Boulder, CO

I have decided that today is to be a rest day.

The only time I leave the house is for lunch. Otherwise I have plonked myself in front of the television, making the most of the 150 channels provided by digital cable. My venture out yields a chicken salad sandwich and snack foods.

Dinner is an ordered in pizza. Other than a phone call to Amy, there is nothing else to report today.

Denver, CO to Boulder, CO

I decided to get some photos of Denver today before heading up to Boulder. I walked down to O’Reilly’s to cheap bacon and eggs breakfast, before going on to the Civic Center where I took some pictures of the Court House, State Capital, Art Gallery and surrounding gardens.

On the way back to the hostel, I stopped at the Hard Rock Café to pick up some pins for Dave and Melissa, and then checked my email.

I picked up my bag from the hostel and walked down to the bus depot. A 10 minute wait before the $3, 45 minute bus ride to Boulder. The drive is very scenic as we travel along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Going through downtown, I get a good feeling about this city and I’m glad I came.

From the bus stop it is an 8-block walk to Jen’s place. She’s not home when I get there but arrives shortly after. Her place is a sweet, 1 bedroom air-conditioned apartment. We hung out for the evening and then head to an Irish pub for dinner. I have the shepherd’s pie, which is awesome. We stick around for a couple of beers before heading home.

Jen is going to Boston tomorrow for a holiday, but has kindly offered to let me stay for as long as I like. I think I’ll stay for a few days just for the luxury of having time to myself. Once home I call Amy before heading to bed.  Jen leaves at 6am tomorrow so has given me the last minute instructions, as it is unlikely I will see her tomorrow.

Denver, CO

A big walking day today. I started off by trying to find out where I’ll be able to get a bus to Boulder for tomorrow. On the way I passed a tourist office where I encountered John – the friendliest person in Denver. I wish I had come here the first day, as John was willing to tell me about everything.

The bus stop is nearby, and from there I continue out to the aquarium, Colorado’s Ocean Journey. This place is huge, and well worth the 45 minute walk. The first part of the aquarium simulates the rainforests of Asia. Included in the display are 2 tigers, which are active and entertaining for the crowd. The constant mist spray from the roof gives the feeling of being in the tropical jungle. They also have an awesome aquarium with a variety of sharks and fish. It is in a half dome, meaning you can see the animals swim above you. Glass holes in the floor also let you have the eerie experience of sharks swimming underneath you. There are heaps of volunteers happy to help you and answer questions. The last exhibit is 2 sea otters, which aren’t doing much for anyone today. I walked back downtown via the pathway along Cherry Creek, go through the trendy Lobo area (Larimer and Writers Square) and have a late-ish lunch at a takeaway place in 16th Street Mall.

The next place I went to was the Molly Brown House. Molly Brown was a survivor, and heroine, from the Titanic, whose wealth was gained through her husband’s mining activities in Colorado. Later in life she was an unsuccessful political candidate and active in the pursuit of women’s rights. Her role in the Titanic came from helping migrants who’d lost everything. The Unsinkable Molly Brown was fluent in 5 languages. The house (which has had 5 owners since) was purchased by Denver’s Historical Society and refurbished as close as possible to how the Brown’s had it. Many pieces of furniture and some fixtures were originals. The half hour tour took us through the 14 room house and gave details of how the house was used by Mrs Brown, her to-be ex-husband and 2 children.  During the tour I felt ill and headed back to the hostel to rest.

At 9pm I walked down towards Coors Field and stopped at 22nd Street Bar and Grill for dinner and a few beers. This newly opened bar was quiet i.e., 3 other people in the 2 storey bar – but got chatting to the owner and bartender and stayed for hours. Once back in the hostel I called Amy and spoke forever, as well as calling her friend, Jen, who lives in Boulder (45 minutes north) who is kindly letting me stay with her from tomorrow.

Denver, CO

I made my way downtown again today to see what is on the cards.

