At sunrise, the skies were uncertain, and uncertain skies meant uncertain seas. The ferry trip to Nevis was to take about 45 minutes, and reports indicated that it could be pretty rough. As is often the case, there was a cloud hanging over the dormant volcanic mountain on Nevis. It’s actually quite peculiar. Even when most of the sky is clear, there’s a cloud sitting on the mountain. When looking at it from our balcony, it looks like the island is wearing a hat.
The previous day, we had finalized a bike deal over the phone with Winston of Bike Nevis. We were to meet him on the Charlestown dock, and pick up the bicycles at 9 AM. That meant we needed to be on the 8AM ferry.
We packed everything we’d need for the day into our back packs, and headed for the port. Upon arrival, there was a handwritten sign on the ticket window explaining that one ferry was out of service for maintenance. The schedule for the other one had been changed, and it was unclear whether there was going to be a ferry at 8 or whether the next one was going to be at 9:30. Discussion and facial expressions showed everyone was confused. But, before 8, the ticket window opened, and tickets went on sale.
Further, our plan was to return to St. Kitts with the bikes, after the day’s ride on Nevis. However, no one seemed to know or would commit to whether we’d be able to take the bikes back on the passenger-only ferry.
Immediately out of port, the boat started to rock and roll. The windows were closed. Each wave was splashing up and over the port-side deck, but stomachs stayed calm.
Upon arrival at the Charlestown dock, there was the red van and Winston too. We paid him for the bikes, saddled up and headed north for Lovers beach. Marlene was on a brand new hybrid, and well, in comparison, my mountain bike had been around the Island a few times. It was spitting rain and the skies were threatening more.
We cycled and took pictures all the way up the west coast. We’ve been to more scenic places, but it felt great to be on our bikes, mobile and independent.
Along the road, there were goats, cows and donkeys, largely unrestrained and wandering. We got up close and personal with a family of monkeys. At times, too close as they fought amongst themselves for fruit hanging in a large tree overhead.
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| Pictures by Marlene |
We locked our bikes, and found a flat rock and some shade. There was no one else around, and we had the beach to ourselves. Within a minute or two, I found a conch shell in the surf. It was a beauty, about 3 times the size of my hand. The creature had died and was gone, so I rinsed the sand out and put the shell to dry in the sun. A couple minutes later, I found another, then a couple of smaller ones. It was a beachcomber’s dream. We swam in the surf then realized we needed to head back down the coast to catch the last ferry at 4 PM.
At the ferry, they took and stowed our bikes without question, and we headed for home. Upon arrival, satisfied and tired, we relaxed on our balcony with a glass of wine, and reflected on our great day. One might have expected that venturing to Nevice for love and Lovers beach, would have Marlene and I sprawled out on a naked-only beach, or making out behind the closest bushes, but the love we were looking for, was the love for a little adventure. We found it on the Island of Nevis.
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http://travellingwithsteveandmarlene.blogspot.ca/2013/03/st-kitts-unspoiled-and-friendly.html
