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Anguilla has many famous beaches such as Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and Little Bay. . . .
2003/01/05 - Click to enlarge pictures

One such beach is Captains Bay on the north coast just before the eastern tip of the island. This quarter mile stretch of perfect white sand is bounded on the left by a rocky shoreline where Atlantic waves break spectacularly. There is one home, a large one, at this remote spot.

I do not recommend swimming at Captains Bay: the surf can be dangerous (and never swim alone at a remote beach.)

These pictures were taken on December 30, 2002, as we were exploring a new road that goes to Captains Bay. Some waves that day were breaking 20 feet high against the nearby cliffs and up to 16 feet on the beach.

Directions: Starting from the airport parking lot, take the only exit and turn left, then go straight past Island Rental Cars and the National Bank. Continue straight through the traffic light and on through Stoney Ground and Little Dix toward Island Harbour. Stay on the main road until it splits in two after the cement plant. Turn left and continue over the hill and into Island Harbour village.

As you leave the village, you have two choices.

One choice is to turn left on Harbour Ridge Drive (toward Hibernia Restaurant). This road is paved for a while, then gravel. Go straight, then bear slightly right and follow the new telephone poles (which lead all the way to Captains Bay). When you get over the hill you will see the beach on the left. As the road switches from a rocky surface to sandy, take the first left, which goes right down to the beach.

Another choice is to continue up to the top of the hill and turn left on a gravel road after the Island Supermarket (toward Junks Hole). If you turn left in all cases, you will reach Captains Bay in 2.4 km (1.5 miles). Avoid tempting right turns at .5 km, .8 km, 1.9 km and 2.2 km.

And here is an older picture of Captains Bay, taken when we first moved to Anguilla in the late 90s.

Story and pictures by Bob Green

The faciliy was designed by world-reknowned architect Myron Goldfinger, who donated his time and energy to help make this project a reality. With an estimated construction cost of $1,684,300, this breathtaking seven court Academy aims to make Anguilla the tennis powerhouse of the Caribbean and provide a year-round home for the hundreds of Anguillian children who have previously honed their tennis skills during the Academy's annual summer camp.

BUY A BRICK! Help build this facility. All donations are tax-deductible in the USA if desired. The opening fund drive will be the purchase of bricks for $100 US each, with names of the donors inscribed. These bricks will be a walkway to facility.

The architectural drawings are complete, the ATA has lined up initial sponsors, and Mitch's goal is to reach $200,000 and break ground by March 2003, with grand opening in early 2004. This Academy has existed for seven years and has made many friends. In just the first week, Mitch has received pledges of $75,000 from 3 individuals. Visit the tennis.ai web site to read more and find out how to help.

Story and pictures by Bob Green

Live Shoal Bay Webcam

Friday, January 03, 2003

Submit a News Story.

Anguilla Public Holidays 2003

Here is the updated list for 2003.
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Thursday, January 02, 2003

Anguilla's third wetland bird count Contributed by Karim Hodge (ANT) and Steve Holliday (RSPB)

Anguilla's third island-wide wetland bird count took place on saturday 28th December. A small team of 15 interested birdwatchers, both locals and visitors, counted herons, egrets, ducks and wading or shore birds on 21 of the island's ponds and salt ponds. The count was organised by the Anguilla National Trust (ANT) with assistance from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) based in the UK.

New to Anguilla? Comfort Prepare Money Groceries Phone/Net Driving Manners More Tips

A total of 1710 birds of 32 different species were found on the count. This figure included some record counts for the island: 370 semi-palmated sandpipers, 285 blue-winged teals, 179 least sandpipers and 84 black-bellied plovers. These birds have have flown down from breeding grounds in the US and Canada to spend the winter in the Caribbean. Some species such as the black-bellied plover breed in the Arctic and their journies to Anguilla are longer than many of the tourists now arriving on the island.

This year's count is 660 higher than last year which is probably a result of higher water levels in the ponds following heavy rain in Novemebr. This has benefitted ducks which feed in deeper water such as the 184 white-cheeked pintails, a resident bird in much of the Caribbean. Other species such as black-necked stilts appear to have found their feeding areas less suitable with only 145 present compared to 259 last year.

