We have been docked at Weech's Bimini Dock in North Bimini for over a week. We had a window to cross to Miami the two days after we arrived here after 4 long days of travel from Eleuthera, but wanted to take a break and enjoy Bimini. A new cold front has kept us here a little longer than planned; current plan is to cross on Wednesday or Thursday.
One big change here since our stay in December has been the arrival of the new fast ferry from Miami and the related security. It is currently coming over two times a week, which will probably expand as they get into the summer, which is the 'busy season' here in Bimini.
The minute we saw the security on a large portion of the government dock, we knew that this was the work of US Homeland Security, and we were right. Most, if not all, of the security is required by Homeland Security, who also 'supervise' the operation. Upon arrival on Friday, there were probably 30 Bahamian officials (Defence Force, Police, Customs, Immigration) on hand to greet the 100 or so inbound passengers. It was quite a show.
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| Ferry arriving |
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| ISPS - International Sea Port Security |
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| Greeting the passengers Uniforms from left - Immigration, Defence Force, Police |
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| Customs processing passengers I had somehow 'breached' security in taking this picture and was asked to leave the area. |
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| Razor wire around a corner of the dock - a nice touch! |
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| "Sign said keep out - didn't say nothin on the other side" Woody Guthrie We think the razor wire on this corner was torn down by local fishermen. |
In closing a word about Weech's dock. It is not the fanciest marina, but it is historic, relatively inexpensive, and the people are nice. A side benefit is that, especially since a large portion of the government dock has been 'lost' to fast ferry security, Weech's is somewhat of the community dock and it is a great place to meet locals.
Just one Bahamian people story - you didn't think I would write a blog entry without one did you? Yesterday we were sitting in the shade near the office enjoying a rare afternoon Kalik beer. A small fishing boat docked and a dred-locked Bahamian man walked past and we exchanged greetings. A few minutes later he came back through with a bag of beverages from the nearby liquor store. As he passed he said with a smile " I have my provisions now". He then turned and said " Your on vacation, you need another beer". He left his bag on the dock and returned a few minutes later with two bottles of Kalik. I tried to pay him, but he refused saying " Your in the islands now mon".
Later that evening I was out on the dock when he returned in his boat. I went over to say hi, see how his fishing went, and again thank him for the beers. I learned his name was 'Brown'. He asked me if I liked conch to which I responded sure. He said I will give you some. I said I would love it, but I don't know how to clean it. He said, no problem I will do it and teach you how. He cleaned four conch and gave them to me. He again refused any money.
A highlight of the encounter was eating a conch 'algae line'. Brown had eaten the first three joking that they were good for you - like Viagra. He offered me the last one which I accepted and ate. They are salty and my best description is that they have somewhat the consistency of a 'gummy worm'.
Thank you Brown!
Tom
Docked at Weech's Bimini Dock
Alice Town, North Bimini
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