Well, we've been in Punta Blanca for a little more than two weeks. Betty and Joe (friends of Jack and Karen who own the casita) invite us to tag along when they go into town; which is very helpful, otherwise we would have to walk into Punta Gorda for food items.
We've become a new customer for Jerry, the local fisherman. He came by about 7 am one morning, and continued to call to us until he woke us up; the nerve! I think there are some that would not take so kindly to this, especially since he came onto the property uninvited! So he brings us snapper, grouper and maybe a couple of teeny weeny lobster. It's sad that the fisherman don't care about the future; they only seem to care about "today". They don't care that catching baby lobsters will impact their food source in the future. Jerry is a good person and has been very friendly. He is just "from a different world", and yes, we ate the lobster. He also brought a huge Dungeness crab one day, wish I had taken a picture. We would have bought it, but we passed since it didn't seem to be "alive" anymore, probably a wise choice~!
"Smudge", Jack and Karen's cat is finally getting used to me; up till now she has been pretty skittish. I make sure she has fresh water and food. She has her own "kitty door", and comes and goes as she pleases.
I'm almost ashamed to say that we have been glued to the TV, watching all the "hoopla" of the Casey Anthony trial. It is interesting to watch our legal system in play and also disconcerting how much the media puts their own spin on it. At one point, we lost the Direct TV signal and actually missed the jury's decision. Days later it was still being reported on Headline News, so we didn't really "miss" it after all. Even though the prosecutions case was based solely on circumstantial evidence, we were a little surprised that they had acquitted her on all charges. Unfortunately, I doubt if we will ever truly know what happened to little Caylee.
There have been a couple of robberies here in the community. This is unsettling as we are like sitting ducks here. The robberies have happened during the day, as the Garifuna (who mostly live in Punta Gorda) are afraid of ghosts so they don't venture out in the dark. However, the Spanish have no fear of ghosts. Weird!
We're told that someone took a battering ram to the iron grids on a neighbor’s window. They ate candy and food, but didn't steal anything! I guess they were just hungry. Seems it would have been easier to just ask for food, but the owners aren't home. Many of our neighbors have returned to their stateside homes, probably to avoid the hottest time of year here. I'm guessing it's not as easy as you would think to find reliable people to watch over your home. Hey, I'm getting an idea!
One of the neighboring homes has a pool and has kindly offered to let Karen and Jack's boarders to use it. It is a lap pool, but it's still a good way to cool off! We're nestled among the trees, so actually the casita is quite comfortable, but it wouldn't be without the ceiling fans.
We met John Cooper who owns several lots with water access. He plans to sub-divide his parcel into about 7 lots. His asking price for one of the lots with water access is $195,000. US.
Many of the local gringo’s congregate at BJ's in Oakridge, a local "landmark" bar and eatery every other Saturday for a "jam session"; always a fun time and a good opportunity to meet other gringo’s, most of whom have lived on Roatan for 6-12 years!
BJ is quite an interesting character. We have had many conversations with BJ over the last several weeks. BJ was born on Roatan and has spent most of her life there. It's the place to have a "cold one", leave your dinghy or car or enjoy her great food. She has some great tales of Key West and the times she spent there rubbing elbows with Jimmy Buffet before he became famous. She and her husband owned a shrimp boat years ago. She had also spent time in Orlando and Cape Canaveral. BJ has a picture of who we believe to be a lady and her husband, Elsa (aka Putzy, can't remember his name) who was a client of David's in New Castle, PA back when he was first starting out in the insurance business. We are pretty positive it is the same couple. They've got to be close to their 90's! She and her husband had owned a ski shop in New Castle. Apparently, they have a home in Port Royal, high on a hill overlooking the ocean. Small world. . . these sort of coincidences, happen again and again! I love travelling!
Betty and Joe invited us to go with them on June 25th. Kelly, BJ and David celebrated their birthdays! Yep, David has hit the "big 60" milestone! Thanks to all of our friends and family who sent their birthday wishes via email; it was very nice for David!
