Historical Salt Cay and St. John’s Church

Salt Cay church dating from the 1800's
St. John’s Anglican Church on Salt Cay

St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands

The beautiful old shutters of the church

St. John’s is a beautiful old Anglican church also referred to as St. John’s the Divine and was built in the early 1800’s. We wandered through the graveyard which stretches to an old seawall. Mr. Holton Dickenson, the chatechist and our guide, opened up the old doors which allowed for the sea breezes to flow through up to the altar.

St John's Anglican church on Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands

Mr. Holton Dickenson opens the big old doors to the church


St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay

Interior of the church with two pulpits


The old windows of the church at Salt Cay

Beautiful windows looking out towards the Brown House


St. John's Church on Salt Cay

Mr. Dickenson holds the old Register of Services showing numbers of worshippers and amounts collected.

Mr. Holton Dickenson showed us some old records that the church still keeps. These old registers need to be photographed page by page or they will eventually deteriorate and be lost for the future generations of Salt Cay residents.

Marriage Register from 1909

A page from the Marriage Register

St. John's church on Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands

Record of Marriage of Thomas Grant and Eliza Araminta Hamilton from 1909

St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Names of Officiants such as Astwood, Morgan, Tatem in the Register of Services

St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

From an old postcard

St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

From an article in the Turks and Caicos Weekly news by Candy Herwin.

St. John's Anglican Church on Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Looking over the old cemetery walls out over the ocean

St. John's church on Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands

The graveyard and church doors taken from the old sea wall in 2018 after Hurricane Irma devastated our islands.

The cemetary and old sea wall

Harriot/Dunn grave site………owners of the White House and salt merchants on Salt Cay

Neil (Daniel Francis Harriot) was the resident Harriot at the White House until his death in 1910. He is buried at St. John’s Church in the plot he set forth in his will. My husband and I were fortunate to meet and talk with Michael Dunn when he visited us at Harbour Club Villas with a friend  years ago. I remember he was looking for a piano that he could play and at that time, I believe there were only two or possibly three on island. A friend of ours had one of them.

The church overlooks the salt pans

The bell tower outside of the St. John’s Anglican Church was usually rung to announce to everyone that it was time to come to church. Every Sunday dressed in their Sunday best, the faithful would listen to the bell tolling and head to church in time for Sunday worship. There are three of these bells still left on Salt Cay.

St. John’s church is a beautiful start to stepping back and into the history of Salt Cay……… a tranquil and peaceful place that speaks of an era of days gone by. The population is dwindling as the ocean breeze gently brushes the gravestones. Time to reflect on the history of this magical island that is steeped in history. We are the keepers of years past and need to do everything we can to preserve, nourish and protect the history and stories of Salt Cay and our national heritage. Thankfully we have concerned and caring people that are doing their utmost to document and keep Salt Cay’s history alive for future generations. Take a bow….you know who you are!

Salt Cay is a jewel in the sun.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Blue Hills

Blue Hills with its Caicos sloops is a fun place to explore.

Blue Hills is hands down, the most quaint and colourful part of Providenciales. Take an hour or two and meander along the beach road where you’ll find small eating establishments, many churches and cemeteries right on the ocean.

Blue Hills pier

The pier in Blue Hills is a scenic spot for photographs

 

Caicos Sloops are being built on the shore.

Some say that Blue Hills was the former name for our island of Providenciales and named for the blueish tinge of the hills and ridges as sloops neared the island from the sea. Life centered around the sea, sloop building , fishing and conking. Sloops would sail out towards West Caicos and French Cay to collect conch which would be dried and then traded with neighboring islands for materials and other food products.

Beach has coral formations close to the shore

Blue Hills on Providenciales in theTurks and Caicos Islands

Looking down the beach towards the Blue Hills pier.

 

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Chasing the birds on the beach in Blue Hills.

 

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Beautiful conch shells are sold down on the beach.

