Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Vacation Report - Day 2 Photos Part 1

Since it was chilly on Friday (overcast, low-mid 60s with 15-25 mph winds) we decided to get in all the sightseeing so we wouldn't waste any potential beach time if it warmed up on Saturday. We were staying in the southern part of the island, so we decided to head north and see everything we could between Tarpum Bay and Glass Window Bridge (about 60 miles one way).

Eleuthera is about 110 miles long and about 2 miles wide. They drive on the left side of the road in the Bahamas, but as we learned the cars are not necessarily right hand drive. It is, in fact, a complete toss-up as to what side the steering wheel might be on in any given car. I this found both incomprehensible and endlessly amusing.

There is one road that goes the length of the island with small roads that branch off to various points along either coastline. It's a place where you absolutely must rent a car to see or do anything, but also one where it is physically impossible to get lost. There's also almost no crime. You can literally just wander from isolated beach to isolated beach with few worries beyond checking a tide chart.

Rather unnerving view from the passenger seat in a left-hand drive car on a left-side drive road with no real speed limits.

The "paved" section of what's left of the very rough side road to the extremely well hidden Islandia Beach (on the Atlantic side).

Wonderful Husband checking out Islandia Beach.


A closer look at the beauty that was, literally, underfoot. We had to tread carefully so as not to injure anything. This was taken about an hour before low tide.

Since it was too cold and windy to swim at Islandia (and we were reluctant to risk the relatively unsheltered Altantic side in such a remote location) we headed up the coast.

These beautiful rocks along the ocean (Caribbean side) were just outside Governour's Harbor . The water was so cold I was reluctant to go in even to my ankles. There was a lot more than shows in this picture; we were fascinated with the sea life we found just in the small spot and climbed around for a good 20 minutes.

A row of trees adjacent to the actual harbor in Governour's Harbor. I saw quite a few trees like this with what I assume is a fungus of some kind. I found them fascinating and beautiful.

Right next to those glorious trees, right on the waterfront, is this amazing cemetery dating to the 1600s. We saw several cemeteries, and I couldn't get over that they were all on what we would consider here to be multi-million dollar waterfront property (and many graves were completely buried in sand from, we learned, hurricanes).

A decent trek north from Governour's Harbor we came to Gregory Town, where we did our souvenier shopping at the one shop on the island dedicated to the purpose. From there we were directed to this little cafe, where we had a great lunch.
It's worth noting that seeing two cars in the parking lot at an eating establishment was a big deal. Most of the restaurants were empty, and one gentleman we spoke with said that he hopes President Obama can fix things because the American economy is hurting them badly down there.

After a wonderful lunch at the Lizard (where I had the most delicious jerk chicken, mango chutney and romaine wrap) we continued the last few minutes north to Glass Window, which was absolutely worth the effort it took to get there...

2 comments:

Sixteen Chickens said...

I am beginning to see the justification for a wetsuit. ;)

Unknown said...

It took me a lonnnnng time for Sharon to get me in the river to swim, I don't think you would of got me in that water at all!