Bimini Adventure

John G. Thomas’ splendid account of his love affair with Bimini (“Island in the Stream,” Feb. 21) reminded me--another multiple visitor--of the hairiest moment I’ve ever experienced on an airplane (including 15 transatlantic flights).

Approaching the raggedy landing strip on South Bimini in a private six-seater, circa 1979, we were intrigued and alarmed by a massive white arrow painted in the middle of the solitary runway. Closer inspection--flying over at about 20 feet--revealed a whopping crater that we later measured at approximately 6 feet wide by 3 feet deep. So much for safety measures! Landing became an interesting exercise.

Almost as mind-boggling were the several wrecked planes around the runway--the gutted reminders of drug-laden aircraft (and pilots!) too loaded to take off or land without accident, we were later told.

JACK GRIMSHAW

Lake Forest