30th April - Hamilton Harbour 32:17.040N 064:48.249W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Tue 30 Apr 2013 20:41
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"29/30th April - Hinson Island, Hamilton
Harbour"
Since arriving here in Bermuda, we have spent some
very gentle days, relaxing and enjoying the island life. On Sunday
we took a long dinghy ride across to the other side of St George's Harbour and
found a Restaurant by the water front which we had visited on bicycles when we
were here staying some 8 years ago. It was quite an exploration
trundling around the small islands in the harbour and crossing the shallow
reefs which had round, red ringed 'turtle' aware signs erected at the
narrow gaps between the islands. Pretty white roofed houses
lined much of the shore and islands, with their green lawns and foliage
stretching down to small private docks or diving boards and strategically
placed sun loungers and shades. Although the day was bright and sunny a
brisk northerly wind was quite cutting across the water, it is after all still
spring here and not summer. The contrast in temperature to the Caribbean
was not something that we were prepared for and it is taking a bit of getting
used to as we seek our long sleeved shirts and sweaters from the depths of our
lockers. We eventually found the Black Horse and had a splendid
lunch before heading back to Whisper.
We have made contact with old friends here who live
on Hinson Island in Hamilton Bay. They have made arrangements for us
to have use of their neighbours mooring at the bottom of their
garden! Yesterday, Eric joined us on Whisper and 'piloted' us round to
Hamilton Bay. Bermuda is surrounded by reefs and channels and although we
have charts on board it was good to have local knowledge onboard and being a
keen sailor Eric very much enjoyed the helm and with a good northerly
force 4 we had a cracking good sail round to Hamilton. The wind was
keen but dressed in our foulies, with the sun shining, although the
sea was rough and covered in white horses, it was the most beautiful
enticing light turquoise. We have seen some fabulous blue seas in our
travels and the Caribbean waters were a beautiful turquoise, but
Bermuda's waters are a different shade of blue
again! Our mooring is quite
delightful looking across to the town of Hamilton with small green islands
doting the harbour. We are about 20 feet off the shore of Hinson Island,
the trees are full of birds singing, ferries come and go between the bigger
inhabited islands and ferry stops along the bay, there is dinghy racing
this week so plenty of activity to focus on.
Having arrived at real civilisation and tired
of looking like a scarecrow, Janice kindly booked me a hair appointment with her
hairdresser. It was a real luxury to have my hair washed and my head
massaged and my long tangled locks cut to a neat manageable length once
again! Life here in Hamilton Bay is very much water born,
everybody rushes about in their dories and small day boats from their homes on
the small islands and then jump on their scooters on the main island to go
about their business, go to work or attend school. There are cars on
the island but these are limited to one per family. Parking is by meter so
many people favour commuting by scooter. There are
several ferries which whistle you to other parts of the island, these will
stop and pick you up at the Ferry Docks on the small islands, just like a bus
stop, except that instead of holding out your arm, you put out a flag to attract
the Captains attention!
We are enjoying being here and relaxing as we
gentle prepare and focus our minds for our next passage to the
Azores. Our main focus is on the weather as we wait for the Bermuda High
to establish itself signaling the best time to depart. We are aware that
several yachts have already left but that many more will gather over the next
few weeks.
Photographs: "Ordanance Island, St
George"
"St
George Harbour Anchorage / Traditional Bermudan Roof"
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