First stop is the Denver Art Museum. To get to this I had to walk between 2 of Denver’s nicer buildings – the State Capital and the Court House. The museum is a 7 storey castle / jail-like building in the north west of downtown. It is different than most art galleries, it was explained, as space is obtained from the buildings height. Most galleries are 3 stories at their tallest. I took a guided tour with a small group, which detailed a selection of paintings and sculptures. I loved this as it explained the aspects that, as a novice, I would never perceive. The highlights of the tour included; a sculpture of an Indian and horse called “The Cheyenne”, by American Frederic Remington; a sand sculpture that represents a prayer that was created on site by Tibetan Monks; and a carved wooden doorway that had been purchased in India and pieced together by the curator of the museum. When I was on my own I spent most of my time on the floor containing modern and contemporary art and (of course my favorite) the floor pertaining to native northwest art – more totems, masks and ask art for me to appreciate.

Denver Court House

Colorado State Parliament, Denver

Denver Art Museum

Statue @ Civic Center, Denver

After the art museum I walked the 2 blocks over to the Denver Mint. I had to wait in line for over an hour and a half, to get the extremely average 20 minute tour through the place. We were so far from the production it was like watching a video, and the commentary didn’t explain too much (but it was free).

It was near on 4pm once I’d left there, so I walked back to the hostel via Kinko’s. Spoke to Amy on the phone and then spent most of the night talking with my roommates, Lonnie from Durango and some guy from Pueblo. The baseball is on down the road, but I’d prefer to wait until Amy and I go in Atlanta in August to get my first baseball experience.

Denver, CO

My God it’s a cool day today. A long sleeve shirt and shoes are required.

Monday is a day when it seems everything is closed in Denver, so its pretty much a looking only day. I spend a fair amount of time walking up and down 16th Street Mall, just rubbernecking. I was going to go to the Mint, but the line put me off.

Instead I headed to the Denver Firefighter’s Museum, which is housed in the 2nd ever firehouse in Denver. The museum is full of old equipment and memorabilia, and includes dedications to the last 2 firefighters killed on duty in Denver. There were plenty of old horse-drawn carts and hand-held pumps to make it all very interesting.

I did the email thing before an early return to the hostel, where I did some reading and writing. I didn’t leave again as I didn’t feel the best. I was in bed early after talking to Amy for an hour and a half.

Miami, FL to Denver, CO

I got out of the hostel early and got on to my 2 buses to Miami Airport. It took me an hour and a half to do so, and made me a tad nervous – like I always am when I want to be somewhere by a certain time and I’m not. I checked in (and, of course, had my bag inspected) and waited to board, when they called for volunteers to give up their seats, as the flight was overbooked. I was in no hurry, so stepped up. For my generosity I was given a later flight via Chicago. The leg from Miami to Chicago was to be in an exit seat, while the next leg would be in business class. I was also given a $400 travel voucher for the future. So I waited around for another 2 hours. The flight to Chicago was uneventful. 

I then had to wait at the airport for 5 hours before the next flight. Business class is the life. Beautiful chicken meal, wine, drink, real cutlery, my own television and all the space I need. How could I ever go back to economy? 

I arrived in Denver and caught a shuttle to the hostel, which is on 22nd Street, arriving at 10pm. It’s too late, and I’ve had it, to go anywhere so I call Amy before heading to bed.

Miami, FL

I had a minor sleep in this morning and then walked up to McDonalds for breakfast.

I spent most of the day wandering around Washington and Collins Streets again. Watched some soccer being played on the sand at the beach, and did some people watching on Ocean Drive, before walking up to the cinemas on Lincoln Mall. I saw Road Trip, which was OK, but best of all was the 2 hours of air conditioning.

On the walk back towards the hostel I stopped at the 11th Street Diner for late lunch / early dinner. I had the fish and chips, which were really good. I walked back down to the beachfront again where I sat on the grass, wrote in my diary, checked photos and did some more people watching. I headed back to the hostel at 6pm.

I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like Miami that much.

The evening is spent talking to Amy again. This break between us is killing me and we’re only halfway there. Another night conserving money and taking it easy.

Miami, FL

We checked out of the hotel early, so as to take Marie and Reggae downtown for them to look around and do some shopping. It was a quick goodbye, which was a bit of a shame, so much so that no one had time to get emotional.

