Fish Fry on Provo

Excitement builds as the Junkanoo band dances through and with the crowds

A great evening was had at the Island Fish Fry held every Thursday night at the Children’s Park in the Bight. Local restaurants served up the most delicious fry and grilled fish, peas and rice, macaroni, lobster and conch and fresh corn. It was my first taste of “gullywash”…….. I took a small sample and just had to fill the glass up to the brim it was that good. Oh yes…..for those of you like me that don’t know what gullywash is, it’s a drink usually served in a coconut not a glass so rum and coconut milk are the main ingredients. Visitors and locals were all treated to some of the best island entertainment.

Colourful costumes, noise makers and shakers as everyone gets dancing.

Uncle Dough’s has the best #1 conch salad and the most delicious “gullywash”!!!

David Bowen often will emcee, sing, dance and play harmonica with local Rake and Scrape Bands.

The lively island sounds of V6 Rake and Scrape Band

Dancers getting ready to perform.

Henry the Conch was dancing and greeting people at the Fish Fry.

Henry the Conch was a real hit with everyone as he stopped for many photo opportunities with visitors and local kids. We were treated to some folk story telling and skits, the maypole plaiting and a junkanoo rush by “We Funk.”

The young dancers braided the Maypole as the crowds watched and cheered.

Everyone joined in and danced to We Funk Junkanoo band.

These drummers were sensational.

How low can you go?

This youngster was wearing several hats as he blew his whistle.

Ripsaw player in the Rake and Scrape band.

A drummer from the We Funk Junkanoo band.

Here’s the young lady who had be up dancing with everyone and to the Junkanoo band.

Please remember that the Fish Fry is being held every Thursday down at the Children’s Park in the Bight. Bring the kids and head down for a few hours of fun, entertainment and the most delicious fry fish! See you there.

Marta.

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Turks and Caicos Islands….Open for Business

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Harbour Club Villas and Marina has a new look with new, white metal roofs…….Yes we are open for business after Hurricane Irma.

Yes, we can now say that we survived a Category 5 Hurricane!

It has been a chaotic and traumatic time for all of us here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We were hit hard with damages especially to all the roofs. Our red tiled roofs are no longer, ripped off by the horrific force of the winds and left in piles after Hurricane Irma.

Now some 50 days after, we have new white metal roofs and clean up is almost complete. The Turks and Caicos Islands are open for business and better than ever…….restaurants are opening, dive boats are back in the water, snorkeling is great and we’ve seen so many turtles and our bonefishermen are back in the lake and on the flats, excursions and more.

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Red tiles are no longer but fresh looking, white roofs

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Grace Bay Beach at the Bight Reef is as beautiful as ever so book your vacations now. This was taken a few days ago

Our beaches are all as stunning as ever with the prettiest sparkling water you’ll ever see. All my photos have been taken recently and quite honestly, if you want beaches that have few people on them, now’s the time to come. We are waiting for you so head down for some fun in the sun and on the beach.

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Our first flower appears after the wrath and devastation of Irma and it was so beautiful to see.

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A rippling effect as the sunlight plays on the waters of Grace Bay

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Young flamingos were sighted in Flamingo Lake close by the villas at Harbour Club

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A spectacular sunset over Flamingo Lake

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Stark silhouette of leafless trees that were stripped by Hurricane Irma

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Footprints in the sand along the edge of the water on Grace Bay

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A little hummingbird sits on a rope left over from tying our trees together for strength against the hurricane……..so where do they go during hurricanes?

Not ready for scuba diving......call Jodi at Snuba TCI.

Not ready for scuba diving……call Jodi at Snuba TCI.

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Peaceful and serene on the south side of Provo where our villas are located.

Dive operators are ready to take you out for some scuba diving.

Dive operators are ready to take you out for some scuba diving.

There’s some great diving waiting for you…….four of the island’s dive operators leave from the marina at Harbour Club or close by: AquaTCI, Flamingo Divers, Provo Turtle Divers and Caicos Adventures. Give them and us a call for all your diving needs………grab your buddy and come on down.

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Snorkeling Smith’s Reef after the hurricane…..so many juvenile hawksbill and green turtles were sighted.

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The Bight Reef on a clear day recently…still debris lying on the bottom but thankfully the reef looks really good.

Sailing along Grace Bay with the Atabeyra just this past week

Sailing along Grace Bay with the Atabeyra just this past week

There’s many water based excursions you can choose and one of the best is sailing on the Atabeyra……….so relaxing, do a snorkel or a sunset cruise and watch that rum punch!!!

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Here’s my version of “Fall” colours on Provo !

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Bonefishing in Flamingo Lake and yes, we saw fishermen last week.

Provo Ponies is ready to take you for a leisurely ride on Long Bay beach

Provo Ponies is ready to take you for a leisurely ride on Long Bay beach

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This could be you in one of these lounge chairs?

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Those adorable potcakes…….so many of them waiting for good forever homes.

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Forever shades of blue and turquoise.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are open for business after the hurricanes and we invite you to join us. We want to show you our special “beautiful by nature” islands and friendly welcoming people.

