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

A Beautiful Leeward Afternoon

Ripples on the rocks, ripples in the sand, gentle waves and calm, turquoise waters.

An afternoon spent on the beach at Leeward brought many interesting sights and things to photograph. This island is rich in natural beauty and you don’t even have to look for it. Here are some of the photos taken in just a few hours.

A group of Black-Necked Stilts dropped by for a visit.

Elegant, long pink legs and quite noisy as they circled and dive-bombed .... not sure if there was a nest nearby??

 

Stilts are a common breeding resident of our islands.

 

Leeward rocks with patterns created by the clear waters

 

A small crab scuttles along the rocks and disappears quickly from the camera's view.

 

A grinning potcake with no collar was happily taking a cooling swim.

 

 

A beautiful starfish and look at that water....spectacular!

 

Ten or so starfish but why were quite a few floating? I'm hoping it wasn't that they were dying. Anyone know?

Washed up on the shore.

 

Brown Pelican sits on his favourite perch at Leeward

 

Constant entertainment watching the pelicans as they dive into the water for fish.

So that’s it, a lovely afternoon at Leeward and many photos later.

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

“Yappy” Hour on Provo

"Yappy" Hour at Horse Eye Jack's in Blue Hills, Provo

What a fun afternoon/evening we had at the first “Yappy” Hour held at Horse-Eye Jack’s down in Blue Hills. There was a great turn out of dogs and their two legged owners with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Turks and Caicos SPCA.

All kinds of items were for sale including tickets for a cash pot ....the winner receiving half and the TSPCA the other half.

 

Give your voice to an animal and become a member.

 

Closeup of the banner .......... help animals in need.

Ripley is such a handsome fellow as he greets a friend.

 

The kids enjoyed dancing to the DJ

These two potcakes were smiling as they watched the festivities

A potcake drawing on the floor of Horse-Eye Jack's

A well needed shower had cleared the deck at Horse-Eye Jack's and then we were treated to some wonderful sunset colours

Spectacular colours as the sun went down and storm clouds moved in for for rain

A fisherman with conch poles his way along the shore on his home made raft

 

Stunning hues at sunset

The TCSPCA welcomes your help in all their projects such as the annual Christmas Fair, TCSPCA Dog Show, and their yearly calendar showcasing all the animals they have helped. Other revenues come from membership fees, private donations of money and pet related products including veterinary supplies and grants from the Potcake Foundation and the government Conservation Fund. This is a great organisation so please support them and do whatever you can to help. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors of the first ever  “Yappy” Hour and we’re hoping it will become another annual fun event.

 

Keep those tails waggin’

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

 

 

 

 

TCSPCA Dog Show

K.O. was a hit with his Gabbana sunglasses

What a wonderful afternoon with dogs of all shapes and sizes, potcakes and a mixture of breeds some large and some small. The fun started at 3 pm under the tent in Turtle Cove Marina. Categories for the competition were: Best Trick, Most Original Potcake, Dog Judges Would Most Like To Take Home, Looks Most Like Owner, Most Unusual Tail, Best Looking Female and Best Looking Male. There was a huge turn out of dogs and their owners as well as on lookers enjoying the day’s events.

Sweet Cookie was very timid as she took comfort in her owner's arms.

The judges are all ready to select the winners

 

I always look forward to Peggy's millinery stylings

Most Unusual Tail as both pup and owner strut their tail wags

Shadow doesn't seem to want to be ribboned

Oh so sweet......... One Eye Jack is a rescue and now has a caring family to love him

You can't resist such a beautiful face.......Jazz is an island potcake and you bet she gets lots of treats.

Jazz got top honours as she came in first place for the “Most Original Potcake” and second for “Best Looking Female”

Boca is an emotional support animal/therapy dog ready to help with healing those that are troubled

 

Heather Forbes of the Potcake Foundation was honoured for all her hard work in the dog and animal lovers community in the islands.

 

Donna Doran of Pampered Paws had some tough decisions to make as did all the judges

 

Mottlee and Mike in the "Looks Most Like Owner" categorie

 

Who paints a picture upside down.........amazing art work performance and show. The painting was then auctioned off.

 

Handsome Ben was the Top Dog in the TCSPCA dog show for 2012

What an amazing show and I’ll definitely be there next year.

