Roughing It In Paradise - Camping On Picturesque Rose Island

ROUGHING IT IN PARADISE

Camping On Picturesque Rose Island

Campsite on Rose Island

By Nikia Wells Photographs courtesy of Nikia Wells Imagine… The sweet smell of gooey marshmallows caramelizing on an open flame, as the crisp spray of the ocean dances in the air. A group of strangers-turned-camping-buddies tell stories, adding bits and pieces to an unfolding tale around the warm orange and blue hues of the fire. By the end of the improvised fairytale, a biggity magical mermaid is saved from the clutches of a charming ogre via the power of friendship ... and brownies. The group is content, laughing, and full, from a fresh fish dinner, caught that same day, no doubt, that is surrounded by onions, sweet peppers, plantains, and lime juice all cooked in foil atop an open fire. There are no tables, but the ocean is just feet away from the campsite, and a magenta sunset serves as a backdrop. Before turning in for the evening, tired from an unforgettable trek up a winding, rocky cliff, the group takes in a cheeky game of Crimes Against Humanity. They are then lulled to sleep by the sounds of the calm ocean caressing the powdery sand shore...

Camping isn’t usually synonymous with “Bahamian living”. While many men, women, children and even babies, from around the country, grew up playing games like ‘bat and ball’, while running barefoot, fishing with a simple line and hook, catching massive land crabs with their bare hands, cooking delicious meals on an outdoor grill, and navigating the tallest mango tree if it meant getting the ripest, juiciest and sweetest fruit, not many would jump at the chance to sleep in the rugged outdoors.

For an adventurous few, those who often take to the beach or pine forest with just a tent, flashlight and a few essentials, they understand the pure joy of disconnecting from the world around them, looking to the starry night’s sky while telling scary stories, and waking up to the golden rays of a quiet sunrise. The sense of adventure that comes with ditching the distractions of electronics and smartphones, indoor plumbing, and the concrete walls of a traditional home can be both thrilling and freeing. However, giving up all comfort amenities is a daunting and frightening prospect, for some.

Thankfully, camping has evolved over the years. Groups like Island Adventure Experiences are providing Bahamians and visitors alike with a taste of the outdoors, along with certain creature comforts. The camping tour, which departs from Montague Beach, provides campers with a scenic 30-minute boat ride to a Rose

Peacock on Rose Island

Island campsite, where they will spend the night. The site includes tents, an outdoor shower and toilet area, snacks, beverages, meals and water sport equipment and is located next to the Sand Dollar Beach Resort, Restaurant & Bar. While participants will still be hiking, sleeping outdoors, and having a true island experience, the amenities make it a perfect option for novice adventure-seekers.

The unique Island Adventure Experience camping trip was created by a young Bahamian duo - Beijing Rodgers and Xavier Knowles. They both had a passion for the beauty of their Bahamaland, and their very first camping trip was offered exclusively to Bahamians in September 2021.

“[Our] personal experiences, through outdoor adventures, traveling abroad & visiting the Family Islands in The Bahamas instilled a passion for [us] to give [our] fellow Bahamians the opportunity to also experience an adventure of a lifetime,” noted Rodgers, who also takes an active role in each camping adventure. Rodgers and Knowles are both assisted by Wendell Knowles, whom they affectionately call “Dad”.

Approaching the unblemished shores of Rose Island, the campers can clearly spot the unmistakable orange tents that will be their home until the next day. While they will perhaps anticipate the stunning ocean and quaint campsite, many may be surprised by the sound of a peafowl family who roam the area, freely sauntering along the beach, restaurant and the camp, from time to time.

After a brief introduction, the group is given a crash course in campsite etiquette, how to use the outdoor facilities and what to expect. From there, they are free to frolic in the crystal clear water, kayak, swim, or even dash next door for a full meal or cocktail if they wish - a fun feature of this experience. After an ocean dip (or restaurant and bar visit), the campers are guided through a hiking trail by adventure guide, Jeremy “Tarzan” Misiewicz. The climb, which can be tailored for various comfort levels, yields stunning views of the surrounding ocean and gives everyone a chance to work up an appetite for a grilled fish or chicken dinner overlooking an unobstructed sunset. Next up are s’mores by a fire Jeremy Misiewicz aka Tarzan

Sunrise over Rose Island

pit, stories by the light of a campfire, and stargazing that is unmarred by the bright lights of the city.

The next day, campers can wake up to watch the sun rising from the ocean in a blanket of golden, pink, and lavender hues, before a light breakfast of fruit and soup. Another perk of being next door to a restaurant and bar is that participants can choose to get in a bit more water sports or they can feel free to grab a quick cocktail or meal while slamming down a round of dominos or shooting a lively game of pool before boarding the midday ferry back to Montague Beach.

For those wishing to indulge in a camping adventure with Island Adventure Experience, the company can be contacted via www.islandadventureexperiences.com. Each camping trip departs from Montague Beach on Saturdays at 3 p.m. and returns on Sunday at 12 p.m. Bahamian residents can also enjoy a special discounted rate. UA