Statia Carnival Opening Jump-Up!

The opening night of the Carnival starts with a float being pulled through the town. In the back there is a live Soca band blasting music into the streets. As it gets closer to the venue more and more people join the float and dance all the way there. There seemed to be a measure of dedication to the dancing. If you hold onto the back of the float and dance a booty shaking conga all the way you are the coolest cucumber. Everyone has a huge party and the air is filled with the smell of BBQ chicken! It couldnt have been more Caribbean. Wonderful!

Banyan Tree In The Garden

This is a huge Banyan Tree hidden in a corner of the garden. Ive only just found it!

Panorama Point

These are the amazing views from the top of the volcano on the island!

Little fluffy clouds

Hummingbird. The golden shot!

A Swan in my Pepper!!!!

Look me in the eye and tell me that isnt a swan!

Nature

Just a few snaps of the wildlife we live with. The massive centipede was found in the kitchen after we had bug bombed the house. A bite from one of these guys will put you in hospital. The two photos of the hummingbirds are my favourite. The second one, if you look closely, has one in flight right in the middle. Ive been waiting ages for a shot like that.

On The Beach

Turtle Nest Excavation

There is a sea turtle conservation programme ongoing on the island. When the nests are due to hatch out, an excavation is done to aid the process and maximise the chances of survival. Sadly with some species this isnt always a successful mission. This particular next had been infected with bacteria from the sand and all of the eggs had died. It aint all glamour you know.

Underwater Adventures!

Those of you who know me might know that I am a rubbish swimmer. On an island famous for its diving and coral reefs I am surrounded by people in love with the water and the underwater world. After much persuasion I caved and was persuaded to venture into the water with a snorkel. After some practice in the sea near the shore I got more confident and just in time too! As a reward for our hard work at the national parks, the interns and volunteers were treated to a snorkel boat trip around the island in the marine park boat. We visited 3 snorkel sights ranging from 6 to 10 meters deep (I did well not to freak out). I did have my security though. In addition to the help from all the strong swimmers in the group I had an old buoy to hand. An attractive orange so everyone knew where I was haha. Safety first!
The water was amazing. Calm and clear. I saw 2 sea turtles and 3 huge sting rays asleep on the sea bed.
An opportunity Im so pleased I didnt miss out on.