The Anguilla wetland count developed to get a more accurate picture of the birds using the island's many wetlands. All the ponds are counted in a single morning to get a full count of birds many of which will move around the island and may use a number of ponds over time. All 21 ponds held some wetland birds but the largest numbers are currently on Gull Pond (273 birds), Long Pond near Sandy Hill (263 birds), Little Harbour, Caul's and West End ponds.

Visitors coming to Anguilla should look out for both great and snowy egrets, a few great blue herons, 3 tri-coloured herons which are unusual on Anguilla, white-cheeked pintails and moorhens. A good variety of wading or shore birds is present with several whimbrels, killdeers and both greater and lesser yellowlegs especially obvious just now.

The ANT hopes the wetland bird counts will draw attention to the importance of Anguilla's wetlands for resident and migratory birds and help to track changes as part of the long-term monitoring of the ecological health of the ponds. For further information on Anguilla's biodiversity and cultural heritage contact the ANT at [email protected].
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Tuesday, December 31, 2002

Villas.ai: Private villas for rent.

Blanchards Throws Christmas Party

Thursday December 12, the day before the closure of the West End Primary School for the Christmas holidays, the owners and staff of Blanchards Restaurant at Meads Bay threw a Christmas party for all of the children. From "The Anguillian" newspaper.
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Saturday, December 28, 2002

Daily Snapshots from Anguilla

Michel of Shoal Bay Scuba and Anguilla Watersports is posting 4 candid shots of Anguillla every day, with no no commentary. See how many of the locations and people you can recognize. There is an archive by day, just click on a date to see the pictures for that date. The Dec 13 page has one picutre of Neil and I working at our office, the Beachtech centre.
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Friday, December 27, 2002

Update: La Petite Maison

We have updated our old news story on La Petite Maison, a private, romantic villa, with many new pictures, updated links, etc.

People really love this house, which is located on the coast, not far from Little Harbour.
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Tuesday, December 24, 2002

The Night Before Christmas, 1981

A set of Anguilla stamps from 1981.
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Beaches.ai: Over 30 Anguilla beaches.

People in Anguilla, a Photo Essay

People who live in Anguilla, with short captions, such as "young fisherman with his net", and "surfing at dusk on Crocus Bay". Click the pictures to enlarge them.
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Monday, December 23, 2002

Boopsies: New Store in Historic Soda Factory

Young entrepreneur Tayna Gumbs, pictured right, opened a new shop in The Quarter today. Boopsies is located across the street from Mary's Bakery and specializes in local craft works and women's fashions.

Until Tayna took over and cleaned it out, the building still housed Joe Gumbs soda-making factory, which was at its peak in the 30s. She made a display out of the original bottling equipment and some of the old bottles.

One corner of her store has a "stranded on a tropic island" theme: hand-made bathing suits, Anguillian Pyrat rum, and a selection of old-time Anguilla books. Everything you need when you are stranded.

Telephone: 264.772.2895. Email: [email protected]

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Saturday, December 21, 2002

Upgraded: Shoal Bay Penthouse

Having decided to rent out the private suite at Beachtech, naturally it had to be redecorated, with new curtains added and new furniture too. And then the web site had to have new pictures, so it was completely redone.

The new web site now has pictures of all the amenities, plus an activity page showing all the fun things you can do within walking distance, the mandatory photo tour and a page of web links about Anguilla.
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Overlook Restaurant 2002-2003

Chef Deon Thomas dropped by our office with the new menu, and we have updated our web page on Overlook, including lots of new pictures too.

Deon adds exotic accents to all his menu choices, which are wide ranging and creative. For example, how about Roasted Whole Triggerhish (Rosemary, Savoury, Garlic Polenta), preceded by Cod Fish Blinis (Scotch Bonnet Guacamole, Coconut Essence). See menu below for many more interesting selections.