I drove back to South Beach, where I checked into the Miami Beach International Hostel. Once I got all my gear inside, I returned the car, which was way up on Washington and 44th Streets. I caught the bus back to Lincoln Mall and just wandered aimlessly around Washington and Collins Streets. It’s hot and sticky, as usual, and I would love to go for a swim, but there is some problem with a sewage leak that has closed the beaches.

I have dinner at a pizza place next to the hostel and meet an Aussie who lives in Miami (doing cash in hand work).

I just stayed in my room all night except for phone calls to Robbie and Amy – we tricked Robbie into believing he would be witnessing my wedding when he comes over in a few weeks. Back to my air-conditioned room for the night.

St Petersburg, FL to Miami, FL

We packed up and left the hotel at ten this morning and headed back to Miami. Not much to mention on the trip down. We stopped at a Subway for lunch and then had to stop again a little further down the road, in the middle of nowhere, as I was falling asleep. We did pass through the top of the Everglades National Park – which seemed like a giant mosquito infested swamp.

We arrived in Miami at 5pm. We checked emails and then I rested in the motel while the girls wandered around. We are staying in the San Juan Motel, which is a tacky looking art-deco place, with the world’s least safe elevator. I joined the girls for KFC for dinner just near the hotel. We then came back and watched television until sleep time.

St Petersburg, FL

Happy 45th Birthday Dad – where ever you are.

Today is my version of Disneyworld. One of only 3 things I had planned for my trip. The Salvador Dali Museum. We find the place with no worries and arrive at the same time as a guided tour is starting. The museum is a private collection of an American couple, the Morse’s. The museum is now 20 years old.

My favorites included:

* Slave Market with the Disappearing Bust Of Voltaire – one of great double images.

* Discovery Of America By Christopher Columbus – huge painting (a master work) showing a young Columbus in the dream of his discovery. Also the use of Gala Dali as Madonna, and a hidden self-portrait.

* Ecumenical Council – The mixture of religion and science. The hard to see Hand of God reaching for his Son. Another huge, amazing painting.

* Hallucinogenic Toreador – The many paintings of Venus de Milo, used in such a way that it hides the image of a young bullfighter. Another of his major works, and an absolute masterpiece to see in person.

* First Days Of Spring – Smaller painting with many sexual and Freudian undertones, and references to his youth and his father. This is a painting I had read about and was stoked to see.

These are just a select few of the fantastic paintings – and there were a couple on a loan to other museums which I would have killed to see eg Apparatus and Hand, Velasquez’ Margarita. It was worth coming to the USA just for this experience alone. I bought a t-shirt and some cards and a bookmark from the store to mark the occasion.

We went to the pier afterwards to grab some lunch.

Our next stop was the Florida International Museum, which was hosting an exhibition on President John F. Kennedy. This was also fantastic. It gave a full history of his family from his parent’s meeting up until his death. Plenty of items on display from his rocking chair to commendations he received when he was in the Navy. This was coupled with films and a full audio guide made it all very interesting. Though, oddly enough, not a lot was mentioned about his assassination.

Back to the Days Inn at 7pm after full days sightseeing.

The girls decided to keep on the culture theme (?) and have dinner at Hooters. OK – so it more so that they could tell Johnny and Troy that this is where we went. This is the original of the chain.  The food here was good, but my eyes were bigger than my stomach. Back to the hotel to sleep it off.

Kissimmee, FL to St Petersburg, FL

We are up early to be at the Florida Mall so Kim, Reggae, and Marie can shop. I use the time to call Amy as it has been a couple of days.

We go from the mall to Orlando airport where we farewell Kim back to the Bahamas. We continue east to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s 1pm before we get in and so decide to just do the basic park tour and not go to the Space Station Center / Apollo Center / Observation Deck. In the space center we check out the display about robot probes (very badly done) and through the exhibition about the universe and its planets, which I could’ve stayed in all day. We went into the rocket garden before the heat got the better of us and we opted to leave. We tried to drive out to some of the launch sites, but these are in restricted areas.

