25/02/2010

Thursday afternoon we left about 2 PM to drive to the east end of the island, for the most part a long straight paved 2 lane road in forested areas of pine trees and shorter palms, two layers of growth after the hurricanes 5 years ago. Stopped at the Lucayan National park, http://www.bnt.bs/parks_lucayan.php

which had walking paths on both sides of the highway. The first lead to the 3 Lucayan underground freshwater caves, with hanging trees, small fishes, bats, a unique discovery of previously un known crustacean and possibly original burial mound for the local Indians .

A hike through the forest and mango grove including pauses on interesting trees, broke out on the a stunning long white sandy clean beach just coming out of low tide.  Captured this Heron. Grey uprooted long dead tree trunks provided an interesting contrast to the smoothness of the beach and prop for Amelia and various poses, including the warrior here. Walk back to the car over the mango swamp was a boardwalk signs on various fish and bird species with the directions to leave the fishing to the birds!

Last Wednesday evening....Home briefly to change, quick soak in the hot tub as chilled and off to Taino beach just outside of town, planning to catch the 6 PM fish fry. Very windy and just before sunset provided not only a lovely walk but also great photo ops. Walked along the beach with a dock in the distance covered in gulls. Just in barefoot on the sand and footprints soon washed away. Amelia wanting to get some shots on the dock fooling on dock Bonnie on dock Wed. night fish fry line up with a choice of snapper chicken or lobster, with sides of rice, potato salad, or conch fritters. Of course local Sands beer to top it off.

Home by 7:30 PM. ....an evening tropical downpour and thunderstorm where all the power went out for 30 mins....it was actually rather neat!