And for dessert, Decadent Chocolate Rhum Cake with Grand Marnier Chocolate Soup.
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Take Out: Gold Dragon Chinese

Dinner for 5 from the Gold Dragon in East End village: $46 US for Sweet and Sour Shrimp (2 orders because it is the best), Mixed Chop Suey, Shrimp Hot Pepper, Sweet and Sour Chicken, two containers of white rice, one container of "chips" (french fries), and an order of the Anguillian children's Chinese junk food (Chicken and Chips, which you then cover in mayo and catsup). Call 497.4381 to place order for pickup (no delivery).
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Friday, December 20, 2002

Animal Rescue Newsletter

The final newsletter of 2002 includes updates on the Soroptimist Holiday Fair, IVA initiatives and another kitten who found a home in the United States. Please see our website at www.aarf.ai and click under newsletters or go directly to the link above.
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Real Estate

Take Out: E's Oven

Last night we had take out for two from E's Oven in South Hill. Appetizers: Mixed Wild Greens Salad and Chicken Satay. Entries: Broiled Half-Chicken and Grill Snapper. Ready in 15 minutes. $42 US including 2 drinks while we waited. Delicious gourmet food that we combined with a bottle of nice white wine and enjoyed quietly back at our beachfront villa. 264-498-8258
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Thursday, December 19, 2002

Anguilla Forum: Carib On-line

New Year's Eve at Frangipani

Dinner and Dance Party: $125 p/p plus service. Cocktails: 6-7pm. Dinner: 7-930pm. Dance: 930pm-200am. Fireworks: 12 Midnight. Live Music by the Mussington Brothers.- Professional Display of Fireworks. Call 497-6442 For Reservations

Special Dinner at Restaurant Frangipani:

FIRST COURSE: Lobster and Shrimp Bisque with Cognac foam. Or Chicken Consomm� with toasted Pine Nuts, Mushrooms and Green Onions

SECOND COURSE: Portobello, Goat Cheese and Tomato tower on Organic greens With a Tomato-Basil salsa. 0r Lobster Roll with Peppered Pineapple vinaigrette

THIRD COURSE: Sorbets with Poire Williams

FOURTH COURSE: Beef Tenderloin Steak crusted with Gorgonzola cheese, with Cranberry-Port sauce, Herb Potato Riesti, mini vegetables. Or Medley of Salmon and Lobster serve with Tomato, cucumber and Caper salsa, Tarragon butter sauce with Lemon basmati, and roasted vegetables.

FIFTH COURSE: Raspberry Sour Cream Tart with Mint-chocolate cr�me Anglaise Or Ginger Cakes with Molten Chocolate centers, Orange cream

Wine complements: 6:00 PM THRU 7:00 PM Sancerre 2000 �Henri Bourgeois�, Le Clocher �St. Emilion 2001�, Mo�t & Chandon Champagne.

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Take A Tour of Shoal Bay

We have updated our "tour of Shoal Bay East" web page with larger pictures and newer information.
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5th Annual Optimist Triathlon

The Optimist Club of Anguilla is preparing for its next Triathlon Extravaganza at Meads Bay on 6th April, 2003. So get ready, get in shape, and take part in this big event. Both individuals and 3-person teams are invited to participate at two different levels of competition - Totally Serious and Seriously Fun.

ROUTES:

Swimming:
Participants in all categories will begin by swimming a triangular route in Meads Bay. The total length will be approximately � mile. Swimmers exit the water and tag cyclist at the road.

Totally Serious Cycling:

Starts at Malliouhana Hotel heading to West End. Turn around at West End, heading east to Vista Roundabout, left turn down to Sandy Ground. Turn around at intersection to customs dock, then back up to Roundabout. Continue east to Valley Roundabout. Go to Sandy Hill Roundabout and then head back towards the West End. At the Long Bay stoplight turn right, through Long Bay to Malliouhana Hotel beach entrance. Cyclists will tag runners on the road by the beach entrance. Total distance is 24 miles.

Seriously Fun Cycling:
Starts at Malliouhana Hotel heading west to Main Road. Turn left, heading east to Blowing Point Road. Turn around, ride west to Long Bay stoplight. Turn right, through Long Bay to Malliouhana Hotel beach entrance. Cyclists will tag runners on the road by the beach entrance. Total distance is 8 miles.

Running:
Starts at Malliouhana Hotel heading west to Main Road. Turn left, heading east to Long Bay stoplight. Turn left, through Long Bay to Malliouhana Hotel beach entrance. Total distance is 3.5 miles.