After stopping at McDonalds for lunch, we continued on our drive north on Highway 1 to Daytona Beach. This is somewhere Reggae has always wanted to go to – I’m not sure why. The place is like a bad version of Surfers Paradise, but it was interesting to see all the cars parked on the beach. After a quick stop on the beach, and a drive a bit further north, we turned back to jump on Highway 4 and start out way to St Petersburg. This drive took us back through Orlando and on past Tampa. Somehow we missed the sign to St Petersburg and we went all the way to the beach. With a bit of guidance we were at our hotel by 8pm. We ordered pizza and chicken wings and gorged ourselves. Television was the order of the night as today’s drive has taken all my energy. And I have the bed to myself.

Kissimmee, FL

We’re up early this morning to say goodbye to Cousin Suze and Scotty, who are going back to Harbour Island today. Hopefully we’ll catch up with Cousin Suze at Christmas. The remaining 4 of us head to Denny’s again for breakfast.

Marie is not coming with us today so we drop her off back at the hotel on our way back to DisneyWorld. This time to the MGM – Disney studios. I would have preferred to go to the Epcot Center because we had been to Universal Studios on Saturday – but I was outvoted.

There seems to be a million less people around today, being a weekday. Thank God! As it’s 35 degrees today and too many people would push me over the edge. Our day pans out as follows:

We start at Sounds Dangerous: A soundstage / show starring Drew Carey. This is pretty lame and not a good start to the day.

3D Muppetvision: This is a short Muppet movie in 3D, which was great fun, but didn’t come close to the Terminator 2 at Universal Studios.

Rocky & Bullwinkle @ MGM Studios

Star Tours: A Paris clone ride featuring the characters from Star Wars. Good to hear it in English, but not as good as I remembered it.

Me @ Star Tours Ride

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular: A showing of how some of the stunts were done in the Indiana Jones trilogy. Interesting and fun.

Honey I Shrunk The Kids: A playground with oversized plants and Lego etc with plenty of water to cool us down.

Walked to Washington Square where Kim and Reggae met, and had photos with, Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Regs & Kim Meet Woody & Buzz

Studio Back Lot Tour: This displayed how special effects work with water, before we jumped on a train which showed us old costumes, vehicles and homes that have been used in Disney productions.

Backstage Pass Tour: A tour through the sets and props of television shows. I am “volunteered” by the girls to be Al from Home Improvement. I have to perform a scene from the show with lines and actions. There was a pre-recorded Tim saying his lines and I had to read mine from a prompter. I had a blast (and a giggle). I wish I could have seen it on the screen. Hopefully the photos will turn out. The tour then continued through the set and costumes from 101 Dalmatians.

Me as Al on Home Improvement

Great Movie Ride: This takes you on a ride through scenes out of different movies as well as showing us highlights of the many great movies. Very memorable.

Magic Of Disney Animation: We are shown through the areas where production takes place on many different Disney cartoons. We also watch an artist draw Mickey, Minnie and the Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Really interesting.

Rock’n Rollercoaster: Once again there are some problems with the ride and I miss out on a roller coaster. It wasn’t meant to be.

Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror: Holy shit! This is a ride that lifts and drops you up to 13 floors. A real stomach turning, adrenaline pumping, last ride of the day.

Our last task is to sit and watch Fantasmic, which is a stage / light / laser show in the 9000 seat amphitheater. Our 9pm pm show is packed to the rafters, and apparently there is another at 11pm. The show is awesome and it’s a shame that my battery camera died half way through. Nonetheless a great way to finish the day.

On the way home we stopped for Taco Bell for a bite to eat and then to Kinko’s to check emails. It has been a big 3 days and I’m all theme-parked out.

A big day’s driving tomorrow as we head to both coasts of Florida and we say goodbye to Kim who is going back to Harbour Island in the morning.

Kissimmee, FL

Alrighty then. I’m back in DisneyWorld after a 2 year absence (Paris 1998). We have a huge day ahead of us. We arrive at 10am. I thought Scotty might be joining us today as he arrived last night, but he is heading out on a casino cruise instead. No breakfast required and we arrive at the Magic Kingdom. Our first ride of the day is from the car park, via trolley to the ferry and into the Magic Kingdom. From there our day went like this:

Walked straight up Main Street USA, past all the shops to the front of Disney’s castle, which is pretty much the center of the park.

DisneyWorld, Orlando, FL

The girls go on Cinderella’s Merry-Go-Round while I take some photos.

