I have video of this parade - it's quite big and will take a few moments to download - but I think it's worth it. This was quite a big and formal parade by Eleuthera standards. Also, watch the children marching like the officers - I think this is just wonderful! <click here for the video>
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Don't forget about the Friday night "fish fry" in James Cistern. On Friday evenings, you can find the locals preparing delicious dinners down by the sea side. This is a fund raiser event for their Heritage festival coming up in April. This would be a good place to stop for food on your way north to Elvinas!
Also, check out our "Real Estate For Sale" page for a new home on the market... John's House (Gregory Town). There's also a home in Rainbow Bay - Calypso Crest - being offered as a Bed & Breakfast or long term rental. This could be a good deal for those of you looking for an economical short stay and a leisurely morning!
For those of you who have been to Lighthouse Beach since Christmastime, and were wondering about the Christmas tree there... I received this email from Lloyd Flanders:
My four grandchildren and I were at the Lighthouse on Dec 23. We arrived on the Caribbean Princess and had transportation ready to take us there. My husband, Dyson Flanders and I had scattered his brother's ashes (Mal Flanders) there last January. Mal was an artist and lived in Tarpum Bay for over 30 years. Dyson died this past Sept, so the children and I scattered some of Dyson's ashes there also and put up a Christmas Tree to honor him. We all love Eleuthera. Lloyd Flanders
Just found this little gem... if you want a taste of junkanoo... here's a movie clip from Christmas Eve in Tarpum Bay. <click here> (Be patient - it's a big file)
Also, Bottom Harbour Yacht Club in Whale Point is open for business again. They will be having a live band this Friday starting at 7pm and there will be a DJ out there on Sunday. Stop on by and check out what's going on. Say "hi" to Lavern, she's recently returned from Texas to help get things going again.
Was out of touch while in Eleuthera- and this was probably my busiest trip ever! I came back with little sleep and a bad cold - and I have to actually work my paying job today - so I won't be able to update you with all the pictures and info until later tonight... but look forward to pictures from Junkanoo, from Elvinas, from Joe's (including Max, the bar tender), from fishing, from New Years at Tippys, and a current construction report! Come back and visit me later!
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Update:
December 26 (Boxing Day) Harbour Island held their annual Junkanoo on Bay Street. Junkanoo started around 7pm. There was a good crowd in attendance and the mood was festive. I want to really thank the man who gave me his extra batteries when mine went dead - I thank you so much, as I'm sure do all who get to enjoy these pictures! It was my father's first Junaknoo - and all the kids thought he was santa on holiday! He really enjoyed rushing with the Junkanoo-ers.
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Dad rushes with Santa |
Junior Junkanoo under the sea theme |
Look how cute the kids were!
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Did some great fishing on the Double D & I out of Davis Harbour. The southern end of the island is such a good place to fish. There is an underwater "mountain range" that connects the Lighthouse Beach area of Eleuthera to Little San Salvador. The upwelling of water here provides a fertile feeding ground for a variety of sports fish. While we were fishing we got to see one of the Princess Cruise lines ships anchored and ferrying passengers to and from Princess Keys.
And, as usual for this time of year, 'tis the season for attending some great holiday parties. Cris in Rainbow had a DJ this year and her party was well attended by over 100 guests. Also got some time in at Elvina's. A New Orleans style band was supposed to play one night - but they must have had too much Bahamian good cheer, for they never showed. I got to visit Joe's in Palmetto Point. What a fabulous presentation of Bahamian colors and quaint conch houses! The bar on the beach will definitely be a local and tourist favorite. I was introduced to the hot new bartender Max, who works the top deck of the bar. I stopped in the Island Farm and met Clyde, the owner, and his lovely wife. This is one well planted farm, with everything from edibles to tropical plantings. Watch for a "who dat" on Clyde coming soon. We stopped by Windchimes in Palmetto Point one day and had a delicious cracked turtle appetizer... I'm telling you folks, this is the place for local Bahamian food.
New Years Eve saw parties all over the island. One fund raiser was held on Lenny Kravitz's property. 7 bands played and all proceeds went to the Gregory Town school. I know that Lenny was on island... just haven't heard the sip-sip if he was in attendance. Tippy's was a blast! The food was o.k. (I think their menu was a little shortened and a little rushed - I've had better from them - and our service was awful - but there were a lot of people). The Snap Shot Band with Elliot and Scott Bethel (Dr. Seabreeze's son) were great - and even took some impromptu requests! The junkanoo band put on a good show and the fireworks were terrific (including that small bush fire when a few went astray!!!). There was a huge crowd on the dance floor, and I even got to witness some Bahamian line dancing!
Double D & I - 32' Stamos - our fishing vessel for the day |
Caught a nice sized trigger - had him for breakfast in boiled fish |
Yes - we brought this cuda home to eat.. I'm getting too Bahamian |
Cruise ship anchored off Princess Cay |
Jam night at Elvina's in Gregory Town |
Joe's open air bar in Point |
Island Farm veggies |
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Menu at WindChimes |
Bahamians and visitors line dancing at Tippy's on New Years Eve |
Junkanoo at Tippy's |
Snapshot Band |
Holiday Party revelers.... |
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My big event this visit was starting excavation on my property in Rainbow Bay... read the trials and tribulations of this in my Construction Journal tomorrow....