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2006 Trip Report |
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Ocean Club West - April 26-May 3 2006 - Better late than never I guess
Honestly I can`t say anything bad about our trip…we love Provo and have for years…we love Ocean Club West and see no reason to stay anywhere else…unless of course we hit the lottery and then maybe…but we love our balcony time and the screens are important so I really can`t say we`d try somewhere else even if we won the lottery…we`d just stay longer…or dare I say…move there…
So our trip began on a Wednesday…we left for the airport (Boston) at 4am for a 6:10 flight to Charlotte…we had a short layover…then headed on to Provo… While in Charlotte Steve went to the duty free shop as he does every year…he got a big bottle (1 liter was the biggest) of tequila for $17 and a bottle of triple sec for $12…also 2 cartons of butts at $22 each…the last few years we`ve purchased booze and butts at the duty free and had to show our boarding passes and were good to go…this year the guys says they have to deliver it to the gate…they won`t give it to you until you are boarding…I guess it depends on who`s working the shop because one year Steve ran there while I waited at the gate and he didn`t even have his boarding pass on him and the girl that year let him leave with the goods…so be aware…you need your boarding pass to prove you are leaving the country and they also may insist on delivering the goods to the gate as you board…no big deal really just different than last year…for us anyway…
Our flight to Provo was on time and we arrived just after 2pm…the colors of the water from the air are truly breathtaking…every shade of blue you can imagine…walking off the plane into that warm air is the best feeling… Customs was a breeze as always…they have new web cams for the agents to take your picture…technology is finding it`s way to Provo…we got thru customs in maybe 15 minutes maximum (that includes standing in line) and then had to wait about 5 minutes for the luggage from our plane to come thru…no problems there either…however I have to mention that I got about 5 mosquito bites just standing in the airport…none for the rest of the trip though…the airport must have some standing water someplace that`s breeding them because they were brutal but only inside the airport… Ok…now we just have to declare the goods we brought in and we`re on our way…this wasn`t so easy…the girl who was checking our 2 bottles and 2 cartons didn`t speak English very well at all and for some reason she had issues with the goods we wanted to declare…the paper work states 1 liter of spirits per person and 1 carton of cigarettes per person…but Steve got Camel Wides and we think that confused her…the carton isn`t the same size as regular butts…she thought we had cigarettes and cigarillos and said we could only bring one or the other…it was strange…and she also tried to say the bottle of tequila was too big…anyway…she had to go get her another girl (who also had communication barriers with us) and the two of them wanted us to give them a bottle and a carton saying we had too much - at this point I turned to the guy working the other line and asked for his help…he spoke perfect English and was very friendly and explained to the girls who wanted to stop us that we didn`t have too much and we were all set…this whole incident took maybe 10 minutes… As soon as we walked out the airport doors we saw the Ocean Clubs sign and Tina with her taxi`s…we`ve met Tina several times over the years and she was as friendly as always…there were a few others in the van waiting so we got right in and headed to Ocean Club West…we tipped Tina`s helper, the gentleman who put our luggage in the van…and then also tipped Tina once we unloaded at OCW…tips are much appreciated and bring about smiles and willingness to do anything you need…
It was about 3pm when I walked into the lobby…check in was simple and they had our luggage loaded up into a golf cart and gave us a ride to our room…we`ve always been walked to our room with one of those luggage racks so it was a treat to get a ride there…our friends got brought to the room while we checked in…it gave them a chance to check it out on their own and they loved it…the first words from them when we got to the room were “I`m impressed”…and so were we…we knew what the rooms were like since this was our 4th time staying there but this was our first ocean front room and boy was it special… We were in building 2… the Sea Breeze building…it`s on The Pinnacle (or westerly) side of the property…we were on the 3rd floor…we booked a 3 bedroom hoping for a 3rd couple to join us but it ended up just the 4 of us (me & Steve and our friends Chris & Christine)…we were in room 232…a 2 bedroom…and our friends had room 231 which was a studio lockout attached to 232…this would be a great room to get if you booked it as a studio…ocean view out one side and the pool and café out the other…I wish it was possible to guarantee that room and we`d book it next time…but I`m thinking it gets reserved for the 3 bedroom unit… Anyway…the rooms were spacious and clean…3rd floor means vaulted ceilings which just add to the spaciousness…we had the bedroom that connects to the balcony so we woke up facing the ocean every morning and it was heaven…the second bedroom had twin beds but they were pushed really close together…it also had a nice little ocean view…each bedroom had a full bathroom attached and also we had a ½ bath in the unit as well…4 toilets, no waiting…how nice…
