Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island
Grounds
Monday, February 26, 2007
Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island
Atlantis is a family entertainment and gaming resort complete with a marina complex, 38 restaurants, bars and lounges, spa, sports centre, 11 swimming areas including water slides in a life-sized Mayan Temple, casino, shops, l8 hole golf course, tennis, Discovery Channel Camp, The Dig (an elaborate underground maze of passageways and rooms representing what life may have been like for Atlanteans more than 11,000 years ago and the huge aquarium complex.
The One and Only Ocean Club which was once home to the eccentric multi-millionaire, Huntington Hartford, is now part of the Atlantis complex, as well as the Versailles Gardens which house the Cloisters (French Monastery).
We were curious to see what developments had taken place since we last vacationed in a resort adjoining the Atlantis resort, on Paradise Island, during its early construction 15 years ago. We found that the hotel we had stayed in, plus the one beside it have since been taken down to make way for the luxury Atlantis residences. We noted they are selling for $700,000.00 to just over 3 million.
We spent two afternoons exploring the complex. We found that we could access the grounds through the dingy dock at the Atlantis marina, so we held our heads high and came in by dingy that way, past the super-mega yachts docked there.
Nassau
Overview:
While in Nassau harbour we anchored directly offshore from the Cloisters which is a French monastery bought by Huntington Hartford, disassembled, shipped and rebuilt here.
The harbour boat traffic was very heavy, the current strong (upwards of 2.5 knots) with lots of wake.
We melted in with the immense tourist population.
Nassau
Observations :
Nassau is a working harbour and daily traffic consists of:
- huge "party" boats complete with live music, taking tourists from the many hotels as well as
the cruise ships out for a day of snorkelling, fishing, sight-seeing, diving and general merry- making
- jet-skiis
- freighters
- cruise ships
- cruisers (sail and power)
- mailboats carrying supplies and passengers
- beautiful all wood Bahama sailing sloops
and of course, what busy harbour would be complete without a good number of sailing school dingys darting back and forth
Women in the straw market primitively sewing designs on baskets for sale, with their children tucked at their feet, but also talking on cell phones and eating take-out food in styrofoam containers (cross cultures?)
Local buses (jitneys) - $l.00 - loud music is played for the entertainment of the riders - many locals sing along
We found the locals to be very kind and helpful - lovely people.
The ocean beach was breathtakingly beautiful.
Observations :
Nassau is a working harbour and daily traffic consists of:
- huge "party" boats complete with live music, taking tourists from the many hotels as well as
the cruise ships out for a day of snorkelling, fishing, sight-seeing, diving and general merry- making
- jet-skiis
- freighters
- cruise ships
- cruisers (sail and power)
- mailboats carrying supplies and passengers
- beautiful all wood Bahama sailing sloops
and of course, what busy harbour would be complete without a good number of sailing school dingys darting back and forth
Women in the straw market primitively sewing designs on baskets for sale, with their children tucked at their feet, but also talking on cell phones and eating take-out food in styrofoam containers (cross cultures?)
Local buses (jitneys) - $l.00 - loud music is played for the entertainment of the riders - many locals sing along
We found the locals to be very kind and helpful - lovely people.
The ocean beach was breathtakingly beautiful.
