the middle is the Hallow Klein area where the freshwater and saltwater mix. We saw some gray snappers swimming around the cave, which was fascinating since they typically live in saltwater, but they have evolved to live in freshwater as well. The Lucayan burial cavern was another highlight, and we were told that they found preserved remains six feet underwater.
After exploring the caves, we were hungry and stumbled upon Bishop’s Beach Club for lunch. We couldn’t help but notice the before-and-after photos of Hurricane Dorian that hit the area in 2019. It was surreal to see the impact of the hurricane on the area, and we felt grateful to be able to visit and support the local community. And to top it all off, we were celebrating Dixie’s sixth birthday, who has been Emily’s shadow since she was eight weeks old.
We had a great time exploring the park, trying new food, and celebrating Dixie’s birthday. Join us next week as we continue our quest to find the bluest water in the Bahamas. We can’t wait to show you all the adventures we have in store!
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