A LIGHTHOUSE AND A LEG STRETCH
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Wed 28 May 2008 15:00
|
After yesterday's blog we set off to do some
exploring...
Got off to a rocky start - having been told the
ferry we wanted departed at 1345 we arrived at 1330 to see our transport
departing! We'd been given 'duff gem' by the guide book but not to be deterred
we followed Sebastian to the central bus station and headed west across the
island...it was a good way to see more of the country though there was some
hairy driving by the bus driver!
With Sebastian following our progress on the map we
got off a stop early for "Horseshoe Bay" - this turned out to be a good thing as
we had a lovely walk down the hill to the water - the views were extraordinary.
Before we got to the more 'touristy' Horseshoe Bay (something to do with The
Lonely Planet Effect I'm sure) we found some pretty much deserted beaches...the
water really is the colour of the photographs!
Sebastian (in keeping with his intrepid nature for
the day) was the one to go in the sea, though the rest of us did have the excuse
of not bringing swimming attire with us! It was a little chilly at first though
only because it was so warm on the sand, but I think a return trip will be made
so we can all enjoy it...
We then set off towards Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the
light that had guided Aquila in on Sunday morning. It's the world's tallest cast
iron lighthouse and once you reach the top it affords some fantastic views over
the island - mummy was spotting which house she might retire to in a few
years!
Our adventure continued as we decided to walk the
next few miles to where the ferry was to depart from. Thanks to the helpful
instructions of the lighthouse keeper we avoided the roads and walked along the
deserted railway line - I think it was only in existence for 15 years as it
somehow neglected to go anywhere near the towns!
The ferry ride back to Hamilton let daddy spot some
promising 'knooks and crannies' to get Aquila into (though Pippa personally
thought the rocks looked slightly perilous and is glad to be leaving on Saturday
if that's where they're heading to!) and then we got back home.
We went out to supper to an Italian restaurant
recommended by Myf and Henry (good find!) and then to bed. It rained through the
night and is still overcast this morning though apparently that's going to
change and then it's more exploring for the Bennetts!
The beaches...
 Bennetts on beach...
 Sebastian enjoying the cooling effects of the
sea...
 View from the top of Gibbs Hill
Lighthouse
 Skipper and First Mate...
 |