2001 - 5/18 - 5/19 - Nassau & Paradise Island

Friday, 5/18   We walked from the marina, across the big bridge, to Atlantis.We toured the time share units - $26,000 for a 2 bedroom, 5 star unit, $112,000 for the 1 bedroom…blah, blah, blah…Wayne was perfect, he had never done this before and I prompted him before we went. Of course, we declined to purchase but we would have been tempted if a boat slip came

The incredible ATLANTIS resort

A clear tube slide that goes under the water into the Digs

with the deal. We got the vouchers and signed up for the tour of Atlantis. They had purchased several old hotels on Paradise Island then built the new towers, a huge, underground aquarium Water Park and multiple pools. It is probably the most luxurious & impressive resort I’ve eve seen – but extremely expensive.We took the guided tour of “The Digs”. They made it look like an archeological excavation of the Lost Continent of Atlantis.  They built “tunnels’ all around the water way

Wayne & friend in the "Digs"

Now THAT'S a snapper I want to catch!!

making it a huge aquarium. Quite impressive and we took many pictures. We walked around the property and had lunch at the “cave” located on the beach. I remember when this beach was just a beautiful, secluded beach. We split a chicken Caesar salad, cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and soda – that killed the $25 bucks. On to the casino!

I stayed at the casino, Wayne walked home. I played all my favorite games: Roulette, Black Jack and Let-It-Ride. I won,

Art in the Casino - all glass

lost, won and lost but I had a great time. I took a taxi for $6 and arrived at the boat about 9:30 pm.Wayne was still up and said he was beginning to worry about me. If I had been winning, I would have been much later getting home!  Saturday, 5/19 -  We walked two blocks to the food store and were impressed by what they had and, on the whole, it was not any more expensive than in the Keys.Total bill $54. We planned to leave but it was past noon and the meter was running for another day. We decided to stay one more night. (YUP!... whining works) We met Ron and Charma aboard JOURNEY TO: a very nice 41’ DeFever. (Set up and equipped about the same as BLUE MAX: single engine, water maker, and inverter…a serious cruiser) We walked to Potter’s Cay located under the old bridge.

Cleaning conch under the bridge

Lots of small huts with locals selling produce, fish, conch and even had a few ‘restaurants’. Busy place; very smelly, questionable sanitation. A couple playing dominoes took the time to teach us how the Bahamians play.We watched a few guys open and clean conch so I can do it if we ever find any on our own!  Molly had a great time with all the smells & people who thought she was 'neat'. As usual, everyone stopped to pet her and ask, “what kind of dog is it”? I wanted a steak in the worst way so we stopped at the Outback Steak house. (no kidding, there was one near the marina)  They wanted $26 for a rib eye! Wayne suggested the Poop Deck, located at the marina, I thought it was too expensive…but the ambiance and view was irresistible…so we reserved a table overlooking the marina.

Good choice, and Ron and Charma were there as well.  They invited us to join them but the waiter wouldn’t take separate checks so Charma invited us to their boat for coffee and dessert after dinner.  Wayne ordered sweet potato fish cakes and I, of course, had a steak.  Large portions and good.  My treat this time=$64. Ron and Beverly from FARFETCHED, a 47’ Atlantic trawler.joined us. Turns out Ron and Charma lived in Rockford where Ron managed a company that was a supplier to RMG (Wayne's company) and he also knew Dick Alcock and Chuck Schooley (Wayne's co-workers)…small world!  The other Ron also knew some people Wayne knew in Ohio. It was an enjoyable evening until I developed explosive diarrhea!!  After the second time excusing myself, I just couldn’t return. Wayne became worried and soon returned to the boat. I had cramps most of the night. (was it the food? Is that why they call it the Poop Deck?)