March 13, 2001 - The journey begins.

We left Pittsburgh Airport on Usairways at 6:00 am.  Even though the flight was fairly empty we were sitting three across in our two rows.  Our destination was Charlotte, NC to connect to the flight to Nassau.  The Captain announced we would be in a holding pattern for a few minutes because Charlotte was only using one runway.  Our flight was scheduled to arrive at 7:00 am and the flight to Nassau was departing at 8:00 am.  Well we certainly lucked out!  Even though our flight was late… we arrived at Gate C2 and the flight to Nassau departed from Gate C4 which happened to be directly across from Gate C2.  So we walked off one airplane and onto the next.  When we arrived at Nassau a band was playing as we entered the immigration area.  We picked up our bags and headed for the exit door.  We no sooner stepped outside and there was Captain Billy greeting us with a waiting cab.    As we drove off I think we were all startled at the site of cars coming towards us on the “right” hand side of the car!!  

It was approximately a 20 minute ride to the Leda.  Leda was docked at the Atlantis Marina.  We met Dave, the first mate, who was ready to help us board.  Then the chef, Phillipe (aka Fifi) was busy in the galley preparing lunch.  Captain Billy showed us our rooms and we all promptly changed into shorts.

Lunch was incredible!!  We started off with gazpacho.  It was wonderful and just enough spice.  Then came a white fish with rice served with the perfect French white wine.  Dessert was pineapple, orange and grapefruit with chocolate sauce.

After lunch we walked around the Atlantis casino and the huge aquarium.  We walked near the lagoon area and sat in beach chairs with our feet in the water.  At this point we decided to spend the next day hanging out by the pool so we could get acclimated before leaving Nassau.

March 14, 2001 – Wednesday

We gathered our sun lotions and bags of toys and left for the Atlantis swimming pool.  At the pool you are met by many helpful, friendly employees.  We slathered on the  suntan and sunblock lotions and headed for the pool.  The deepest area might have been about 5 feet deep.  Jan and Bill brought books and music.  Jim and I wandered off to the lagoon area.  Jim was able to point out a small barracuda lurking in the rocks.

Lunch:  We started with a light salad with avocado on the side.  Then came the pasta with parmesan cheese.  It was excellent! Dessert was fresh raspberries over a fruit cake with chocolate sauce.

After lunch we played a card game of 10     ?????.  

Dinner:   Started off with a bowl of cream of mushroom soup…. Delicious!  The main course was rice with a tomato stuffed with beef.   

March 15, 2001 – Thursday  

This morning we had the same as the day before…. Croissants and English muffins. Coffee, tea and juice.  We all know we will miss those fresh croissants when we return to Pittsburgh.  

We walked over to the casino and browsed the shops.  Bill was most interested in purchasing a better lighter for the daily cigar!   Jim and I spent about 50 on slots and at one point Jim put in a 5 and got back 100…. Should have stopped there!  Jim left with 2 coins as souveniers.  

When we returned to the boat, Captain Billy reviewed several safety items… one being man overboard.  After going over the steps in the unlikely event.. he told us he had never had a man overboard.  

We departed for Boobey Island (known for the boobie birds) around 11:30 am.  It is quite an experience seeing a boat readied for departure.  Bill was assigned watch on the one side of the boat with a bouy.  Of course Captain Billy did a terrific job maneuvering the boat out of the slip!

We motored until we were out of the channel and then Dave worked at getting the sails up.  We passed by a few of the sailboats training for either the Whitbread or the America’s cup.   One boat had ran aground.

Once our sails were up we were traveling at about 8 knots.  I know we were all enjoying the moment.  I had taken a less drowsy Dramamine tablet… big mistake.. made me sleep most of the way.   But I guess when you think about it.. who cares! … I mean we are on vacation!

On the way to our anchoring point, Fifi served up some pate, smoked salmon, pepperoni and bread.  I thought that was it until he brought out the cheese…. Roquefort, bleu, camembert, and brie….all very wonderful!  

Just as we were preparing to anchor.. the phone rang.  It was Gene calling to see how things were going.  I know he is pleased to provide Jim and I with such a wonderful experience for our honeymoon.

We anchored around 330pm and Bill was quite anxious to get in the water

I chose to sit it out… sun was too much for me the day before.  Snorkeling was nonevent since there were absolutely no fishies!  They must have known we were coming.  I slept from about 500pm to just before dinner.

Dinner was again excellent!  We started off with a crab salad in endive and a light vinagrette.  Then came pizza with toppings that I didn’t even care what they were…it was delicious!  All served with a rose wine. Dessert was another of Fifi’s fruitcake with chocolate sauce.  

Seems as though once dinner is over we are just about ready for some more zzzzz’s. Tonite though we decided to go on top and check out the stars.  Jim was first up and he experienced having a flock of boobies fly over head.  Before dinner, Bill and Jim went out on the dingy to try and get some photos of Leda from a distance.  

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