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Grand Turk, BWI
10/28/2006

1655 Hi all! Today we were on the island of Grand Turk in the British West Indies. And yes, there is a Margaritaville there to set the mood! Today is a beautiful, partly cloudy day, a little humid, with temps up in the upper 80s. Absolutely gorgeous! We pulled into the island at 7am this morning, and this is the view out the stateroom: We are actually tied up at the pier, but you can't see it because we are nose in, and the stern of the ship (where we are) is pointed out to sea. Grand Turk is a small island, about 6 or 7 miles long, and a couple of miles wide. It is the island of the Turk and Caicos where the capital is. While small (there is like 4000 people living here), they do have an international airport (its funny to see on a map, because it covers a good chunk of the width of the island). There used to be a naval base here, as well as a big DEA presence due to the fact that drug runners used to use the island as a way point coming up from South and Central America. Today, there is a big cruise ship terminal located on the southern tip of the island. Capable of handling two cruise ships at one time, the facility opened in February, with the inaugeral voyage of the Noordam. This is what it looks like: Now, I had read that the beach at the cruise center was very rocky, and that there was no sea life to be had (read lousy snorkeling), so we were going to Governor's Beach, which is where the ship's excursions supposedly took the snorkelers. So, off we went, got a cab, and was talking to the driver, and he said that Governor's bBeach was okay, but a better beach was Hillary's Beach for snorkeling. We figured he knew what he was talking about, so we went there. Here are the girls when we got to the hotel: Now, I should tell you that the term hotel on this island does tend to conjour up images of a Hilton with open lobby and flowing breezes. That's the brochure, movies, and fantasy talking - this is not that sort of island. And the beach was nothing to get excited about. Personally, I think that the taxi guy is related to the hotel guy. Carol and I went snorkeling out, and were about 400 yards out when she decided she wanted to head back in. There was a little cross current, and a strong head current (made swimming back easy), so we headed back. Knowing that Grand Turk has a serious sea wall, and it was probably another couple hundred yards out, that was where I was headed to see if there was anything good to sea underwater. But I like being married, so I didn't get to the wall. We saw a couple of stingrays, and I was starting to see some real fish when I headed back (I was a bit ahead of Carol). Tomorrow will be a good snorkeling day. I must say, though, that things happen for a reason. There was another couple from the ship on the beach we started talking to. They had no idea what they were going to do tomorrow on Tortola, so now they are coming with us on the Oil n Water. Things have a way of working out! We caught a cab back to the cruise ship terminal, and I must say, they did do a great job with the place. Linda, Carol and I swam on the beach, and Gayle hung out by the pool. We swam for a bit, then decided to try out the big pool and swim up bar they have there. We couldn't find Gayle (think she was shopping), so we went and got ourselves a drink at the swim up bar: The drinks were a bit pricey, but they were good - and huge! We swam around for a bit more, and then went to meet Gayle at the time and place we originally appointed. Then we went into Margaritaville for some food. Got some nachos and lunch, and Gayle decided to have a drink - or was it three? You know, I do have to admit, even after all that, she could still shoot Jan's little point and shoot! Since we were at Buffett's place, you know I had to do a little shopping! Then pose for a picture: And try out the painted chairs (I think I might have to get me one of these online!): We have been talking about starting a new promotion for the studio, called Where in the World is the Timethief Hat? This was started, of course, by Jim and Lisa Powers with their trip to Florida. Well, now we have gone international! Ah, the things security will do for you if you ask nicely.... So, that was our Grand Turk day, because we tossed lines and headed for Tortola at 2pm. We washed out our gear, set them to dry, and took a nap. Later, I am going to see a animated Dali movie short, and head to whatever the evening show is. I don't even care. I swam in the Caribbean, and it felt so good! I hope this finds all well in your world. Keep Smiling!!! Your Intrepid Servant, the Timethief Beachbum

Please Note All Images and Accounts of this Adventure are strictly the doings of the Author, and have Nothing to do with the Official Positions or Opinions of Timethief Photography, its affiliated divisions, or anyone associated with the company. If you have any issues with the accounts, how people or places are portrayed, or with any statements of fact, take it up with him! Of course, he'll probably be off on another adventure! Copyright 2000-2006, Timethief Photography All Rights Reserved