These Boots, in Bermuda.

Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Day 11 - Part 1: Johnny Barnes, Bermuda's iconic Mr Happy (Edit:- 1923 - 2016 R.I.P)

Residents and visitors alike can't help but be cheered up at the sight of Bermuda's most friendly and welcoming person, Johnny Barnes, as he greets commuters from his seat at the Crow Lane roundabout each weekday morning.

This kindly soul, now in his nineties, has been greeting commuters for many years and is seen by many as Bermuda's unofficial tourism ambassador. Such is the strength of feeling for Johnny that a bench was provided for him to sit on, after he tripped and fell one day whilst waving. If for any reason he fails to appear, local radio stations are inundated with calls asking about his welfare.

Quite literally a legend in his own lifetime, a statue was commissioned by supporters and created by local sculptor Desmond Fountain. It stands a short distance away from the Crow Lane roundabout, near the BUEI.

Click here to see a short film about Johnny Barnes

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Monday, 19 August 2013

Day 10 - Part 3: "That nice time of day" at Blackbeard's Beach Bar

The perfect end to a perfect day spent swimming and relaxing at Tobacco Bay is undoubtedly watching the sun go down at Blackbeard's, a mere ten minute stroll away. That nice time of day, when subtle changes in light levels as daytime imperceptibly shifts down a couple of gears, lend to the world a mellow feeling, as sunset approaches.

Perched above the tiny beach at Achilles Bay, Blackbeard's (now called the Beach House at Blackbeards) commands an enviable position from which to enjoy the last rays of the sun. The museum fort of St. Catherine stands nearby, occupying the northernmost tip of the islands.

Swimmers enjoy a late evening dip as the sun sinks towards the horizon.

A juvenile Yellow Crowned Night Heron waits for darkness to fall so he can fish for his supper.

As the moon rose, we made our way back to St. George to catch the last bus home.

Passing Tobacco Bay once again, someone was enjoying a peaceful swim.

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Day 10 - Part 2: Tobacco Bay

After disembarking from the Dockyard to St George ferry, we jumped into a taxi for the short ride to Tobacco Bay. It is easy enough to get there on foot, but we were laden down with snorkelling gear and it was extremely hot at this point, so we took the easy option, for once!

On our arrival the beach wasn't too busy at first, however whenever there are cruise ships docked in St George the tiny area soon fills up with tourists eager to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear water. There is a lively beach bar for refreshments and shower and changing facilities which are really handy.

The beach is sheltered by towering limestone rock formations, amongst which brightly coloured parrotfish swim and graze.

Tobacco Bay, a tiny jewel of a beach when it's not too crowded!

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Day 10 - Part 1: Dockyard to St George ferry journey

Travelling by ferry is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Bermuda. As the high speed catamarans of the Bermuda Ferry Service travel between stops, they pass hidden coves and secluded beaches edged by aquamarine water. Lush gardens and colourful houses stand out against the bluest of blue skies.

The Orange route is a seasonal service which leaves the Royal Naval Dockyard, heading along North Shore to St George; a journey of approximately 35 minutes.