Peter Pan’s Flight: A flight ride through the story of Peter Pan (exactly the same as the one in Paris, but this time I could understand the commentary). Nice gentle ride for the kiddies.

Legend Of The Lion King: Cartoons and puppetry following the story of the Lion King. Enjoyable.

Pinocchio Village Haus for breakfast / lunch.

Exit Fantasyland and enter Liberty Square.

Haunted Mansion: Once again similar to the one in Paris, but the ride was scarier than I remembered. Kim, Marie and I liked it.

Exit Liberty Square and enter Frontierland.

We got a pass for Splash Mountain as there is an hour’s wait.

Jump on the Walt Disney World Railroad, which runs around the edge of the park. We did a complete lap to kill some time.

Splash Mountain: Water ride taking you through the story of Brer Rabbit. The end of the ride drops you from the top of the mountain, soaking you at the bottom. Great fun.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A roller coaster ride as if going through a mine. Best part was hearing Reggae scream / laugh.

Mike Fink Keelboats: A boat ride taking you past scenery from Pocahontas and Tom Sawyer. Good fun.

Enter Adventureland.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Another water ride where you are amazed by Disney animatronics / puppetry. This time in the form of pirates. Good ride.

Back on the Railroad in Frontierland to the other side of the park to Mickey’s Toon Town Fair. Cousin Suze, Kim, and Reggae line up to meet Mickey Mouse after we walk around Mickey’s Country House.

Into Tomorrowland.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: The tea cups again. Woo Hoo! Crammed in with Reggae, Kim and Marie and literally spun out. Ride of the day.

Went to go to Space Mountain in the hope that it would be like the Paris one. Unfortunately it was having “technical difficulties” and the wait would be close to 2 hours, if it was fixed. We didn’t bother.

The Timekeeper: As per Paris Disney World, it is the story of time travel projected on a 360-degree screen. Much better this time, mainly because it was in English and I could understand.

From here we went back to Main Street to look through the shops. I bought Amy a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. We then picked a spot to wait for the Main Street Electrical Parade. This parade had all the Disney characters (except, mysteriously, Donald Duck) greeting the crowd, or the characters were in a spectacularly lighted carriage. I loved it – really got into the fun that everyone around us was having. I took heaps of photos. After that it was a fireworks display, which looked awesome going off above the castle. It’s near 11pm when we get back on the ferry to the car park. Yet another great day.

Awaiting The Main Street Parade

Mickey Mouse

Fireworks Over Magic Kingdom

Me & My Mickey Ears

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Steak ‘n’ Shake for an extremely late dinner of burgers and fries. Once at the hotel it was straight to bed as everyone’s so tired.

Kissimmee, FL

We got up this morning at ten and headed to Denny’s around the corner for breakfast. From here we drove northwest for 20 minutes to Universal Studios. Parking was really easy and because we had pre-purchased our tickets at the hotel, we walked straight in, with the obligatory photo out the front first. The following is what we did here:

Kim, Suze, Reggae & Marbs @ Universal Studios

Lucy: A Tribute – Memorial to Lucille Ball. A great start. I could’ve stayed all day. There was a lot of memorabilia, photos and excerpts from her show.

Hanna Barbera Ride: An explanation of how cartoons are drawn – using the Jetsons, Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, followed by a flight simulator to rescue Elroy Jetson. Excellent.

Twister: Showing scenes from the movie and then a simulated hurricane. Twister was cool – loved the flying cow.

Kongfrontation: Gentle ride through New York, dodging King Kong at various times. Enjoyed.

Earthquake: Simulated train ride in San Francisco Underground, which is stopped during an earthquake, ie roof caves in, truck falls on us, fire, flooding etc. Pretty scary.

Beetlejuice Rock And Roll Graveyard Revue: Lame singing and dancing show.

Jaws: Boat ride through the waters of Amityville chased by Jaws. THE Jaws comes out of the water towards the boat. I little too realistic. A scary and saturating ride – plenty of fun.

Men In Black: Ride where you shoot aliens to score points. Good to have an interactive ride. Great fun

Back To The Future: Ride in a Delorean, chasing Biff through various eras of time in order to rescue the time machine. A lot of bumps and dips and an excellent ride.

Quick lunch at International Food Bazaar.

