Feb. 6: Paradise Beach, Carriacou
I hadn’t made arrangements for a taxi to the ferry I planned to flag one down as they passed. When I reached the top of the driveway a bus stopped and waved me over; the conductor moved some people around and soon my luggage and I were in the bus and 5 EC later at the ferry dock. The ride over was a little boisterous once we left the lee of Grenada, the crew moved most of the passengers to the windward side of the boat to lessen the roll; a few people needed the seasickness bags being passed out. Once off the ferry in Hillsborough I got a taxi, picked up a few things from the supermarket and headed off to the Sunset Beach Hotel.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
The beach looking each direction from the hotel

We checked out the location last year, on the recommendation of some friends and decided to give it a try. This was supposed to be the romantic part of our holiday, a week in Carriacou, deserted beaches, beautiful water, nothing to do but be together; oh well Kim will be here Monday, Stormagedon permitting. The hotel is modest, the rooms are like a newer cottage in a state park, the appliances are dated and there is no AC, but they are spacious and the bathrooms are nice; they’re also just $63 US a night which suits my budget just fine. The bay itself is crescent shaped; Mabouy Island and Sandy Island shelter it from the swells. Sandy Island, located across from the hotel is a popular anchorage for yachts; we stopped there in 2010 on Skyelark during a Grenadines cruise.
[Linked Image]
Sandy Island

There isn’t much development along the beach, a few small hotels/guesthouses and some local bars. The far end of the beach is fringed by mangroves. I settled in and headed out to the beach, I took a swim and caught some sun, then I walked over to the Off The Hook bar just down from the hotel. It’s a typical beach bar the walls and roof are made of tin, the furnishing rustic. I had a couple drinks then left, they’re having a bonfire tonight so I will be back for that.
[Linked Image]
Off the Hook Bar
I took care of some internet, had a shower and a rest, and then went back to the bar. There was a nice crowd there, mainly tourist, and they were cooking on the grill. I saw some nice looking lobsters coming out from the back, but I went for the grilled fish meal. The bar has a nice atmosphere, the music not too loud or crazy and the people were friendly. After my dinner I had a couple more drinks then called it a night.

Drink all day at home, your friends worry about you; do it on vacation and they say "what a good time you're having". Save your friends needless worry, travel more!