1-11-11. Not a lucky number at least to start the day. We woke to thick fog and as we were leaving at 6:30, there was barely enough light to see. Several boats went by us headed east, and with our bright anchor light, I am sure they saw us. When we upped anchor, I became so disoriented not being able to see more that 40 feet in front of us that I almost dropped it and abandoned the crossing. We had done 2 - 360's and I was concerned about hitting the other boats that were near us, although we were at least 400 yards away from them. Once I got re-oriented and relied on the GPS and compass, we were able to proceed forward. Within a half an hour, we caught up to Dennis and Mary and began the crossing. After we ghosted past Cape Florida light and a couple of final markers, we were finally in the ocean. 
The beginning was fairly rough and we hobby horsed for the first hour, taking some water over the bow. I felt that this was not going to be an easy crossing and then the waves calmed down a bit. There was still a good 2 - 3 foot north swell running. Dennis had spoken with several people that were going to make the crossing and we did see one boat behind us, but that was it. We saw 2 cargo ships headed south, one crossed in front of us and one behind. We threw out a line in the hopes of catching some fish, but the proved to be fruitless.
Once we entered the gulf stream our forward progress slowed from about 5.5 knots to around 4. We steamed a south easterly course initially so that once we turned more due east we would hit our target of North Bimini. Once we made that turn we started making 6 to 7.5 knots. Our depth sounder stopped giving us readings at 900 feet. The water in these depths is such a deep dark blue.
The winds on the crossing were all over the map. Initially none, then on our nose, from the north, etc., so using the sail was not an option. We encountered a squall line, which gave us a brief shower, but south of us we could see major rain with some water spout lines extending from the clouds.
Once we saw Bimini on the horizon, we knew we were close and the hardest part was behind us. We made the run through the channel into North Bimini, slowly at first not trusting the depth sounder. We tied up at customs, and I proceeded to fill out 7 forms, which we could have obtained online and filled most of them out before our landing. Interestingly, they still use carbon paper to create the documents you need. We will have to check in with customs once again as we only have a 30 day visa. I had asked for 60 days, but 20 - 20 hindsight I should have asked for 90, and would not have to check in again. Fortunately, there are no additional costs.
We found a marina, checked in, and popped the champagne!!! Sitting in the beautiful azure water looking at the bottom in 15 feet of water, I felt that we have accomplished so much since we initially discussed this adventure with Dennis and Mary. All the expenditures, planning, and work have paid off, and we are just at the beginning of this adventure.
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