I have only minor complaints about the room…each room has a safe in the closet…but in our room the door to the room opened against that part of the closet and the safe door opened out towards the door as well…so if you wanted to use it you couldn`t even see inside it and you`d have to twist your arm in some strange ways to reach inside…or stand in the closet…since we had the extra bedroom I just used the safe in that room so it was no big deal…but you`d think they would have been smarter about installing it…they just need to reverse the door of the safe - also the tile floors tend to stay dirty…they wash them every day…but there is so much sand ground into them that walking barefoot could change the color of your feet…we knew this from past experience and it didn`t bother me…sand happens… We always had hot water…I really like the hair products they provide…the conditioner is very nice…housekeeping was wonderful…very sweet lady…washer/dryer units in both the studio and the 2 bedroom…plenty of detergent provided…both of the kitchens were well stocked with dishes and glass ware and utensils…blender, toaster, coffee maker…our unit had a huge side by side fridge and a dishwasher…we had everything we could ask for to feel right at home… We went down to the bar and got some drinks and went up to our room to relax a bit…unpacked and headed to the beach around 5ish…it was sprinkling on us but it didn`t matter…in fact it provided us with a beautiful rainbow over the resort as we swam in the warm clear waters of Grace Bay during sunset…the water was calm and gorgeous…our friends were now even more impressed and beginning to understand why we love it so…we were so very happy to be there…once it got dark we headed up to change for dinner…
Food isn`t a big deal for us on vacation…we don`t need fancy places or anything…for us it`s about the beach and relaxing not about eating and restaurants… so we ate most of our meals at the Seaside Café or Cabana Bar…our first dinner at Seaside Café I was dying for some cracked conch…the chef made us a fantastic appetizer so our friends could taste it…it had a nice spice to it and was so tender and perfect…yummy…..I love conch…I try to order it at every meal even if it`s just an appetizer…we all loved the bread they serve at Seaside Café…tastes fresh out of the oven…none of us had a bad meal all week…the filet mignon is great…although Steve says it`s like pot roast it doesn`t stop him from ordering it for every meal…I think it`s because he has them cook it too much…my rare cuts were out of this world and not at all pot roast tasting…one night we had the brownie ice cream sundae desert and it was really good…warm brownies…fresh whipped cream…very very good…for lunch one day I got the fish and chips…it was batter dipped fried grouper that was delicious…Steve doesn`t eat fish and he even liked it…we love the complimentary chips and salsa every afternoon and on the day of the welcome party (Monday afternoon) Steve and I had some really tasty chicken wings and they put out some sour cream to dollop on the salsa and chips which made for a nice change…they also had some pasta salad that night and a few other things that we didn`t try…we have never been disappointed with the food at Seaside Café… Thursday morning we had Tina take us to the IGA to shop…there were 4 of us and it cost $33 round trip…at the IGA Steve and I were psyched to find Jagermeister…it was $48 for the bottle but we had to have it…the same bottle at home would go for about $29….we also got 2 cases of Corona ($43 each)…2 cases of Diet Coke ($12 each)…1 case of Coke…some limes (4 for $1)…some fresh fruits…strawberry margarita mixer…1/2 gallon of milk…2 gallons of spring water…a package of lighters ($8)…nail polish remover($4)…the total bill was $209 and we were set for the week…our friends got more food items but as I said we don`t care about eating while we are there…we eat enough to sop up the booze and that`s it…lol… We spent the rest of the day Thursday on the beach…Grace Bay was calm like glass…it`s just unbelievable when it is that flat…we love it…warm and crystal clear…the beach felt empty…we never had trouble all week with chairs or umbrellas…the beach attendants were up early every morning setting them up and raking up sea grass that washes ashore…they dig a hole and bury it…very interesting…you`ll notice the spots along the beach where sea grass was buried…seems most of the resorts do this… About 4pm on Thursday the puppies came to visit…Lizard and her sister along with their foster mom and foster sister sat on the beach with us for about an hour or so…these puppies are gorgeous…so sweet…just wonderful…Steve and I knew as soon as we saw Miss Lizard that she was our baby…Lizard`s foster mom was a doll…very nice and had lots of interesting stories for us…after saying good bye and making plans for another “play date” we went back to our room to enjoy the sunset… I can`t say enough about how beautiful our balcony was for enjoying the sunsets…and we could see what I believe is Northwest Point Condos from up there…but couldn`t see them from the beach…I think almost every sunset was spent on our balcony with cocktails and smiles…big huge smiles…. Thursday night for dinner we went to The Sharkbite Bar & Grill at