All about the beach

Today we started at Castaways beach located at the south end of Jolly Harbour.  We enjoyed the sun and swam in the ocean.  Then we came back to the cottage for lunch and a rum punch.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach at the north end of Jolly Harbour.  This beach is covered in shells, so we looked at tons of them and helped Anna create a wonderful collection.  While Jane and Dave were walking on the beach they met a woman from Martha's Vinyard who was covered in a grey coloured mud.  She had found it on the floor of the ocean and it was sulfur based and spa quality.  So, off we went into the ocean finding our own supply.  We covered ourselves in the mud (except David who supervised) and dried in the sun.  Now our skin is soft and beautiful.

We finished the day at Peter's BBQ and had a fabulous meal.  Now a few rum punches later our designated driver David has driven us home.  I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!

St john's and the Beach

Monday we headed into the capital of Antigua, St. John's, to do some shopping, sight-seeing and have lunch. Some of us bought some clothes for the week and some great hats and dresses (Dave looks cute in the sundress!) We met Mickey for lunch before heading back to Jolly Harbour for groceries and art shopping. Weather has been hit and miss but warm, at about 27 degrees C and breezy. We came back so that Anna could have one of her many naps before going to Melini's for dinner. Tomorrow is beach day!!

Fabulous Day In the Sun

So today our friends Mickey and Maggie took us out on their boat.  It rained a couple of times, but that just resulted in a some beautiful rainbows.  We went to different beaches, swam in the ocean and got some sun.  (Don't worry Mom we wore sunscreen and didn't get too red).  Colin saw an octopus and was amazed by its ability to blend in with the surroundings.  He says it was unbelievable.  Now we are sitting around the cottage enjoying the evening breeze.  The tree frogs are singing us slowly to sleep.  WE LOVE ANTIGUA! 

Landed and happy in Antigua

We're here!! Hot and sunny , 27 degrees with some rain showers earlier. Arrived late last night and got in to the cottage at about 11 pm here. Just had a fanastic double rainbow out front of the cottage. Proof we are in paradise! Mickey is picking us up later to go boating and maybe some snorkeling. Should be a blast. Everyone seems happy and relaxed and ready for an exciting week in the heat.

In the airport!

Well, here we sit in Toronto Airport at our gate waiting to board!  In a few short hours we will be in sunny Antigua, finally warm.  One beautiful week in the sun to melt the Canadian winter away with our friends Jane, Dave and Anna.  The interesting part is all of us are sitting here chatting, except for the 20 year old Anna who is napping beside me.  The young have no stamina these days.

Antigua Bound!

We are heading south soon so that we can relax before taking off for the big tour! We can't wait to get there and see our great friends and fantastic weather! Antigua....here we come! We have some great friends joining us on this trip, sharing a cottage and enjoying the sun , ocean, boating, snorkelling and food with us. Should be a blast! We will keep you posted from there.

not long....finishing last minute details

We just picked up a few last minute things for the trip like breathable socks, zip pants, some camera cards and a few other things at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). Great store for trip equipment! Today we are checking backpacks, photo downloads to the blog and Skype. Those who wish to Skype with us, we are at col.vic22. Looking forward to getting on the road and seeing friends and the world! Should be a blast.