*Don, sorry it took so long to reply-been traveling.
Our plans are somewhat tenative, but I have vacation the middle of May. Since we live in Tampa we will cross-over on the Okeechobee waterway and head over from Port St Lucie I guess. Hopefully the waterway will be open, it can get iffy that time of year. *
I have the C-Map NT charts and Garmin charts of the Bahamas, I was hoping for planning purposes I could get NOAA charts.*
I have two main concerns; the quality of diesel fuel and whether I should take a gun.
Your comments?
*Tim, we plan to be in the Abacos about that time.* We will probably leave from FT. Pierce.* From St. Lucie Inlet, you can take an almost straight shot to Great Sale.* If you haven't done this before, watch the water colors as you approach the Little Bahama Bank.* They are spectacular.
You can clear customs at Spanish, Green Turtle, or Treasure Cays on your way in.* Because we anchor out quite a bit, we carry a weapon.* No problem.* Just declare it and the number of ammunition when you check in.
Diesel fuel is no problem in that area.* It will usually be cheaper in Marsh Harbour.* I would order the book of charts for the near Bahamas from Explorer.* You can go on their website for a short preview of the area.* A link is on the 2010 Bahamas page of our blog.
May is one of the best months to go.* The weather is beautiful and not too hot.* The spring fronts are usually done, and the wind usually switches to the prevailing easterlies.* That is good for crossing the stream.