I have been sailing the BVI and many other Caribbean areas for a long time. Five years ago, having lost my regular sailing buddies to
places where one wears long pants I thought “self, where did I sail to that I would like to spend time at” low and behold the answer came to
me; Sandcastle aka home of the Soggy Dollar bar. So now for the fifth year I’m returning for a two week stay. I shipped my box of 18 books
(an annual procedure) three weeks in advance and have had word that it has arrived. I am well known for sitting on one of the wicker
chairs facing the Bay and reading while keeping an eye on everyone and everything, and doing this for 2 solid weeks, leaving only on the
nights that Chef Oliver is not feeding me. KC, Windy, Mark and everyone else makes certain that I am supplied with the various beverages
needed. I am prone to take Miss Heineken swimming, hitting the Benders (my cardiologist suggested banana drinks for the potassium), Gin
before dinner, wine with Gran Marnier, Amaretto or Scotch after. Chambord with my flan, cheesecake or chocolate mousse. I am always
amazed at how they remember my patterns.
Friday August 15
After all this wait I’m finally off. American got me in on time but my connections were tight so I was worried my bag might not arrive with me.
Sure enough I was standing there when everyone else had cleared. The Customs guy suggested I wait as another plane was just coming
in. There it was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off to spend my traditional first night at Maria’s. It was 11:00 p.m. on arrival at the hotel, Maria was on her way out but came back to talk
awhile. This is a very astute lady/businesswoman. It felt so good to be there, and they do pour my scotch on the liberal side!
Saturday August 16
Off for brunch at Village Cay. Wonderful eggs benedict and the atmosphere is perfect for a new arrival or resident. This time each year
there is a sailing school for what appear to be high schoolers from England. Last year it was coed this year I only saw girls. They were
exuberant and entertaining.
I was then off to do my shopping. Bought some prints at the Sunny Carribee and had them shipped home (they arrived in perfect condition
and got there ahead of me by a week).
Then back to Maria’s where I enjoyed liberally poured Pina Coladas. Very refreshing after all that shopping. Then my ride came to take me
by the Riteway for my usual bottles of Glenfiddich for night reading and then off to the dock at the Jolly Roger. Wish they were open this
time of year. Especially since my water taxi (KC’s son) was 1:45 minutes late and there was nowhere close by to get a drink. Got several
beers from KC for that though so all was well in the end.
Finally I arrived. All concerns about sitting on the concrete all that time disappeared. It seems Sandcastle had sent another boat for me
but they didn’t get word in time. I was greeted by Bruce, Debbie, Claire, Gary, KC and of extreme importance Oliver (the chef). This is my
5th year staying at Sandcastle and 28th year sailing in to the Soggy Dollar. Welcome home to me.
Oliver’s Bernaise sauce was great on the steak and the soup was amazing.
Sunday August 17
It was very busy at the bar Sunday, lot’s of USVI folks. The singer I’ve seen discussed on this board, Kenney Chesney, was apparently
there. I only know this because three very attractive ladies decided to do body shots on each other and I was told they were part of the
Chesney group. Bruce and Debbie discourage this activity but it started so fast no one seemed to care. But I must say it was an enjoyable
way to start the trip. These were very enthusiastic ladies with little in the way of inhibitions.
Debbie’s sister, brother in law and two nephews were down visiting and are musicians. Father and one son played fiddle and guitar along
with island legend Rueben Chinnery. It was a great show. The relatives have an album out (World in Motion by Acoustic Planet) with
several songs inspired by the BVI including Limin’ and Tortola Roller Coaster Ride.
Filet Mignon with a peppercorn sauce and seafood chowder. I also got hold of a serving of Flan. (particularly good with Gran Marnier,
Amaretto or Chambord (it helps to know what to ask for and who to ask)
Monday August 18
A most amazing thing happened. Someone called out to “come look” and I noticed people on the boats all focusing on the water inside the
bay. Two porpoise had entered and were playing; they played with the snorklers and gave us an incredible show. They leapt into the air
many times twisting and turning. Even the belongers who can be very blasé about everything were amazed. The show lasted a good 30
minutes or more. Many people, myself included, had plenty of time to swim out to great them.
