Sunday, August 12, 2007

More Highlights from Bermuda

Ok, I know no one will believe this but I really tried (and failed) to limit the number of pictures I put on the blog about Bermuda. These are a few of our favorite things we did.


The Beaches


We loved looking at the amazing beaches of Bermuda. The clear turquoise water, pink sand, and rock formations in the water are unlike anyplace place in the world.



Chaplin Bay

Laura took us to all the best beaches in Bermuda. We went to Horseshoe Bay, Jobson's Cove, Coral Beach and Chaplin Bay to name a few. She was a wonderful tour guide.

Jordan exploring the beach


Tour of the Forts of Bermuda

Laura and I joked that we toured the Forts of Bermuda while Sean and Chris toured the rums. We think they had the best tours. Chris' favorite was Black Seal made in Bermuda. Strangely enough I have no picture of Sean and Chris' tour but I have plenty of the Forts. First we toured Fort St. Catherine which is located in St George. They had mannequins displaying solders through out the fort. There was a display of soldiers playing cards and drinking rum. Apparently they also toured the rums because there was a mannequin passed out on the floor with a bottle of rum. Can you believe they made a display of that? It was very funny.


Jordan, Thomas and Hunter at Fort St Catherine

The next fort on our tour was Fort Scaur which is on the other side of the island. So we traveled the entire colony of Bermuda in one day. Fort Scaur had the most beautiful view of the island. Since the island is curved, you could see the area of the island that Laura and Sean live on from there. We had a picnic lunch here. Pasta salad, anyone?


Jordan walking in Fort Scaur


On the last day of our trip, we toured Fort Hamilton. Again there was a breathtaking view of Bermuda. We saw a cruise docking into port in Hamilton.



Kim, Chris, Hunter and Jordan at Fort Hamilton

Also at Fort Hamilton , there was a cool Moat Garden. The moat around the fort which is now dry is a beautiful path with gorgeous tropical plants on both sides. It was also cool walking down the dark halls inside the fort.


Thomas, Hunter, Anna and Jordan crossing the "moat" to enter the garden


The Spa


Laura and I spent the most wonderful day alone at the Spa. I had never spent the whole day at a Spa before and it was like a slice of heaven. I had a 60 minute massage and Laura had a facial. Then we ate lunch outside with another wonderful view of Bermuda. Then we went inside and swam. The waterfall at the pool would massage your neck and back. Laura and I were able to sit and talk for hours without any interruptions. When we were at the Spa, Sean and Chris took the kids to Crystal Caves. Since I had the camera, Chris didn't take pictures but this was Hunter's favorite part of the vacation. We were told that they cooked hotdogs and did "man things." I think they worked on their Rum Tour some more.


Laura enjoying herself at the spa


Hunter riding the scooter

Hunter loved riding on the scooter with Sean. Thomas was nice enough to let Hunter ride since he does not live in Bermuda. After the tour of Crystal Caves, this was the highlight of Hunter's vacation.

Sean and Hunter taking off for Thomas' birthday party


Shore Leave


Laura's family named their house Shore Leave. What a fitting name for the home of two Naval Officers. We enjoyed hanging around their house and spending time with them. You can read more about their adventures on their blog. The kids had the great time playing. I'm so glad they got a chance to know each other better. The weather was strange during our trip. It rained almost every night. Thankfully the rain never stopped us from doing what we had planned.


The view of Bailey's Bay from Laura's home.
It was over casted most of our vacation which
was a blessing because it was not so hot.


Thomas' Birthday Party


During our visit, Thomas had his 8th birthday party. The boys were so excited about his party. How many little boys are lucky enough to have their birthday party on a beach in Bermuda. Well, I guess it makes it easier if you live in Bermuda. A total of 10 kids were at his party. After cake and ice cream, everyone headed to the beach. Everyone, including me, enjoyed playing in the sand and surf.


Hunter and Jordan on the beach at Thomas' birthday party

After the party, we changed and ate at Coral Beach. The food was delicious and the view was amazing.


Laura and Kim at Coral Beach
This was the view from our table.



Sommerset Bridge

Sommerset Bridge is the world's smallest drawbridge. Hunter and I went on the bridge and we could stand with one leg on one side of the bridge and one on the other. I think the sign behind us is funny. What is prohibited... fishing for swimmers????



The Bristow's at Sommerset Bridge

Gibb Hill Lighthouse


The boys climbed to the top of the lighthouse. It was a very windy day. Chris even lost his hat.


Hunter at the top of the lighthouse


View from the Lighthouse

Flying


The boys loved flying! The only time they had been on an airplane before this trip was a trip to DC. They loved watching the planes take off. Hunter loved looking out of the window at the clouds. They were so good on the plane.


Bermuda from the air