By Frances B. Dorward
It was here on the island of Bimini that Hemingway lived at the Compleat Angler Hotel on and off from 1935-1937. He wrote sections of To Have and Have Not in Room 1. Tragically, a fire destroyed the hotel in January 2006 and all memorabilia of the author was lost, including original photographs and signed copies of his famous stories. However, Bimini still serves as a relaxing and fun weekend trip, especially to those chartering private boats and yachts. It is conveniently located less than 100 miles off the Florida Keys, which boasts Hemingway's permanent residence thus attracting visitors from every corner of the globe.
The Bahamian island rises a seven-mile backbone out of the clear, blue water. Hemingway may have stood on the highest point of the King's Highway, viewing the diamonds dance on the sea. He may have looked to the east, taking in the business of living on the Queen's Highway. To the west, there is Radio Beach, whose white sand and crystal water make for perfect swimming and snorkeling. Meanwhile, sailboats anchor, waiting for the tide to aid their return trip; and yachts dock and refuel.
Hemingway was first enticed by the abundant fishing in the waters off the island. According to Ashley Saunders, local historian, teacher and president of the Historical Society, the first section of Hemingway's book Island in the Stream was written in Bimini. "Hemingway loved to fish and hunt. He was the first to land an un-mutilated tuna--not eaten by the sharks after it was on the line. He was always landing big fish, and he wrote about these catches thus the publicity attracted other anglers to the island. Today, sport fishing remains the background of Bimini's economy. Hemingway helped make us a famous fishing ground." Travelers can watch the men of the island dress huge fish and imagine the author standing under a coconut palm watching the smelly, bloody work. Or they can simply bring their own rod and line to recreate the full Hemingway experience for themselves.
Tourists also flock to Bimini for historical reasons. The Lost City of Atlantis was said to have been in the vicinity, since an "undersea road" was discovered off the coast in 1968. A visitor can get a closer look at the limestone blocks by diving 20 feet. Also, the Fountain of Youth may be located on the island, according to the legend. In 1513 Ponce de Leon searched Bimini and came up short.
Today, Bimini is a beautiful gem waiting to be visited by the literary traveler. A passport is required, along with a fishing pole and a collection of favorite Hemingway stories.
