South Caicos

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Thu 17 Mar 2011 22:41
Exploring South Caicos
 
 
 
 
 
 
We had lunch and went ashore to wander around South Caicos. The guide book we have, was last edited in 2002, so we thought the details may be way out of date, it was just as if time had stood still. The hurricane damage is there, the same shops (three) the same friendly people. The author had said this was his most favourite island, his boat was damaged in forty knot winds and when he went ashore the people came to his rescue, sharing what they had and making do for repairs. We felt a warmth about us, although the wind whistles across this flat island. We saw men sitting in the shade playing dominos, children playing ball on a dusty building plot and everyone driving really slowly. A conch fisherman filleting his catch while his wife looked on cradling their baby, laughing and chatting. Houses with pallets for gates to keep the asses out. We were shocked when what we saw as houses fit for the final of this years 'One Careful Owner', complete with boarded windows, we heard music, chatter and singing. A real finalist, we saw a lady knocking to hail her neighbour  for a chat. The thing that tickled Bear was seeing Cats Eyes down the middle of the roads.
 
 
     
     
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
The first really notable building we came across was St George's Anglican Church, bell hanging on a bit of wood held in place by rope. Unlocked and inviting, the entry slope had wrought iron edging more suited to stairs, but they did the job at their jaunty angle. The only 'grave' in the yard was a simple memorial to the fallen of the two World Wars. There was a quiet dignity about this little place of worship. The Sacristy just inside the door was open, showing just a few vestments. The Bibles, few and tatty, the well worn hymnals and the small crib figures awaiting Christmas - all very moving after visiting the opulent cathedrals we have. Most striking though was the crucifix - Jesus carved as a black man. Whatever, this felt like a really holy place.
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
The next place that caught our attention was the cricket pitch, complete with pavillion
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
I took a shine to the Bible Study Hall but Bear fancied Customs and Immigration
 
 
     
 
 
Where a hotel used to stand, complete with pool and terrace, now just gone
 
 
 
 
There had been a delivery today, everyone was busy watching the fork-lift driver
 
 
 
 
We didn't investigate what went on in the Faithwack Bookstore. Intimate Woman Supplies and More.........It was for the best.....
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We both loved the supermarket, which sold everything, including the kitchen sink. Boat bits hung over the centre, household to the side. My Baygon mossie coils were available at $3.00, I am used to paying 95 cents. We bought a loaf, two croissants at $2.25 each, a tin of Spam (cos I felt I had to) at $4.50, total $14.50. The dearest loaf I have ever bought - Venice prices. I said no to the Pigs Feet at $6.95. Ohhhhh 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On our way back to Baby Beez we couldn't help taking pictures if the etiquette signs. We as cruisers try to live by the motto - Take only Pictures, Leave only Footprints. We did think the Leave Only Bubbles was good on the Coral Etiquette, but the winning comment was .......never remove any critters from their habitat. Well, as we pulled away somewhat saddened and humbled at the hard life these islanders have, but impressed at their happiness - we do believe the UK has abandoned them a a bit. I thought Sal on the Cape Verde Islands had flirted with me to vote the whole place a 'One Careful Owner'. I think South Caicos has seduced me. So with Bears approval.........................
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL THE ONE CAREFUL OWNER ISLAND