July – wow, that went quick!
A few visitors in this month and subsequently a few trips to some local tourist spots to boot. There was the BVI Rugby Club’s Annual Dinner – a highlight of the Road Town Social Calendar; the surf came back – albeit briefly and a few other things to keep you absolutely riveted to your seat.
Don’t forget, previous issues are available to you at no cost by using the Archive bit over on the top right or by scrolling down… and down… and down until you find the month you are looking for.
Enjoy the read!!!!
A few visitors in this month and subsequently a few trips to some local tourist spots to boot. There was the BVI Rugby Club’s Annual Dinner – a highlight of the Road Town Social Calendar; the surf came back – albeit briefly and a few other things to keep you absolutely riveted to your seat.
Don’t forget, previous issues are available to you at no cost by using the Archive bit over on the top right or by scrolling down… and down… and down until you find the month you are looking for.
Enjoy the read!!!!
Visitor’s Report
Gordon (Michelle’s Dad) and Val made the short trip over from NZ to visit us recently. The kids were excited and from the day they arrived to when they left, our visitors didn’t get too much of a break. Although we’re pretty sure they didn’t mind too much – maybe one or two early awakenings didn’t go down all that well. Anyway, it was great to see them and spend some time with them touring the sights of the BVI. They both developed their taste for Rum and Gordon in particular made short work of a several “Painkillers” (a rum based local cocktail).
Here is their summary of events:
“Our visit to Tortola”
We left Christchurch on a winters day, to be met at the Beef Island Airport by Michelle and Jake with temperatures in the 30's.
Then, a hair raising ride home (instructions given by Dave to Michelle) to give us a thrill driving down to their home!!
Samantha's ballet concert was in the evening, how proud we were to see her perform so well, it was great to see so many children involved in dance. The costumes were fab, with many proud parents.
Next day we met up with rugby friends at Cane Garden Bay. A fabulous beach that became our favourite out of many wonderful beaches. The first thing to remember when in the BVI is not to forget your water bottles as you live on the stuff.
Here is their summary of events:
“Our visit to Tortola”
We left Christchurch on a winters day, to be met at the Beef Island Airport by Michelle and Jake with temperatures in the 30's.
Then, a hair raising ride home (instructions given by Dave to Michelle) to give us a thrill driving down to their home!!
Samantha's ballet concert was in the evening, how proud we were to see her perform so well, it was great to see so many children involved in dance. The costumes were fab, with many proud parents.
Next day we met up with rugby friends at Cane Garden Bay. A fabulous beach that became our favourite out of many wonderful beaches. The first thing to remember when in the BVI is not to forget your water bottles as you live on the stuff.
Jake showing Grandad how to stand on a board
As soon as Dr Who arrives, we're off!
The following weekend we all went to Anegada with wonderful accommodation including two 4x4 vehicles which we put to great use. We saw sharks only metres from us in the water also turtles and went on a safari overland to see a flock of Pink Flamingo's, then to Cow Wreck Bay for snorkeling and swimming. Val had her first introduction to snorkeling which she felt was a great achievement.
The following weekend we went to Marina Cay and also to Virgin Gorda which is absolutely breathtaking. We visited an old copper mine and then went to an area called the Baths. Lovely rock formations with pools of warm water which we had a dip in to cool ourselves down as we had to climb through and over lots of rocks etc.
A wonderful evening that Gordon and Val enjoyed was at the Last Resort, an Island nightclub which was fabulous. We got picked up by boat at Trellis Bay.
On another occasion we went to a full moon party at Trellis Bay and Val even got a braid put in her hair. Calypso steel band and dancers on stilts - what an amazing time we had.
We also went to Sage Mountain where we walked up to the highest point on the Island. On decending having to have one of the Islands famous smoothies.
Then off to Sopers Hole a Marina with so many incredible boats and yachts there. Smugglers Cove was next where we had an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming. Dave showed some Americans how to open a bottle of beer the Kiwi way. He in fact had to run a few lessons before they got the knack.
The following weekend we went to Marina Cay and also to Virgin Gorda which is absolutely breathtaking. We visited an old copper mine and then went to an area called the Baths. Lovely rock formations with pools of warm water which we had a dip in to cool ourselves down as we had to climb through and over lots of rocks etc.
