Milk River Spa – Junction - 44 km
Before departing, I had one final dip in the hot spring before following
the coastal path further west.
The route led past God’s Well, a deep sinkhole. It’s rumoured to be
inhabited by the ghosts of a Taino maiden and a scuba diver
(unrelated) who drowned there whilst trying to establish the depth of
the well. A short while later, I stopped at Alligator Pond for lunch.
Little Ochi was a popular restaurant where one could order freshly
caught fish on the beach. Here, tables were in brightly painted boats
upon stilts, and reggae music blared from a rickety timber bar.
Following lunch, I set off up the mountain in the stinking midday
heat. The climb was steep, and the way was in poor condition. People
called me in to rest and advised me to take a taxi as, according to
them, Treasure Beach wasn’t reachable by bicycle. I very nearly
believed them as the going was dreadfully slow and exhausting. Upon
slinking into Junction, I spotted a guesthouse and called it a day. The
place was cheap but comfortable, and I was grateful for the pool in
the oppressing heat.