My first TTOL’ers. Larry and Linda (Imsailing) came up and introduced themselves. What a great couple. They were having a very good
trip and seemed so very happy, not only with the trip but with each other. It was great meeting them. As I write this I don’t remember for
sure if Larry and Linda were in for the porpoise show.
Tuesday August 19
Finally a quiet day. Learned that Joan, Christine and Lorna (hotel staff) were off again on a cruise in a few days. Last year they left the
same time I did. Pinky the day cook and desert maker extraordinaire was on a cruise my first week. Lorna’s niece from Grenada was there
helping out with the boutique. She was leaving for her last year of High School in a few days and was a lot of fun.
Wednesday August 20
Must have been quiet a day. Didn’t write anything down.
Thursday August 21
TTOL’ers Doug, Bobbie, Kim, Amy, Matt and Steve came in to play. They are apparently quite regular having been down in June and
coming back in October. They were a fun group. $20,000 on the ring toss game, something about marriage?
It was Chateaubriand for dinner. Life sure is hard.
Friday August 22
Got lot’s of rain. Since I’m from the desert I don’t see much rain. Other than two couples I met from Phoenix I am the only one I know who
goes down to cool off and see it rain. It seems to be the opposite for most.
A small ferry with a large group of East Indians came in for lunch. They didn’t go to the bar or the boutique. In for food and back to the
boat.
Chef Oliver is off tonight so I talked everyone into trying Foxy’s Taboo. This is Foxy’s daughter Justine’s new place by Little Yost. The
immediate area seems a bit desolate but the building is nicely done. Open air. Four boutique beers on tap and a good menu. The chef
had been down to the Soggy Dollar Monday drinking and heard all about the menu then. I had a London Broil served with sun dried
tomato, prosciutto and Kalamata olives. Very impressive. All were happy with their meals and we all had plenty of drink. The chocolate
cheese cake on oreo crust was awfully nice. I am told their daytime pizza is very good.
Saturday August 23
Damn, I’m about halfway through the trip. It is a gorgeous day, clear and sunny with a breeze just right to keep the flies off and keep me
comfortable. Got a lot of great photos. All this time the place has been full, this is a first for this time of year. 2 great couples left today
and more arrived. As usual several honeymooners.
I never eat lamb at home but I don’t miss Oliver’s. It was great.
Sunday August 24
Two more couples left. Friends from last year Kelly and Kim arrived. Each year everyone says we’ll meet next year. Kelly and Kim are the
only ones to do it. A big turtle has been out swimming right in front of the bar as well as some kind of ray, much argument as to what is was
but it just swam around avoiding us. Had a fellow loose his breath and cramp up at the green entry marker. Bruce got out in a dinghy and
got him back to the bar where a nurse was waiting with oxygen. All was well. Debbie from Rudy’s (also known as Debbie 3) came with a
lady from Texas who is helping her get organized. Debbie is leasing Rudy’s and will be working hard to make a success. Over the last few
years Rudy has lost interest in running the place. Debbie, Justine and others said they have trouble finding workers, they can get permits
for them but there is no where to live on Yost. If you are looking for a job……………………
Rueben is back and playing on his own. A smaller crowd than last Sunday, they said the Chesney group was in again but I didn’t notice the
same ladies being in attendance.
Herb encrusted filet.
Lightning, thunder and lot’s of rain for the night. A desert boy’s treat.
Monday August 25
A rainy day all day. No outside guest at the bar until 12:30 which I had never seen before. Very slow all day. What a treat having the
place to myself. Toward the end of the afternoon several people came in, kids included. (I’ve never seen so many kids as I did on this
trip). I noticed one of the guys and thought he looked familiar and one of the ladies though not as pretty as several others had a nice
shape. Later that night they were in for dinner, a party of twelve. When I heard their name it clicked. The guy I noticed was Andrew
Firestone of the Batchelor TV show. I didn’t see any of the shows but I did see him and the lady he selected on several interviews. One of
the guests was a big fan and was quite excited. Unfortunately she was overhead by the Firestones commenting on them so they hastily
called for the bill and left.
