But for thrilled nine-year-old Erica Jade Ingemann it was well worth the wait.

Erica stumbled across the message during a family stroll along Whalebone Bay in St. George's.

It was in a corked wine bottle, which had wax smeared across the top.

Dated February 13, 1984, it was from an 11-year-old Czech girl, Gabriela Mateju.

Part of it read: "I'd like to correspond with some girl or boy who has the same interests as me.

"I play the piano and I am interested in sport, because I am a basketball player.'' The letter ended with a Czechoslovakian address, and the plea: "Write Soon!'' A delighted Erica exclaimed yesterday: "I was so excited when I found the bottle. I did not know there was a message. I just saw a piece of paper in it.'' Unfortunately, efforts to free the letter without smashing the bottle failed.

Erica, who attends Bermuda Institute, was with her six-year-old sister Erin and their father, Eric, when she made the discovery on Saturday.

She has now drafted a letter to Gabriela, who will now be 21. "I told her I found the letter and I was so excited by it. I also told her my age.'' RED LETTER DAY -- Nine-year-old Erica Ingemann shows off the message she found. With her is sister Erin, six.