Turtle Cove Marina…we love their special chips and salsa…fried flour tortillas made to order…so they are warm when you get them…mmmm…anyway…we wanted to just have appetizers for dinner…there were 4 of us…we had 5 appetizers…2 beers…4 margaritas…1 diet coke and the bill was $117…the conch fingers were some of the best I`ve had on the island…the batter was perfect…cooked nice and lightly…tender and delicious…we ordered the chum chum chili nacho appetizer and it was huge…we could have had just that between the 4 of us and got full… As always we enjoyed the atmosphere…the owner John also owns The Seaside Café and he is from our home town…last year we left him some panther paw stickers…(our high school mascot) and he put them up on the mirror behind the bar…that made us smile…the view is fantastic even after the sun sets…sitting on the porch outside…overlooking the marina…checking out the fancy boats…lights shining down on the water where we saw lots of fishes and lots of turtle heads poking out, but no sharks…we had a nice relaxing meal…our waitress needed to be a little friendlier and more attentive but it didn`t bother me any…nothing bothers me when in Provo…we had Tina`s Taxi (Sam was our driver) roundtrip at $40 for 4 people…and we always tip generously…it`s just the way we are…
Friday was the day we had planned on going on the all day Dream Day Getaway with Caicos Dream Tours…I had planned this day a few weeks before we left and I guess I should have known better…they (all the tour companies do this) need a minimum number of people or the trip can`t happen…and I guess they couldn`t get any others that wanted to go out that day…since we had our hearts set on going out that day we decided that the money we thought we`d spend on the all day trip with a group we would use towards a private half day trip for just us… John from Caicos Dream Tours was great…he stayed in contact with me and worked out a plan that would make us happy…his captain, Paul, picked us up on the beach next to OCW at about 9:30am…he had a cooler full of beers and sodas and some snacks for us…the boat was perfect with a good amount of shade for Chris who was really feeling the effects of the sun… Off we went along Grace Bay, nice views of the resorts from the water…Grace Bay Club is very impressive…it`s probably my favorite looking resort…we also passed RWI and Club Med and Ocean Club and the Tuscany on our way out to Leeward Reef to snorkel…Paul anchored (or grabbed a mooring I didn`t notice) right next to a huge Sail Provo catamaran with maybe 30-40 people on it…big party going on there…no kids that I could see…it looked fun if you like that kind of thing… The water here at Leeward Reef was dark and deep and I didn`t think it seemed as nice as other spots we`ve snorkeled over the years…I didn`t get in but Steve did and he went pretty far out towards the reef and said it wasn`t that great of a snorkel spot…there were tons of black dogens (sp?) and yellow tail snappers that we could see from the boat and Paul thought this was a good thing…but Steve said that`s about all he saw…He said Coral Gardens is better…Paul was surprised by this - I wanted a nice beach more than good snorkeling so we were off to “catch” some conch for lunch…Paul brought us right into the canal and pointed out the conch in the water and Steve went in to get a couple for us…the water was only knee deep and the sand was like quicksand and it proved to be a rather difficult task for Steve…Paul wouldn`t let him go in without flippers incase he stepped on anything and I guess it really kinda sucked for Steve being in water that shallow…he`s dove for conch before in much deeper water and loved that but the knee deep thing wasn`t making him happy…After a few minutes he got us 3 nice sized conchs, you can`t take them if they are too small…after this Paul took us over to Half Moon Bay on Big Water Cay…I had really wanted to go there for years now so I was thrilled…and it was gorgeous…nice white curved beach with rocks and limestone walls at one end…crystal clear water…the rocks made a very picturesque beach line at one end… the water was like glass again that day and we thoroughly enjoyed the hour or two we spent here - Paul took the conch out of the shells and showed us the infamous conch worm…and yes Fish3d, Steve did eat it…yay Steve!…he was The Conch King that day…our friend Chris also ate one just so he could be as cool as Steve…lol…or most likely he was hoping for those special side effects Paul kept telling him he`d get…lol…both the guys said it had no taste…and it was rubberband-ish…then captain Paul made us a lovely conch salad…I asked him to go easy on the onions as we`re not big into onions and he was perfectly accommodating…we laid out a towel on the beach and our captain brought out a big bowl of his conch salad (fresh conch, tomatoes, peppers, and onions with a squeeze of fresh lime and something spicy….very spicy…) along with bowls and utensils and saltine crackers (which we realized were good to absorb the burn on our tongues)…the salad was delicious but very very spicy…thank goodness Paul had brought all that beer for us to put the fire out with… We drank beer and swam in the water with a sting ray and some other fishes that had come along to eat the conch scraps…I snorkeled a bit here but didn`t see much…the ray was just in front of me but the visibility under the water wasn`t that great and I couldn`t see him… We had a fantastic ½ day…it was basically the Native Beach BBQ ½ day trip…only as a private charter…I wish we had an entire day on that beach or some others but we had to do what we could…this trip was still a highlight of our trip…we had an absolutely fabulous day…
