We are up early eeek it's 6:09 as I type this which of course in my mind is actually still 3AM the time change has not completely changed for me yet. The wind is going to be at our back which is very odd for the Gulf Stream crossing, odd in a very very good way. Wave height is expected to be only 2 to 2 1/2 feet which also very good, so this 1st mate is very happy to see this.  

So that's what the weather experts tell us I will let you know once we get there . I love leaving in the dark it's so pretty to watch the sunrise while on route, the sun should be rising just as we leave the inland water ways of Florida. We are going to cruise slowly today approximately 9 kn we are in water and fuel conserving mode until we get to Paradise Island because of the sketchy fuel docks along way we do not want to get water in the engines this year...I feel like a sail boater hehe! Will be there in plenty of time to see Green Bay win their game!

Bimini Big Game here we come.

Note: it's 6:42 off the dock so a bit late but I have to say these fixed dock lines with just the 2 of us takes time, but we handled it all masterfully, calmly and we are on route.

As we neared the exit at Backers Haulover Inlet, we passed a rather large Mangrove forest at the tops of the tree's we saw flocks of huge brown birds of prey, I'm assuming they were hawks it was amazing I've never seen anything like this . It looked like they were just simply enjoy a Sunday morning of rest time, their wings spread out some were just majestically sitting there it was a memory I will hold forever. I tried to take a photo but it's not great I hope you can see the birds.

Crossing the Gulf Stream is never dull, the trip started out so calm no white caps it was dreamy; 1/2 way across then the winds starting increasing and the rollers were bigger but it was still very manageable, 5 miles from shore it was a very different story the winds were strong and the rollers were definitely making a statement. We had to tack back and forth the last few miles, Bryan is very good at navigating his way through these rougher windy conditions which I'm very thankful for!  

 We were all tucked into Bimini Big Game marina http://biggameclubbimini.com/ around 1PM, clearing customs / immigration went quickly and Bryan made his way to the bar to watch the last 1/2 of the Seattle game . I put the boat back together things were bounced around pretty good during the crossing then I relaxed and showered ready for the Green Bay Game. A note about the marina it has undergone some major renovations which is a much needed surprise. The pool and pool deck is new, new lounge chairs, new restrooms and all new docks. Bimini Big Game is on North Bimini in Alice Town they are competing with the huge Resorts World which is at the other end of the Island, both locations have their charms. This resort is older more classic Bahama style when you walk off the property you see the older buildings and shops, the Resort world is like any other 5 star resort fancy docks and shops the draw there is the Casino for me :-) I like the laid back nature here so it all depends on what you are feeling like.  

The Green Bay Game was great with a win for us! Go Packers Go! The bar was fairly quiet for the first half of the game then several locals and some marina workers showed up which added spice to the evening. We met a really nice guy who owns a boat yard in Spanish Wells where will will be in a couple of weeks so we got his card he is a good person to know as he can find or fix anything! Part of boating is meeting people, I haven't met a boater yet that doesn't enjoy a good story or 2 and they are always willing to help out.

Back to the boat after the game for some Crib and early to bed after a very long day.