A wonderful evening that Gordon and Val enjoyed was at the Last Resort, an Island nightclub which was fabulous. We got picked up by boat at Trellis Bay.
On another occasion we went to a full moon party at Trellis Bay and Val even got a braid put in her hair. Calypso steel band and dancers on stilts - what an amazing time we had.
We also went to Sage Mountain where we walked up to the highest point on the Island. On decending having to have one of the Islands famous smoothies.
Then off to Sopers Hole a Marina with so many incredible boats and yachts there. Smugglers Cove was next where we had an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming. Dave showed some Americans how to open a bottle of beer the Kiwi way. He in fact had to run a few lessons before they got the knack.
The Mocko Jumbies (on the stilts)
Next week it was tennis for the children and more beaches. Josiah's beach was the beach for surfing and Gordon managed to give it a go, although at 65 he managed at least 3 good waves (He, didn't actually stand up but maybe next time).
Next week it was tennis for the children and more beaches. Josiah's beach was the beach for surfing and Gordon managed to give it a go, although at 65 he managed at least 3 good waves (He, didn't actually stand up but maybe next time).
What a holiday. WOW we both loved it also the hot weather was great. Thanks Michelle, Dave, Samantha and Jake for making it a holiday of a lifetime never to be forgotten.
Love Val and Gordon.
Love Val and Gordon.
Ah yes, we mustn't forget Bomba's...
We must congratulate 'Grandad' on his driving. Within about 24 hours of arriving we had him behind the wheel (somewhat nervously we might add) ready to take on some very average drivers on some sub standard, narrow roads without too many directions either! But they got around the island a few times (maybe one lap was by accident) and were able to look and explore at their own pace. Maybe those painkillers at the end of each day were an indication of the pressures and perils of driving in the BVI, or maybe it was just the kids in the back seat.
Hmmmmm...funny looking coke.
Treasure Isle, Friday 11 July.
This was a black tie affair. Something novel for Dave who hadn’t even worn shoes for about a year, let alone a bow tie and all that! 
Everyone rocked up in their ‘Formal Attire’ for a few ‘champers’ around the pool before moving inside for the main event. The guest speaker was Tony Spreadbury, an International Rugby Referee from the UK. He was a pretty entertaining speaker and kept the crowd entertained for a bit. There was also an auction of rugby memorabilia (mainly UK & Saffer stuff) and other bits and pieces which raised quite a lot of money for the kids rugby programme. One couple paid $4,000 to have lunch with a Mr R Branson on his island. Should be a good lunch!
This was also the big prize giving event for the year – although the season doesn’t really end here. Rugby is played all year round in the BVI. The conditions don’t change much, just a little warmer in the summer months. But I guess they need to have an end of year booze up errr… function etc at some stage, so why not the middle of the year.
So, the main prizewinners were:
Player of the Year (Women) – Michelle Bailey
Player of the Year (Men) – Dave Bailey
Yay us!!!!
Michelle was given a Voucher for one of the beauty spas and Dave received a framed photo of Martin Johnson in a punch up during a Lions game. Some people thought that was an appropriate award… for Dave that is…
So, the Baileys took out the Double and were even invited back up for an additional award for helping out with the kids rugby throughout the year. That was pretty cool.
As is the norm for most rugby do’s on this island, everyone got into the swing of things and later on in the evening there were plenty of people in the pool. Yes, some still in their dresses, suits etc. And some not… Anyway, a successful and entertaining evening all round.
This was also the big prize giving event for the year – although the season doesn’t really end here. Rugby is played all year round in the BVI. The conditions don’t change much, just a little warmer in the summer months. But I guess they need to have an end of year booze up errr… function etc at some stage, so why not the middle of the year.
So, the main prizewinners were:
Player of the Year (Women) – Michelle Bailey
Player of the Year (Men) – Dave Bailey
Yay us!!!!
Michelle was given a Voucher for one of the beauty spas and Dave received a framed photo of Martin Johnson in a punch up during a Lions game. Some people thought that was an appropriate award… for Dave that is…
So, the Baileys took out the Double and were even invited back up for an additional award for helping out with the kids rugby throughout the year. That was pretty cool.