Congratulations to all the winners and their two legged families. Well done to all the hard working volunteers that make this event such a hit every year……..YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

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

 

TCSPCA Dog Show Part 2

Oh Motley............you handsome old dog you! He has the sweetest face and was one of the finalists in the "Best Veteran Dog"

Oh MottLee............you handsome old dog you! He has the sweetest face and was one of the finalists in the "Best Veteran Dog." Kathi tells me his full name is MottLee Cruise and he is a Royal Turks & Caicos Miniature Wolfhound and has the rarest colour for the breed - Russet.

The TCSPCA Dog Show is held every year and seems to get bigger and better with a wonderful variety of dogs entered into the competition. This is a major fundraiser for the many programs run by the TCSPCA which is a non profit organization relying on donations. Be sure to contact them if you’d like to help out.

Here's LD ......... look at the great markings and a face just made for lots of kisses

Here's LD ......... look at the great markings and a face just made for lots of kisses

Luna won the "Most Original Potcake" category

Luna won the "Most Original Potcake" category

Face painting for the kids and this little boy was so cute.

Face painting for the kids and this little boy was so cute.

Daisy, Daisy you're driving all the guys crazy with your sad eyes and sweet ways

Daisy, Daisy you're driving all the guys crazy with your sad eyes and sweet ways

Dog obedience performance by Donna's Pampered Paws group participants. These dogs were amazing especially since they were infront of a room filled with other dogs, two legged friends and lots of distractions.

Dog obedience performance by Donna's Pampered Paws group participants. These dogs were amazing especially since they were infront of a room filled with other dogs, two legged friends and lots of distractions.

 

I don't know why they didn't have a "best smile" category???

I don't know why they didn't have a "best smile" category???

Faith wowed the crowds as Sally puts her through her tricks

Faith wowed the crowds as Sally puts her through her tricks

Hoping to see everyone come out next year with tails a waggin’.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

2011 TCSPCA Dog Show

Ripley smiles for the camera......Dogs, Dogs everywhere...all sizes large, small and medium made for a wonderful afternoon of fun.

Ripley smiles for the camera......Dogs, Dogs everywhere...all sizes large, small and medium made for a wonderful afternoon of fun.

The long awaited and anticipated premier event of the dog world took place in Turtle Cove today. The annual Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals dog show had all kinds of dogs entered for the various events. Best Trick, Most “Original” Potcake, Dog with the Waggiest Tail to name a few. A “woofing” good time was enjoyed by everyone!

Jasmine and Lil'Bug dressed in pink with cute bows....she came in third for the best lookin' female

Jasmine and Lil'Bug dressed in pink with cute bows....she came in third for the best lookin' female

"Doggie" face painting was a big hit with the kids.

"Doggie" face painting was a big hit with the kids.

The judges including Donna from Pampered Paws had a real tough job on their hands with the large turn out of competitors

The judges including Donna from Pampered Paws had a real tough job on their hands with the large turn out of competitors

I love this photo of judge Peggy with her daisy adorned hat

I love this photo of judge Peggy with her daisy adorned hat

Adorable Cookie stole the show..............how cute is this???

Adorable Cookie stole the show..............how cute is this???

Dexter was chosen as the best looking Male in the show

Dexter was chosen as the best looking Male in the show

Brindy tries to have a sip of champagne..........it's thirsty work when you are this good looking!

Brindy tries to have a sip of champagne..........it's thirsty work when you are this good looking!

And here she is....TOP DOG in the show.........PEACHES

And here she is....TOP DOG in the show.........PEACHES

I can’t tell you how much fun we all had at this annual event and congratulations to the hard working volunteers and organizors.  The TCSPCA is the oldest and most established animal welfare organization in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It was established in 1998 and is entirely dependant on donations. So PLEASE do what you can to help this worthy cause.

Keep those tails a waggin’ !
Marta

Storm Clouds and Potcakes

Watching the dark clouds roll in over the south west tip of Provo on Sunday afternoon

Watching the dark clouds roll in over the south west tip of Provo on Sunday afternoon

A beautiful Sunday afternoon floating around in Taylor Bay. We watched the very dark clouds gathering and creating a spectacular sky over towards the south west point of the island but nothing to worry about as they appeared to be moving off towards West Caicos.