Next year I will remember that it`s best to wait until on the island to book a trip…usually we go over to dive Provo and they know what company is going out on what trips and if they need people or not…we`ve always had good luck with them helping us to find just the day we want…they have the inside connection…lol…previous to this trip I had read so much good stuff about the Dream Day Getaway with Caicos Dream Tours that I got caught up in wanting that company and that trip…don`t get me wrong… CDT was great…I have no complaints and feel John went out of his way to make sure we got out that day as we had planned…I will gladly go out with them again if the opportunity arises but next year I will remember that booking in advance just leaves too many variables in play…it was a great trip and I would recommend Caicos Dream Tours in a heartbeat…John even made sure to talk to me at the end of our day to make sure we had a good time…very nice man and his personal touches make a big difference…after being dropped back off at the beach at Ocean Club West we just chilled for the rest of the day…had dinner at Seaside Café and relaxed…
Saturday we woke up to a whole new world…at first light it was raining and stormy out but that ended by 9 and the sun was blazing…however it was so windy…windy windy windy…our room being on the 3rd floor was like a wind tunnel and we had to shut all the sliders and windows as best we could…we were actually cold unless we were sitting directly in the sun… The real bummer was that the waves on the beach were in full force…coming half way up the beach to the point that OCW only put out 2 rows of chairs instead of the usual 3 rows…sitting in the first row you had better watch your flip flops and other belongings or mother ocean was taking them from you…we have seen this happen every single time we have visited Grace Bay…everyone says it`s unusual, but it always happens to us…we figured it would only last a day or so but it remained rough and wild for the entire rest of our trip…after a few days it kinda bummed Steve out big time…but it was still fun to play in…just not the same as the times Grace Bay is a giant flat pool… We thought the wind was okay because we had planned to go out touring with Lizards foster mom on that day and maybe other parts of the island wouldn`t be as windy and rough or chilly…I hate to say I was cold…but if not directly in the sun…it was chilly…I ended playing phone tag for a little while with Lizard`s foster mom and then we gave up and took the shuttle up to Ocean Club East for a late lunch and a different view…
I have to say, the differences are few, but I like OCW better than OC…first off I`m not crazy about how far back some of the buildings at the Ocean Club are…it`s very pretty and the pools are great…but I wouldn`t want to be so far back from the water… But The Cabana Bar is really really good…the service there is friendlier that The Seaside Café (which really isn`t bad) but the girl at The Cabana Bar was just great…funny and fast and happy… I had a frozen Banana Cabana off the drink menu…it`s like a Dirty Banana but with vodka instead of rum (I`m not into rum)…it was really yummy…I think I had two of them it was so yummy…we also tried conch fritters for the first time since The Allegro days…way yummy…the conch fritters here were out of this world…I still prefer the cracked conch or conch fingers but those fritters were really really good… After eating we sat on the beach for a while and enjoyed another setting…one other difference from Ocean Club West is that it is much busier in the water at Ocean Club…there are boats moored all over the beach front and they have the club med dock there too…when we went swimming we thought the water had that film in it from boat traffic and the such…maybe it was the waves and stuff but the water at OCW didn`t seem to have that film over it… There is a rental booth right on the beach for kite boarding rentals and we got to sit and watch the kite boarders practice on the beach and then go out and hit the waves…it was fun to watch… It was still quite windy and even chilly in the shade…our friends were very cold…so around sunset we headed back to OCW for sunset cocktails on our balcony….but we still couldn`t open the sliders up in our room and I had to put on long pants and a sweatshirt…yes the was the first time in my 5 trips that I`ve ever been cold in Provo…we even went in February one year and it wasn`t chilly at all…but I love Provo and it wasn`t going to bring me down… Our friend Shawn came by that night with his new girlfriend and we hung out in our room and listened to music…it was a nice visit…turns out his girl is from Massachusetts and he was here in March but couldn`t find our number…we would have loved to have him visit our home and show him around the way he has always graciously showed us around his home…maybe next time…since his girl is from near by maybe he`ll be back…
