Expert: Michael - 5/21/2005

Question
Hi Michael. Me again. Our tickets and the bus route map you
suggested I request both arrived today! Thanks - the map makes
everything much clearer. Two questions: You suggest getting off
for the South Shore beaches at Warwick Long (regardless of
whether we are coming from the Dockyards or Hamilton) and
hiking along the beaches to Horsehoe Bay, where there are
facilities and snorkeling equipment, right? It sounds like it's a
steeper walk at Warwick and flatter/perhaps shorter at
Horseshoe? Is that the reason? Secondly, if we do that, can we
rent snorkel equipment, buy food at the other beaches or would
we have to wait until we got to Horeshoe?
Another topic: I love colorful tropical jewelry and interesting
crafts. Are there any shops that are particularly great for these
types of things (remember, we will be in St. George, Hamilton
and the Dockyard).
All the restaurants sound too expensive, especially since we are
on a cruise. If we made an exception for lunch or dinner
(modestly priced), do you have any top recommendations? My
sister insists we go to the Hog Penny Pub in Hamilton for lunch
but someone else thought it had passed its prime.
I was all excited about riding on the beach but I see that is only
in the off-season, understandably so. Oh well. I can't imagine
how we will get everything in as it is! thanks again ever so much!
Pam Derringer, Marblehead, MA

Answer
Hello Pam,

Yes, yes, that is exactly the reason to begin your trek at Warick Long Bay. From the Southshore Raod down to the seashore is quite a vertical.  I don't mean that you will be climbing down, hehe, but it will be much easier going down than walking up a pretty good vertical path.  At the Horseshoe end there is a roadway that slopes up gently but longer than the hillside at Warwick.  Think of a novice slope up the mountains ... they go around the parimeter of the mountain, the double diamond trails go straight down the side.  I think this is a good analogy.

By the way, when you are down at the seashore it is not a hike but a pleasant walk.  Just your camera may be sufficient witout snorkel if you have not your own and rather rent the stuff.  Once at Horseshoe you might want to just rent the equipment there and snorkel around that end for an hour or so.  That is the only area along this stretch I snorkeled, and Jobson Cove, but the snokeling at Jobson Cove was nothing to speak of.  I do recall most snorklers at that end.  That may be because Horseshoe Bay may be considered the best beach in Bermuda but that is disputable, and as well because of its acess.  Right?  I mean how many people are going to trek down from Warwick Long? Not many.  And most would not walk from Horseshoe to Warwick and back.  Somewhere along the way they would turn back.

Horseshoe is the only one along this group of beaches with facilites.  Showers, bathrooms, food etc.

My understanding is that there is a snorkeling park at the Dockyard.  Check this out.  Perhaps e-mail the department of tourism and ask this.  It is another thing I have not done but it has an underwater trail you can follow.  What a neat idea.

I got Linda a coral ring at Crissons.  They are on Front Street in Hamilton.  Front Street will have lots of jewelry stores.  If you are looking for inexpensive necklaces or bracelets you will find them in stores along Front Street too as well as shops in St. George.  I can think of none that are specific for this sort of jewelry even though I buy it for my sis-in-law and Linda when there. Trinket shops I call them.  Places that sell the tee shirts and collectible stuff many visitors like.  You will find a few in St. George on the square.

I would not miss the White Horse Tavern in St. George being seated outdoors.  Toss a few fries out onto the water to see a fish frenzy hehe.  You can have a Fish & Chips, or a burger, or a Bermuda Fish Chowder so unlike ours.    Of course this is where you have a Dark & Stormy or Rum Swizzle, or Planters Punch or a pint of ale.

A second favorite is a bus out of St. George to the Swizzle Inn.  You can buy a pitchure of Rum Swizzle and be greatful you are taking the bus back.  Bahaha.  You two can share it.  The Swizzle Inn is a Bermuda staple.

At each of the above the drinks are going to be 5 to 6 dollars each, a burger less than 10 and Fish & Chips around 12 to 15.  (The pitchure of rum swizzle won't kill your pocket.)

The Hog Pennny never did anything for me.  Each to their own I suppose.  Look for the Scoop on Front Street.  It is upstairs and has a balcony overlooking Front Street across from the boat treminals.  A nice place to have an ice cream.

Feel free to write if you have any further questions Pam.

Quo Fata Ferrunt!
Michael