 

This handsome pelican was perched on one of the pillars on the pier at Blue Hills

 

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Harbour Club Villa guests and others such as this paddleboarder drop in for a conch lunch at one of the eateries in Blue Hills

 

Da Conch Shack is a beautiful ocean side eatery

 

Delicious conch salad, fritters and rum punch too

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas and Marina are often seen having lunch or dinner down in Blue Hills as it is a quaint and charming part of Providenciales not to be missed. The road rambles along the shore line and was the first paved road on the island. Work started on Front Road in 1956 at a time when there was no heavy machinery. Much of the work was done by local residents and by hand and took some ten years to complete.

See you soon enjoying the local flavours, sights and sounds of Blue Hills.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

Babalua Beach Day

Babalua Beach is one of those wonderful little beaches a bit hidden and out of the way.

Babalua Beach is simply a lovely spot for lazing in the water, snorkeling around the rocks or the reef just off shore, pelican watching, and exciting for the kids too. It is on the other side of the Turtle Cove Marina boat channel.

A toes in the sand and clear water day

The water is always crystal clear as you wiggle your toes in the sand and the shallows as the sun creates sparkling prisms on the water.

Dive boat returning from diving Provo’s spectacular reefs.
Snorkeling in the shallows around the rocks
Always fun to see all the colourful fish.
The rocks are home to numerous little crabs.
A pretty blue crab scuttles along the rocks….hard to catch in a photo.
Kids love to explore as they climb onto and around the rocks.
What a spot to photograph our national bird, the Brown Pelican.

Babalua is full of activity. I managed to get up real close to the pelicans and the resulting photos were spectacular. The Caribbean brown pelican, has a wingspan of around 5 to 8 feet and a weight of 6 to 12 pounds. Endless entertainment as they dive bomb into the water and scoop up fish in their large bills, which can hold up to 3 pounds. Their bills are a natural sieve that will drain out all of the excess water.

A swooping pelican comes in for a landing.
Feasting on some small fish.
The rocks create a shallow calm area to enjoy the water.
A treasure found while snorkeling….that’s a sea urchin test.

 

A snorkeler takes a close look at a beautiful King Helmet shell

A snorkeler takes a close look at a beautiful King Helmet shell

 Eve finds and takes a closer look at a spectacular King Helmet shell while snorkeling off Babalua beach a while ago. They have a thick, glossy “shield” on the inside of the aperture on the bottom of the shell. This can be carved into cameos, and so they are sometimes called “cameo shells.

The King Helmet is a species of very large sea snail with a solid heavy shell.

The King Helmet is a species of very large sea snail with a solid heavy shell.

Keep a watch for these striking shells as you snorkel. The waters are brilliantly clear and hopefully you will enjoy seeing a variety including the Queen Conch.

 

And here’s a monster turtle cruising the shallows. It was the biggest one I’ve seen to date.
Providenciales is blessed with the most extraordinary beaches.
We’d love to have you enjoy our “Beautiful by Nature” islands.

Take some time to travel around Providenciales and while away a few hours at our more hidden beaches that are tucked away. Here at our villas…….Harbour Club Villas and Marina, we can give you ideas as to where you might go. We’ve been on Provo for over 20 years and know all the best spots. Hope to see you soon!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Salt Cay As Beautiful As Ever

Blackbeard’s our favourite home away from home

Two trips to Salt Cay recently, one in January for birthday celebrations with my sisters and the second, just to get away and enjoy a slower pace. The hurricanes greatly impacted this little island and the destruction caused was beyond belief.

I don’t want to dwell on the many issues the island is facing or the negatives. My aim in this blog is to show you the charm and beauty of Salt Cay today. In a later blog, I will show you and cover the historical side.

The donkeys were wandering in small groups and posed picturesquely in front of this house.

The White House, a beautiful Bermudian house with stone roof that sustained damages from Hurricane Irma.

The White House, built in the Bermudian style has a limestone roof and overlooks the salt ponds. Salt storage was at ground level and the family lived on the top level. The owner – a 4th generation Harriott, is repairing the building; mostly water damage from leaking roof. He said that experts from Bermuda were coming to help repair the roof.

The Coral Reef Bar and Grill is a real meeting spot for everyone.

We used to be able to walk along the side sea wall but no longer as it collapsed during the strong seas and pounding of the waves. The sand is now filling in the harbour so that where there once used to be water, it’s now all silted in. Debbie had to watch the front of Coral Reef Bar and Grill be washed away from the horrific storm. She has lost part of her restaurant …. the deck is gone and the erosion has been very extensive.

