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Read PDF - Southwinds Magazine

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Bill contemplating the waters on the beach in Biminiafter cleaning the bottom of the dinghy on shore.reefs. Noticed just 30 years ago is a half-mile long mysteryderiving from symmetrical limestone slabs in 20 feet ofwater off North Bimini. Opinions vary on what this maybe, and there are even disagreements on whether this is aman-made or natural formation. To intrigue the tourist,travel blurbs mention that it could be a road to the mythical“Lost City of Atlantis.” Other dive sites of interest areold shipwrecks and the exotic colors of the reefs. Visitorscan also investigate the legendary “healing hole” or take aguided backcountry fishing trip. Perhaps one might stumbleupon the fountain of youth, a fascinating legendsought after by the Spanish in the 1500s. Setting aside afew days for exploring Bimini and its friendly communityis a cruising highlight.With just enough daylight remaining, Angel and Defiantanchored along the channel’s edge, north of Alice Town.Like Florida, early summer heralded the island’s slow season,and only two other vessels were anchored here. Ahandful of others huddled in comfortable slips along AliceTown’s shore. “What’ll be your dinner? ANGEL hair pastawith ANGEL food cake for dessert?” Bill radioed, in goodhumor and joking about my boat’s name at the moment.“We’ll make pizza!” I responded. “Lots of it. I’ll dinghy overin a few.” Sailing all day in the heat has a way of instigatinga powerful appetite. And the need for a fresh, cool shower.Stepping in Angel’s RV-sized shower stall and pulling thecurtain closed, I yelped at the stream of steamy water. I’dforgotten to cover the shower tank’s solar heating collector.Cruising doesn’t have to be like camping, and there’s noshame in indulging in civilized comforts. Along with a goodgalley, real toilet and a clean, dry living space, I appreciatedAngel’s heated, freshwater showers. After I was no longerself-consciously stinky, I dinghied over to Defiant for ourpizza date. Together, we planned our next move for aleisurely paced, island-hopping adventure.

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