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BEACH DAY - After our lovely breakfast, we decided to head out for a walk on the railway trail. I had done some planning ahead and the idea was to do activities in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon.
As we were staying on Harbour Road in Warwick, we set out in search of Warwick Pond. What seemed like very clear directions led us down a 2 mile stretch of the trail. We saw lots of old style flora and even some fauna but no pond. The day was getting quite warm and humid and so we turned back.
When we go the spot where we had parked the bikes, a gentleman about to pedal the trail asked if we needed assistance. First of several times such genuine caring was expressed by the Bermudians we met. He gave us directions and off we go - up the hills, down the hills.
Warwick is a lovely parish. I was happy to explore this very sort of middle class neighborhood but we never did find the pond that morning.
Back to home for lunch of leftovers from previous day's snacks & doggy bag from Bistro J's and off to the beach.
Starting out at the western end of the south shore, we went first to Church Bay. The new staircase is quite finished. There is a concessionaire there with drinks, chips, lotion and even chair($7)/umbrella($10) rentals. This may account for amount of people there (only a couple dozen but pretty crowded by Bermuda standards, eh). We swam and read and dozed. The snorkeling was not great and then someone pulled a portugese man 'o war out of the water which freaked me out.
We left and moved on to Chaplin Bay Beach. I LOVE THIS BEACH. The snorkeling was fantastic. We shared the sand with one or two other families stopping by on their way home from work. Great photo ops. Fantastic. You can to Stonehole Bay and Jobson Cove by walking through some grassy path shortcuts it seems the schoolchildren have made. The horsetrails cut through here as well. (Watch where you step) Easier than rock climbing around the bays but that and even snorkeling over seems like an option.
On to Warwick Long Bay. Another old time favorite, probably the longest stretch of sand on the island. We tend to hang out at the western end. Met some new teachers just moved from Wales for a 2 year stint. Sweet young woman was practically in tears with homesickness. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking you'll get over it, look around you!!!!. More great snorkeling, just float anywhere near a rock and the fish await your company.
Waterlogged but happy, we head back for showers and cocktails with our housemates. Dinner tonight is around the corner at Blu, the very new restaurant at the old Belmont Hotel. Interesting the hotel is under complete remodeling. Along with the Newstead, they are making it a time share development. It is still pretty much an empty shell but up the left staircase in front is this fabulous new restaurant (Dining forum). We took the bikes as it was literally less than a 2 minute ride in a very quiet neighborhood. I am not a fan of scootering at night but we took our time and all went well.