Salt Cay Divers boat ready to take us out whale watching and YES, we saw a mother and her calf.

Pristine North Beach with view towards Grand Turk and cruise ship.

Footprints in the sand and not another soul in sight.

Love the sea glass and so many shells.

Early morning coming up over the salt pans as I walk with my camera. A donkey walks past me along Victoria Street.

North Creek in the early morning

Bermudian kitchen at Government House

Walking along the Folly as the sun rises creating reflections of the White House in the salt ponds

I spotted a lone flamingo in the salt pond

View from the Folly across the salt ponds towards Victoria Street

Here’s the White House from Dunscombe Point and what used to be the island’s swimming hole

An endangered iguana suns himself on the walls of the old cemetary

Field of ancient Turks Head cactus on Cotton Cay just off Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands

A great way to get around by bicycle.

So tough to get up on those gangly legs!

What a beautiful morning on Salt Cay

The church is gone, crumbled by the hurricanes but the view still takes my breath away

Can’t get enough of those donkeys!

Some wonderful snorkeling just off the beach.

My trips to Salt Cay have been many over the years. These two trips will stand out in my memory. The first trip in January was filled with nostalgia as I remembered the way Salt Cay was pre Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The second trip in April was all and more than I expected…….the resilience of the people as they picked up the pieces and got on with what life had dealt them.

Still a long ways to go but I’LL BE BACK for your special brand of sunshine.

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

I Love Salt Cay

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Morning sunrise over the salt pans on our first day.

Excitement and anticipation on a return weekend trip to Salt Cay. Up early and out the door to catch the sunrise and not wanting to waste a minute of the day. How I love the peaceful tranquility at that time of day.

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The Turks & Caicos heather, Limonium bahamense was blooming this time and I took lots of photos of this pretty plant.

The Turks and Caicos Island heather, thrives in the saline conditions of the salt flats. It is found growing along the retaining walls of Salt Cay’s salt ponds. It is now the islands’ national flower.

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Came across a Snowy Egret dancing in the salt ponds looking for food and managed to catch a great photo with reflections.

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My favourite little lane with charming rock walls runs right past Mt Pleasant guest house where we stayed.

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Through the wood louvers of the White House looking towards Dunscombe Point.

No trip to Salt Cay is complete without seeing the White House and this trip was very special. We met owner Ian Dunn who took time out to show us through this splendid old mansion complete with stories of his ancestors. I’m definitely going to do a separate blog on this magnificent building that’s part of Salt Cay’s history.

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There’s nothing better than having lunch with this view………the gazebo at the Brown House.

The Brown House was built in 1860, fully restored and is now a beautiful waterfront residence for holidaying visitors to Salt Cay. Thanks to Candy Herwin for an island lunch with friends and of course a chance to take more photos of this heritage house.

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Mount Pleasant guest cottage where we stayed with a roof top wooden walkway to the balcony of the main house. Love the blue shutters.

We were fortunate to be able to stay in the fully renovated guest cottage at Mount Pleasant with hosts Jo and George Oates. Salt Cay accommodation with character …… simply perfect for our all too short vacation getaway.

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The north shore beach looking towards Grand Turk……….if you look closely, you can see a cruise ship.

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Ruins of the Windmills Plantation…..love to take photos here.

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Zoomed in shot of Grand Turk and cruise ship.

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Beautiful stretch of beach but a bit too rough for swimming.

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An old salt rakers cottage.

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A visit to Porter’s Island Thyme is a must for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The chicken breast stuffed with bacon, baby spinach and mozzarella cheese was absolutely delicious with home made ice cream to follow.

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Early Sunday morning and my little friends were heading to gran’s house. They were going to help bake cookies they told me!

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Love this red shuttered house next to the church.

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Foot prints in the sand just up from Debbie’s Coral Reef Bar and Grill restaurant.

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Great place for sunsets, drinks and a bite to eat.

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Looking towards Dean’s Dock…….it was pretty rough out there.

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Sheedy’s cannon up on the bluff was a lovely walk early on Sunday morning.

