We've arrived in paradise. They cost $1 in the store at home, and yet taste so much sweeter on vacation. The island is only a few km wide, so we can't get lost if we follow this trail, right? The trail leads to "The Bat Caves". We explored several of the caves. This area was pitch black, so we used the camera's flash to illuminate back into the cave. Getting out wasn't as easy as getting in. Here we are back on the road. The Sarah Frazer. The boat Peter almost sailed to New Zealand on. Doug learns to Kayak from Peter, up at Rum Point. Returning from Rum Point, the wind was strong. We stopped so Peter could get some *real* kayaking in. The rest of us walked along the beach while Peter dodged reefs. On the opposite side of the island, the weather was much nicer. A masterful sand castle, but something is missing... Now THAT is a sand castle! Swimming off Seven Mile Beach was much warmer than Rum Point. A bit of R&R back at P&P's before tonight's party. Dressing formally for Chris means wearing tails with the T-shirt and jeans. Aren't we a cute couple? (Not even married yet.) Jon, looking dashing in blue. Peter, decked out and ready to party. Jon pokes his head into Jenn and Doug's "couple sitting at table" shot. Unscripted, Doug yelled "look at this!". Everyone did. Katy has a dazzling smile, and Chris... um... is amazed at something off camera. (we'll go with that) Towards the end of the party... nothing soothes the feet better. Our first time snorkeling in the ocean. The water was murky because of the recent storm. (That's Jenn) A sea urchin. Peter has a story about sea urchins. At the Blue Parrot, Chris has words with a Blue Macaw. It bit him. While walking home from the Blue Parrot, we stopped to explore Smith's Cove. There were small crabs along the rocks, darting in and out of crevIces. If you look carefully, you can see a couple of crabs in this picture. On our way home we passed Santa Claus. A strong wind has made for some rough water. Polly and Peter, walking from the house down to the water. Pam & Polly's place. Winterhaven #3. The vehicles. Peter drives (arguably) the largest car on the island. Polly, Peter, Jon, Katy, Chris, Jenn, and Doug The fire-retardant Christmas tree was so dry that the needles were falling off. It took unexpectedly long to light (really!), but in the end we achieved success. Chris mops. We try to be good guests, occasionally. Every year they have a Xmas light competition sponsored by... wait for it... the power company. On our way out to Stingray City. Our guide lures out a friendly nurse shark. You have to be very careful not to step on the stingrays. (just in case) When the boat of tourists arrives, the stingrays show up in droves. Our guide shows us the stingray's mouth, and demonstrates how to hold one. Jon hand-feeds the stingray. Squid was it? A stingray approaches Katy, looking for food. The guide helps Jenn hold a little one, so Doug can get this picture. Here's Doug being eaten (nibbled) by a stingray. They fly very gracefully across the ocean floor. Holding bait (squid?) we lure in some colourful fish. Our boat to Stingray City, the Last Dollar. On the dock at Pam & Polly's, looking back towards the house. From the beach you can see one of the many wrecks that "discovered" the reef. Looking down the beach. Chris's silhouette - the picture of comfort. Jon, catching some rays on a largely overcast day. Katy is enjoying the beach. The entrance to Winterhaven, Pam & Polly's place. A cactus photo, for Steph. Doug mugs with a very short palm tree(?). We had to stop for the flowers. The road to Pam & Polly's place. Polly unloads the car. Pam has just returned home and the dogs are happy to see her. Lunch time. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Pam and Polly in their kitchen. Back on Seven Mile Beach, Chris tosses around the frisbee. The sun and Jon get along very well together. Jon stands in the water. The sun cooks him until he's bright red. Silhouette shot of Chris and Jon playing frisbee. Jon, Jenn, Chris, and Doug stop playing for a moment to have their (our) picture taken. Back at the car, we clean up before heading out. Passing through town on our way to the airport. Due to an incompetent check-in clerk, we had an unexpected 2 hour wait for the plane. Mmmm... duty free. Postcard of Seven-Mile Beach. Trip Diary: 28-29 Dec 1997 Trip Diary: 30 Dec 1997 Trip Diary: 31 Dec 1997 Trip Diary: 1 Jan 1998 Trip Diary: 2 Jan 1998 Trip Diary: 3 Jan 1998 Trip Diary: 2 Jan 1998 (ctd.) Trip Diary: 4 Jan 1998, last day. Air Transat boarding pass.