Island Holidays Blog

Cuba Calendar

You might think this sounds like an advertisement - which, of course, it is - but I'm sitting here observing half a box of stunning 2008 calendars which we're selling in aid of conservation work in Cuba.  They're only a fiver each, and terrific value.   We've been offering tours to Cuba since 1991 and were the first British company to do so, so we really know what we're talking about - at least Andy Mitchell does, and he's the leader.   

It's a fabulous country.   When I first went there in 1990 it was seriously undeveloped in terms of tourism and some of the accommodation was, to put it mildly, "interesting".   Sharing my pillow with a mouse and my loo with a frog brought new meaning to "wildlife tourism"!   But now the accommodation and transport are excellent, while the scenery and the birds are nothing short of spectacular.   It's the largest island in the Caribbean and, personally, I love everthing about it - right down the the 1950's cars which are so prevalent.

I'll avoid getting too political, but really the United States should be ashamed of itself for the hardship it has brought on the people of Cuba by its mindless blockading of the island.   Back in the 1960's, Cuba most certainly did pose a threat to the US, but that is ancient history.   How a super-power such as the US can be so cruel as to let harmless neighbours suffer because it doesn't agree with a mode of government is totally beyond me.   Cuba is harmless.  It's people are wonderful.   The US should mind its own business and have a heart.   Dream on Libby!

Wild Goose Chase great success

It was our first ever reunion last weekend when 40 people assembled in Carlisle to enjoy a weekend of birdwatching and socialising.   We'd kept the number to 40 max so that it remained really personal and that seems to have worked well.

We were unbelievably lucky with the weather.  In spite of an horrendous forecast, the only rain which fell was as darkness fell and the last of goodness knows how many tens of thousands of Starlings flew into their roost.   I think we were all agreed that, in terms of spectacle, that was one of the most amazing sites any of us had seen - and all that within striking distance of the service station at Gretna.  If you happen to be passing at dusk it's worth taking a diversion off the motorway.   Let me know if you want specific directions.

Now, after all the fun and laughter, it's back to the desk.  This week has been singularly November-ish but it doesn't really matter when there's work to be done!

Sorry for silence

It's frighteningly easy to develop habits, but even easier to lose them.   That's evident from the fact that I haven't written a blog for a month!   At that time I was just about to leave for St Helena and my intentions were to send progress reports, but you know how it is.  It just didn't happen.

What a fantastic trip it was - except for the weather which could have been better and was unexpectedly cool, even on Ascension Island.  I just love these islands, and the experience was enhanced by the company of splendid clients who all enjoyed themselves to the full and were appreciative of everything they saw.   Maybe the highlight was the dolphin watch off St Helena where we found ourselves in the company of 200-250 Pantropical Spotted Dolphin as well as a few Bottle-nosed.  We went a bit further than usual and were rewarded with a close-up encounter with a young Humpback right by our tiny boat while, on the other side was a Hammerhead Shark.   Wow!

Our time on St Helena was especially interesting as one of the clients had a family connection with a man who had been Governor of the island in the 19th century.  Basil George, our local guide, had done a terrific job in finding out more and we were able to visit a memorial to Governor Janisch and also find his photograph in Plantation House where we were honoured to be entertained to afternoon tea by the Governor.

Now it's back to the reality of the tale-end of autumn which means leaves on the steep drive up to my house which really do need to be cleared.  However, I'm off to Carlisle tomorrow to prepare for the weekend's reunion get-together which we're calling "A Wild Goose Chase" - the Solway Firth area is renowned for the tens of thousands of geese which assemble every winter.  It should be an excellent weekend - here's hoping for decent weather.