Grayden and I took a little trip last week to Bermuda. We sailed out of Boston on a cruise ship. Bermuda is an archipelago of seven main islands and over 180 small islands and inlets. It is only 650 miles east of North Carolina.
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| Fort Independence Castle Island South Boston |
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| Boston Lighthouse on Brewster Island in Outer Boston Harbor |
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| Graves Lighthouse on Graves Ledges |
Leaving the harbor of Boston we headed out into the beautiful ocean and over the Continental Shelf. I'm always in awe of the beautiful sea life we see as we pass this deep shelf that is over two miles deep.
We enjoyed being spoiled and soaking up the beauty of the sunshine and lovely sights as we sailed to Bermuda.
Bermuda was discovered in 1503 by Juan de Bermudez of Spain. He never walked on the island because of the fear of the reef that surrounds the island.
His fear was justified . In 1609 the Sea Venture shipwrecked on these very reefs. Admiral Sir George Somers established the English claim to the islands. The Virginia Company had sent the Sea Venture with supplies to aid the failing group at James Fort in the New World. William Shakespeare's The Tempest was inspired by the shipwreck of the Sea Venture.
Our cruise docked at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Bermuda is a British Overseas Dependent Territory that enjoys autonomy. It is the oldest self governing overseas territory in the British Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and is represented in Bermuda by a governor that she appoints.
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and is represented in Bermuda by a governor that she appoints.
The Royal Naval Dockyard is a lovely port that is now owned by the Bermudan government. It houses The Bermuda Maritime Museum and many buildings have been converted into shops and pubs. The dockyard was constructed when the independence of the American colonies left the British without a base between Halifax and the West Indies.
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| Clock Tower Mall |
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| Royal Navy Casemate |
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| Royal Navy Commissioner's House |
Grayden enjoyed the Naval Dockyard and I enjoyed the flowers.
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| Plumeria Frangipangi |
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| Cycas revoluta Sago Palm with female reproductive structure |
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| Times show the real time and the other is high tide |
There is glassblowing works in one of the old warehouses.
We had visited Bermuda with my sister and her husband many years ago. There have been great changes to this island paradise. There is much to see and do. Our ship came into the port on Sunday afternoon and left on Tuesday evening. Before leaving home we planned what we wanted to do while there. The first afternoon we enjoyed visiting around the Royal Navy Dockyard. The next day we took the island ferry to St. George's Island. This is at the northeast end of Bermuda. The ride over took about 45 minutes and we were treated to spectacular views of this beautiful island. The beautiful water is a sight to behold. Grayden was talking with a local gentleman and he told Grayden that a tourist once asked him what they put in the water to make it so blue. We all laughed and exclaimed how truly lovely it is. My next post will be about St. George's and what it means to me. ♥
Wow what a nice vacation to go on! I have always thought taking a short cruise would be fun. My sister and her husband went there a few years ago. I think St. George's Island was badly damaged from a hurricane a short while after. Interesting to read about the Victualling Yard. Can you imagine eating all that salted meat on a daily basis? Makes me thirsty thinking about it :-) I would have been enjoying the plants and flowers there for sure!
