As we near the end of the hurricane season there is a tropical storm that is brewing just to the south east of us that may just nip us in the rear. That’s what happens when you become complacent!

We have had fabulous weather; just the right amount of rain, mostly at night and warm breezy sun filled days.

Doreen had an afternoon party for all her regulars.

We have spent our time well. Wine Down was hauled out and her bottom was inspected, anodes changed, sail drive oil changed and the deep keel, re-anti fouled. The copper on the hull was still fine and needed no attention. We did some sewing repairs to the bimini which is slowly deteriorating in the constant sun and the seams need more and more attention.

At the beginning of the month we were recruited by our friend Kurt at the ATV place to be his token white tourists for a film that was being made to show off his new parrot trail through the rain forest. It was a great day as we were also the porters for the film crew to get them and their equipment up the steep bits and through the mud – all on the bikes! We were there all day and did some of the most exciting riding we have ever done. We also had to walk the last part of the trail and got to see two amazing waterfalls, deep in the forest. Not a parrot in sight though! We are now immortalised on film that is showing all day on the Visitors channel. Keeping the autograph hunters at bay might be a problem!

We also went on “a lime” with Doreen and Suzie to a beach that’s sits below the southernmost Piton. It was very beautiful and living along the shores were a small community of Rasta’s, growing ther own food and herbs (!) After a swim and a chat we went back to the top of the trail where we had prearranged a meal of conch and lobster, which was absolutely delicious, all for $40 EC a head.

Sally and Gordon came for a visit which was great fun but too short a time. We tried to pack as much in as we could but did give them some relaxing pool time. .

This is the same river with the shots taken five minutes apart.

This is our first torch ginger lily.

 New blooms on the orchid tree and Pride of Barbados

 Our first calabash, soon to be a bowl.

The garden has loved the weather, growing fast and abundantly. We have made guava jam, golden apple juice, carambola juice and also passion fruit juice, all picked in the garden. The calabash bush has just produced three enormous fruits which when harvested will be used as bowls and I am just getting the hang of engraving a pattern on them to make them look more decorative.

We have family visiting in November, December and January …high season has started!