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Falling in love with a donkey that looked ready to have a baby at any time.

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Pirate’s Hideaway……..another great place to stay in Salt Cay.

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Loving the colours…….turquoise dwelling with donkey.

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Newly repaired roof of the Bermudian kitchen at Government House.

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Inside the old Bermudian kitchen with some lovely old antiques.

Inside the Bermudian Kitchen a lot of work has been done since I was last here taking photos. Old antique artifacts and utensils from Salt Cay have been found and or donated. Candy Herwin writes  “…..like Jose Jones old handmade carpenters saw and box of tools…one of the ladies old singer machines with Ms. Mellys measuring tape …remember the old cloth ones….decade old cooking pots from Mary Robinson kitchen….ancient locks and one of my favorites an old steam iron in a homemade stand…Later Ms. Rosie Glinton said it was used for placing on top of frying fish to stop them curling…Well I never.”

 

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Malaika and sea glass gathering.

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Salt Cay is a treasure trove of sea glass lying on the beaches.

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Excitement in the form of water delivery on Salt Cay.

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Our last day and bright sunshine and slightly calmer seas

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Boats and dive boats with the sea wall.

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Walking, bicycles and golf buggies are the main modes of transportation.

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Our last morning and YES…………we saw the humpback whales. What a magnificent sight.

Our last morning and a snap decision made literally in 5 minutes. The seas had died down a bit and we thought we just had to go. Salt Cay Divers and a 100% success rate so far this season. We went for it and WOW, we were so glad we did. Tough with the boat rockin’ and rollin’ to take photos but all worth it as I managed to get two reasonable “tail” shots.

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Leaving Salt Cay and flying over Grand Turk with a cruise ship docked.

And so, another wonderful few days away from the hustle and bustle of Provo. Salt Cay is a treasure of an island full of history, relaxation, love the donkeys wandering along the salt ponds and streets, the stacked rock old walls, the north beach in all its splendor and the many historic buildings.

I can’t wait to come back again and again.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

South Caicos Weekend

Getting ready to board the ferry for the Big South

A ladies weekend getaway to South Caicos some 40 miles away from Providenciales started with an hour and a half ferry ride with TCI Ferry Service/Caribbean Cruisin’ from Walkin Marina. South Caicos is the only island we hadn’t visited as yet. It is actually one of the smallest islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands and consists of 8.5 square miles. South Caicos is also known as The Big South, East Harbour and The Rock and it boasts excellent scuba diving, deep sea fishing and bone fishing, birdlife, history and fresh seafood. We were there to take it all in and of course, to take lots of photos.

South Caicos up ahead as the ferry smoothly skimmed over the calm seas.

The little harbour town of Cockburn Harbour or East Harbour was once a thriving and active commercial community and became a major role player in the Salt Industry. Today it makes it’s living from fishing, conch and lobster.

South Caicos Ocean Beach Resort on Tucker Hill is our first stop.

We had made arrangements to stay at the only hotel, Ocean Beach and Resort, which is on a ridge overlooking the ocean and Long Cay. The photo shows the hotel, the old light house and the Commissioner’s House. Once we checked in, dropped our suitcases off in the room, we set off to explore before the sun went down.

Love these old buildings and this one must have been pretty grand in its day.

To the west of the hotel, you have the remains of the old light house and then The Commissioner’s House. This is an 18th century colonial building from the salt industry days. From what I can find out it was originally the District Commissioner’s home and later was turned into Miss Mae’s B&B. Miss Mae became too old to care for it and passed it on to her son who was unable to keep it up. I’m reading that this is where Queen Elizabeth stayed during her visit to South in 1966. Note the stone Bermudan kitchen on the left.  This grand old house has been left to deteriorate and suffered damage from hurricane Francis in 2004 and more recently, Ike and Hanna. How I would love to have seen this grand old house in its’ hey day.

View from the porch

A bygone era, ghosts of what used to be. A lovely covered porch area at the front of the house.

We continued to walk towards the town of Cockburn and enjoyed the colours of the setting sun.

Looking back towards the hotel and lighthouse

 

The remnants of the Customs and Excise building along the road we were walking.