ET Adventure: A bike ride in order to get ET home so he can get back and save his planet. Nostalgic for us but I’m not sure if young kids would be that much into ET – good anyway.

Terminator 2: 3D: Awesome 3D movie from Terminator 2 that was so realistic it was scary. Definitely the best ride was saved for last.

On the way out we did some shopping (I didn’t get anything) before going back to the hotel. It was decided at 11pm dinner was required, so it was McDonalds all round.

Miami, FL to Kissimmee, FL

When I got up this morning I walked up to the photo lab to pick up my 4 Bahamas films, stopping at McDonalds for breakfast. The photos cost me a fortune and were a terrible quality but there wasn’t a lot I could do seeing as they had my negatives.

From here I walked down to Alameda, where I organized to hire a car for the next week. They told me the car would not be ready for a while, so I walked down Washington Street and then back up Collins Avenue. I stopped in some shops, looked around, checked the beach out, got caught in 2 storms and checked my email before going back to the car rental place. The car is a Mazda Protégé – and has no tape player – and also brand-new.

With 5 hours still to kill before I have to pick up Reggae and Marie, I decide to just go for a drive. I head downtown and continue south trying to stay as close to the coast as possible. I drive as far as Coconut Grove before turning around. Once I get back to Miami I head over to the beaches and drive north as far as the island goes. Once again I turn around and head back. This time stopping at North Miami Beach to enjoy the cooler weather of the evening sunset.

From here I head out to the airport, stopping to fuel and a phone call to Amy. Just after 9pm I made my way in and picked up the girls and we started our trip to Orlando. Within an hour we stop at Wendy’s so Reggae and Marie can have some dinner. We drive on and don’t reach our hotel in Kissimmee until 2.30am (4.5 hours later). Cousin Suze and Kim are already here and asleep in the next room. We will catch up with them in the morning on our way to Universal Studios.

Harbour Island, Bahamas to Miami, FL

We got up early this morning to depart the guesthouse, as David’s brother is coming to stay. We take the buggy down to the Bahama Inn, where Reggae and Marie are staying tonight. We take the buggy around the island for one last trip before going back to the Inn and relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort. We walked down to the dock and ran into Cousin Suze and Kate, and entourage, having a picnic. We have our hamburgers again for lunch, and not long after I’m on a boat with Dwight, headed for North Eleuthra. There is a taxi waiting for me there and with in no time I’m at the airport. Unfortunately that leaves me with a lot of time on my hands and the 2 hour wait in the humid heat of the airport is a killer.

Marbs, Me & Reggae, Reluctant To Leave Paradise

Arty Hammock Shot

Last Guesthouse Picture, Harbour Island, Bahamas

The flight to Miami goes without a hitch – I’m not even questioned at customs. But getting from the airport to the hostel takes forever on the buses. I stay at the Clay Hostel again and, after getting my bags in my room, I go in search of a photo place to get my film developed. I walk up to Lincoln Road Mall, but to no avail. All of a sudden I hear a “Hutchy!” At first I don’t respond (I’m in Miami – who knows me here?). I turn around and it’s India. She’s here to take the dog to the vet and do some shopping. She’s back to the island tomorrow. I finally put my film in and grab a quick bite to eat before going back to my room.

I give Amy a call and as per usual we talk forever, as it has been a couple of days. So good to hear her voice. There is plenty going on in the next week, so tonight I stay in.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

My last full day on the island. But I want to stay. Actually it’s probably a good thing. I could get used to being lazy too easily.

We mucked around the house all morning and then decided to go in search of lunch at 12pm. On the way, Reggae decided that a buggy was required for the day, so we picked up one from the Royal Palm Hotel. We headed down to the dock and picked up a hamburger for lunch.

We drove over to Kim and Jason’s. They showed us through Elle’s place and Jason explained what he was doing in regards to renovations. He also took us to the block of land that Elle and Arki have just purchased and outlined what they are planning to do.

When we were done there Reggae, Marie, Kim and I went to the library to look through their photo exhibition. It showed pictures of locals in the 1960’s – 1980’s.

We went back to the house and down to the beach, after dropping Kim back at her place. We laid on the beach for ages, making the most of my last chance here. As usual, all was perfect on the beach.