Trophies will be given for the 1st place individual and 1st place team in both the Serious and Fun Categories, along with other gifts. Medals will be awarded to 2nd and 3rd places. There will be medals awarded to the fastest times recorded in each leg of the race. The entry fee is US$10 for individuals and US$30 for teams. T-shirts will be provided for participating athletes.

At the beach, there will be lots to eat and drink, and live music. Please be sure to join us beginning at 10:00 am for a day of competitive sports and great fun on Sunday, 7th April 2002. For more information, please contact Art Egel 497-2369 Jerome Roberts 497 4673 (H) 497 5200 (W), Fritz Smith 497 4278 (H), 497 2651 (W).
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Anguilla National Trust

This is the web site of the national trust, www.ant.ai
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Today is a Holiday.

December 19th is Separation Day, a public holiday in Anguilla. We also have Christmas Day off next week, as well as Boxing Day (December 26th).
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Wednesday, December 18, 2002

Barrel Stay Web Site Update

The Barrel Stay in Sandy Ground is well known for their fish soup, but they offer many other delicious items on their menu.

1-264-497-2831 for Reservations.
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Calendar: Events, holidays, activities

Christmas Carols at the Arawak

Saturday 21st December, 6.30pm. Do join us for a joyous Christmas Celebration of Carol Singing, with Pizza Snacks and Punch. Merry Christmas to one and all.

Maria, Natalie, Katie and Kyle. Innkeepers, Arawak Beach Inn, Island Harbour.
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People in Anguilla

Profiles of people in Anguilla. Click one of the pictures that scroll on the left side of the page.
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Tuesday, December 17, 2002

Internet Yellow Pages: All known Anguilla sites.

New Years at Lucy's Atop Kegs

West Indian style 3-course menu includes pumpkin soup or garden salad, roasted lamb and baked turkey, Lucy's special potato casserole, peas and rice, fried plantain, and Lucy's vegetable medley. Followed by a sweet ending of Banana Bread Pudding. Plus a glass of Champagne. The price per person is US$25. At midnight enjoy the rooftop view of the fireworks displays in the region, Anguilla, St Martin and St Barths. Dinner service begins at 8pm. Reservations recommended. 264.497.2253 (Also, Keg's Palace is down below for entertainment and serving traditional Anguillian New Year's Breakfast of salt fish, johnnycake and bush tea, after midnight. 264.497.2680.)
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Monday, December 16, 2002

The Happy Hits

Read about this old-time string band in Anguilla and their new CD, "Cultivate Your Land".
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Saturday, December 14, 2002

A Diving Trip to Anguilla

Here is a scuba diving trip report with lots of underwater pictures.
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Friday, December 13, 2002

Airport Expansion to Start in 2003 (The Anguillian)

From the weekly newspaper The Anguillian: "The Anguilla Government has no choice but to start work on the extension of Wallblake Airport in the New Year. ... Time is running out. American Eagle has stated that it will be phasing out its ATR 42s in the medium term at the most."
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Trip Report: "Seventh Visit to Heaven"

Detailed report on trip to Anguilla, with pictures. Topics covered: travel, Splash Villa, Shoal Bay East, Le Beach, spa services from Jill Walker, Totally Grilled and Hot Plate, and more.
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Thursday, December 12, 2002

Photography Exhibit: Raymond Costantini

Devonish Art Gallery in West End announces an opening and reception for this exhibition: Sat, Dec 14, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. 497-2949
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Anguilla Questions? Email the Tourist Board at [email protected] or the Hotel Association at [email protected]

Ripples Christmas News

Ripples Bar & Restaurant, the only English Bar in Sandy Ground welcome you to their Christmas festivities�.music, music, music starting with Jason & Kirsten on December 19�.

Santa Claus is coming to Sandy Ground As always he will be in Ripples between 5:30 and 7:00pm on Tuesday 24th December, 2002. All children will get a free photo and a gift from Santa. If you pull his beard gently he will say Ho! Ho! Ho! Don�t be late. Live music late. Party! Party! Party!