Tuesday August 26
Another slow day. Overcast til 2, no boats either. A very lazy day and I was greatful for it. Then the TTOL attack Jailerman, son and dad
came. Jailerman aka Rick, his son (soon to go to boot camp) Evan and Grandpa Dick came by. They had been sailing a bit and had 2
weeks to go. They were followed by Blair and Emily (DiveBlair) who were a lot of fun and had some marvelous digital photos to show. They
all stayed for dinner that night and had a great time. It was good to meet them. Several of us went out on the beach to Mars gaze. It was a
star filled night and Mars stood out like a beacon.
What a veal chop. My bone was so heavy Trixie the dog had trouble dragging it away.
Wednesday August 27
Then the TTOL attack…………… Jailerman, son and dad came. Jailerman aka Rick, his son (soon to go to boot camp) Evan and Grandpa
Dick came by. They had been sailing a bit and had 2 weeks to go. They were followed by Blair and Emily (DiveBlair) who were a lot of fun
and had some marvelous digital photos to show. They all stayed for dinner that night and had a great time. It was good to meet them.
Several of us went out on the beach to Mars gaze. It was a star filled night and Mars stood out like a beacon.
What a veal chop. My bone was so heavy Trixie the dog had. Several of us went out on the beach to Mars gaze. It was a star filled night
and Mars stood out like a beacon.
What a veal chop. My bone was so heavy Trixie the dog had trouble dragging it away.
Thursday August 28
Mas Rain. Kim and Kelly left and not too many day trippers. All in all a good day in my book.
Saw Jeannius in but didn’t see anyone on shore. Later that night they were gone.
Friday August 29
Jeannius was back and late that afternoon I got to meet Mike and wife Jeanne. Their daughter and her friend were on shore earlier. That’s
quite a boat they’ve go. Had a very pleasant conversation with them although they didn’t stay too long.
Chef Oliver’s night off. Got everyone to go to Sydney’s. We were the only one’s there, Harris was closed and the only customers at Abe’s
were KC and a girlfriend (one of many he tells me). Most of us had lobster, they had some of the best cole slaw I ever had. Those who had
the ribs raved over them. Again we had much to drink and got to dance under the stars. A magical evening. Stopped for drinks at Wendall’
s World on the way back and ran into several of the local personalities. A great time was had by all.
Saturday August 30
My last day at Sandcastle. I have an early flight Sunday so will have to go over to Tortola for my last night. I didn’t seem to have enough
umph to get going. Got my goodbye photo with Pinky and Tina. I’ll miss everybody.
Got lazy and ate at Maria’s. Most of the restaurants were closed anyway.
Sunday August 31
All flights on time, American got me home 10 min early luggage intact. I do like that extra leg room. Got home to a flurry of messages, my
old sailing buddies and closest friends were out from Texas unexpectedly for a funeral and had Monday/Monday night available. There
went my day to recover, shop do laundry, etc. But what a great time we had, I met them in the BVI when, at the time, they lived 2 miles from
me here in California.
The staff at Sandcastle has always taken good care of me, two years ago I suffered from Heart Failure on Tortola right before coming over.
They have always looked out for me while there and I appreciate them very much. Say hi for me when there. I’m tipping my drink to Bruce,
Debbie, Tina, Gary, Claire, Jim, Allison, Oliver, KC, Windy, Mark (who just got married), Pinky, Selvina, Joan, Christine, Irvie, Lorna, Jacob
and Trixie.
Taxi to Roadtown from airport $18 just me
Taxi to West End from Roadtown $10 with three others.
Taxi from West End to Roadtown $18 just me
Taxi from Roadtown to Airport $18 just me
It was particularly great meeting the TTOL’ers who dropped by.