As is the norm for most rugby do’s on this island, everyone got into the swing of things and later on in the evening there were plenty of people in the pool. Yes, some still in their dresses, suits etc. And some not… Anyway, a successful and entertaining evening all round.
Rat Count
Just when we said we’d quit the Rat Count, another one turns up. Didn’t even need the trap! The trap was sitting out next to a spot where the rats come and go but this particular rat decides to park beside it and proceed to kark it. We aren’t sure what the story is but Dave noticed the rat sitting there (alive) and it didn’t run away as they usually do, or even saunter along like some them have in the past. Dave went to do a few things around the house and on his return the rat was dead. Maybe he’d seen the trap and died of fright. Or maybe it was heat stroke. It must be pretty hot wearing a fur coat around here!
Just when we said we’d quit the Rat Count, another one turns up. Didn’t even need the trap! The trap was sitting out next to a spot where the rats come and go but this particular rat decides to park beside it and proceed to kark it. We aren’t sure what the story is but Dave noticed the rat sitting there (alive) and it didn’t run away as they usually do, or even saunter along like some them have in the past. Dave went to do a few things around the house and on his return the rat was dead. Maybe he’d seen the trap and died of fright. Or maybe it was heat stroke. It must be pretty hot wearing a fur coat around here!
Glug, glug glug! Three boys on the turps.
More photo's from the dinner:
More photo's from the dinner:
Rugby Club Website: http://bvirugby.com/gallery/?galleryID=67&galleryName=Annual%20Dinner%202008
Surf Report
Just when we said the surf was over for the season, more surf turns up! We looked out the window one morning and lo and behold, there’s surf down there at Josiah’s. Woohoooo!!!! So we load up the boards (that’s now three surfboards and a boogey board) and off we go! Michelle tested out her new 7’ 3” mini mal while Jake and Dave went out and got some more time up as well. Sam had a ball on her Boogey board too. The surf wasn’t huge but was ideal for us lot! Even Michelle’s Dad Gordon went out for a play while Val enjoyed a quiet tipple on the deck of the bar overlooking the beach.
We went back the next day but the surf was quite small. Even so, Jake managed to spend most of the afternoon out there having some fun!
We wait for the next tropical storm or, dare I say it, Hurricane to throw a bit of surf our way.
Surf Report
Just when we said the surf was over for the season, more surf turns up! We looked out the window one morning and lo and behold, there’s surf down there at Josiah’s. Woohoooo!!!! So we load up the boards (that’s now three surfboards and a boogey board) and off we go! Michelle tested out her new 7’ 3” mini mal while Jake and Dave went out and got some more time up as well. Sam had a ball on her Boogey board too. The surf wasn’t huge but was ideal for us lot! Even Michelle’s Dad Gordon went out for a play while Val enjoyed a quiet tipple on the deck of the bar overlooking the beach.
We went back the next day but the surf was quite small. Even so, Jake managed to spend most of the afternoon out there having some fun!
We wait for the next tropical storm or, dare I say it, Hurricane to throw a bit of surf our way.
The Surf Family Bailey (hmmm sounds like a book title...)
Travel Report 
There's nothing like having the sun on your face and the wind blowing through your hair....
Anegada
We decided to spend a weekend in Anegada, an island 10 miles long by 2 1/2 miles wide with extensive salt ponds, reaches its highest point at 28 feet, hence its name which means the "drowned land." Of coral reef origins, Anegada has "extruded" sixteen miles of sandy beaches. Anegada is "guarded" by the famous Horseshoe Reef which, at eighteen miles long, is one of the world's largest coral reefs. Right, enough of the geography rubbish. Take it from us, it’s pretty flat. A few hundred people live there and there are lots of little resort cottages etc to stay in.
We decided to spend a weekend in Anegada, an island 10 miles long by 2 1/2 miles wide with extensive salt ponds, reaches its highest point at 28 feet, hence its name which means the "drowned land." Of coral reef origins, Anegada has "extruded" sixteen miles of sandy beaches. Anegada is "guarded" by the famous Horseshoe Reef which, at eighteen miles long, is one of the world's largest coral reefs. Right, enough of the geography rubbish. Take it from us, it’s pretty flat. A few hundred people live there and there are lots of little resort cottages etc to stay in.
