Bahamas

[jdmcbean]

OK... So what is one to do when you plan to go to the US Sport Aviation Expo from Idaho and to make sure you make it... you leave early in case of weather delays...

Well as luck would have it you get between weather systems and you get to Florida 4 days early... Well we don't get this way often... so we plan and off we go.... South Bimini, check in with immigration get a cruising permit and we're off to North Eleuthera for a couple of days kicking it at Harbour Island !!:D

We did find they have a $300 fine for landing on the Beach.. so you may not want to do that.

[Dick B in KY]

Some people are just lucky. Kentucky is between snow storms at the present. Kitfox looks good in the Bahama's. Enjoy!!!!!

Dick B

[Rodney]

Sounds like you guys had a great time:)

Couple of questions. What US airport did you leave from, and where
did you rent your raft? If you don't mind - can you fill us in on
raft fees, and any other costs we should know about if we are planning
on making the same trip.

Thanks
Rodney

[Dorsal]

I just came in from fighting with 6" of snow topped with a healthy layer of ice as the freezing rain continues here in the North East. I am cold, wet and tired so naturally I look to TKF for inspiration, wow those are sure nice pictures, does such a place for Kitfoxes really exist?
Thanks for posting.

[SkySteve]

Sounds like a great trip. Just looking at the photos makes me feel warm. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[Mark]

Yes, Paul, I'm kicking my self daily for not tagging along...

[DesertFox6]

Don't feel so bad, Mark; since we're really not sure how (ahem) "We" discovered there's a $300.00 fine for landing on the beach, you might have saved your lunch money by NOT being there! :D

Ya never know...ya know? ;)

"E.T." & Dee

[Tom Waid]

Sounds like you guys had a great time:)

Couple of questions. What US airport did you leave from, and where
did you rent your raft? If you don't mind - can you fill us in on
raft fees, and any other costs we should know about if we are planning
on making the same trip.

Thanks
Rodney

Quite a bit of information may be found here. (http://fly-bahamas.com/page.aspx?type=welcome)

Departure airports include, FPR (http://www.airnav.com/airport/KFPR), PBI (http://www.airnav.com/airport/KPBI), FXE (http://www.airnav.com/airport/KFXE), FLL (http://www.airnav.com/airport/KFLL), and TMB (http://www.airnav.com/airport/KTMB)

Many of the FBO's offer life raft rental.

If your airplane doesn't have big numbers buy a roll of duct tape!

[jdmcbean]

Sounds like you guys had a great time:)

Couple of questions. What US airport did you leave from, and where
did you rent your raft? If you don't mind - can you fill us in on
raft fees, and any other costs we should know about if we are planning
on making the same trip.

Thanks
Rodney

Rodney,
We departed from Fort Lauderdale KFXE, checked into immigration in South Bimini and then off to North Eleuthera. Raft fees were $35 day and includes the maritime equipment. You can (and need) lift vests as well... When I get a chance we'll post more info about the trip.. It is a great trip. We have more pics and some video.

Might have to plan a gaggle..

[Rodney]

Thanks for the information from everyone.

When I retire (hopefully soon) this is a trip that is
definitely on my "bucket list."

Will watch out for those beach landings - honestly that was
another question I had about flying down there. Too bad:(
Wouldn't it be great to land on an obscure beach - do a little
snorkeling and get in a Kitfox and fly away. Sound like a little
bit of heaven to me.

Looking forward to any further posts on the trip. So glad you guys
got to go.

Regards
Rodney Wren

[Foxbuilder]

-17 here in upstate NY . Those pics looks so good.

[MikeOwens]

Great Photos. Looked like a great trip to take while in Florida.
If you're interested in going again next Winter - we're organizing a trip for sometime around Dec. 10, 2011. Hope to have several Kitfox and other similar planes make the short trip across the ocean. (87 miles) to Freeport from Ft. Lauderdale. My plane will be on straight floats as we have a private cove to tie up each night right by the airport.
Hope to see you.
Mike