Exploring Scrub Island
Anguilla, Caribbean
The Mysterious Lagoon
Downhill from the end of the runway we spot a large bay, round, and about 1/2 mile across. We set out confidently across a dried pond to see what it is like. The pond bed appears to be solid, but as we walk it gets springier and our footprints start to sink. One person notices that it appears to be a combination of sand, seaweed and goat droppings. Another asks about quick sand! [Survivor note: on a later trip we learn that there is actually a road leading off from the right edge of the air strip, going nicely around this treacherous pond!]
But we make it across safely to the shore of this shallow bay, almost a lagoon or pond. Back in civilization we had heard from another explorer that this lagoon was good for digging clams, but we don't have time to test that.
Schools of fish skim along the top of the water. We are walking north toward the inlet of this bay, when we suddenly spot something sticking up over the hill to the south.
We turn around and head south along the shore of the shallow bay, intrigued by what we have seen. [Note: we learn later that if we had continued straight along the edge of the lagoon we would have come to a bridge and then a beautiful swimming beach.]
To the south there are now definite signs of human habitation: what appear to be cottages and a central building. Perhaps Scrub Island is not really uninhabited, perhaps we will meet a crazy old caretaker. Are you ready to turn back, or investigate further?