We had a group of horses wandering along the roadside and one was shredding and eating cardboard? Not sure what that's all about.

 

Here he is.....must have been super hungry.

 

Queen Elizabeth 11 Parade established in 1966 for the Queen's visit.

 

Sunset colours through an archway by the old Salt Works..........I think this was part of the building at one time.

Not altogether sure what this was but am assuming it has something to do with hoisting salt off the boats and onto the dock by the old salt works.

Fishing boat in the harbour on Saturday morning

Woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful day. We couldn’t wait to get going with our exploring. We had decided to head up towards the north and come back to the salt pans and search out the old windmills but ended up doing this first. I was fortunate enough to photograph an old one in Salt Cay years ago that was still intact with its sails. We soon found out that there isn’t one that has withstood the ravages of time.

I didn't know what this was but later found out that this is the new South Caicos Airport buildings and Fire Station.

The salt industry thrived on South Caicos from 1850 to 1960 and the salt was produced and collected in vast salinas. They say that South Caicos produced more salt than Grand Turk and Salt Cay put together. Sea water was fed into the salt pans and then then baked dry in the scorching sun. The salt rakers raked the salt crystals into small piles which were then carted to salt sheds for storage. The salt was packed into bags and transported by small salt lighters to larger ships out at anchor.

Several skeletons of the old windmills still stand on the salt pans.

Rock walls containing small salt ponds or salt pans

South Caicos has natural, shallow depressions called salinas that fill up with salt water directly from the sea or percolate up from underlying rock. The Bermudans bordered the salt pans or ponds with rocks and created ponds that were linked to the sea by canals and sluice gates. The old windmills controlled the water flow.

The locals call this the Boiling Hole

The Boiling Hole is across from the ball park.  It is where an underground source of hot water connected to the ocean by a subterranean passage feeds salt water into the ponds.  The salt water ebbs and flows into a large basin and the quantity was regulated by a system of trap doors. Note the large flock of flamingos out in the pond. there’s more to come on the flamingos later on.

A beautiful red saltwort growing out in the salt pans

 

Stunning bonefishing flats on our way towards the northern tip of the island

 

At the northernmost tip of South Caicos stands the old US Coast Guard Station. It was built on South Caicos in the 1950s for the purposes of navigation and space missions. It was a Loran station, used in the global navigation system that preceded GPS.

South Caicos is full of contrasts and from some of the historic and old sights we stepped into and toured some of the new……………..major developments of deluxe villas, condominiums and hotel rooms. We met Glenn, the development supervisor for Sailrock, by accident when I flagged him down asking for directions. Sailrock is focusing on selling home sites on 775 acres of untouched land on South Caicos’ 2 1/2 mile long, slender northern peninsula.

Here we are looking at the fantastic coastline where Sailrock will have beautiful villas as part of their development

 

This complex of buildings is absolutely huge and I was shocked by its' immense size.....I'm trying to find out how many rooms

I had to put a second photo in because I was shocked at the size of this development.

Beautiful and upscale East Bay Resort with beautiful rooms and windows for magnificent ocean views

This wonderful lady was enjoying a swim with all her "grands"

 

Flamingos and Highland House on the ridge in the background.

Highland House sits on 250 acres called Highland Estates and has been abandonned by the owners. This is a typical Bermudian structure and gives visitors a good example of what South Caicos was once like.

 

St. Thomas Anglican Church has been on South Caicos for 210 years, though it was rebuilt after Hurricane Ike in September of 2008.

 

Quaint little shop and Rose was sitting outside and let me take a photo.

Sunday morning ...the morning light was so beautiful as I had my morning coffee.

Eva was still sleeping and I headed out along the headland where I found a patch of Turk's Head cacti. I have never seen such a glorious sight and took many photos

The old Jursteiner Home overlooking Cockburn Harbour was converted into the Admiral’s Arms Inn. It is now a US-based School for Field Studies and a marine biology center

 

Old house in the town as we wandered the streets taking photos

This has to be my favourite building on South Caicos.

