May 4-8, 2014-
Sunday we walked around Hamilton to get some exercise after being boat bound for a week. It was interesting to see a half dozen empty stores on Front Street. Evidently Bermuda is a year behind the U.S in recovering from the recession. Several large companies pulled their operations out of Bermuda leaving a hole in the local economy.
In addition, cruise ships now dock out at the Dockyard at the far end of Bermuda rather than on Front Street in Hamilton. The newer cruise ships, often close to a thousand feet in length, are too big for Hamilton Harbor. A new shopping area has developed out at the Dockyard which is supported by cruise ship passengers. Ferries carry both tourists and locals back and forth between the Dockyard and downtown Hamilton.
Eileen flew in late Sunday afternoon. The crew celebrated our successful crossing from Provo to Bermuda on board with a bottle of “Quintessa” wine, an excellent California red wine served in our best plastic wine glasses, followed by the traditional “crew dinner”. The dinner for this trip was at the Harbourfront. The Harbourfront is the restaurant at Bermuda’s Underwater Institute tucked all the way back in the harbour by the Rayal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, the other major yacht club in Hamilton. Known for their sushi and seafood entries we all enjoyed an outstanding evening of fine dining.
Unfortunately Jack had to leave Monday morning to be back for the college graduations of two grandchildren. The next few days were spent exploring Bermuda by scooter: Horseshoe Bay, Swizzle Inn, Gibbs Hill, Church Bay, St. Georges, Mickeys, Hamilton and more!