Sunday morning we woke up to the same wind and waves and chill in the air…we had scheduled a 3 hour boat trip with Silver Deep but because of the wind and waves we rescheduled with them for the next day…we decided we`d take Shawn`s advice and head to the south side…I wanted to have a taxi take us to Da Conch Shack for lunch and then drop us at the beach Shawn recommended…Taylor Bay or Taylor Beach…it`s next to Sapodilla Bay and he says it`s the nicest on the south side…after breakfast at The Seaside Café (which I always enjoy) we went up to our room to call a cab and head out when our phone rang…it was Lizard`s foster mom wanting to know if we still wanted a tour of the island…of course we did…she was such a doll…she came and picked us up and brought all 4 of us out with her…it was really nice of her to give us a personal tour… First we went down thru Leeward and around the new canals they are building…so more people can have water front property…she drove us by some huge mansions being built and showed us where The Seven Stars workers are…it`s like a tent city…evidently The Seven Stars brought in hundreds of Malaysian workers and are paying them almost nothing for the work they are doing…it seems the Chief Minister made some sort of deal with the contractor and it has upset some Turks Islanders that would have been able to do the work and make the money… We drove down along where the resorts are and stopped in for a look at The Somerset…it was gorgeous…the colors of the buildings are calming and peaceful…the pools are really sweet too…one of them is a long lap pool with a current in it and the other you can walk right into like at the beach…the resort wasn`t officially open but some guests were around…there was a girl painting a mural and it was fascinating to watch her work…as beautiful as this resort was we felt like we wouldn`t really be comfortable if we stayed there…it was a little too special and we felt like we wouldn`t fit in…being the Boston Yahoo`s that we are… After touring The Somerset we went thru and looked at the Turks and Caicos Club which also is a very nice place…the pool was kinda small but the setting was just lovely…the beachfront is a distance from the condos…I mean not a lot but it`s not like The Sands or Ocean Clubs or others I`ve been thru…there was a long walkway out to the beach…we walked out there and could see the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens…it surprised us to see that the water was much calmer here than at the beach in front of OCW…something to remember next year if we want to go snorkeling and the waves are rough at OCW… After The Turks and Caicos Club we headed up to Blue Hills and Da Conch Shack…this was great…I absolutely loved this spot…colorful shacks right on the beach….seating under the roof or right on the sand…there were tables and chairs set up in kind of a patio area between a little bar and the restaurant side…the setting is just perfect…quaint and comfortable…there were 2 boys fishing off the beach…Gracie had her picture taken with them and I bought a conch shell from them…the boy said buy one get one free for $5 but I only wanted one so I gave him the $5 for just one…he said he was saving his money for school…they were cute and friendly boys and there mom came over to make sure they weren`t bothering me but I liked talking to them… For lunch we ordered a pitcher of Turks Head Amber beer, 2 orders of conch salad, 2 orders of cracked conch, and one order of conch fritters…I wanted to try it all…after a second pitcher of beer and a few glasses of white wine the bill was only $88 and I thought that was pretty good…the food was delicious…the cracked conch was the best I ever had (with Sharkbites coming in second) it was tender and not over cooked…the breading or batter was perfect…I could have eaten a few more orders of that…the conch fritters were good too but I liked the ones at The Cabana Bar better…fritters are very heavy and filling…oh, and the conch salad…oh my…they bring it out with a wedge of lime on top the has the hot stuff on it…diced up peppers of some sort…just a little bit was stirred into the salad and I took a bite…OH MY GOD…it was so HOT…way hotter than the salad at Half Moon Bay…I was trying not to cry…thank goodness again for the Turks Head Beer to relieve the pain…I`m sure my eyes were watering and I could hardly speak…our new friend must have thought I was a wimp…but whew was it hot…beware of the spicy pepper on the lime…YOW! After our scrumptious lunch at Da Conch Shack we headed down the road a bit to The Three Queens Restaurant…a local bar in that neighborhood…we were told it was the first bar on the island…the locals were there playing dominos…wow are they serious about dominos…slamming them down is part of the game and boy did they slam them down…it was so fun to be here…we even met Bugaloo, Steve bought him a beer and got his picture with Gracie….she even got to play dominos with the boys…we had one round and off we go to the south side so Steve could swim in flat waters…we stopped at the hill next to the south dock that has the pirate carvings and we went up for a look…the views from up here are just amazing…you are surrounded by blues of every shade in every direction…there is Chalk Sound on one side and Sapodilla Bay on another and then the Caicos Bank too…it was a perfect spot for some great pictures…(soon I promise, I`ll get the gallery done soon)… We climbed down and went over to Sapodilla Bay to swim…the sun was starting to go down and it was low tide…I`ve never really noticed much change in Grace Bay beach with the tides but at Sapodilla Bay there