It’s really amazing what you can find out from the internet. I discovered that this fine old house was once the home of Jim and Betty Cooper who were pioneer missionaries in 1961.  Jim built the Calvary Baptist Church in South Caicos from the ground up. Unfortunately, I don’t recall seeing this church. Apparently he added the overhang part as an extra room for his son. I also read that this used to be the old police station. I wish it were possible to retore some of these fine old buildings.

Sunday morning and this adorable little miss was on her way to church with her mother.

 

Colourful welcome sign out by the airport

Graceful flamingos out in the salt ponds

One last hour of relaxation before heading for the ferry and Provo

A wonderful trip comes to an end. So many highlights and my only regret is that we couldn’t have stayed just a little longer.

South Caicos we’ll be back one day.

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Caicos Part 1

Ahhhhhh........what a heavenly piece of paradise on Middle Caicos

Ahhhhhh........stunning...what a heavenly piece of paradise on Middle Caicos at Mudjin Bay

As a special birthday celebration for my two sisters, Anna and Eve, we headed off to North and Middle Caicos for the day.  A short ferry ride and an open jeep waiting at Sandy Point and we were off.

Our first stop was a visit to the Indian Cave on Middle Caicos

Our first stop was a visit to the Indian Cave on Middle Caicos

We hopped into our jeep and headed along the coastal road past the amazing aqua blue waters of Bottle Creek and across the crumbling causeway. What a sad sight to see all the rubble and rebar sticking up and it sure gives you an bird’s eye view of what a hurricane Cat 4 can do. We first went to see Indian Cave which is just past Conch Bar and is a large cavern with skylight holes through the ceiling.

The Indian Cave was once inhabited by the Lucayan Indians.

The Indian Cave was once inhabited by the Lucayan Indians.

We were in awe as we took in the breathtaking view from the bluff overlooking Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay. One more stop before heading onto the beach where I wanted to find a beautiful rock pool a friend had told me about. I was hoping it was still there.

View from the bluff looking along the coast line towards the hidden beach.

View from the bluff looking along the coast line towards the hidden beach.

I made Anna and Eve go down the hand chiselled steps carved into a hole that tunnelled down and opened up at this wonderful little gem of a beach.

I made Anna and Eve go down the hand chiselled steps carved into a hole that tunnelled down and opened up at this wonderful little gem of a beach.

A flight of cement stairs opened out into a hidden little beach.

A flight of cement stairs opened out into a hidden little beach.

Our wonderful day on Middle Caicos will be continued as we try to find the pool that was there by Dragon Cay in early December. I was sure hoping the wave action hadn’t filled it all in with sand.

It is difficult to describe the natural and awesome beauty of Middle Caicos.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Maskanoo 2010

David Bowen danced up a storm as he led the Maskanoo parade last night in Grace Bay.

David Bowen danced up a storm as he led the Maskanoo parade last night in Grace Bay.

Wow!!     What a spectacular evening we all had as hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the sights and sounds and the fun of Maskanoo 2010. Maskanoo is a combination of Masquerade or “Massin” as it’s known in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamian Junkanoo.

Young and old came out to watch the masked revellers as they paraded and danced their way down Grace Bay Road.

Young and old came out to watch the masked revellers as they paraded and danced their way down Grace Bay Road.

Locals were out in full force dancing to the rhythms along with our island visitors as everyone joined in together to celebrate the TCI’s FIRST Maskanoo.

This Maskanoo-er had unique bottle shakers with colourful decorations.

This Maskanoo-er had unique bottle shakers with colourful decorations.

David Bowen, the cultural director and his group of dedicated helpers and workers have put in hours to stage this event. It’s important for the younger generation to get involved as well as educated about our island’s heritage and culture. What a great way to pull everyone in together for a funfilled Maskanoo.

Turks and Caicos Islands Maskanoo

Happy smiles and dancing feet during last evening's Maskanoo parade.

Dancers from the We Funk group up on the stage.

Dancers from the We Funk group up on the stage.

The evening was full of local entertainment with dancers, bands, ripsaw, drums, arts and crafts displays, food, drinks…a great showcase of the islands’ cultural heritage.

 

This local youngster was part of the great entertainment.

This local youngster was part of the great entertainment.

