We would do it all over again. Cat Island is safe, friendly and beautiful island that is still relatively untouched by mass development and commercialism. The Bridge Inn is the most reasonable accomodation on the island and it is located near the most breathtaking and secluded beach on the whole island. We rented a car and went exploring for a couple of days so we know this for sure. It's like a motel - simple, everything you need, nothing you don't. There is also a restaurant on the property and the food is excellent. The family that owns the Inn is wonderful - and the whole family helps out, three generations. The setting is on the Caribbean side of the island, along a canal that runs inland from the ocean. If you walk out your back door you can see tidal stream, sit on the edge of the stone bridge and dangle your feet while watching the aquarium of exotic sea life or fish the salt water flats for bonefish or barracuda. Walk down the road along the stream and you'll come to a beach that is absolutely unbelievable - heaven on earth. It is a vast cove with tidal streams running in and out on either side and about a half mile of sugar-white sand beach in between. There are rocky reefs to climb on and jump off of at the mouth of both streams and you can ride the current out (no dangerous undertow at all - too shallow to get into any kind of danger). The water is crystal clear and shallow for as far out as you can wade. Sandy islands appear and disappear with the tides. Sanddollars and conch shells are plentiful at the far end of the cove. Up from the water's edge there are trees to drap a towel over for a shady shelter. The best thing about this special place, however, is that we were the only ones on the beach all week - just us and a couple of nosy goats every once in a while. Now for the practical stuff: since everything has to be shipped over to Cat Island food is expensive, so this is what we did. We used a coffee maker provided by the Inn to make oatmeal for breakfasta and soup for lunch (both of which we brought with us). We also brought a variety of granola bars for a snack. There is a refridgerator in the room, so we walked over to the grocery/liquor store (which is also where you can rent a car later in the week when you're ready to venture out) and bought some juice, crackers, cheese, pepperoni, fruit and beer. For dinner, no matter where you eat: at the Inn, another restaurant or another hotel, you must let them know a few hours ahead of time - fast food does not exist here. The Bridge Inn has the best grouper with rice and beans, so we ate there most nights. At the end of our stay we got the bill for our food and drink during the week - half of what I thought it would be, maybe 10 bucks a person each night. One night we went over to the Greenwood "Resort" for one expensive-but-worth-it splurge and some fun conversation with other tourists and transients (you won't see any all week if you stay at the Bridge Inn). After dinner, the television in the restaurant is s
a movie channel and this is recieved by the television in the rooms. So we saw a different movie each night. Other than walking, swimming, fishing and reading, there is not much else to do, which is perfect for people who are looking to recharge their batteries. There weren't any bikes available the week we were there. The Bridge Inn didn't own any and the resort that the Inn usually rents them from didn't have any extras, so you might want to reserve one way ahead of time when you make your reservations. Same with car rentals - reserve it early in the week, we barely aquired one. The only thing I would do differently is bring my pillow - theirs are a little lumpy! It would have cost us double to stay anywhere else on the island and I do not believe you will find a more perfect location than the Bridge Inn. The other side of the island is on the Atlantic - choppy, deep and more dangerous. The other resorts on the Caribbean side have boats mooring offshore (you have to wonder about thier waste disposal methods) and more people, noise and general distractions. Anglers - bring wire, the Barracudas will chomp your flies right in half. Enjoy!