Nassau - New Providence Island
Statistics -
- capital city of the Bahamas
- centre of Bahamian economic and social life
- 2l miles long, 7 miles wide
- population 250,000 (over one half of the entire Bahamas population)
- 2 bridges join New Providence Island to Paradise Island at Nassau (69' clearance)
- Nassau harbour can accomodate up to 8 cruise ships at a time
- coastline filled with miles of luxurious residential areas, resort apartment-hotel complexes and
modern developments plus many marinas (some very extravagant offering slips to equally
extravagant yachts)
- huge straw market (one square block), where local women sew colourful designs on baskets
and have other souvenir items for sale
- many roadside conch stands
- 3 forts protected the harbour in past years from rampaging rogues
Statistics -
- capital city of the Bahamas
- centre of Bahamian economic and social life
- 2l miles long, 7 miles wide
- population 250,000 (over one half of the entire Bahamas population)
- 2 bridges join New Providence Island to Paradise Island at Nassau (69' clearance)
- Nassau harbour can accomodate up to 8 cruise ships at a time
- coastline filled with miles of luxurious residential areas, resort apartment-hotel complexes and
modern developments plus many marinas (some very extravagant offering slips to equally
extravagant yachts)
- huge straw market (one square block), where local women sew colourful designs on baskets
and have other souvenir items for sale
- many roadside conch stands
- 3 forts protected the harbour in past years from rampaging rogues
Crossing the Great Bahama Bank
On February 20th we travelled along with friends on 3 other boats, round North Rock and out to Mackie Shoal on the Bahama bank. L25 4l.00'N, Lo 78 39.00'W. Here we spent the night anchored in 11 feet of water over 40 miles from the nearest land - truly an awesome experience.
On route we sighted a large number of flying fish, as well as a pod of brownish coloured dolphins (some large, some small). The dolphins had their "seaworld" leaps down very well and happily entertained us. A small yellow bird paid us a surprise visit, as it rested awhile on our life lines before heading off again.
We gathered for dinner on board the trawler "Oliver Plunkett" and marvelled at the unending expanse of sea and stars that surrounded us.
Our conversation in the quiet of that starry night was to wonder why we 8, who came together as strangers, should be witness to the shipwreck of the Coronado as we awaited our time to move on, in Bimini. We were anxious to learn any lessons it showed us.
After a rather bouncy night in the sea swells we said our good byes to Nicole and Jacques from Montreal on their trawler, "Oliver Plunkett" and they set their course for Bullock's Harbour.
The 3 sailboats, us, Blind Faith and Tsunami set sail on the 45 mile journey to Chub Cay at the bottom of the Berry Island chain. We all found our way safely on anchor there before dark.
Today we caught our first fish by trolling a silver spoon (60 lb. test-we're optimists) off the back of the boat. After searching through everyone's guide books we came to the conclusion that it was a "Permit" fish. The name we preferred for it was "dinner".
We travelled today from a water depth of 11 feet in the Mackie shoal to over 3 kilometers in the Tongue of the Ocean. The water there was dark purple colour.
On February 20th we travelled along with friends on 3 other boats, round North Rock and out to Mackie Shoal on the Bahama bank. L25 4l.00'N, Lo 78 39.00'W. Here we spent the night anchored in 11 feet of water over 40 miles from the nearest land - truly an awesome experience.
On route we sighted a large number of flying fish, as well as a pod of brownish coloured dolphins (some large, some small). The dolphins had their "seaworld" leaps down very well and happily entertained us. A small yellow bird paid us a surprise visit, as it rested awhile on our life lines before heading off again.
We gathered for dinner on board the trawler "Oliver Plunkett" and marvelled at the unending expanse of sea and stars that surrounded us.
Our conversation in the quiet of that starry night was to wonder why we 8, who came together as strangers, should be witness to the shipwreck of the Coronado as we awaited our time to move on, in Bimini. We were anxious to learn any lessons it showed us.
After a rather bouncy night in the sea swells we said our good byes to Nicole and Jacques from Montreal on their trawler, "Oliver Plunkett" and they set their course for Bullock's Harbour.
The 3 sailboats, us, Blind Faith and Tsunami set sail on the 45 mile journey to Chub Cay at the bottom of the Berry Island chain. We all found our way safely on anchor there before dark.
Today we caught our first fish by trolling a silver spoon (60 lb. test-we're optimists) off the back of the boat. After searching through everyone's guide books we came to the conclusion that it was a "Permit" fish. The name we preferred for it was "dinner".
We travelled today from a water depth of 11 feet in the Mackie shoal to over 3 kilometers in the Tongue of the Ocean. The water there was dark purple colour.