is a big difference…you could see the water would be about 30 yards further up the beach…I think it would be much better for swimming in, or even getting wet in, at high tide because of the sea grass off shore during low tide…I guess I`m spoiled but I really like the soft sand without grass or anything in the way…it was still beautiful here and Steve loved getting wet…there are some really gorgeous villas along this beach…very nice area…I did notice when we went back to the car that there was a big pile of trash near the area we parked…I think there may have been a dumpster under it all…oh that reminds me…we noticed on several days what looked like a fire in the Blue Hills area but after asking some locals we found out it was the dump burning trash…interesting… So anyway…we left Sapodilla Bay and drove around some more passing all kinds of interesting salt ponds with statues in them…placed there by the locals for some good luck ritual or something…I`ll have to ask Steve if he remembers…then we went down to a small private beach in the Turtle Tail area…the sun was just about to set and the sky was orange and this little beach was so quaint and private…serene…limestone rock formations that added so much charm…the beach itself was rockier (as in the sand wasn`t like powder) and there was also sea grass too but again Steve was happy to be getting wet…it was a beautiful sunset but it was getting chilly so we went back to Ocean Club West and said good night…just a great way to spend our Sunday…a lovely host…good food…beautiful beaches…what more could we ask for…
Monday…oh no…only a couple more days left…it was warmer when we woke up because the wind seemed to be gone but looking at the beach we could see the waves were still crashing to shore…we spent the morning around the resort and ran into Brendab (Brenda and Bob) and their travel buddy…Wally the Red Sox troll…Wally and Gracie had their picture taken together and got to know each other while Steve and I chatted with Brenda and Bob for a few minutes…we wish we had more time to hang out but we were heading out with Silver Deep for our 3 hour boat trip….Chris and Christine opted not to go with us….I think they wanted to hang by the resort on their own…and I also think they didn`t want a rough boat ride…no matter…Steve and I were off… Silver Deep picked us up right on time at the lobby at 1:45 and brought us to Leeward Marina where we boarded the Ta Tanka along with about 30 other people…really cool crowd actually…Steve nicknamed the trip “Ink Tour 2006” because everyone had really cool tattoos…we left the marina with Captain Pringles at the helm…yep…we got to go out with Pringles…he is our friend Shawn`s Dad and it was really cool to get to meet him…he gave all his instructions in English and then asked if anyone needed them in another language…Shawn told us he speaks 7 or 8 different languages…pretty cool… We headed out to Little Water Cay, a.k.a., Iguana Island…the water here was flat and calm and nothing like our beach on Grace Bay…we were so glad we didn`t skip it because of the waves…since Steve and I have seen the iguanas many many times we stayed on the beach and swam in the water while the others checked out the iguanas…one iguana sat on the beach and checked us out while we swam…we even saw another sting ray…it went by really close…very cool…the water got deep relatively quickly here but we didn`t mind…I suppose not too many people swim at this beach… After everyone got their fill of the iguanas we headed out for snorkeling…Pringles took us to a nice spot amongst small cays inside the safety of the canals…it was away from the Atlantic Ocean side where it was choppy…there wasn`t a whole lot to see but Steve and I enjoyed hanging out and swimming…clear warm and calm water…it was very fun…we met a little boy who was 3 years old and snorkeling like a maniac…we called him our snorkel hero for the rest of the day…after snorkeling and swimming for a while we headed out to explore a beach… Pringles brought us to the other side of Big Water Cay…we were so excited to check out this island from the other side…he stopped the boat in about 10 inches of water but still a distance from shore…we got off and walked in…what an adventure that was…there was sea grass everywhere and holes in the sand to fall into if you weren`t really watching your step…but we wanted the adventure and found it to be a great laugh…I think the pregnant women on board maybe didn`t like it so much but we all made it to the beach and it was so worth it… We sat and had a smoke first and then Steve and I went off looking for Half Moon Bay…we went across the packed down sandstone…it had chunks of what looked like black rocks but they broke up and had sand inside…Pringles said it was sandstone…we saw lots of iguana footprints and possible snake trails…or iguana tails dragged thru the sand…over the sand dunes we found ourselves amongst some really fantastic landscaping…there were pools of water…ocean that winds it`s way inland…it was low tide and we could walk around them and see they were only inches deep in some spots and a foot or so deep in others…cool mini mangroves growing around the edges…over another small hill and there it was…Half Moon Bay…we were way down the opposite end from where we had our picnic…it was choppy and rough just like Grace Bay had been that day…we took some pictures and headed back…during the hour or so that we