I thought the day would never arrive. It's off at last. I flew from
Ontario, CA to Dallas then Dallas to San Juan. Had a 2.5 hour layover in
San Juan and since I would be arriving after 11:00 p.m. I called Maria's to
arrange for some shrimp and other cold goodies as a late meal. While
waiting for my flight and reading a book a female form caught my attention. I
looked up and there was this large woman, now when I say large she was
mostly proportionate but about 200+ pounds worth. She had on this
stretched to the limits and then some pair of what one might generously
call hot pants. After this shock I noted the top, which was a medium mesh
with nothing but herself in all her very large glory underneath, leaving
little to nothing to the imagination. Now I would have been only slightly
shocked at seeing this attire in certain areas of our larger cities plied
by ladies of the evening, but here waiting a flight at SJU I was a bit
stunned. Seeing only a small purse I wondered what she would do if she
bent over and the material gave way, didn't seem to have any spare clothes.
A while later while sitting in another area of the same lounge there was a
group of "church ladies" sitting behind me with a couple of male companions
( I say church ladies because the whole group had on T-shirts proclaiming
their affiliation with a certain Baptist church). These ladies had noted
the large woman and began dishing on her in a manner that made it difficult
to stay seated, almost falling from my chair, I haven't laughed that hard in years. They tore her up one end and down another.
My plane boarded on time and the engines were revving, o'boy here we go.
Then they stopped and I worried. Then they proved my worries well founded.
The instrument panel lights weren't working. Cancelled flight.
Now I was on a frequent flyer ticket so was last to be accommodated but was
pleasantly surprised to find myself a nice room at the Marriott Courtyard
along with taxi fare and meal vouchers. Now I would much prefer to have
had my shrimp at Maria's than delay my flight but at least I didn't wait
hours to be placed in a dump.
I was on the first flight out the next a.m... On the shuttle to the plane a
young lady who had been on the flight the night before noted it was the
same plane (tail numbers matched). I wonder if they really worked on those
instrument lights between 11 last night and 7 this am. Oh well off we
went. Customs and immigration at Beef was a breeze.
Grabbed a driver and stopped at Riteway for my in room scotch which
accompanies my late night reading. Riteway had a great selection this year
and the Glen Morangie 12 year from Madeira cask was stupendous.
On down to the Jolly Roger dock at West End where Bruce (Sandcastle owner)
picked me up for the ride to White Bay. This ride is always a joy. Past
Steele Pointe (which I've always called my own) and watch White Bay grow
from a little spec to it's full splendor. Jumped off the boat and straight
to the bar. They sent my luggage off to my room which is just as well
since I didn't get over there til about 6:00 to change for dinner. KC had
a beer for me by the time I got to the bar and all was right with the
world.
One of the things I have always enjoyed about Sandcastle is the guests.
You meet all sorts of great people and this trip was the best yet.
.
Since I stayed all the following 16 nights at Sandcastle I won’t give you a boring tale of getting up for breakfast sitting at the bar floating in
the water and keeping KC and Windy busy. Since that is pretty much all I did besides read a whole lot of books.
We did hit Foxy’s for his BBQ and had a great time, Abes’s for the lobster which was wonderful and just to do quality control tried Ali Baba’s
lobster as well. The vote went to Ali for the best lobster by those who had this treat at both places.
As I said the people were the thing. I met a Harvard Economist who consults with African governments, her sister who is a Political Science
Professor at Beloit, the owner of an airline, a lawyer, two ladies (lovely I might add) who own and run a lingerie shop, orchestral musicians
from Lisbon, a Frenchman who was actually beyond nice and his great wife who is head of the American Theater in Brussels, honeymooners
(several), a couple I met previously from South Africa, friends from St. John, a Delta pilot and his bride to be a pilot who has flown around
the world in a small plane and been the pilot for Reba as well as Waylon, and many others.