THIS IS NOT US!!!!
Heartbreak- What happened?
On Tuesday February 13th when our friends on Tsunami went to bed they left their radio on and heard a vessel in distress calling to any boat that might hear them. Our friends responded to the call but were unable to assist since the skipper calling could only pin-point his location as that of being near a clump of trees either on the North Bimini or South Bimini coast. He was unable to locate the channel to get into the lee of the island anchorage (lost). He had crossed the Gulf Stream alone, he said that his GPS did not agree with his chart and it was dark. There is a new entrance in to Bimini that is not marked on any of the charts or in any of the guide books. The volunteer BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Assocation) also picked up the call but had another rescue effort underway of a 54 foot power boat who's engine had failed.
The people on the Coronado decided to set their anchor in 20 feet of water and wait for daylight. Our friends wished them a good night.
(Wednesday) - The next day we heard that their anchor had dragged and the boat had washed on to the beach. Both aboard had safely walked into shore. A security person was there when they beached.
(Thursday) - The day after that we met the skipper. He told us the damage was minimal (rudder damage and scratches). He was in the process of locating someone to tow her off.
(Friday) - We next heard that when they tried to take her off she was taking on water at the rudder post, where it was damaged. A decision was made to try and patch the hole with underwater epoxy before any more attempts were made to move her.
(Saturday) - On Saturday we went out snorkelling and happened past the boat. We could see that she was laying half way in the sea.
(Sunday) - A gale came through the area (40 knot winds) and she broke completely apart. It was devastating to see the beach strewn with wreckage.
Heartbreak- What happened?
On Tuesday February 13th when our friends on Tsunami went to bed they left their radio on and heard a vessel in distress calling to any boat that might hear them. Our friends responded to the call but were unable to assist since the skipper calling could only pin-point his location as that of being near a clump of trees either on the North Bimini or South Bimini coast. He was unable to locate the channel to get into the lee of the island anchorage (lost). He had crossed the Gulf Stream alone, he said that his GPS did not agree with his chart and it was dark. There is a new entrance in to Bimini that is not marked on any of the charts or in any of the guide books. The volunteer BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Assocation) also picked up the call but had another rescue effort underway of a 54 foot power boat who's engine had failed.
The people on the Coronado decided to set their anchor in 20 feet of water and wait for daylight. Our friends wished them a good night.
(Wednesday) - The next day we heard that their anchor had dragged and the boat had washed on to the beach. Both aboard had safely walked into shore. A security person was there when they beached.
(Thursday) - The day after that we met the skipper. He told us the damage was minimal (rudder damage and scratches). He was in the process of locating someone to tow her off.
(Friday) - We next heard that when they tried to take her off she was taking on water at the rudder post, where it was damaged. A decision was made to try and patch the hole with underwater epoxy before any more attempts were made to move her.
(Saturday) - On Saturday we went out snorkelling and happened past the boat. We could see that she was laying half way in the sea.
(Sunday) - A gale came through the area (40 knot winds) and she broke completely apart. It was devastating to see the beach strewn with wreckage.
THIS IS NOT US!!!
During our time in Bimini a 35 foot Coronado sailboat became beached and subsequently broke up.
The skipper and his girlfriend were on board at the time but since the Coronado draws only 3.5 feet by the time she was firmly aground on Bimini's windward shore they were actually able to safely walk to shore.
The boat lay intact on the beach for 2 days after becoming beached, so the couple had the opportunity to collect their personal belongings. They spent 2 days after she broke up collecting debris from the beach. One week after the beaching the girlfriend flew home. The skipper sold off the remains of the boat to another boater for $l500.00. The skipper was unsure as to whether he would attempt to sign on to another vessel as crew and continue his southward passage or to go back to the States and possibly buy a new boat.
During our time in Bimini a 35 foot Coronado sailboat became beached and subsequently broke up.