Today we took a walk into Punta Gorda, which is just a short walk through the woods and across the soccer field. David has gone many times, but he hasn't felt it was safe to take me. Apparently, there is quite a difference in the atmosphere at 8am, as opposed to 2pm. We saw a good many women and men out and about working, shopping and socializing; whereas David has usually only seen more "unsavory" characters in the afternoon. We did feel out of place as we didn't see one gringo about!
David was the photographer this time. I tend not to take pictures of the ugliness, but it is also good to show the reality of island life here. He got a couple cute pics of little girls, surprisingly, they didn't ask for any $$. The island children have so little, for a moment I thought we should have given them a couple of lempiras, but so we've been told, then they will probably come to expect it.
The gringo’s here do invest in the local economy, helping the Policia Department by donating vehicles and gasolina, not to mention helping those they employ with health care costs and loaning $$, and of course, purchasing food, clothing and other necessities. There is definitely a different price for the "gringo", than those that are born here.
We rented a car to tour the island, though we have seen most of it, and to do some errands. For an island that encompasses about 30 miles, it seems to take forever to get from Punta Blanca to the West End (about an hour). Driving here is an experience, as most islanders are licensed, but do not take any sort of driving courses. The main road is paved, but there are many, many curves and hills, most on the edge of cliffs with no guard rails. You never know when you will turn a corner and come upon a herd of cattle or horses strolling along, a scooter or a stopped cabbie picking up a fare. A lot of "cabbies" don't seem to understand the importance of brake lights or turn signals!
Stopped by Turquoise Bay resort and Parrot Bay Plantation, both very nice spots. Turquoise Bay has a lovely natural beach, pool, kayaks, diving instruction and excursions, restaurant/bar, gift shop, they host karaoke on Thursday evenings. Parrot Bay has a manmade beach, condos, marina, restaurant, real estate office, beachside cabana bar, gift shop. We preferred Turquoise Bay, Parrot Tree is too commercial for our taste.
One afternoon before heading back to the casita we went to Camp Bay. We headed out in search of the beach and a Bar/Restaurant called "The Asylum". The road into Camp Bay is dirt, with many bumps and obstacles; it must have taken a good 45 minutes; you really need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to do this! We almost turned back as we were leery of coming back after dusk. Getting a flat tire alone, is cause for concern as we later learned, there was no spare in the trunk! Crazy!
Finally, we found the Asylum! The road narrows and looks as though you have reached the end; look to your left, a lonely dock and palapa tucked in a lovely, lonely cove! The islanders call it "La Sirena de Camp Bay". We were greeted by their Golden Retriever, weren't sure if he would let us pass, till Silena hollered to him. Silena and her husband Jimmy have been serving the food and libations to the locals for several years. Jimmy, also owns a restaurant (also "The Asylum") in Washington, DC, that is now managed by his brother since he moved to Camp Bay. Their sweet 3 year old daughter was pretty shy till we got out the camera! Brownie, their brown Lab, got into that action as well, he loves attention!
Camp Bay is a community and they have their own school (only about 11 students). Most of the homes are far better constructed, cement block, shingled roofs, than you see in Oakridge.
I got some pics of the Loggerhead turtles that they have purchased from the local fisherman; their way of saving their lives! (Hopefully, this was genuine and not just for our ears.) How they long to be free!
We enjoyed conversation with Silena, it's so nice when we speak the same language! Had we arrived earlier in the day, we would have enjoyed an early dinner. We're told Silena is one of the great cooks on the island. She raises her own conch. Looking forward to a return trip!
We met another "local gringo" there, who had brought her daughter and granddaughter for refreshment. Her name escapes me for now, but she and her husband have owned a home for over 11 years in Camp Bay. She was quite interested in the fact that we were "house-sitting". We exchanged email addresses. Apparently, it is difficult to find reliable people to watch over your home and property. Leaving your home and possessions unattended could spell disaster. A sobering fact of life in Roatan and most parts of the Western Caribbean.
On another note, some may know of our unfortunate mishap in Roatan. We are not going to post the story here. If you're interested in the details, just drop us a line we'll give you the cowboys and Indians story. It was a harrowing experience to say the least. To the the general cruising comunity that may follow along, this incident did not take place while underway or on board.