I believe during this trip I may have set a new standard for the time honored position of ring bearer. Yes, the aforementioned pilots had their
wedding on the beach at Sandcastle and I was honored to be their ring bearer. It was a great wedding all the guests participating and a
wonderful reception on the beach. That’s the way to get married. Barefoot on the beach at White Bay.
For those of you water folks there was a resident ray (I was told Eagle) cruising around and performing air acrobatics, several turtles and
the occasional jelly fish amongst the drinking floating masses. Fortunately for whales and sharks professional courtesy applied.
The entry markers for the main entrance were missing and many a boat was seen starting to come over the reef but backing away. The
markers toward Great Harbor were still there and most came in that way. During my first week Bruce painted a marker red and rowed out to
attach it to give some help. Most still avoided the entrance.
The regularl chef Oliver was off with a medical need. Those of you who know him know of his hip knee issues. He called to talk while I was
there and then surprised me with a visit coming over for the day from Tortola, it looks like he’ll need surgery. His substitutes are doing a
valiant job but I sure missed him. Fear not the food is still great. Those of you who know Sue and Mike of the villas will appreciate that they
knew this was the only place for a romantic birthday dinner for Sue.
During my stay I met Jerry and Tish O’Connnell who will be the new owners of Sandcastle/Soggy Dollar. Jerry is the more gregarious and
Tish the more gracious of the two and both will make excellent hosts although I don’t believe they will be able to spend as much time as
Bruce and Debby. They are, however, not interested in changing the place. They seem to enjoy it just as it is. I look forward to seeing
them next year. On that note several of the guests during the two weeks made reservations for the same time next year, so things are still
good at Sandcastle.
In previous years the one concern I’ve had is the great number of people who come in for the day. This year it was a little less than previous
years but still a great many. Bruce and Debby had placed higher dividing ropes keeping the guest quarters private. At no time did I see
people wondering around the cottage area as I have in the past.
Many have commented on the proliferation of motorized toys in White Bay and the issue has concerned me as well as I have been chased
from some favorite desert places by noisy toys. While it was August I would note that I never saw the quads running although I saw them
sitting there. Many kids went down to the trampoline but I saw that as a blessing as it took them away from the Soggy Dollar. People seem
to allow their kids to run rampant any more without concern of the effect on others. I took my son sailing several times over the years but he
knew to only come to the bar for service and then leave back to the beach. The jokes, drunks and other carrying on is not for children nor
should adults have to but up with unruly behaviour. The speed boats are a danger. They seem to care not about those swimming or
snorkeling. The other obnoxious item but slightly less dangerous was the “banana ride”. The fellows pulling this large banana seem to be
looking back more than where they are going. Look out. Most days you did not see the banana ride so it was not overly obnoxious.
Departure: I thought they put air-conditioning in the departure lounge. It was sweltering and flights were slightly delayed. The check in
agent was snippy, my connecting flight had been cancelled and it seemed somehow the cancellation was my fault. 28 years traveling out of
Beef Island and the airline personal have still not found out what customer service is all about.
Made it home only two hours late which was pretty good I thought.
One last note, ATT cell phone charges. I have never had a charge when connecting from White Bay on my business One Rate plan. I used
my local plan phone that I was told would accept most roaming. I was billed for calls connected through Puerto Rico and the USVI. The rate
was reasonable but not what I expected.
Needless to say ……………In the words of our Governor…………..I’ll be back.
Photos at www.twojims.com check out 2004 people for a few of the Soggy Dollar Staff.
Yes, I’m off.
I took Jet Blue from Ontario, CA connecting (30 min layover) at JFK then down to SJU. A big Gold Star to Jet Blue. Their staff is very
friendly and helpful, the seats are roomier than anyone else’s and every flight was on time with baggage out very quickly. It was a red eye
so a very blurry eyed fellow sought out Cape Air. Another Gold Star airline. Friendly and accommodating.
Arrive early and get quickly through Immigration and Customs. I can usually get a smile out of most anybody but not the Immigration lady.
