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

 

Providenciales Afternoon Clouds and Skies

Trying to outrun the darkening clouds and coming rains

A beautiful sunny day on Sunday until about 2 pm and of course our planned boat trip for some beach, water and sunshine time. We headed out and this was the amazing skies behind us as we tried to find our little piece of sunshine. Here are photos of the changing skies as we headed towards Dellis Cay. We saw it all on our Sunday trip from sunny skies and puffy white clouds to somber, dark rain clouds and sunset skies too.

View from Dellis Cay looking towards Pine Cay........ such magnificent colours in shades of turquoise and blue.

 

Such beauty on this deserted island with its abandoned resort and villa buildings.

 

A few dark storm clouds obscured the sun creating interesting colours on the ocean.

 

Years ago we would come to Dellis to find sand dollars and shells ..... the best shelling beach in the TCI.

The abandonned buildings on Dellis Cay stand forlornly looking out as the world goes past through its' empty windows

Dellis Cay is a 560-acre private island that got its name from the Dellis family who lived on the island and earned their living sponge farming in the 1950’s. It lies to the east of Pine Cay and is a 20 minute boat ride from Providenciales. Years ago, island excursions, locals and visitors alike would spend many hours wandering the beautiful beaches, picking up numerous shells as well as hunting for sand dollars. Unfortunately there were no sand dollars that I saw but the shells are still all over the beach.

The beauty that was Dellis Cay is now spoiled by the unfinished structures of a failed resort scheme that formed part of the 2008 Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay Project. One part of this complex called The Residences at Mandarin Oriental was supposed to open in 2010 but went bankrupt, construction was halted as you can see from the photos and financial problems caused cancellation of the development. And so the empty shells of deluxe private villas and residences on the beach stand waiting and watching and are faced with an uncertain future.

Parting view of the villas and residences on Dellis Cay.

 

Heading back to Providenciales with rays of sunshine streaking through the clouds

 

Coming home with a rain storm over the horizon and our boat's rooster tail.

 

We were treated to this amazing sky as we passed Smith's Reef.

 

Rounding the corner and heading into the channel to Turtle Cove Marina

Coming into Turtle Cove Marina with beautiful clouds.

 

Docking in the Marina after a perfect day on the water.

You simply can’t have a bad day in the islands……..rain or shine. Besides, what’s a bit of rain amongst good friends?

 

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

Tiki Hut Halloween

A pretty lady bug and a scarey witch with skeleton hands.

A pretty lady bug and a scarey witch with skeleton hands.

When Doug Camozzi puts on a Halloween party, it’s the only place to be especially since Michael Jackson and Elvis were sighted. The parking lot by the Tiki Hut was full of bumble bees, pirates, fairies, monsters, princesses and others too numerous to mention. Even Dorothy (aka Chevette) was there and took a break to sit on Scarecrow’s knee!

Michael was joined by some of his scary friends.

Michael was joined by some of his scary friends.

Dorothy and pumpkin Scarecrow made a lovely couple

Dorothy and pumpkin Scarecrow made a lovely couple

I’ve never seen so many colourful, imaginative costumes and so many people were dressed up from 10 week old baby fairies to toga clad Caesars and we all thought “Nicky Nicolette” had simply the most gorgeous legs!  Corey Forbes and friend provided Caribbean music, there were face painters decorating kids’ faces, the jumping castles for the kids along with an assortment of games and of course delicious food……..a grand buffet or burgers and fries served up by the great Tiki Hut staff . Drinks were over flowing too!

This gory and gastly duo were enough to scare everyone away

This gory and gastly duo were enough to scare everyone away

 

It's a family fun affair for kids of all ages big and little too.

It's a family fun affair for kids of all ages big and little too.

Lil' Miss Glamour gal with her splendid hat was a hit.

Lil' Miss Glamour gal with her splendid hat was a hit.

These two little munchkins were so adorable and cute

These two little munchkins were so adorable and cute

Even little babies got into the fun of the night.......she's so precious!

Even little babies got into the fun of the night.......she's so precious!

This couple dressed in Roman togas ate grapes and waved cooling fans

This couple dressed in Roman togas ate grapes and waved cooling fans

Contrary to rumours, Nicolette and Jungle Man/Tarzan did not arrive at the party together

Contrary to rumours, Nicolette and Jungle Man/Tarzan did not arrive at the party together

 

No we're not the three Musketeers!!!

No we're not the three Musketeers!!!

Doug, in costume, sure knows how to throw the best parties.

It's Doug under that costume and he sure knows how to throw the best parties.

Well guys, if you weren’t at the Tiki Hut this evening you missed out on all the fun! Thanks Doug and all the  Tiki Hut helpers. We’re going to be there for sure next year and I can’t wait. I have so many more photos but can’t post them all. Be sure to head down to the Tiki Hut in Turtle Cove for lunch or dinner………great specials of the day, great food and even greater friendly staff and service.