The skipper and his girlfriend were on board at the time but since the Coronado draws only 3.5 feet by the time she was firmly aground on Bimini's windward shore they were actually able to safely walk to shore.
The boat lay intact on the beach for 2 days after becoming beached, so the couple had the opportunity to collect their personal belongings. They spent 2 days after she broke up collecting debris from the beach. One week after the beaching the girlfriend flew home. The skipper sold off the remains of the boat to another boater for $l500.00. The skipper was unsure as to whether he would attempt to sign on to another vessel as crew and continue his southward passage or to go back to the States and possibly buy a new boat.
Bimini Road - Atlantis Rocks
The Bimini Road consists of hundreds of large flat boulders that lay in 15 feet of water just off the west shore of North Bimini.
The rocks are l6 feet square and weight 25 tons.
Geologists confirm that the stones are made of granite which is not found anywhere near the Bahamas.
The Quest for Atlantis expedition convenes here to explore the road. Speculation is that it is a fallen Atlantean temple - remains of the ancient lost continent of Atlantis.
The rock shows that it has been subjected to certain amounts of compression which is understandable since it lies under 15 feet of water but according to geologists the compression was typical of that found on a walk-way - like an ancient road.
They say it was located in a well-trodden area before it was submerged.
One thing that is known for certain is that the radio-active dating of fossils found in the area show that this structure was above water 5,000 years ago and the rock formations themselves are shown to be between 5,000 and l0,000 years old.
Tool marks found under the coral growth on the rocks bear a resemblance to ancient Incan tongue which lends to the speculation that the rock was part of a larger structure or design.
We had an enjoyable afternoon with 6 friends snorkelling to discover and explore underwater this incredibly interesting area.
The Bimini Road consists of hundreds of large flat boulders that lay in 15 feet of water just off the west shore of North Bimini.
The rocks are l6 feet square and weight 25 tons.
Geologists confirm that the stones are made of granite which is not found anywhere near the Bahamas.
The Quest for Atlantis expedition convenes here to explore the road. Speculation is that it is a fallen Atlantean temple - remains of the ancient lost continent of Atlantis.
The rock shows that it has been subjected to certain amounts of compression which is understandable since it lies under 15 feet of water but according to geologists the compression was typical of that found on a walk-way - like an ancient road.
They say it was located in a well-trodden area before it was submerged.
One thing that is known for certain is that the radio-active dating of fossils found in the area show that this structure was above water 5,000 years ago and the rock formations themselves are shown to be between 5,000 and l0,000 years old.
Tool marks found under the coral growth on the rocks bear a resemblance to ancient Incan tongue which lends to the speculation that the rock was part of a larger structure or design.
We had an enjoyable afternoon with 6 friends snorkelling to discover and explore underwater this incredibly interesting area.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Aground - Bimini
We underwent a dreadful ordeal by being grounded for over 24 hours in the anchorage in North Bimini.
Our 2 high tide attempts to get free consisted of :
working her by our engine power back and forth through the sand,
using the sails to list her over,
using 2 anchors to kedge off,
pulling on the main halyard to heel her over as we attempted to power her through the sandbar
Finally just the brut force of an assisting trawler pulled her through after a combined effort of 4 men, working in strong winds and heavy rain for 5-6 hours time.
It's wonderful to be afloat once again, at least temporarily, until the strong current, tidal flow and winds have other plans for us.
We are so very grateful for everyone's help.
We underwent a dreadful ordeal by being grounded for over 24 hours in the anchorage in North Bimini.
Our 2 high tide attempts to get free consisted of :
working her by our engine power back and forth through the sand,
using the sails to list her over,
using 2 anchors to kedge off,
pulling on the main halyard to heel her over as we attempted to power her through the sandbar
Finally just the brut force of an assisting trawler pulled her through after a combined effort of 4 men, working in strong winds and heavy rain for 5-6 hours time.
It's wonderful to be afloat once again, at least temporarily, until the strong current, tidal flow and winds have other plans for us.
We are so very grateful for everyone's help.
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