Off to Maria’s. I had contacted Carib Supply which Dr. Smith had recommended as I need an Oxygen Concentrator to sleep with. On
check in there it was ready and waiting, great people to deal with. Stepped into my room and there was Road Harbor in all its glory. Felt
right at home as I’ve stayed at Maria’s for at least15 years.
Glory be, I have reservations at Brandywine. My usual August trip they are closed so have missed them the past few years. Davide and
Cele are such great hosts. I was, unfortunately, exhausted from flying all the previous night but the food was wonderful, I just wish I had
the strength to stay a little longer and visit. But a big thanks to Davide and Cele for a wonderful evening. My biggest disappointment was
that I found out Oliver Clifton of Sandcastle was off that night. I would have loved to have him as my guest at Brandywine. Oliver is a great
friend and that would have been an even more memorable evening. That’s what happens when you are tired and not thinking well.
Called Darkie to come get me at Maria’s to take me to the West End ferry. His first question was were any cruise ships in, they would slow
him down greatly in getting to me and then to my destination. Luckily none were in and we made it in plenty of time. On arrival at Jost
there was Bun waiting for me and knew I was home.
Arriving at Sandcastle Sunday afternoon there was Rueben playing as always. While the sale has not concluded one change had been
made with Jim and Allison departing and Roger and Sandy moving in. While Jim and Allison will be missed Roger and Sandy are a good fit
for the place. KC was working his first day back since crushing his ankle in early December and was doing pretty good, jokes and all. He
wasn’t due to return full time for 10 more days so didn’t see too much of him. Bruce, Debby, Tina, Claire, Oliver, Lorna, Shaneek, Joan,
Christine, Selvina, Irvie and Queen Trixie were all there.
Jerry and Tish, the owners to be, were there part of the time and I had a good time with them. They are a lot of fun.
Warning….. Sunday a boat full of Customs/Immigration officers came in to White Bay and dropped officers off on several boats checking
papers. I saw them take at least two boats over to West End and some people in custody. IF YOU ARE COMING IN FROM THE USVI
CHECK IN.
Tuesday Foxy had an event where some bands from a Blues Cruise came over to play. What a great time. Special ferries from St. John
and St. Thomas came over and there was a huge crowd which spilled over to the other places in Great Harbor. The music was amazing
and I had the best time I’d had in a long time. Many old acquaintances from years past were there as well as some new ones. The crowd
was an amazing variety of types, from burned out hippy’s to a group of well to do ladies from St. John partying down.
Over the last couple of years I have made friends with Jacob Callwood. Jacob is a high school student whose sister also works at
Sandcastle. His mother Debby is bartender at Foxy’s and a relief bartender at Soggy Dollar, his father Seddy many of you know. Debby
brought friend Patty, Jacob and Lorraine over one night so we could all have dinner together. It was a great evening and made me realize
how much Jost Van Dyke and her people have become and important part of my soul.
The swells kept all boats away one day with no one in White Bay. Bruce and the other local guys moved their boats over to Great Harbor
so White Bay was empty. Cool sight. The bad thing was awaking to what I referred to as a floating ghetto spoiling the view. Due to the
swells over the time I was there fewer passengers came over to the beach so the crowds weren’t bad.
I think the only TTOL’er I met there was Meg who was with husband Brian, they are a hoot.
My friend Donna who is usually there in August was down and we both agreed the water is much cooler in January, we are wusses.
Friday, it was time to leave for Anegada. It was the first time leaving Sandcastle that I was still in island mode, not geared up for 22 hours
of travel to get home. I like the new way better. Tina took me over to the ferry where KC was working on one of his boats so got to visit
with him some more.
I will truly miss Bruce and Debbie as they leave Sandcastle for new adventures.
What a great trip……To be continued with the Anegada week next.
On the was to the ferry I stopped at Riteway for the Glen Morangie aged in Port and Madeira casks, one of each. Finally found them here
but at twice the price.
Hit the ferry to JVD and saw a couple of familiar faces. Then is was back at Sandcastle, my summer home these last 8 years.