were exploring the water around the boat receded even more and was only up to our ankles for the walk back, making it much easier to see where we stepped…with everyone back on board we headed back to the marina where a van took us back to our resort…we had a really fun day… Every trip we`ve gone on over the years has been different and special in it`s own way…this time the rough conditions got us on a journey inside and around the smaller cays and it was awesome…the tour companies know to take you where the conditions are the best so don`t worry about windy or rough days…we loved seeing the islands from the places we went that day and it would have been a shame if we missed it… After a wonderful afternoon we got back to OCW just after 6ish…the weekly welcome rum punch party was in full swing…we were tired and food sounded good so we grabbed some bowls of munchies (great chicken wings and the ever present salsa and chips) and headed to sit by the pool and go for a sunset dip…the pool water was warm and felt good…nice relaxing way to end our day…
Tuesday morning we were somewhat disappointed to wake up to an angry ocean yet again…but what can ya do…it`s still amazingly beautiful…we hung out by the ocean for a while and then headed over to Ports of Call to do some shopping…I always get flip flops at Dive Provo…they have a certain pair that I really like…and for only $8…and then we went to Mama`s for the annual tie-dyed t-shirt purchase…she`s always a hoot Mama is…while we shopped I was approached by a pretty girl with a big smile and a sparkly hat…Planetmars, it was so nice to meet you…I wish we had more opportunities to visit with you and Sean but we had another couple with us and our time was…well…it`s not the same as traveling alone we`ll just say that… After some browsing we headed back to OCW via the public access to the beach…it`s amazing the difference in this road since our first stay at The Allegro…we took a bunch of pictures…The Pinnacle looks like a really nice property… Back at the condo I made some margaritas and packed a cooler and we planted it on the beach for the rest of the day…Chris and Christine went parasailing with Captain Marvin and said it was really fun…they said the crew were professional and helpful…they said you can see all the way over to the ocean on the other side of the island…I was happy they enjoyed it but I`m not really interested in parasailing myself…call me a beach bum…or chicken if you want… We hung out and drank on the beach, happy little campers all day…we swam in the angry sea and had so much fun…the waves were still relentless, coming so far onto shore it was awesome…one guy sat to close to the edge with his laptop and a wave came right up over him and drenched his laptop…I felt bad for him…but don`t bring your laptop to the beach…it`s a vacation…I hope he didn`t completely ruin it but Steve thinks there is no way it would have survived being dowsed with sea water…the waves didn`t quit all day… it was sad to realize we probably wouldn`t see the glass-like gorgeous ocean we love to float around in until next year…but nothing can really make us unhappy except leaving - next year we have to stay longer…10 days minimum… We had dinner that evening at The Seaside Café…I caused some issues with the waiter because I just wanted a hamburger…a rare hamburger and a cold beer…but he kept trying to tell me he`d get in trouble if he let me order that because other guests would want it…I wanted to use my dinner certificate to purchase it so the restaurant was getting full dinner price for it and I felt it wasn`t an unreasonable request…John (the owner) has done it for me other years without concerns…when our dinners came he did bring me my burger and he wanted to be the hero for it but by then I was done with it being a big deal…it was a good burger too…after dinner we went back to our room and sadly packed up for the trip home…
We woke up Wednesday morning and yes the sea was still churning…we went for breakfast and ran into Brenda and Bob and asked if they wanted our extra stuff…whatever Coronas and other beverage items we didn`t use by the time we checked out…Steve and I had agreed earlier that either Maria and Sean or Brenda and Bob would get it all depending on who we saw first…sorry Maria but you weren`t around…at check out time we brought Brenda and Bob up to our room and gave them the stash…it ended up being about 10 cans of Coke…a half bottle of Triple Sec…a half bottle of Margarita mixer…a gallon of spring water…a quart of milk and a half gallon of OJ…then when we actually had to leave the beach and go catch the shuttle I gave them my little cooler (it had started to get leaky and it`s time for a new one) full of Coronas…8 or 10 of them I think…with limes and all…I was glad to have someone to give it to… As we headed to the airport it donned on me…I was gonna get The Lizard to take home with us…now leaving wasn`t quite as depressing… Our flight was at 3:20pm with USAir…the resort shuttle left at 12:45 which I think is kinda early but it wouldn`t be worth it to pay a cab for an extra hour…we got to the airport by 1:10 at the latest…we like to wait outside for a few…soak in the surroundings and the feelings…we smoked a butt and went in and checked our luggage…then went looking for the puppies…the volunteers were waiting near the doors with both Lizard and Mulligan…Mulligan is another Potcake puppy we brought home to his family on Cape Cod…the adoption paperwork and whatever else needed to be handled for the puppies was done so by the volunteers and we just needed to pay the airline the $80 for our puppy…they only take cash so remember that if you plan to adopt a pup…luckily the TCSPCA took our travelers checks and paid the cash to the airlines…another puppy (Lizard`s sister) was also going on our plane to Charlotte so there were 3 puppies in the check-in area of the airport… the puppies had everyone attention and the volunteers sent us off to relax…eat lunch…smoke butts etc.