Heading home

We departed Atlantis on July 31st, heading across the Tongue of the Ocean for Northwest Channel. August 1st signals the opening of the Bahamian crawfish season, and there were lots of boats anchored up on the banks awaiting the morning season kick-off.

We worked our way through the boats, and kept crossing the bank while the current was with us. When we began to buck the current after dark, we anchored and slept. When the tide turned again, we picked up and continued onward.

I came off the banks just south of Riding Rocks, and began angling across the Gulf Stream for the Upper Keys. The crossing was calm, and there was very little ship traffic. After dark I crossed the reef, and anchored off Rodriguez Key until morning.

We worked our way down the Keys through Hawks Channel, dodging the lobster traps that were being put out for the upcoming season.

We arrived home at dead low tide, so anchored up to wait on the tide. A bunch of neighbors came by to welcome us home, even though we weren't quite there yet....

Allen led me home in the Whaler, and we arrived in the evening, just a little before dark. It is always nice to come home.

We cleared Customs by telephone, and went to Key West the following day to clear Immigration.