Anegada Sunset (Photo: G. Timms)
Grandad thinks he's still in NZ!
While we were getting off the ferry, a guy told us about some nurse sharks that were hanging around close to a beach and that you could get in the water and play with them. We said “After you, Pal” but went looking for them anyway. We found a deserted beach and looked about for fins for a while. Eventually Michelle spotted them. Well, she nearly tripped over them. That’s how close to the beach they were. There were about 15 or so just hanging about in the shallow water. We were told that they were Nurse Sharks and they go to this spot to breed for a short time each year. We threw the kids in but the sharks weren’t interested. Dave tried to grab one by the tail but it swam off. However it was pretty cool to be able to be that close to a relatively large shark. 
Hmmmm, Kiwi kids for lunch...
(Don't forget to check out the Video clip at the end of this months Blog)
If you look very closely, these are flamingos - the closest we got!
Our main aim for Anegada was to see the Flamingoes that inhabit the Salt Ponds. We found them easily enough, but couldn’t get close enough for a decent photo (we found a lone flamingo on Beef Island later in the week, hence the great photo here). Although after a few hours of driving in circles and through salt flats (hey, they were rental cars!) we got a little closer than most people would. 
Conch (pronounced Konk) are found here en mass. The kids found a few empty ones as well as a few live ones just to keep them on their toes. The Conch is a crab-like animal with a large claw that has a crack at anything within range. Very pretty shells though. Conch is on the menu in most restaurants here, as is lobster and heaps of other seafish.
The shops in Anegada are a little ‘different’. More like someone’s front room with a few shelves put up. The basic necessities (beer, chips, bread) are all available at the inflated prices you would expect on a remote island.
We stayed in a nice little beachside cottage and visited most of beaches and snorkeled about. A pretty good spot for a weekend away. We’ll be back.
Conch (pronounced Konk) are found here en mass. The kids found a few empty ones as well as a few live ones just to keep them on their toes. The Conch is a crab-like animal with a large claw that has a crack at anything within range. Very pretty shells though. Conch is on the menu in most restaurants here, as is lobster and heaps of other seafish.
The shops in Anegada are a little ‘different’. More like someone’s front room with a few shelves put up. The basic necessities (beer, chips, bread) are all available at the inflated prices you would expect on a remote island.
We stayed in a nice little beachside cottage and visited most of beaches and snorkeled about. A pretty good spot for a weekend away. We’ll be back.
Jake getting thrown out of yet another bar...
More Anegada photos:
Virgin Gorda
We made a day trip over to Virgin Gorda on the ferry to show Gordon and Val the famous “Baths”. It was a pretty warm day and it wasn’t long before we hit the water. Unfortunately Sam and Dave hit it a little hard and came to grief while snorkeling when they were set upon by a hoard of ferocious sea urchins. Dave got stabbed in each index finger (Hmmmm… how would that happen?) while Sam’s heel now looked more like a pin cushion as she somehow stood on one. Dave spent the next hour or so trying to dig the painful spikes out of his fingers and Sam’s foot with relative success. No ongoing infections or pain to report although Sam managed to pull a lengthy spike out her foot a few days ago. The caves were then explored and the snorkeling and swimming continued. Then it was time for a quick drink at the poolside bar before catching the ferry back to Tortola and a BBQ at a friend’s house.
We made a day trip over to Virgin Gorda on the ferry to show Gordon and Val the famous “Baths”. It was a pretty warm day and it wasn’t long before we hit the water. Unfortunately Sam and Dave hit it a little hard and came to grief while snorkeling when they were set upon by a hoard of ferocious sea urchins. Dave got stabbed in each index finger (Hmmmm… how would that happen?) while Sam’s heel now looked more like a pin cushion as she somehow stood on one. Dave spent the next hour or so trying to dig the painful spikes out of his fingers and Sam’s foot with relative success. No ongoing infections or pain to report although Sam managed to pull a lengthy spike out her foot a few days ago. The caves were then explored and the snorkeling and swimming continued. Then it was time for a quick drink at the poolside bar before catching the ferry back to Tortola and a BBQ at a friend’s house.
