The Dockyard has a lot of museums describing how and why Bermuda has played such an important part in the various wars, being used by both the British and the Americans.  Bermuda started out as a British Royal Navy Base, following the American War of Independence.  Subsequently, it has been used by the Americans as well.  As the Americans had won their independence, there were no British Naval Bases left in the Colonies apart from Nova Scotia, way further north, and as we needed to keep an eye on the Americans and make sure they behaved, Bermuda was in the perfect position.  It also allowed the Brits to keep an eye on the French privateers who were getting a bit fresh and attacking the British boats going to and from the West Indies.  The Dockyard was then built as the island's naval base.  During the War of 1812, the Dockyard was successfully used as a base to 'sack & burn' Washington!! Since 1950, a huge restoration project has been underway, and now the Dockyard is open to the public.  Unfortunately, when they restored the Dockyard, they also built a cruise ship terminal meaning that the whole area is now overrun with American tourists!! We spent a good few hours wandering round and, after a very pleasant lunch sitting in the sun, we headed back.  That's another nice thing here, the weather is warm and pleasant and you aren't constantly running for shade!!

We had contacted our friendly weather forecaster, earlier that morning and asked for his advice regarding our intended departure on Thursday.  When we got back to St Georges, we found a email from him saying we should leave that night or early the next morning! We had to wait for an updated forecast that evening so we did a few jobs, and then got the info - by then, however, the weather had changed, and were advised to stay put!! As it is, we are still here and likely to be here until Monday or Tuesday next week at the earliest.

Since then we have made good use of our bikes and have cycled round most of the island, including taking the bikes to the Dockyard by ferry and cycling back down the old railway trail, which is a nice trail, 90% of it is off road, so apart from a few uphill bits it was really pleasant and the great thing was we passed the ice cream shop again on the way home. This turned out to be a 22 mile ride back - we definitely had some sore bits the next day, especially as the ride we had done on Sunday had also been about the same length!!

As is the tradition here, we had to try the 'Dark & Stormy' made with Goslings Black Seal rum and ginger ale.  This is the original mix, and the only way to really drink a 'Dark & Stormy'.  As there is not really a local bar in town, the only pub here is quiet at night because it caters mostly for the people coming from the cruise ships for the day, we headed to the St Georges Mini Yacht & Dinghy Club.  2 Dark & Stormy's for me and 3 for John meant an early night all round - not surprising when you saw the measures they were pouring and that it is 80% proof!!  The people at the club were very friendly, as most Bermudians are, and they have a yacht race here on Sunday, which as we are likely to be still here we may be able to get involved in.  The club got it's name as originally the members couldn't afford actual boats and so had 'model' boats they 'raced'  by poking with a stick!! Things have now moved on and they race small dinghy's.  The other yacht club is also a good place to meet people and we went there last night with some friends we met in Nevis who arrived here a few days ago. So as you can see, being stuck here is no hardship!!

  John enjoying his Dark & Stormy - looking at his eyes it is probably his 2nd or 3rd!!! 

  The view from the yacht club - all the buildings look like they have had a fine covering of snow on the roofs!!

  The water here is crystal clear and a fabulous colour

  The Dockyard

 John taking a well earned break from cycling - little did he know he still had about 15 miles to go!