7 hrs, 7.3 kms
Day Totals 16 hrs, 15 .3 kms

... And then I find it. The climax of my Barbados adventure. Over the ridge and in rough surf bay is an island rising from the sea with a grassy plateau on the top. An island I intend to explore.

As I said, the surf around it looks pretty rough, with waves coming in from both side. But I calculate that if I head in right in the middle, the waves will cancel each other out, right? Let's give it a try.

Sure enough, a wave comes from one side and pushes me over, then one comes from the other and pushes me back to the middle... and I make it to shore.

Suddenly I have a thought: why can't I just claim this island as my own and create my own country here? What kind of a country would that be? There's no flag here, no border guards... hey, I guess it's mine for the taking!

I think I'm going to call this "Philosopher's Island" and open it up to tourism . People can come, one at a time if then want some time just to be alone and ponder on the meaning of life. No construction allowed (there is one tree for shade and you could squeeze under a boulder if it rains. Your allowed to catch fish for food and bring one goat with you to graze in the plateau for milk and meat.

Once you have discovered the Meaning of Life, you exit the island and another person can take a turn.

First I need to explore the island properly. I climb up the the plateau and examine all its borders. It should be easy to defend from invaders, although I will try to stay in good relations with my neighboring country Barbados, on which I will be dependant for supplies and coming to and leaving my island country...

Conclusion of my Barbados Adventure

Back to reality... I head up to the next town of Culpeper where I try to follow the coastline as far as I can, but a house with some nasty looking dogs puts an end to that plan so I head back to the main road with ever growing sprawl all around .

Someone calls out to me from a house with the usual "where are you from?" "Where are you going?" "How do you like Barbados?" "Enjoy" Each time I kind of expect them to ask for money, try to sell me something, or offer to be my guide--but no, they're just being friendly and welcoming. I must say, for an overly touristy country, Barbadians have really surprised me with their laid back friendliness...

This has been a fun country, better than expected. Great people. Great transportation. Some boring stretches, but enough cool discoveries to make up for it.

There are things that concern me--the overpopulation, the sprawl... the over-dependance in tourism...But it does seem to be a country that is really trying to make things better for its citizens. Will that be enough? I don't know. But I hope so.

Thanks, Barbados for welcoming me...