Dancing to the beat of the drums, whistles, shakers and other instruments

Dancing to the beat of the drums, whistles, shakers and other instruments

Mark your calendars……….an event NOT to be missed. Next year will be bigger and with more participants. See you there.

 

Well done everyone. We had a super fun filled Maskanoo evening.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lignum Vitae….Tree of Life

The beautiful Lignum Vitae is found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands

The beautiful Lignum Vitae is found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands

The other day I noticed a Lignum Vitae just loaded with bright yellow-orange fruits. The fruits are capsule shaped and they split open in September and October to expose black seeds that are enclosed in a fleshy red pulp.

Lignum Vitae translated from Latin means "tree of life" and was used in folk medicine as well as being prized by carpenters.

Lignum Vitae translated from Latin means "tree of life" and was used in folk medicine as well as being prized by carpenters.

Commonly called ironwood, the wood is so dense that it will not float even in seawater. Lignum Vitae is the heaviest and densest wood in the world and will rapidly sink to the bottom when placed in water. It resists rot caused by insects and moisture that lignum vitae wood used as posts for dwellings by Taino Indians have been found. Loyalist settlers also harvested valuable hardwoods from the Caicos bush and exported them to Europe.

When the lignum flowers, the whole tree is laden with beautiful blue-violet blossoms.

When the lignum flowers, the whole tree is laden with beautiful blue-violet blossoms.

The resin has been used for many years, in the treatment of arthritis and other ailments. At one stage it was thought to work both a contraceptive and a treatment for syphilis. Teas have been prepared from various parts of the tree and have been used to treat boils, swollen glands, fevers, aches and pains.

Close up of a colourful seed pod.

Close up of a colourful seed pod.

flowers bloom at different times and is generally because of seasonal rains.

flowers bloom at different times and is generally because of seasonal rains.

What an amazing tree…………even the insects and nectar drinking birds love the nectar of the Lignum Vitae.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Natural Bridge

Every few years or so, a natural rock bridge appears out at Malcolm Roads Beach

Every few years or so, a natural rock bridge appears out at Malcolm Roads Beach

I’m sure many of the locals and those that have been here for quite a while have seen the natural bridge that appears and disappears depending on the build up of sand. Years ago this was the site of the Tiki Huts right on the rocks out at Malcolm Roads beach.

I had to dig for this one....I sure miss the days of going out to Malcolm Roads when the Tiki Huts were still there.

I had to dig for this one....I sure miss the days of going out to Malcolm Roads when the Tiki Huts were still there.

This old photo shows the one tiki hut that used to sit right out on the rocks with the bridge exposed and in actual fact there were others right infront of the bridge.

This was probably the first time I saw the natural bridge. We had Ania pose under it for a great shot.

This was probably the first time I saw the natural bridge. We had Ania pose under it for a great shot.

I put this photo in because it was taken from the steps leading up to the Amanyara one day after a storm pretty much took out all the sand.

I put this photo in because it was taken from the steps leading up to the Amanyara one day after a storm pretty much took out all the sand.

The above photo was taken in early October after hurricane Ike struck the islands. It pretty much took out all the sand and the steps leading down onto the beach were just hanging with a good four foot  drop off.

When our nephew Alexis came to help with clean up after the hurricane, I took him out to see this spectacular beach and the bridge.

When our nephew Alexis came to help with clean up after the hurricane, I took him out to see this spectacular beach and the bridge.

Eventually the ocean brings back the sand which accumulates and fills in the little beach found under the rock bridge. Of course visitors wouldn’t know that the sand covers over  the bridge at times.

Here it is all filled in by the sand.

Here it is all filled in by the sand.

No rocks showing just a perfect little sandy cove.

No rocks showing just a perfect little sandy cove.

Those tiki huts bring back such fond memories of “off roading” down that narrow, washed out hill just before getting to Malcolm Roads. The first view of this beach was always awesome in all its’ breathtaking beauty. We’d usually be the only ones there on our ladies day outing complete with cooler jugs of pina coladas and Sweet T’s or Lamont’s chicken!! We’d laze all day out there enjoying the water and of course for me, always such spectacular colours for some great picture taking.
This is a gem of a place! Hope you too may get a chance to see the bridge one day.
Marta