Hope to see you all very soon.

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Five Cays Bay and Bugaloos

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I don’t think the view can get any better than this one

This spectacular view of the bay at Five Cays greets you as you find a seat at Bugaloos Conch Crawl. It truly is a remarkable and unforgettable place as you sit peacefully looking out at the shallow waters of the bay waiting for drinks and mouth watering, tasty conch dishes.

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Sitting and soaking in the beauty while sipping on a beer.

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Trees grow through holes carved in the wooden tables and provide shade from the hot sun.

Come, sit and stay awhile as you gaze out over the ocean. Watch the little waves come rippling in and sand bars forming as the tide goes out. Order conch any which way you want it….conch salad, fritters or cracked, fish and lobster too.

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Our lunch arrives and we order another ice cold beer.

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Bringing a load of conch from the pens out in the water.

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I waded on out to see the conch being “knocked”.

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Two beautiful conch shells which will be cleaned and then sold.

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Two eyes and a mouth in between and there are males and females, I’m shown and told by a local expert.

 

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The operculum or claw of the conch…..this is how they move.

 

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The conch pistol is touted to be an aphrodisiac…………try it on your lunch or dinner stop at Bugaloos.

 

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This guy would do anything for conch!!

 

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Mounds of conch as the conch gets “knocked”.

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Sweet little miss with a conch shell.

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Beautiful pink conch shells ready for purchase.

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Visit Bugaloos in Five Cays………….the conch tastes great!

Hope to see you at Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl when you head to Providenciales for your next holiday.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

 

Half Moon Bay

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This little guy popped his head up in Turtle Cove Marina before we were leaving.

A beautiful trip heading out from Turtle Cove Marina following the shore line towards Little Water Cay and the iguanas and on to Half Moon Bay. It’s a favourite stopping spot with a magnificent stretch of beach and of course that signature turquoise water.

The reef as we head towards Half Moon Bay

The reef as we head towards Half Moon Bay

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A long stretch of pure white , soft sand and silver palms at either end.

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Struggling vegetation due to erosion of the sands.

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Picturesque rocks and aqua ocean backdrop.

 

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A green iguana comes up to say hello.

 

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Conch shell lying at the water’s edge.

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A sing ray cruises by in the shallows close to the beach.

 

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A stick and a sea fan make for great toys

 

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Loads of dragonflies.

 

Hoping you get an opportunity to enjoy this idyllic beach on an afternoon cruise.  Maybe you’ll spot the iguanas as we did.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Horse-Eye Jack’s Bar and Grill

Check out this beautiful lunch spot right on the water in Blue Hills

Finally I made it out to one of my very favorite spots…..a gorgeous deck overlooking the water in Blue Hills. Horse-Eye Jack’s Bar and Grill has re-opened under new ownership and quite honestly, this has to be one of the musts when you come to Provo.

We had a delicious lunch just breathing in the amazing ocean scents and enjoying the colors and view.

How lucky we are to have this on our doorstep........lunch at Horse-Eye Jack's and the Margarita's are great!

Come on out to Horse-Eye Jack’s for lunch or dinner on the water. They open at 11 am so make sure you don’t miss this special island restaurant with the best views on Provo.

 

See you there soon!

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Shopping Turks and Caicos

Victoria is our coffee lady and she roasts coffee beans here on island.

Victoria is our coffee lady and she roasts coffee beans here on island.

While my sisters were visiting we did some shopping for items to take back to Canada and the UK. Our favourite and top of the list for must have is Victoria’s coffee. She roasts the beans here on island and her beautifully packaged coffee blends are available in many shops on Provo. A friend of long standing, the photo on her coffee label is one that I took years ago out at Malcolm Roads. We thought it would look great on her coffee labels and it sure does.

The green coffee beans are slow roasted to perfection for that oh so good cup of freshly brewed coffee.

The green coffee beans are slow roasted to perfection for that oh so good cup of freshly brewed coffee.

 Victoria and TCI Coffee Roasters is the first and only speciality coffee roaster on the island.

Tina introduces Victoria and her coffee to her wedding guests....each received a very special blend as a gift from the bride and groom.

Tina introduces Victoria and her coffee to her wedding guests....each received a very special blend as a gift from the bride and groom.

 Victoria’s coffee is found in many of Provo’s shops including FOTTAC or Flavors of  the Turks and Caicos in the Regent Village on Grace Bay.

Althea Williams shows Eve the wide selection available in her store.

Althea Williams shows Eve the wide selection available in her store.

Fottac carries delicious Bamberra rum cakes which you can taste while shopping……samples are available and Althea’s rum punch is to die for. We could have stayed there all day just sampling all the edible items. Bamberra rum is for sale along with three different flavors of rum cake, mango jam, hot sauces and jerk rubs. Our guests over Christmas and New Year all received a gift basket containing Bamberra rum, mango jam and TCI Coffee Roaster’s coffee.

Althea shows us samples of products she carries in her store called Fottac.

