Continuing to explore Port Elizabeth, Bequia

After our trek up to Fort Hamilton in Bequia, we descend from the fort and follow the road around the harbor back toward the town of Port Elizabeth and then follow the Belmont Walkway along the water to Princess Margaret Beach.

Returning to town along the harbor

Passing the market

Local wildlife on the street

Entering town

After passing the market, we walk down the main street, Belmont Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and stands selling crafts for the few tourists in the area.

Belmont Road

Crafts for sale

The Belmont Walkway links Port Elizabeth to Princess Margaret Beach, proceeding along the edge of the water, with steps and a steep section over a small hill between the town and the beach.  The path starts at Laura's Restaurant where Belmont Road turns inland (continuing on its own way over the hill to Princess Margaret Beach) and then proceeds along the water.

Laura's Restaurant

Belmont Walkway

Looking back at the harbor

After a short swim at the beach, we follow the Belmont Walkway back to Belmont Road and return to the dock to end our short visit to Bequia.

Returning down Belmont Road

Looking at the Bequia sign as we leave

Ferries lined up

Taking our leave

Stopping in Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia is the second-largest island in the Grenadines, part of the country of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, located approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the main island of Saint Vincent and the nation's capital, Kingstown.  Bequia features stunning beaches, colorful buildings, and an appealing, slow pace of life.

Bequia was first populated from South America, with a large wave of immigration around 1400 bringing the Caribs to the region.  In the eighteenth century, Europeans arrived, first the French, then the British in 1763.  The island achieved independence in 1979 as part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Arriving in Bequia, anchoring

Arriving at the port

We stroll through the town, taking in the colorful buildings and quiet lifestyle of the island.

Strolling into Bequia

Road signs

The road around the harbor leads us to Fort Hamilton overlooking the bay.  On our stroll to the fort, we especially enjoy the occasional seating areas looking out over the water.

Along the bay

Looking out over the water

Looking back into the hills

As the road winds up the hill toward Fort Hamilton, we get better views of and perspective on the bay and the ships at anchor and in motion.

Heading up the hill to the fort

Views of the bay

Our ship (Wind Surf) and a passing ferry

Fort Hamilton was constructed in the 1700s atop the 91 meter (300 foot) hill at the entrance to the harbor to protect the bay from American privateers and French raiders.  The fort was named after Alexander Hamilton, born in Nevis and a Founding Father of the US and founder of its first political party, the Federalist Party.  What remains of the fort now are a few cannons propped against a stone wall.

Fort Hamilton

View from the fort

We're delighted by the recycling container at the fort and continue to chuckle as we start back down the road into town, continuing to enjoy the spectacular views across the water.

Recycle here