See you there!

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

The Bight Reef

Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Provo has two great snorkel areas close to the shore line……….The Bight Reef or the White House Reef at Coral Gardens and Smith’s Reef just outside the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. Usually you’ll see turtles, lots of fish such as parrot fish, angel fish, blue tangs and sometimes spotted eagle rays along with beautiful coral formations.

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

We have some of the best snorkeling ever here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Come and see us soon and enjoy snorkeling on our reefs.

Happy snorkeling,

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

TCSPCA Dog Show

I know I'm going to get doggie treats for this smile!!!!

I know I'm going to get doggie treats for this smile!!!!

What a great event ………. every year I  look forward to it and head down to Turtle Cove Marina. This year’s Turks and Caicos SPCA dog show was bigger and better than ever.

This little guy was four months old with a mind of his own (the potcake I mean)

This little guy was four months old with a mind of his own (the potcake I mean)

Lil'Bug just didn't want to negotiate the tunnel on the obstacle course. Look at the cute pink bows.

Lil'Bug just didn't want to negotiate the tunnel on the obstacle course. Look at the cute pink bows.

Too cute for words........the winners of the owner and dog look a like contest

Too cute for words........the winners of the owner and dog look a like contest

This duo posed for lots of photos

This duo posed for lots of photos

The end of the obstacle course required going through these canine jaws

The end of the obstacle course required going through these canine jaws

Who can resist a loveable face like this????

Who can resist a loveable face like this????

On your next visit to Provo, stop by and see if there’s any way you can help the Turks and Caicos SPCA. They do such good work and perhaps you can contribute by giving a donation.

Keep those tails wagging!

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Caicos Classic 2009

We went down to Turtle Cove Marina today and watched the Caicos Cup Tournament boats pull in after a day's fishing.

We went down to Turtle Cove Marina today and watched the Caicos Cup Tournament boats pull in after a day's fishing.

The fish are still biting and this year’s Caicos Classic Tournament has eight boats entered and five of them are local boats. I’m not sure how many Marlin were caught and released but will add this information once the tournament is over. Art Pickering, tournament director was out and about as the boats returned to the dock.

Ossie and Scooter check the weight on a dorado caught by Chucke 11.

Ossie and Scooter check the weight on a dorado caught by Chucke 11.

Release points are scored as follows: Blue Marlin 300 points; White Marlin 200 points; Sailfish 100 points. The scoreboard at Scooter Bob’s showed quite a few fish caught and released over the three days of the tournament. Tomorrow, the final day, will be a day of fierce competition. 

Caicos Classic Scoreboard showin the fishing boats and numbers of billfish caught and released so far.

Caicos Classic Scoreboard showin the fishing boats and numbers of billfish caught and released so far.

The boats fish from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily and each boat has an IGFA certified observer on board. For a release to qualify for points, the observer and a witness must identify the species of fish, the leader has to be brought within grasp of the mate and wind on leaders must have an identifying mark in place of a swivel.  

Chad carves up a Dorado...........a great fish fry tonight for some lucky people.

Chad carves up a Dorado...........a great fish fry tonight for some lucky people.

Make sure you make a note of next year’s competition………… June 19 to 24, 2010. Hope that you’ll join us for our annual Caicos Classic Release Tournament.

Tight Lines!

 

Marta

 

http://www.bonefishing.tc

Turtle Cove Marina

In coming rain clouds created a rainbow over Turtle Cove Marina a few days ago.

In coming rain clouds created a rainbow over Turtle Cove Marina a few days ago.

I love the rosey warmth of the light as the sun goes down made that much better by passing rain clouds that created a beautiful rainbow over Turtle Cove Marina. If you’re looking for some great island food check out the four restaurants located in the marina. Not only will you taste some great dishes but the views out over the water are hard to beat. Say Hi to John at Baci’s and tell him Marta sent you. Mike at Aqua will make sure you enjoy yourselves. Then there’s the Tiki Hut and the Shark Bite too.

See you in Turtle Cove!

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Smith’s Reef

Looking at Smith's Reef from the shoreline

Looking at Smith's Reef from the shoreline

A sandy path leads through the rocks and into the water. The snorkel trail is a series of  reef balls that have tiles with information written on them and they begin in about 6 feet of water. About 20 yards off shore, there’s a small patch reef at about a 12 foot depth. 

Here's a map of the snorkel trail at Smith's Reef

Here's a map of the snorkel trail at Smith's Reef

 

You'll see lots of fish, corals, sponges, eagle rays cruising on through as well as turtles

You'll see lots of fish, corals, sponges, eagle rays cruising on through as well as turtles

We hope you’ll enjoy snorkeling at Smith’s Reef on your next visit to Provo.

See you there!

Marta,

http://www.diving.tc