To quote the marvelous Jimmy Buffett:

Drink it up, this one’s for you
It’s been a lovely cruise
I’m sorry it’s ending, oh it’s sad, but it’s true
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise
These moments we’re left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
There’s wind in our hair and there’s water in our shoes
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise

Ohhh, these moments we’re left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
And those harbor lights, lord, they’re coming into view
We’ll bid our farewells much too soon
So drink it up, this one’s for you
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise
Yeah baby, it’s been a lovely cruise
Oh darlin’, it’s been a lovely cruise

We hope everyone had a safe and Happy Easter Celebration.  The Bahamas have been in complete lockdown since the evening of Thursday 04/09 and until tomorrow morning Tuesday 04/14.  We enjoyed dinghy cruising, sandbar exploration, Hiking the uninhabited beaches and trails, and fishing for our dinner.

For a couple of days, we  enjoyed watching the boundless energy of the 4 kids jumping, bellyflopping, and somersaulting off of the boat which was anchored out in front of us.  The kids ranged in ages from about 8 down to the 2 tiny boys who can’t be more than 3 or 4. They all swim like fish.  Tom and I both fondly remember the days of nonstop running, yelling, laughing, and trying to keep growing boys fed. It seems like yesterday. We look forward to exploring these waters, and having fun adventures with our current and future grandchildren someday!

They key is enjoying each phase as it comes along.  Of course Tom is still a very big kid at heart !

I can only imagine the parents as they looked over at us in the mornings as we leisurely enjoyed our 2nd cup of coffee, while reading our electronic newspaper, or in the afternoons, sitting in our wicker lounge chairs enjoying a cocktail, listening to a John Prine concert, waiting for the sunset to evolve into the spectacular display. Those cute energetic parents are probably wondering if they’ll ever get that kind of peace and quite again! It happens faster than they think !
Of course there are always boat chores to do, and when all the stores and laundromats are closed. You get creative.

After all that beach combing, snorkeling, and shell hunting, it’s time for finding a little shade for a nap.  Tom and I have our own idea of what’s comfortable.

Since all good things must end, we are finally giving into the pressure and heading home.  With all public beaches and docks closed, and the Bahamian people very anxious that we could be bringing disease to their tranquil lives, there is uncertainty as to whether we’ll continue to be able to get necessary supplies.  When the US first began encouraging us to return to the States,  Tom was not too keen on leaving.  Below is his interpretation of hurrying home !

Well we are now seriously on our way. We had the great fortune of running into a fellow Charlestonian, who had some clout with a local store, so we were able to make a final purchase of some fresh produce, and a few last minute items which should last us until we get home. We had to mask up, and only 1 person was allowed to go ashore.  Tom stayed with the dinghy.

If the weather window holds, we will have 3 long travel days beginning early tomorrow morning. Some of it will be over the banks (shallow water) and some will be open ocean.  The forecast from Tom’s favorite 4 weather sources, are currently calling for decent conditions for wind speed, and direction, and wave height for each leg of our journey. Hopefully all will also go well with our reentry into the US. We’ve heard a few rumors that a few cruisers have been getting the run around, being asked to quarantine, or forced to disembark, rent a car and check in at the Miami airport location. We are preregistered through our CBP (customs and border patrol) app and “should” be able to check in online.  IF IF IF all goes as planned we hope to arrive back in South Florida by Thursday evening to begin our slow ICW return.
I’ll leave you with a few more pictures of the amazing beauty of this incredible place. We’re leaving unfinished business, so we’ll look forward to coming back soon. See y’all  stateside!