Bahamas flying video

[aardvark2zz]

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ersigs9FsGw
(large to view all of it)
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Above is a flight I did with some friends in Dec 1995 from Hollywood, Florida to Staniel Cay, Bahamas which is almost 1000 km return.
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What you will see is overflying Hollywood Florida and its beaches, the Atlantic Ocean in occasional light drizzle (3000 ft ceilings), overflying North and South Bimini islands Bahamas, landing at Nassau, and refueling in Nassau.
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Then you will see overflying the hotels and cruise ships near downtown Nassau. The marinas that I know (long story). Paradise island across the long bridge and its hotel casinos where I almost bumped into Michael J Fox.
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After crossing a large body of water we encounter the Exumas a straight chain of islands which starts off with Norman Cay which has a large drug smuggling airplane half underwater in the beautiful blue turquiose waters. The island airport was closed to all traffic for a while after that.
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Ending with circling Staniel Cay, and then landing on it. A small bi-motor airplane is underwater near the shore (small black dot). A man's best friend greets us after the stop.
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On another film, I swam to the small bi-motor airplane where I encountered 4 6-foot sting rays. Part of a James Bond Thunderball (1965) was filmed there and Nassau.
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After a long battle in getting S-VHS into digital and onto Youtube...... Thanks Serge for your steady filming with your camera. The less than ideal quality is due to Youtube and the clouds.
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Hope you enjoy
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Hollywood FL, Bimini, land Nassau, Paradise Island Nassau, Norman Cay, land Staniel Cay
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[BigEndBob]

That brings back a few memories, did similiar a few years ago via Governors Harbour, Staniel Cay, Great Abbaco and Turks and Caicos.
Interesting to land at Provo where we were waved through customs without much fuss, yet the pax and crew of a US King Air on its way to Guantanamo Bay were given a grilling. (Nice to know a British passport still has some use in the world!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PyVNBdWBU8&search=aviation

Not me, but interesting takeoff from Governors Harbour.

[aardvark2zz]

Good video ! Now that's handy to have 2 turboprops.
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I've landed at Bimini, Nassau several times and 30 nm NWest Chub Cay, and Staniel Cay.
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Opalaca FL, Hollywood North Perry, Marathon, KFLL, and KFXE (executive). many times for renting or going thru customs.
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I slept in a tent on the beach near the apron of Chub Cay. Worst sleep I ever had due to humidity, wave noise, tides, mosquito noise, wind flapping, and customs guys finding me with their jeep head lights even though I was under a small tree.
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They flashed their flashlight for a few minutes while I pretended to be asleep. Since there was nothing and no drugs in my tent they didn't disturb me. pffeewwwww.
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Youtube seems to be having problems these days.

[scooter boy]

Great video Aardvark,

It really brought back some memories for me also.
I did a similar trip earlier in '95 hour building from Naples FL.
I recognised Paradise Island and the Atlantis resort.
I stayed the night in Nassau where a slightly overfriendly local gentleman attempted to sell me the use of his "sister" for the night! I declined the offer and have enjoyed good health ever since.

Late December over here looks nothing like over there - what a great time to do some island hopping.

US Customs took a very long look at me and my little rental cessna on arrival at Opa Locka - made me feel like a criminal.

Great post,

SB :D

[aardvark2zz]

Great to get some good feedback !
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My 1st flight in FL was a very beautiful sun set flight from Hollywood to Naples and then south and then to Miami.
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It was beautiful to see the humongous swamps in southern FL along with few roads and the swamps criss-crossed with some "air-boat" trails.
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Highly recommended !!
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As for customs the usual question is "how can you afford this (2 hr) flight to the bahamas" ohhh brother. That was pre-9/11. I'm afraid to ask how worst it is now.
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[ZFT]

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As for customs the usual question is "how can you afford this (2 hr) flight to the bahamas" ohhh brother. That was pre-9/11. I'm afraid to ask how worst it is now.
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No problems at all exiting and entering US via KTMB to/from Bahamas a couple of months ago. Actually, really quite friendly.

[aardvark2zz]

Phewwww.

Good news to read !