Dave’s Job
Dave is now the Estate Manager, Government House. Flash title aye! He’s looking after the house and grounds of the Governor’s residence. It’s a bit like a facilities management role with a bit of gardening and project management thrown in. Although he doesn’t actually do much gardening. He has three gardeners to do all that. And with 25 hours a week, he still might get a little time for the gym or the occasional surf – conditions permitting. And he still only needs to wear Tee shirt, shorts and jandals. Bonus! He was chatting to a couple of the ladies in the kitchen the other day (they are originally from Barbados) and they commented on his accent. One thought he sounded (and looked) like Steve Irwin!....... Crikey! How did they they work that out!
At the office...
More Visitor’s
As well as Gordon and Val visiting, Dave’s brother (another) Gordon arrived about four days after the previous Gordon had left. I guess we’ll file his full report in the next issue, since he’s still here. We just need to wake him up and get that rum bottle out of his hand. But we can tell you what he’s been up to I guess.
Arriving on a Thursday, he was fortunate enough to join us at touch rugby for our usual game (which lasts for about and hour and a half). We think he found it a little warm – especially by the rate in which he downed the beers and ciders after. The next day he bumbled about town and then joined us for a few drinks and dinner at the sports club after Michelle’s tennis game.
Up early Saturday for the first in the BVI 10km Series. A running race around Road Town. Even at 7 am it was hot, but he logged in a respectable time, just behind Dave.
A pretty good effort given that he'd only been in town a day and a half!
As well as Gordon and Val visiting, Dave’s brother (another) Gordon arrived about four days after the previous Gordon had left. I guess we’ll file his full report in the next issue, since he’s still here. We just need to wake him up and get that rum bottle out of his hand. But we can tell you what he’s been up to I guess.
Arriving on a Thursday, he was fortunate enough to join us at touch rugby for our usual game (which lasts for about and hour and a half). We think he found it a little warm – especially by the rate in which he downed the beers and ciders after. The next day he bumbled about town and then joined us for a few drinks and dinner at the sports club after Michelle’s tennis game.
Up early Saturday for the first in the BVI 10km Series. A running race around Road Town. Even at 7 am it was hot, but he logged in a respectable time, just behind Dave.
A pretty good effort given that he'd only been in town a day and a half!Then to keep him on his toes, we took him to a friends for dinner and drinks only to have another early start – for Dave had entered him in the Annual Anegada Desert Duel. This is a 20 mile mountain bike race. But due to Anegada being 28 feet at it’s highest point, not too many downhills featured in this race. But for the enjoyment of the participants, lots of soft sand was provided on the course. We thought we heard some swearing and cursing coming from Gordy but might have been mistaken. He finished the race in 1 hour 40 mins and came in seventh. Pretty good effort. Meanwhile Michelle, Dave and the kids drove around in the Airconditioned rental car kicking up dust and offering support...so to speak. But the swim was refreshing and the trip quite relaxing (for us at least!).
Aside from the occasional Painkiller, Gordy’s also been advising the Governor on his garden (while at the same time sampling some of the Guv’s wine). A day or two was also spent out at houses of the rich and famous with a mate of Dave’s checking out the Gardens etc. One place was built for $17m. We might buy it… or maybe a new pair of jandals is more in our league. The kids are loving having ‘Uncle Gordy’ around too. He’s off to Puerto Rico this weekend so hopefully we’ll get a report out of him for the August edition.
A quiet beer at Little Bay...
Sam's Hair
We took the opportunity during the school holidays for Sam to get her hair braided. About two hours and 54 braids later, here it is!!! What do you reckon?
Next Month
The Gordy Report
Sailor Sam
Emancipation… 201 years on.
The Gordy Report
Sailor Sam
Emancipation… 201 years on.
Weather Report - Has it rained yet?
There must be something else coming up, but I just can’t think of it at the moment.
Well, you just have to wait and see!!!!
There must be something else coming up, but I just can’t think of it at the moment.
Well, you just have to wait and see!!!!
Don't forget to see the Shark video (just below)