As soon as the hurricane season is behind us we plan on hauling out and heading on. Thanks for following along. Stay tuned!
We've become a new customer for Jerry, the local fisherman. He came by about 7 am one morning, and continued to call to us until he woke us up; the nerve! I think there are some that would not take so kindly to this, especially since he came onto the property uninvited! So he brings us snapper, grouper and maybe a couple of teeny weeny lobster. It's sad that the fisherman don't care about the future; they only seem to care about "today". They don't care that catching baby lobsters will impact their food source in the future. Jerry is a good person and has been very friendly. He is just "from a different world", and yes, we ate the lobster. He also brought a huge Dungeness crab one day, wish I had taken a picture. We would have bought it, but we passed since it didn't seem to be "alive" anymore, probably a wise choice~!
"Smudge", Jack and Karen's cat is finally getting used to me; up till now she has been pretty skittish. I make sure she has fresh water and food. She has her own "kitty door", and comes and goes as she pleases.
I'm almost ashamed to say that we have been glued to the TV, watching all the "hoopla" of the Casey Anthony trial. It is interesting to watch our legal system in play and also disconcerting how much the media puts their own spin on it. At one point, we lost the Direct TV signal and actually missed the jury's decision. Days later it was still being reported on Headline News, so we didn't really "miss" it after all. Even though the prosecutions case was based solely on circumstantial evidence, we were a little surprised that they had acquitted her on all charges. Unfortunately, I doubt if we will ever truly know what happened to little Caylee.
There have been a couple of robberies here in the community. This is unsettling as we are like sitting ducks here. The robberies have happened during the day, as the Garifuna (who mostly live in Punta Gorda) are afraid of ghosts so they don't venture out in the dark. However, the Spanish have no fear of ghosts. Weird!
We're told that someone took a battering ram to the iron grids on a neighbor’s window. They ate candy and food, but didn't steal anything! I guess they were just hungry. Seems it would have been easier to just ask for food, but the owners aren't home. Many of our neighbors have returned to their stateside homes, probably to avoid the hottest time of year here. I'm guessing it's not as easy as you would think to find reliable people to watch over your home. Hey, I'm getting an idea!
One of the neighboring homes has a pool and has kindly offered to let Karen and Jack's boarders to use it. It is a lap pool, but it's still a good way to cool off! We're nestled among the trees, so actually the casita is quite comfortable, but it wouldn't be without the ceiling fans.
We met John Cooper who owns several lots with water access. He plans to sub-divide his parcel into about 7 lots. His asking price for one of the lots with water access is $195,000. US.
Many of the local gringo’s congregate at BJ's in Oakridge, a local "landmark" bar and eatery every other Saturday for a "jam session"; always a fun time and a good opportunity to meet other gringo’s, most of whom have lived on Roatan for 6-12 years!
BJ is quite an interesting character. We have had many conversations with BJ over the last several weeks. BJ was born on Roatan and has spent most of her life there. It's the place to have a "cold one", leave your dinghy or car or enjoy her great food. She has some great tales of Key West and the times she spent there rubbing elbows with Jimmy Buffet before he became famous. She and her husband owned a shrimp boat years ago. She had also spent time in Orlando and Cape Canaveral. BJ has a picture of who we believe to be a lady and her husband, Elsa (aka Putzy, can't remember his name) who was a client of David's in New Castle, PA back when he was first starting out in the insurance business. We are pretty positive it is the same couple. They've got to be close to their 90's! She and her husband had owned a ski shop in New Castle. Apparently, they have a home in Port Royal, high on a hill overlooking the ocean. Small world. . . these sort of coincidences, happen again and again! I love travelling!
Betty and Joe invited us to go with them on June 25th. Kelly, BJ and David celebrated their birthdays! Yep, David has hit the "big 60" milestone! Thanks to all of our friends and family who sent their birthday wishes via email; it was very nice for David!
Today we took a walk into Punta Gorda, which is just a short walk through the woods and across the soccer field. David has gone many times, but he hasn't felt it was safe to take me. Apparently, there is quite a difference in the atmosphere at 8am, as opposed to 2pm. We saw a good many women and men out and about working, shopping and socializing; whereas David has usually only seen more "unsavory" characters in the afternoon. We did feel out of place as we didn't see one gringo about!
