Valerie's
Day Off
by Valerie Samien
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Joe Cash from Northern Scotland gathered up a mouthful of rrrr's and proudly
stated, "We come to visit our wee bonnie brrrother island." Not to be
forgotten, Rosie from Ireland piped in in her lilting Irish, "We heard the
rainbows ae prettier here." "Yes, they surely are", I replied.
After registration into my hotel, we all jumped into Amy's vintage handyman's
special Hyundai almost-car and with a rumble, thunder, clatter, boom, boom, boomed
down the road to Irish folk music. Drinks and catching up gossip passed from person
to person as renewal of friendships and a year's worth of trials and jubilations
were discussed. Rosie commented on all the new improvements to my hotel such as
the ceramic tile adorning the entrance and interior; she wanted to know if I caught
a leprechaun or discovered a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And, if I'd
gotten three wishes, did I save one of them for my dear friend Rosie? |
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Rosie lately has been keeping her eyes peeled for a Welsh Nordic God
with Viking ancestry who has a rescue license, owns his own boat, and likes visiting
isolated beaches. He must be able to carry the ice chest, tanks, and other diving
equipment for long stretches joyfully and tirelessly and be prepared for romantic
interludes on pristine, secluded beaches. My only comment to Rosie was, "If
you find this perfection, please see if he has an older brrrother. Friend Amy
commented from the driver's set, "if found, please see if he has a father."
Amy is even willing to carry the ice chest, but the oxygen tanks and rescue license
are musts. She plans on getting in over her head with this one!
Putting
most of the foolishness aside, we stopped at Jackson's Commercial in Mt. Pleasant
to check on my tickets on the Bay Island Express. September is the month I go
back to the United States and give my foud children and grandchildren their Christmas
and birthday gifts for the year. My three days on the cargo boat is spent in luxury
and tranquility while I prepare for this chaotic experience. A bustle of chaos,
excitement, and reunion of loved ones are on the agenda for me.
This accomplished,
we were back on the road again heading for Oak Ridge to catch up on gossip and
reunite with B.J., owner of the world-famous B.J.s Backyard Pub in Oak Ridge.
Everyone knows you will always have a good time at B.J.'s and the big news there
is that B.J.s daughter Tracy is in from Key West College for a two-week break.
This charming and beautiful island girl who really has her head screwed on right
is looking seriously at a career in corporate law. "Go for it, girl -- we
are all proud of you!"
Across the bay is Sandy and Carmen's Oak Ridge
marina where Amy has her 33 ft. sailing boat. At the marina Amy picked up her
mail and personal things; then we all folded ourselves into a water taxi to visit
Grandma Vivian Agnus McNab in her octagon house on the key. Vivian greeted us
with a smila, a hug, and "It's about time you put me on your visiting list."
Granny viv, who has a heart of gold and has had a hand in raising many of the
children in Oak Ridge, was a sight to see. At 80 years old, she has retained more
fire and spice then most of ever acquire. The story was told of last week when
Granny Viv went to Cliff's for lumber, and the water taxi's motor wouldn't start.
(In Oak Ridge -- the Venice of the Caribbean -- water taxis are the only way to
get from place to place) Nobody was surprised to see Granny paddling the 'motorized'
boat all the way home with a full cargo of lumber in the rain! The water taxi
driver was not seen anywhere.
Back on the road and getting on the far side
of Coxen Hole, a 'must stop' place is Jessie's place called The Lone Star Cafe,
located next to the vet's office. A sleepy looking Mexican with a gordo belly
and huge Mexican hat covering his head and torso, is resting under a prickly pear
cactus that decorates the interior walls. Mexican and American food was available
and we ate delicious fajitas. We enjoyed this cool, comfortable stop to get the
kinks out of our bodies stiff from the long road trip.
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Well, folks, this was my day. I truly hope your day includes as much love,
laughter, and fun as mine. Rosie would like this Irish toast printed here: May
the sun be on your cheeks, The wind be at your back; And may you be in Heaven
a half hour Before the devil knows your gone!
West End, Roatan August, 2000
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Valerie is the owner of Valerie's
Youth Hostel in West End, a popular stayover for budget travelers from all
over the world. She has made Roatan her home for many years, having spent the
first years living in Sandy Bay, Oak Ridge, and later living in West End Village.