Roger, Sandy, Clair and KC where all there working hard. As usual they took my bags to my room and I stayed at the bar until 6 before
finally going to unpack and shower for dinner. All I do in the room is sleep and shower. Lorna was there and sticking out as much as I do,
baby Princess soon come. Met the Baby Daddy who is a new addition to Sandcastle…..Daniel. He is from Grenada as is Lorna. He was
the reason she had a smile each time she was leaving for Grenada. Daniel is a hard worker and a fine addition to the Sandcastle family.
My buddy Chef Oliver showed up looking well, so we consulted on the menu. I was eating the soup and protein only for my dinners, his
soups are amazing. And the main course, as always, was outstanding. I would eat a bit and then save the rest of the meat for the next
night. It worked real well. No veggies or fruits yet. If it’s food it should be protein or pretty well blended as the soups are.
Chefs nights off I had leftovers so did not go to any of the other restaurants with the exception of a very nice lunch at Taboo.
K.C. has a new girlfriend, another Grenadian, so he was going down for September to see about buying something down there and just
enjoy the island.
Debbie Callwood is the fill in bartender on K.C.’s days off and does a great job. She is personable, efficient and a great all round lady.
She is also the mother of Jacob and Lorraine who you might have met while they were working in the Soggy Dollar boutique or over at
Grandpa Foxy’s place. Jacob just graduated with honors and a scholarship to H. Levity Stout. Lorraine is now in the states working in a
great program with kids and furthering her education.
Roger and Sandy are the new managers at Sandcastle……sort of. As most know Sandcastle is in the process of changing hands as it has
been for the last 16 months. (They say maybe in October now). Roger and Sandy are working managers who will take over more
responsibility under the new owners Jerry and Tish. They are fun to be around, do a great job and have a few ideas for the infrastructure
as well as maybe adding a beach barbeque on a weekly basis. September is an off month with a lot of work being done. Roger has
already rebuilt part of the bar roof and repainted the bar area, all the cottages and resurfaced the bar, all with Daniels able assistance. I
think Jerry and Tish made a good choice in this couple.
Clair was just there a few days before she left to join her daughter and grand-daughter who came to visit a week and then she flew back
with them for more time in the states. Those of you who know Clair know how she loved the Jazz Festival in New Orleans each year, I know
she was devastated with what happened to her favorite place. Her daughter and grand-daughter were a lot of fun. It took a while for Julie
to finally speak but when she did she opened up real well.
Once the weekend was over I got to see Tina, for those of you who don’t know her, she is a former ER nurse in Germany. As many
Germans Tina is very organized and a great asset. Her husband Freddy is a JVD born and bred man who has a strong Christian faith to
Tina’s strong lack of same. They are very entertaining and well fit for each other. Tina looked after me like only a sister would. I ended up
with a staph infection that required some treatment, she not only helped herself but drove me a few times to the island nurse for anti-
biotics, blood tests and treatment. She is a very caring and efficient person.
The next Saturday night was chef’s night off so the guests went out to eat. The manager’s had a dinner staff meeting scheduled and I was
invited, it’s a chance for them to coordinate and just socialize. They take turns making dishes and have a great time. It poured rain that
night, which I love since I don’t see that much at home, and I had a great time with people I have grown to like very much over the years.
Bruce and Debby came in several days after my arrival, the original plan was so they could sign papers for the transfer but once again that
plan was thwarted by the lack of papers to sign. They have always been very gracious hosts. I felt a little guilty as August, 2004 I told
them I would see them this year even though they had found a buyer several months prior. I think I might have jinxed them with that
comment. I have a trite saying that my family knows well…..If it’s time to go, it’s time to go, in other words when something is over I don’t
like to hang around. I’m sure Bruce and Debby are ready to start new adventures and hope they are able to finalize the sale soon. They
are already planning a reunion of former guests to be held in Maine. If you are interested let me know and I’ll get you the information. I’ll
sure miss them at Sandcastle but will keep in touch.