Althea shows us samples of products she carries in her store called Fottac.

My sister Eve told me today that she showed co-workers her photos of our beautiful islands while serving some Bamberra rum cake and coffee. It was a great success especially as it was freezing cold out side in Montreal today.

Here's Eve at Daniel's Cafe on Middle Caicos...... note the bottles of hot sauce and condiments.

Here's Eve at Daniel's Cafe on Middle Caicos...... note the bottles of hot sauce and condiments.

We stopped in at Daniel’s Cafe in Middle Caicos for a late lunch…………amazing fresh fish catch of the day (Parrot fish they told us) with peas and rice. We simply raved over Marilyn’s tamarind hot sauce. I called her up the next day in order to buy some more so that my sisters could take them home.Marilyn made up sealers of delicious Tamarind pepper sauce for us.

Marilyn and a sealer of Tamarind hot pepper sauce that she made and brought into her shop for us.

Marilyn and a sealer of Tamarind hot pepper sauce that she made and brought into her shop for us.

Marilyn was at her store in Ports of Call on Grace Bay…..watch for her home made special sauces . You can buy some items at Gus’s also called Pay Less.
Chalice Ferguson at Mama's Gift's in Ports of Call shopping centre.

Chalice Ferguson at Mama's Gift's in Ports of Call shopping centre.

Last but not least are my good friends Chalice and her sister Mama. They have a wonderful store with souvenirs of all kinds and a friendly very happy type of service to their shoppers. I send all our guests at Harbour Club Villas to Mama’s in Ports of Call . You’ll find all kinds of gifts, T-shirts and souvenirs there.
Well, I know we enjoyed finding all these wonderful items in the stores on Grace Bay… most with an island flair.
Enjoy!!!!
Marta

Colours in Blue Hills

A sunburst of colour .......... pink, yellow, orange, turquoise and green adorn these charming beach huts where Sailing Paradise Restaurant is to be found out in Blue Hills.

A sunburst of colour .......... pink, yellow, orange, turquoise and green adorn these charming beach huts where Sailing Paradise Restaurant is to be found out in Blue Hills.

I love wandering through Blue Hills as there is so much there to photograph and usually that fantastic backdrop of the turquoise ocean.
Marta

Danny Buoy’s Irish Pub

Mark at Danny Buoy's was kept busy Friday night.....rockin' music with Bows and Arrows, two birthday gals and great fun.

Mark at Danny Buoy's was kept busy Friday night.....rockin' music with Bowen Arrow, two birthday gals and a whole lot of fun.

Barry and I seldom go out but when we heard that David Bowen was entertaining at Danny Buoy’s, we couldn’t pass it up. What an evening of great fun, laughter, good rockin’ music by Bowen Arrow. The music brought the house down, freely flowing drinks and two beautiful birthday gals with friends out celebrating. We had a blast!

Bows and Arrows was the featured band .

Bowen Arrow was the featured band .

 

Indira celebrates her birthday at Danny Buoys

Indira celebrates her birthday at Danny Buoys

Come on out to Danny Buoy’s next Friday night……….lots of drinks and delicious pub food and Bowen Arrow will provide the entertainment!

 

See you there.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lobster Tails

August 1 is the opening day of lobster season in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

August 1 is the opening day of lobster season in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Baskets of freshly caught lobster tails waiting to be sold out at the Fish Plant. Plan on a delicious lobster dinner this evening as all the Provo restaurants will be serving lobster tails.

Baskets of freshly caught lobster tails waiting to be sold out at the Fish Plant. Plan on a delicious lobster dinner this evening as all the Provo restaurants will be serving lobster tails.

Bon Appetit!!!

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Ruddy Turnstones at Sharkbite

This little Ruddy Turnstone dropped by for tidbits while we were having lunch at the Sharkbite.

This little Ruddy Turnstone dropped by for tidbits while we were having lunch at the Sharkbite.

Lunch at the Sharkbite in Turtle Cove Marina is always interesting……….the Ruddy Turnstones create quite a show as they vie for the choicest bits from the lunch time crowd and at night, you’ll be lucky to catch sight of the “resident” bull shark that hangs out looking for food.

Lined up all in a row along the ledge of the Sharkbite Restaurant's deck.

Lined up all in a row along the ledge of the Sharkbite Restaurant's deck.

Ruddy Turnstones are a common visitor to our shores and some are even year round residents. They seem to love the Turtle Cove area but then you can hardly blame them especially with such a variety of great restaurants with an easy food supply. They become habituated and really, we shoudn’t be feeding them but it happens everywhere……..ie. the gophers or ground squirrels at the buffalo paddocks in Banff were always such roly poly fat little things from all the visitors feeding them.

Birdwatchers can see the Ruddy Turnstone almost anywhere especially in Turtle Cove.

Birdwatchers can see the Ruddy Turnstone almost anywhere especially in Turtle Cove.

Drop by the restaurants in Turtle Cove on your next holiday on Provo. Lunch was great at the Sharkbite……..some of the best conch chowder I’ve ever tasted!!

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com