Ah, yes.

So Monday turned into a turd of a day. There really weren't any forecasts that got it right (although this was the closest). Seems like we should be better at this by now... Rain came in and looked like it should end "any time" on the radar, but went on and on and on. As a matter of fact, at one point we had lightning zing directly overhead accompanied by thunder that scared the bejesus out of us. I was glad all animals were inside (including me). Some went under the bed; I made sure I wasn't touching anything metal and unplugged the computer. I was quite amazed that we still had electricity afterwards.


During a break in the rain, I managed to get new sunglasses (polarized even!), and then made a run for the grocery store as it started pouring again. I hung out with everyone else until it slowed to a drizzle and then put EC$175 (about $US66) of gas into the SUV. Ouch! My moped takes $3 about every 2 months.

My hair in a permanent ponytail, doing...something.

The plan was to set the hash and get/writeup directions for everyone for Saturday, and no rain, snow, sleet, or hurricane was going to stop us! (I have hashed in two tropical storms, 1 in Grenada and 1 in St. Kitts, both turned into hurricanes after passing over.)
Note my hiking boots? I am one world-class packer. I brought 3 pairs of shoes - including sneakers and hiking shoes, clothes for dress-up, hiking, running, and every-day wear for three weeks with sweatshirt and rain jacket, undies/socks, hair dryer, flat iron, toiletries, and electronics all in one small carry-on bag and a "personal item." Note: I was so proud of myself for packing the rain jacket, had it on for that picture, and then forgot to bring it for the hash setting. Sigh. It sucks getting old. Luckily, the rain was done for the day.

Anywho, I had someone pick me up since I wasn't familiar with the area we were going to, and off we went. The more people that set a hash, the easier it is to herd everyone once the hash takes place. One person can lead, while another can follow the slowpokes. And you need that for both runners and walkers (notice Betsy looking back at me in almost all of these pics - yep, I'm still here!).

This is going to be a bit of a longish hike, but it's pretty easy. The trail is along a cleared dirt road, with a little ghaut action at the end. The views are great, although with the mist leftover, they weren't as spectacular as Dave and Heather had experienced the day before. Maybe Saturday.

People keep asking me why Michael and I aren't bonding with Key West. Because it doesn't have this! It's not so much about what we don't like about Key West; it's about what it doesn't have. This would be true just about anywhere in Florida, much of which is barely above sea level.

Everywhere in St. Kitts, you have a view of the sea, the ocean, or both. You have black, tan, and white beaches. You have a wet and dry rain forest, and an inactive volcano to climb. There are numerous places you can still be alone. It's just so diverse for a small island (about 24 miles by 5 miles), and the country is small enough to get around in one day without being too small. There's a reason we chose this island out of more than 35 that we sailed to over three years. What Key West has to offer in return (bars/saloons, restaurants, fishing, manufactured fun, and a looooong road to the mainland) just isn't something that gets us excited.
I understand why people enjoy the little island (particularly from a vacation standpoint), but it's not for everyone.

As frustrated as I got with some things on St. Kitts (utility outages/undulating electricity bills, expensive soda/groceries, difficulty replacing items, complications getting to/from the island, centipedes), every time I did a hash, hike, or had a Sunday beach day on Sandy Bank, I found my peace again, reset my priorities, and recharged my batteries. Every time.



I have yet to find a place in Key West that allows me to do that. Believe me, St. Kitts isn't for everyone either, but it was right for us, and I hope we can return.

Sorry for the detour, but it seemed like a good time to address an oft-repeated question...So where were we?



We kept tying ribbons until it was dark. When we were done setting most of the walking trail, we went to a local rum shop (convenience stores in local neighborhoods that sell just enough to get you by until you hit a grocery store - many don't even sell rum) and toasted our efforts.

White people in "the country" (especially after dark) always throw off the locals, but they're usually more than welcoming, and David & Heather (Brits) live in the country themselves.

I'd forgotten that people here say Good Night as you would Good Morning or Good Afternoon. It throws me off every time. In the States we say it as a goodbye, so it just sounds weird when someone greets you with it.

The others are going to go back and finish the walker's trail later in the week and still have to drop sawdust for the runners. Like I said, it's a lot of work to set a hash, so I hope people appreciate it and more step up to give it a try.