Traditional Christmas Day Dinner � 7pm. A choice of the following: Goat Cheese Caesar Salad or Lobster Bisque. Then Roast Turkey with chestnut stuffing, roast and mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and cranberry sauce or Mahi Mahi with peppercorn sauce lashings of mashed potatoes and vegetables. Finally, Christmas pudding and mince pies flamb�ed in brandy and served with custard. All for US$25 plus 15% service charge.
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Art Exhibit: "Taking Chances"

You are invited to join Iris Lewis at Loblolly Gallery on Crocus Hill, Friday and Saturday December 13 and 14 from 10am - 5pm for coffee, cake and conversation on her painting methods. Her solo exhibition is titled "Taking Chances" and she feels perhaps her most exciting and best work in her 50 year art career most of it in the Caribbean. If you are unable to attend, click the link for information on Iris Lewis.
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Build Your Own: Beachshack

Caribbean storm brews over C&W

From The Register newsletter: "... fears that the company's cash cow in the Caribbean may be eaten by competitors. ... The Caribbean operations are the last legacy of C&W's history as providing communications to former UK colonies. Now the Islands are opening their markets to competition, C&W's creaking infrastructure has proved vulnerable."
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Menu for Flavours

Flavours is a new restaurant on back street in South Hill. The menu is now online.
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Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Arawak Beach Inn: Holiday News

There will be carol singing at the Arawak at 6pm on Saturday night, December 21. All are welcome. Complimentary Pizza snacks and fruit punch will be available. There will be a voluntary collection for Island Harbour Primary School amenities.

Traditional English Christmas Turkey Dinner with English Christmas Pudding 6.30pm Christmas Day $25 pp

"Boxing Day Bloody Mary Bash" from 8am all day December 26. Enjoy the ultimate liquid recovery tool! Usual good low prices, with breakfast from $10 or lunch all day.... Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 1.264.497.4888
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Sweet P's Pies

A unique new booth at the Soroptomist fair this year was "Sweet P's Pies", where she gave out free samples of the pies that she sells: Double Crust Apple Pie, Lemon Meringue, and more...

From her brochure: Homemade and freshly baked to order, traditional pies and tarts. Also Fruit Crumbles, Cheesecakes and Profiteroles.

This is an excellent new business idea, and she will deliver. 264-772-3061
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Ferry Boat Inn: new web site

The Ferry Boat Inn has redone their web site with a new picture tour, suggested activities in Anguilla, and menus from their restaurant.

They have a two-bedroom air-conditioned house right on the beach, plus one bedroom apartments. Rates vary from $160 to $280 per night. 264-497-6613 [email protected]
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Tuesday, December 10, 2002

Soroptomist Fair

The fair was held Dec 7 on the grounds of the governer's house and everyone seemed to have a good time.

The Craft Group had their regular assortment of crafts for sale (below), raising funds for art education.The Soroptomist provided West Indian buffet lunch and gourmet hot dogs. The Anguilla Beautification Club sold plants, And much more.

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Webcam at Shoal Bay!

Live webcam at Shoal Bay Watersports near Uncle Ernies. Click the "web cam" link unless you live on Anguilla, then try the "local cam" link. You will need to install the webcam viewer software, but when you do you get moving pictures (slowly moving) of Shoal Bay beach looking out from the shop. Of course, if the shop is closed, you may not see very much!
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Menus.ai: Restaurants and menus.

Anguilla's Salt Ponds

Survey of our salt ponds, with numerous pictures.
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Nov 24th Boat Race (The Anguillian)

Miss Anguilla won this race from Sandy Ground to Rendesvous Bay and back, which was sponsored by CCB.
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Hotels.ai: All the resorts/hotels/inns.

Lighting of Trees in The Valley

The grand lighting of the trees in The Valley will take place on Saturday December 14, 2002 at 7pm under the theme "Follow the Star". An interesting ceremony complemented by live cultural entertainment including selections by the Happy Hits will make the event truly special. Click here to see a report on last year's lighting.
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Monday, December 09, 2002

Hibernia Christmas

Special menu: Mallard or Pheasant Breast pan grilled; Minced leg seasonsed with Ginger, Sechwan Pepper and Garlic; Served with stuffed Japanese 'perfume' mushrooms, potato and chestnut puree and a light Thai red curry sauce.
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Haddalli Villa, Blowing Point

Here is the updated web site for this villa on the point near Blowing Point.
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