David was the photographer this time. I tend not to take pictures of the ugliness, but it is also good to show the reality of island life here. He got a couple cute pics of little girls, surprisingly, they didn't ask for any $$. The island children have so little, for a moment I thought we should have given them a couple of lempiras, but so we've been told, then they will probably come to expect it.
The gringo’s here do invest in the local economy, helping the Policia Department by donating vehicles and gasolina, not to mention helping those they employ with health care costs and loaning $$, and of course, purchasing food, clothing and other necessities. There is definitely a different price for the "gringo", than those that are born here.
We rented a car to tour the island, though we have seen most of it, and to do some errands. For an island that encompasses about 30 miles, it seems to take forever to get from Punta Blanca to the West End (about an hour). Driving here is an experience, as most islanders are licensed, but do not take any sort of driving courses. The main road is paved, but there are many, many curves and hills, most on the edge of cliffs with no guard rails. You never know when you will turn a corner and come upon a herd of cattle or horses strolling along, a scooter or a stopped cabbie picking up a fare. A lot of "cabbies" don't seem to understand the importance of brake lights or turn signals!
Stopped by Turquoise Bay resort and Parrot Bay Plantation, both very nice spots. Turquoise Bay has a lovely natural beach, pool, kayaks, diving instruction and excursions, restaurant/bar, gift shop, they host karaoke on Thursday evenings. Parrot Bay has a manmade beach, condos, marina, restaurant, real estate office, beachside cabana bar, gift shop. We preferred Turquoise Bay, Parrot Tree is too commercial for our taste.
One afternoon before heading back to the casita we went to Camp Bay. We headed out in search of the beach and a Bar/Restaurant called "The Asylum". The road into Camp Bay is dirt, with many bumps and obstacles; it must have taken a good 45 minutes; you really need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to do this! We almost turned back as we were leery of coming back after dusk. Getting a flat tire alone, is cause for concern as we later learned, there was no spare in the trunk! Crazy!
Finally, we found the Asylum! The road narrows and looks as though you have reached the end; look to your left, a lonely dock and palapa tucked in a lovely, lonely cove! The islanders call it "La Sirena de Camp Bay". We were greeted by their Golden Retriever, weren't sure if he would let us pass, till Silena hollered to him. Silena and her husband Jimmy have been serving the food and libations to the locals for several years. Jimmy, also owns a restaurant (also "The Asylum") in Washington, DC, that is now managed by his brother since he moved to Camp Bay. Their sweet 3 year old daughter was pretty shy till we got out the camera! Brownie, their brown Lab, got into that action as well, he loves attention!
Camp Bay is a community and they have their own school (only about 11 students). Most of the homes are far better constructed, cement block, shingled roofs, than you see in Oakridge.
I got some pics of the Loggerhead turtles that they have purchased from the local fisherman; their way of saving their lives! (Hopefully, this was genuine and not just for our ears.) How they long to be free!
We enjoyed conversation with Silena, it's so nice when we speak the same language! Had we arrived earlier in the day, we would have enjoyed an early dinner. We're told Silena is one of the great cooks on the island. She raises her own conch. Looking forward to a return trip!
We met another "local gringo" there, who had brought her daughter and granddaughter for refreshment. Her name escapes me for now, but she and her husband have owned a home for over 11 years in Camp Bay. She was quite interested in the fact that we were "house-sitting". We exchanged email addresses. Apparently, it is difficult to find reliable people to watch over your home and property. Leaving your home and possessions unattended could spell disaster. A sobering fact of life in Roatan and most parts of the Western Caribbean.
On another note, some may know of our unfortunate mishap in Roatan. We are not going to post the story here. If you're interested in the details, just drop us a line we'll give you the cowboys and Indians story. It was a harrowing experience to say the least. To the the general cruising comunity that may follow along, this incident did not take place while underway or on board.
As soon as the hurricane season is behind us we plan on hauling out and heading on. Thanks for following along. Stay tuned!
