Dancing by the light of the silvery moon
Stream
Darrell Jackson and Sarah Barnes
Sun 16 Feb 2014 23:46
Friday 14th February 2014
Luckily, we had taken the advice we had been given by those in the know and had arrived on Thursday at Trellis Bay. For Valentines Day saw the hoards arriving from just after breakfast, to take up the few remaining mooring buoys and then it became find a space to anchor. By lunchtime there were over 80 boats in the bay and still more were arriving and anchoring further off, or if they were catamarans virtually on the beach. All coming for the famous Full Moon Party that happens every month on the beach.
We had done a recci in the morning to ascertain timings, where to leave the dinghy and how to get tickets. But all the information was vague, people were busy cooking, setting up lights and sound systems, so it was looking good and we knew to be back on the beach for 6pm. Back on Stream we undertook more domestics, while watching antics in the bay. Then off to Long Bay for another swim. Still no rays but we spent more time out at the rocks in the middle of the bay.
At sunset we were on the beach, with the dinghy safely tethered to a jetty (we managed to get a space, so we didn't have to haul it up on the beach.) As we wandered along the beach all the bars were gearing up for the invasion, extra bars were set up and in some areas tempers were slightly frayed.
With cocktails in hand we wandered along the beach soaking up the atmosphere. People of all ages were arriving by ferry from the resorts on Virgin Gorda, as well as others on Tortola. We were able to find a table in the centre of the beach right by the action and were soon joined by some Americans staying near by. They were very interested in Darrell's Atlantic crossing and how we managed life on the boat. The type of questioning that Darrell was subject too became more understandable when we found out Todd was a barrister. Having got our buffett tickets we were in the queue for the meal early, much to Darrell's delight as when we looked while we were eating there was a queue stretching down towards the airport.
I have never seen so much food. All interesting dishes; Goat curry, pork casserole, jerk ribs, fish fillet, veggie lasagne, macaroni cheese, scallop potatoes, rice and black beans salad, corn on the cob. All placed on the same plate by the cheery staff. Darrell did think more light would have helped so he could identify which of the dishes he was trying but he still managed to eat it all. Suffice to say it was a very satisfying meal in good company. As we ate a duo played a mixture of jazz and folk tunes, which was peasant. The fire balls on the beach were lit to add to the atmosphere. These are huge metal art installations; spherical in shape cut to show figures dancing. They make a spectacular sight when lit. On the beach fire dancers entertained the crowds.
As the night went on a local band took over on the main stage playing Caribbean rhythm and reggae music on a range of instruments including samba drums, ukulele, electric guitar and a triangle, but no steel pans! Some of the rhythm patterns reminded us of Bellingham's Samba Band, we could identify "cup of coffee" and a couple of others! We had the lead singer/sound technician next to us in the crowd signalling at the band for the first half hour until he was happy with balance and rhythm and then he joined them on stage. During this the metal fire balls just off the beach in the sea and the two twelve foot figures were lit, this proved quite difficult as they were standing in three foot of water and the wood did not want to light. With help from drunken onlookers after about forty minutes all were alight adding to the spectacle. The dinghies full of spectators had a bit of a fright as the wind changed direction and blew them towards the fires.
The music was good and we danced under the light of the silvery valentine moon. The moon was bright lighting up the bay, the breeze was cool and the party was lively! The arrival of the Mocko Jumbies: stilt dancers added to the event as they towered above us dancing on the beach.
As the night wore on and the cocktails flowed the dancing became more lively, with some dancing on the roof of the cafe behind the backlit paper moon. I am not sure if they do risk assessments here, but thinking Darrell's medical skills may be needed we decided it was time to retire back to the haven of Stream, to have a cup of tea and listen to the music from the safety of the cockpit. Then watch the revellers return to their boats in their dinghies very 'happy'. There were quite a few splashes, yelps and laughter as they transferred onto their boats or ended up in the water.
It was definitely a good night and has set Sarah thinking how Full Moon Parties would go down in Tarset.