The "Beach at the Top of the List" Story

It was an ordinary day. Getting set for travel to the east coast of Barbados to visit Bottom Bay Beach and Crane Beach. Bottom Bay is one of my all-time favorite beaches that I have visited. Stopped there in 2008 when we visited Barbados for the first time. Was mesmerized by the beauty of the coral cliffs that surround the beach and the whiteness of the sand. Bottom Bay is on the southeast coast and a bugger to find, since there are very few road signs on the island. Did remember a few landmarks from my last trip there, but still got lost. Finally stopped at a really small roadside bar and asked directions. "Head back the same way you came, turn left at the first road and follow that road to the beach. Don't bear right at the store or you will be heading in the wrong direction," were the directions one of the local women gave us. Traveling with me today are my wife Carol and traveling buddies Jerry and Just Sue. My wife and navigator did a great job, but without signs, it is hard not to get lost. As we approached I immediately remembered where we parked the last time. Chose a closer spot this time and hustled off to the beach. And ..... it was everything I had remembered from before ...... and then some. Tough to describe something as beautiful as the 200 yard strip of breathtaking white sand and coconut trees sandwiched between two sea cliffs. It is without a doubt the most beautiful beach on Barbados, and possible all of the Caribbean. The only one big problem, large waves dominate the surf. I am not a strong swimmer and with recent back surgery, didn't venture into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is close to where they hold national surfboard championships, so you get the idea of how large the waves can get. But the azure and aqua colors of the water are remarkable. I first traveled along the top of the coral cliffs for a few gadzillion photos before we made are way down the path to the beach below. I just knew there had to be a stand of jewelry at the bottom, and I was not disappointed. Two native islanders were enjoying themselves drinking coconut water and eating roasted bread fruit. Offered Jerry and I some of each and Jerry jumped right in while I tasted the water and a small piece of the bread and left Jerry to eat the rest of my share. Watched as one of the two climbed to the top of one of the palms and cut a dozen coconuts off with his machete. The beach was ours, all to ourselves. It is the off-season and most of the beaches are quiet. Spread out our blanket for an hour or two. I take off, naturally, with my camera to document every inch of the soft white sand. Often marvel that the sand is so cool to the touch. New Jersey sand is brown, coarse as well as roasting hot in the summer heat. This is the exact opposite, and a welcome change. The mix of natural beauty, personality and atmosphere offered by this beach is just what my doctor ordered, so I was more than pleased to take advantage of it. Found a very large cave system on the west wall of the beach and ventured in so I could take a few photos. As noon approached, we packed our bags and said our good-byes to maybe my favorite beach in all the Caribbean. Will I ever return? Time will tell, but just in case I never do, I have my gadzillion photos to cherish. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Sorry for all the photos, but I just had to share with you Bottom Bay Beach. I know you'll like it!

From the cliffs above Bottom Bay Beach.

The northern end of the beach showing the only villa that has a view of the beach.

Panorama showing about half of the beach, taken from the top of the coral cliff walls that surround Bottom Bay Beach.

Path to the beach.

Gorgeous!! How can you not like this beach.

The "girls" testing the Atlantic Ocean. How about the color of the water!

The northernmost point of the beach.

The southern most part of the beach.

Panorama from the north side facing south.

Preparing the coconut for the tourists! Didn't much like the taste, though.

Roasted breadfruit has a taste much the same as the glue I tried to eat in elementary school.

A new friend high in the tree cutting coconuts for us to drink.

Rather large cave system is part of the coral cliffs that surround the beach.

A rather large sand crab eyeing me as I take his photo.

A final farewell!

Our next stop ...... the pink sands of Crane Beach!