Better Bimini

We ARE here!  I forgot to put in the ceremonial raising of the Bahamian courtesy flag.

As we walked around Bimini  last night and this morning, we were pleased to see that there seems to be more activity, more open stores, revitalized marinas, etc, in the main part of town.  Our dockmaster says that it's worse now, only picked up during the weekends when the FL locals zip over in their fishing boats for a few days.  But it sure looks better.
The old Big Game Fishing club has reopened.  They have redone the docks, repainted everything, opened a nice restaurant/bar, have a liquor store, and have the same rates as the worn down marina where we are.  Artist Guy Harvey is part owner, so the entire place is done up with his work.  But they cater to big boats, not sailboats.  We could stay there, on their most exposed dock.  I think we're ok where we are.

That would be beside the government dock, frequented by the locals and their fishing boats....

The grocery stores are open today (Sunday) from 7a.m. to 11 a.m.  I don't understand but it seems to be standard in the Bahamas.  We picked up some apples, nectarines, soy milk, and the cheap crackers that we love (from the UK - every cruiser has a boatload of them).  A few shops were open, too. 
There seem to be more shops this time, fewer abandoned shop buildings.  And more restaurants.  This street is deserted because it's Sunday and the cruisers aren't out stretching their legs yet.  But many of these small stores were abandoned last year; not this year.

We walked along the secondary street (there are 2 on the island) for a long way this morning and discovered a whole new section of shops and grocery stores. 

A lot of churches, too.  Someone told us that there are 9 religions representated by churches here.  We believe it!  And these church goers were celebrating joyously and loudly!  We slowed down by one church to listen and were promply invited inside.  We did go, for a few minutes, and "enjoyed" the very loud spirited music.

After church, we walked on the beach on the ocean side of the island (west side). This is the ocean side that we came in from --- much calmer today! There were "elephants" on the horizon out in the Gulf Stream, though, wind from the north, current from the south.

Hundreds of Portugese Man-O-War jellyfish had washed ashore in yesterday's rough waves and west wind!  They lined the beach, all sorts of sizes.  We had to be careful not to step on them.  They are beautiful, but I sure wouldn't want to meet one in the water.

NFL playoff day!  The Big Game Club has wide screen coverage plus $2 hotdogs and $3 beers.  We'll be one our way shortly to watch the games and meet other cruisers.