Grand Turk - Birds, Dogs and Relaxation

     My husband and I returned to our vacation rental Crabtree Apartments on Grand Turk last November, 2010.  We didn't have time to enjoy the beauty of the island when we arrived but we were able to enjoy the golden sunset over the water.  It felt good to be back.  Exhausted we went to the Sandbar for a margarita and grilled grouper plate.  Yum to both.  One thing I truly enjoy here is the fresh fish, fried grouper  sandwiches, grilled grouper, cracked conch, conch fritters as well as the other fresh catch of the day.

     I was exhausted after a long day of travel and couldn't wait to climb into bed.  As alway Ilsa, our maid, had the apartment clean and ready.  After a good night's sleep we woke early the next morning, opened the doors to the beach and the front door to let the wonderful breeze flow through the apartment.  I looked out the front door across the street to the salinas, I enjoy watching the birds picking around in the water.  There were 3 huge herons roosting on the little island in the middle, I didn't get a look up close but my guess is they were Great Blue Herons,  as well as a number of other herons, egrets and tiny pipers picking around in the waters.

     Later in the afternoon we took a stroll down the beach, being the winter months the rain clouds rolled in and soon we were drenched, but who cares the air was warm.  We turned around to head back to our apartment and discovered the sun shining through the clouds producing a beautiful arcing double rainbow reaching from over the salinas right into the sea, absolutely beautiful.  I have seen so many rainbows on Grand Turk.   I'm sure it's because the rain never lasts long before the sun is back out.

     The next morning we saw several pink flamingos in the Salina down town.  They are so elegant and certainly one of my favorite birds in the Turks and Caicos.    Many people go to Grand Turk for the superb diving, me I love the beach, the warm sun and the water birds.

     I am a big animal lover.  Our guests had been returning this year saying they had fallen in love with these 3 dogs on the beach and were sad to leave them.  There are always friendly dogs that come by and say hello and usually our guests are referring to a black lab mix dog that lives up the beach named Sandy, I assumed this was her and a few of her four legged friends.  Several of the guests had worried, when they departed, for this trio.  I have to say I didn't expect to find that this gentle crew would steal my heart too.  One of the dogs had a very large tumor on her jowl, I heard rumors the veterinarians, who own a house a couple doors down, were going to do something about the dogs tumor this February while they were on the island.  I am hoping this is true.

     Relaxation is a big deal to us, it's hard to find a place where you can relax and let your worries slip away.  If you don't return from your vacation on Grand Turk relaxed then I suggest you don't bring your computer and cell phone next time or take a good look at what is going on in your life.  The island is quiet with just enough to do to keep the boredom away but still return home relaxed and rested.

     I'm getting tired of the snow and cold here in New England and I would be happy to not see another snow shovel until next winter, if possible.  Therefore I'm looking forward to my trip back to Grand Turk with my girlfriends this March.  A little something to get me through these dreary winter days:)

                                                  Written by, Leslie Janes