…until we were ready to go thru security…we ate at Gilley`s like we always do, and it was as not great as it always is…the service always leaves a whole lot to be desired…they give you a warm can of soda and a straw and seem bothered if you ask for a glass and some ice… A final butt and it was time to go…clearing security was easy, and then we waited…Steve went to the duty free shop inside the terminal waiting area…after security…and got us 2 cartons of butts at $19 each…with the cutest 2 puppies sleeping in bags on the chairs next to us everyone that passed had to stop and smile and ask questions…it was fun how much attention they were getting…I hope it put the idea in another families head to maybe adopt one… Our flight ended up being delayed by about an hour…we were nervous about getting our connecting flight in Charlotte but at the same time resigned to the fact that whatever happens happens…we landed in Charlotte at 7:10pm and our flight left for Boston at 7:35…we were not very hopeful…customs was easy…the guy looked at the puppy papers and sent us on our way…we collected our luggage and got stopped again at the next customs line we had to go thru…the scary man said to us in his deep voice…”GO TO LINE 3”…oh no - not line 3…the guy at line 3 just looked again at our papers and the cute puppies and said go ahead…he then told the guy up ahead we were all set…easy as pie…no problems… We cruised up to re-checked our luggage and found out we still might be able to catch our connecting flight…we ran up into the airport to find that our gate was all the way at the other end of the airport…and we had to go thru security again which means puppies out of the bags and in our arms…hurry hurry hurry…we might make it…running to the gate we see our friend waving us on with the flight attendant telling us to come on…we sadly ran past the Carolina Bar that we usually sit and smoke and have a beer at and we got on the plane…everyone on the plane seemed perturbed with us because we were making them wait for us…after getting seated and taxied out to the runway the captain came on and announced our take off was being delayed…he made that announcement 3 different times before we finally took off after 9pm…if we had just missed the flight we could have taken the 9:30 one and had all that time to relax and have a butt and a beer…and give water to the puppies…who, by the way, just slept most of the time and were less bothered by it all then we were…It was a long day but we made it home and delivered Mulligan to his new Mom and Dad…
I keep on writing and this is already too long but just a few other things I wanted to mention…nothing can dampen our fun when we`re there…we find Ocean Club West to be more than adequate…we love the atmosphere and the location…the staff and the rooms…the restaurants and all the amenities…we never need a towel or a chair or umbrella…only on a few occasions did we feel the servers to be slow and even that was no different from the distracted waitresses we`ve all run into before… We like to tip well - we tip our drivers and bellmen and bartenders and servers accordingly…even when a tip is included in the bill we add our usual 20%…we tip the Captains (at least $20) and crew ($10 each) on our boat trips…we tip the housekeeping staff, Christine gave the girl $10 on a couple days in the beginning and we left her $50 when we checked out… We didn`t use the Gecko Shuttle this time around because we didn`t go far…we would have used it to go to Coral Gardens to snorkel and also Smiths Reef but when the waves kicked up we canceled those plans…we think the lobby should post when conditions are good at the shore reefs so when it`s rough at OCW and not at Coral Gardens we could find out… Construction is everywhere, yes, but there is a long way to go before this island would feel crowded…I myself wish they had stuck with the 3 story rule but it`s not terrible…the 5 and 7 story buildings really do dwarf the original smaller resorts - but they are mostly pretty gorgeous building…I thought LeVele was pretty stark and the ugliest resort along Grace Bay…and Grace Bay Club and The Somerset were definitely the most attractive…in my humble opinion… We didn`t think there was an abundance of kids around at all… there were a few really cute little ones that were fun to watch play…we were never bothered by kids screaming or running wild in anyway…one night it seemed some grown ups went running wild and screaming on the beach or somewhere nearby…Steve was a little irked being woken up on a few nights by rowdy guests…but truthfully it kinda makes me smile…it`s vacationers having a good time…ain`t nothing wrong with that…
Good god I think I`m done…whew…how many of you didn`t really read the whole thing…lol…sorry…I can talk a lot when given the opportunity…
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