ReplyDeleteLiz, our cruise was seven days but only three days in Bermuda. St. George's Island was severely damaged and I will show some evidence on my next post. History is so much fun to learn about and so eye opening. You would have enjoyed the plants growing as they are different from my zone plantings as yours. Nature always amazes me! What a beautiful world we live in. ♥
DeleteWhat a fabulous looking trip Martha Ellen! Just look at the blues of the ocean!!! Thank you for letting us get a sneak peek of this beautiful island!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, Bermuda is just lovely surrounded by that lovely ocean. The blues take on different hues as the day progresses. We enjoyed our trip and time there very much. ♥
DeleteIt's so exciting to travel with you again, Martha Ellen! The coastline and lighthouses were amazing as you set sail. With its rich history and beautiful flowers, Bermuda looks like a fascinating destination. The Royal Naval Dockyard is a perfect spot for Grayden and I was admiring the beautiful blossoms right along with you. How long did it take to sail from Boston to Bermuda? I'm looking forward to your special memories of St. George's! Welcome home! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
ReplyDeleteDawn it's so nice to have you along with us. Bermuda was quite enjoyable and definitely a feast for the eyes. Our cruise began on Friday and we arrived in Bermuda on Sunday. This trip went by so quickly as most vacations seem to do. You would have loved all the flora we experienced in this tropical paradise. Have a wonderful day and don't work too hard. I hope your painting is nearing its end. ♥
DeleteBeautiful! My hubby has been there for work, but I've never done the trip; must put it on my Bucket List. XOXO
ReplyDeleteSusan, you would love Bermuda. It's so lovely. XOXO ♥
DeleteI have never been to Bermuda, nor have I ever been on a cruise, so I am a wee bit envious of your trip. It looks lovely. That water, truly, is such a perfect blue that it almost doesn't look real. I can see why someone would have asked what they put in it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to my next trip to Bermuda with you.
Blessings,
Patti
Patti, the water does look unreal! We truly live in a gorgeous world. The ocean is a favorite of mine and I find I'm drawn to it. Have a lovely afternoon. ♥
DeleteYou are full of surprises! I never expected you and Grayden to be off to Bermuda...what a fine idea for summer. I know that you enjoy your cruises. I have always heard about the beauty of Bermuda waters...perhaps one day I will see them for myself. Until then, I am hanging out with you!
ReplyDeleteVee, Bermuda is so pretty. The ocean has a way of calling me. I'm happy to have you hang out with us! While on a ship in the middle of the ocean, I feel connected to the One who made me. ♥
DeleteWhat a lovely post, both your photo's and the words telling us abut Bermuda, I enjoyed looking at and reading all about it.
ReplyDeleteI love the blue glass as well as the blue sea.
Looking forward to seeing and reading all about St Georges ...
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. It's fun to relive our trip with you. The glassblowers created the most lovely pieces. It's amazing to watch them work their magic. Have a wonderful week. ♥
DeleteLovely to see photos of Bermuda and your cruise. It looks so relaxing!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, the thing about a cruise is you can stay very busy or not. We chose the later. Once we were on the ship it was very relaxing. Have a wonderful week. ♥
DeleteBermuda is beautiful. You took many interesting pictures on your little trip. Love the bird in flight and all the pretty flowers. It's nice to get away to different places; we get to see wonderful things along the way. The glass blowing is a very unique art.
ReplyDeleteThat bunny towel is so cute too. :) Love that picture of you, Martha Ellen.
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri. We love to travel. As we have traveled over the years I realize we all really want the same things for our families. We are really more alike than different. It's always nice to see you here. Have a wonderful week. ♥
DeleteI always enjoy my vicarious travels with you, Martha Ellen!! I love the happy pictures of you and your hubby! (Does taking this vacation make the weeks of painting seem part of the distant past? I think of that because we are in the throes of painting at our house this week! ~smile~)
ReplyDeleteIt does take away some of that pain, Cheryl. ♥ We always love you coming along with us. Just keep your eyes on how beautiful it will all be when you're done. We just returned from our morning walk and it's so humid. Take a lot of breaks as you work. ♥
DeleteLooks wonderful! This is a place that I've always wanted to visit, thanks for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, it's so nice to have you along. xo ♥
DeleteWhat interesting history, even a Shakespeare connection! It looks like a wonderful holiday for the two of you. Beautiful blue of sky and sea!
ReplyDeleteJudy, the blues were truly breathtakingly gorgeous. I hope you are recovering well, dear one. ♥
DeleteIt looks like a beautiful place to visit--and I agree, they must have put something in the water to make it so blue! 😀
ReplyDeleteCathy, the different shades of blue of the ocean is truly gorgeous! ♥
DeleteLovely tour of Bermuda. Love the tropical feel and of course the beautiful water. I hope you are enjoying yourselves. you needed this break away. Thank you for sharing your lovely tour with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. We had a grand time. Have a great day! ♥
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