The water was lovely and warm and look at that backdrop.......spectacular!

The water was lovely and warm and look at that backdrop.......spectacular!

Shallow Taylor Bay and the boat riding at anchor in about two feet of water.

Shallow Taylor Bay and the boat riding at anchor in about two feet of water.

Turtle Rock peeking out right off the boat engines. There was a clear gap right over Turtle Rock and you could see the bands of heavy rain.  

This little potcake was loving playing with a bottle cap.....she's waiting to be adopted????

This little potcake was loving playing in the sand at Taylor Bay.....she's waiting to be adopted????

Please contact Jane at Potcake Place if you can help in any way.  www.potcakeplace.com

 They are in need of forever homes for these adorable, loyal and loving potcakes. Here’s what you can do to help: Make a donation as they rely on donations to foster the puppies.  Be a courier and take a pup to their new home or adopt a pup.  Remember, every little bit helps……dog food, collars, shampoo, treats, toys and flight bags to transport puppies etc. are always in need!!

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Minnie Meow

This sweet little kitten was found meowing beside one of our villas at Harbour Club today.

This sweet little kitten was found meowing beside one of our villas at Harbour Club today.

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas found a little kitten today in the bushes by their villa. It was soooo cute but very thin, just skin and bones and starving. The girls rushed to get the kitten some water, steak and cat treats that had been left behind by previous guests.

She was quite content to be held but constantly squirming and moving.

She was quite content to be held but constantly squirming and moving.

Once Taylor and Danielle started feeding her, she became more lively. Poor little thing was so very hungry.

Danielle and the feral kitten she called Minnie.

Danielle and the feral kitten she called Minnie.

A cute handful of fluff as the Donna holds the rescued kitten named Minnie.

A cute handful of fluff as Donna holds the rescued kitten named Minnie.

I called Jane at Potcake Place who said I should call Susan at the TCSPCA or Donna at Pampered Paws. I managed to speak with Donna and we drove over to give her the little kitten. She’s much in need of a bath and a good home. Donna operates Pampered Paws on Providenciales and is often called upon to help and shelter these animals.

Donna and Minnie quite at home with each other

Donna and Minnie quite at home with each other

Minnie makes the acquaintance of little Nemo the rescued potcake Donna is nursing back to health

Minnie makes the acquaintance of little Nemo the rescued potcake Donna is nursing back to health

Please do your best to help by adopting a potcake like Nemo or a kitten like Minnie and giving them a forever home. You can help by being a courier and taking potcakes to destinations in Canada or the USA or bringing something that’s on the TCSPCA’s wish list or by giving a donation.

Contact Susan at  http://tcspca.tc/index.htm 

Contact Jane at http://www.potcakeplace.com/ 

Please help if you can. We need YOU to raise a paw and volunteer.

 

Contact me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Turks and Caicos SPCA dog show

Judges Donna and Peggy being interviewed by WIV 4 TV.

Judges Donna and Peggy being interviewed by WIV 4 TV.

The judges had a hard task picking winning potcakes and dogs in various competitions such as best trick, most like owner and best looking.

Anna and her potcake receiving their prize treats

Anna and her potcake Kaya receiving their prizes and treats in the best trick competition

 

Signing up for the various events and this potcake was eager to get started

Signing up for the various events and this potcake was eager to get started

They could have left some water for a thirsty dog!

They could have left some water for a thirsty dog!

I wish they'd get the show started as these doggy face painted youngsters wait patiently

I wish they'd get the show started as these doggy face painted youngsters wait patiently

There was great excitement as everyone watched the K-9 demonstration taking down an intruder

There was great excitement as everyone watched the K-9 demonstration taking down an intruder

On command, the handler ordered the dog to subdue the suspect or potential criminal.

On command, the handler ordered the dog to subdue the suspect or potential criminal.

See you all at the show next year.............Don't miss it!!

See you all at the show next year.............Don't miss it!!

 

I couldn’t stay to the end of the show so missed some great events such as the obstacle course but for sure I’ll be there again next year to take in all the fun. Big thanks go out to all those hard working volunteers. If you can help the potcakes and animals here on Provo  in any way, please contact the TCSPCA, Potcake Place or the Potcake Foundation. They will be glad you called.

See you in 2011,

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com