Our next event was dinner. Cousin Suze, Jase, Kim, Kate, Marie, Reggae and I headed off in search of a meal and ended up at the Daiquiri Bar, where once again we got to feast on ribs. After dinner and a couple of beers we decided to head home. Little did I know Jase was psyched for big one.

Kate, Cousin Suze, Regs, Marbs, Kim, Jase & I @ The Daquiri Bar

Kim & Jason @ Daquiri Bar

My Bahamas Girls @ The Guest House

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Today is the ultimate lazy day. It’s fairly hot, so I opt to stay in the house in the cool instead of roasting on the beach. I only venture outside to hang out some washing late in the afternoon, after a day of scrabble, music and naps.

Dinner was once again packet pasta.

Amy called again tonight and we spoke for another hour, only stopping because the girls wanted to go out. We went to Willie’s, a bar not far from the house, where we watched Dwight’s band play. We had a few beers and the girls had a dance. Good fun. We ended up at home not long after midnight.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

I’m not feeling the greatest today. I don’t know why, but this is the second day I’ve had this headache and a have a pain in the stomach which is causing me grief.

I started the day late, as usual, and headed down to the beach for a swim.

Back up to the house for a late lunch before Suze, Reggae and I took Boppy and Felix for a walk through town to take some photos and to the Pirate Tree where, when the tide is out, a lone tree sticks out in the sand is apparently a source of hours of entertainment for Felix. Unfortunately, at the moment, the tide is in, so we’ll come back closer to sunset. We walked back to the house and head down to the beach for an afternoon swim.

Once back and refreshed we take the cart back to the Pirate Tree to take some photos of the sunset.

Pirate Tree As The Sun Sets

Dinner back at the house consists of chip sandwiches and noodles or pasta. The evening is spent around the table chatting, and is a relatively early evening for all.

The best news of the day is that Amy called and got to speak to her for an hour. I wish she was here – she’d love it. Maybe we’ll come back one time.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Once again the day started out slowly for the house after last night's shenanigans.

We got up, and dressed, and the 5 of us went to church. We went to the Lighthouse Church of God, which is like no other I have ever been to. There is no preaching, just singing and rejoicing. While we heard one passage from the bible from one of the choir girls, and community announcements from a lady, who also welcomed us as visitors to the church, the rest of the time was spent singing along with the choir and live band. An experience I hope never to forget.

After church we picked up some groceries and got a lift back to the house in time for a quick snack before we walked down to the harbor to meet Scotty, Jason and Kim as we are headed out for the afternoon on Scotty’s boat. After filling up with gas, Scotty took us to Ben Bay, which is on the northeast tip of Eleuthera. The 45 minute trip took us past the northern tip of Harbour Island, Jacob Island, Mann Island and Pierre’s Island, before getting out into the ocean around the northern tip of Eleuthera. We docked the boat just off the beach and were all straight in the water for a swim. We spent a few hours here either in the water, fishing, snorkeling, shell collecting or sun baking. I was so relaxed I didn’t want to come back.

Ben Bay, Eluethra, Bahamas

Me & Marbs @ Ben Bay

The ride home was a bit rough, so Jason and I had to be in the front of the boat to keep it stable. We were in sight of the Government Dock, when all of a sudden the outboard motor just stopped. We had run out of gas. We were still about 500 meters to the nearest pier, so Scotty and Jase got to the front and started pulling (luckily the water was only chest deep), the girls got out the back and were kicking, while I stood in the boat and rowed / pushed with a large stick. We did this for about 20 minutes until another boat came past with Scotty’s mates in it. They towed us to the nearest pier and took Scotty to get some more fuel. It took nearly an hour for him to return, and once back, ready to go, the engine still wouldn’t start – after a few attempts and adjustments the boat started and we cruised back into the main dock.

Out of Gas

We walked back up to the house, showered, and then started to prepare for dinner.

We decided that a BBQ on the beach was the go. David and India gave us some citronella lamps and we took a Webber, a table and some food down to the cabanas in front of Hibiscus Hill and cooked up a treat. Sausages, rissoles, tuna salad and potato bake – all too good. Kim, Jase, Reggae, Marie, Suze, Kate, Scotty, Money, Danard and I were all well fed and extremely exhausted. We packed everything up and were back in the house and in bed by 11pm. A great photo day – hope they all turn out.