Jerry and Tish seem to be weathering this wait quite well. They are still positive but anxious to start this new chapter. Jerry is planning on
strengthening the infrastructure and increasing boutique sales especially over the internet. Rest assured that he is not planning big
changes, he likes the place for the same reason we all do……The Soggy Dollar Bar will live a long time.
During my stay there Bruce and Debbie had a 10 year anniversary party for the staff. It was a very nice dinner with the staff treated like
guests with outside help in the kitchen and long time friends Donna and Gary. Donna is also known as the guest who never leaves. Each
visit she seems to end up staying later to help fill in for one of the managers who has some time off. She was everywhere at once serving
not only the staff but along with Gary also serving the guests who were relegated (happily) to the large table outside. Donna is also the
lady who helped get the Sandcastle cookbook together and handled the shipping for the boutique internet orders. Both Donna and Gary
are a lot of fun. I did have to rub it in to Donna that this was the first time in many trips that I have actually stayed longer than she was
able.
The celebration was great and I got pictures of most everybody there which I have posted on my website at http://www.twojims.
com/SandcastleStaffParty.html
Awards were given each staff member. The party was very well done. The ladies looked great. They really dolled up.
Jemilla…..what a great massage she gave. I think I just floated the rest of the day.
One very interesting thing I did was read a proof of a book by the guy who originally built Sandcastle from the ground up. Not as good as
some of the more familiar books about West Indian life but very interesting.
TTOL’ers I met. Nashville Larry (aka sailingdog) and Melissa who can be seen here http://twojims.com/images/LarryMelissa.JPG Then
there was landcrab who I didn’t get to visit with long as I was recuperating from the earlier mentioned infection. Sharon came by to spend
an afternoon, she was staying once again at Ivan’s where she is a fixture. Also met firstmateforlife who was there when I was out in my
usual place. All these guys found my directions (look for the fat guy with a drink in one hand and a book in the other sitting in one of the
bar chairs) very easy to follow. Then there was KSB and family. The light of my life was Esmerelda http://twojims.
com/images/EsmereldaakaKarson.JPG (back home name Karson) now there is a great kid. I don’t favor unruly kids around my vacation
time and there were a lot of those, but this young lady was something else, I told her dad Jim that we could make some money off of her
skill at the ring toss. She was good and so little that everyone was surprised at how well she did. They were staying down the beach at
White Bay Villas but were by most days during their stay. After their return they found that two new members would be joining the family
when mom gives birth. (Just heard they are twin girls!!!) What a great family and I hope to see them in on future trips.
I want to thank onpond who I did not meet but after a perusal of the Soggy Dollar Drink board I noted had left me two PK’s. Thank you for
that.
I’m truly sorry to have missed Mike and his family (Jeannius). I had met them before but looked forward to seeing them again.
Over the last several (4-5?) years a couple I met, Kim and Kelly, have come over from their St. John home to spend a long weekend at
Sandcastle during my stay. Each are great. You may see Kim there occasionally helping bus the area and helping behind the bar. She is
hard to miss and fills out her bikini nicely. This year it was Kim with friends Mike and Tom, both have businesses on St. John as well. Kim’s
is the Pampered Pause where manicures and similar services are performed.
On the hill above White Bay toward St. Thomas they have carved steep paths for the purpose of creating roads and making lots for sale. I
believe I heard there were to be approximately 50 lots but don’t know. It just looks scarred right now. I also understand that the Diamond
Cay development was due to start construction shortly. They sure got that through quickly. Word is Branson got Mosquito but cannot
develop it commercially must be kept private. Heard Dr. Jarecki was looking at another property and that the BVI investment club has
several in mind. The place is growing by leaps and bounds.
For those of you who want the Caribbean as it used to be go to Anegada, it is a wonderful place with friendly people and a slow pace, I will
continue to visit regularly. That said JVD remains my favorite with a beautiful location, both have great bars and wonderful people who
have enriched my life.