Me, Marbs & Regs @ Pink Sands Beach

Looking Up To Hibiscus Hill

The Barbie, Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

The Crew Enjoying Dinner On The Beach

Harbour Island, Bahamas

When I woke up on Saturday morning, only Marbs and I where there – I have no idea where the others were. Marie and I decide for a walk along the beach – this time heading southwards. A lot of work is still being done at this end of the beach from the hurricane that tore through Harbor Island last September. Apparently it took 30 foot of frontage off the beach, so now residents are sand bagging their escarpments in the hope that it won’t happen again. If it does, some of the houses will not remain standing. It was good just having some one-on-one time with Marbs. I can’t believe it has been over 2 years since I last saw her – it seems like only last week. Typical of the Coasties – slip back into where we left off.

When we get back Kate and Reggae are home and, once again, the bulk of the day is spent either on the beach or hanging around the house. 

Our accommodations, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Dinner was again at our place, with Scotty and Suze coming over. We had hotdogs and conch fritters (which is like battered crab meat – deep fried)

After dinner we walked up to Gusty’s for another night out. On the walk up, David and India met us, and their friends gave us a lift. We met Kim and Jason and another fun night was had by all. Gusty’s quietened down, so we went to the Vichum where the festivities continued. While everyone kept going, Kim and I took to the table tennis for a bit of a laugh. We all piled into Money’s (a friend of Scotty’s) car for a lift home around 2am.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

A couple of seedy heads in the house this morning. Thankfully mine was not one of them.

We all slept in this morning and headed down to the beach near 12pm. Basically the afternoon was spent either at he beach or back at the house trying to escape the heat.

Me, Harbour Island, Bahamas

At 6.30pm Kate, Reggae and I went for a wander in search of food. We walked through Dunmore Town and along the harbor front, where everything had already closed. We ended up at Garfield’s, a pizza place not for from Gusty’s, where we had a huge pizza. It was so good.

The walk back home was pleasant, with the sun gone and with a slight breeze (and all down hill), it’s definitely a good time to be out for a walk.

Suze is babysitting tonight, as David and India have gone out, so we go over there to keep her company. The main house is really beautiful – stacked with books and photos – but still not a pinch on our place.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

We started today off with a walk north along the beach. The houses and resorts here on the water are amazing. Once again the weather is overcast, yet the water is still beautiful, so most of the day is spent on the beach.

We have a new arrival today. Kate, a friend of Suze’s from Nowra. She nannies for a family from New York, who arrive here on Monday. She is going to stay with us in the guesthouse until then.

Jason and Kim arrive for dinner at 8pm, and Suze arrives not long after with dinner. David and India’s housekeeper, Marissa, has cooked us a traditional Bahamian meal. We eat ribs, chicken broth, peas and rice and coleslaw. Absolutely delicious. All washed down with some of the local beer, Kahlik.

Reggae, Kate, Suze, Marbs, Kim & Jason @ Dinner

After dinner we pile into a couple of golf carts and head out to check out the nightlife. We start at Sea Grapes, which is just down the road. There is meant to be a band playing tonight, but when we arrive we are the only people there.

So back in the buggies and up to Gusty’s. This small club looks out over the bay and is perfect. With the half-moon reflecting off the water. The club is small and has a sand dance floor and when we arrive it is very dark and quiet – which is weird as this is meant to be THE spot on the island. The problem is there is a power failure, and until this is fixed people seem to be just content to drink in silence by the candlelight.

We run into a friend of Suze’s, Dwight, who states that the band is on at Sea Grapes - so back we go. On the way back we drop Jason off at his place (and see Elle’s house) as he has to work early in the morning. We arrive as the band starts its first song. Unfortunately by the second song the power has cut out and once again we are in complete darkness. This, however doesn’t stop the band who, with a set of bongos and two acoustic guitars, continue to play. Power is restored later in the evening and a DJ plays your standard club mix. We are kept in stitches by the antics of Reggae. I so wished I had a video camera. We managed top get back to the house at 3am after a fun night.