Nevis Cave Chronicles: A Day Off Adventure
Exploring Scenic Views, Abandoned Relics, and Familial Bonds
Ever had one of those weeks where you just want to raise the white flag and call it quits? That was me by the time last Thursday rolled around. So, instead of banging our heads against the keyboard in frustration, my cohort rallied the troops (me) and declared it a day off. Snacks? Check! Sense of adventure? Double check! We hit the road, ready to explore the hidden gems of our little island paradise.
With the sun shining bright and not a cloud in sight, we embarked on a journey to see it all. We were grateful to catch a glimpse of Antigua and Montserrat way out on the horizon, and also Redonda, a tiny speck of land that barely registers on the map. But hey, every island deserves its moment in the sun, right?
Along the way, we stumbled upon a side road that beckoned us to explore. Sure, there were no signs of life besides the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind, but we knew there were cozy mansions behind those high wooden gates and thick shrubbery.
When we got to the end, we realized that there wasn’t enough space on the narrow road to turn around, so we prepared to back up to the main road. But as luck would have it, a friendly American expat walked from the last house, opened his gate and allowed us to turn our car around on his spacious lawn. We got to talking. Turns out, he's been a fixture on the island since '67 – practically a native by our standards. Who knew our desire to explore would lead to a new friendship?
Next stop: Nisbet's Plantation/Inn/Hotel, a nostalgic relic of days gone by, located on the northeastern side of the island overlooking the Atlantic. Despite being currently closed and apparently abandoned, we couldn't resist the allure of its deserted beach and the rhythmic crash of waves against the rocks. Complete with beach chair, towel, and a dose of inspiration, I deemed it the perfect future spot to cook up a steamy scene. Who needs a bustling resort when you've got the raw beauty of nature to fuel your creativity?
But the real highlight of the day: Quality time with family at my sister-in-law's place. Between impromptu photo shoots and reminiscing about the good old days, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the bonds that tie us together. Especially as we remembered my beloved brother–– husband and father of the house––who is no longer with us.
As the day wound down, we traded sandy beaches for grocery aisles and a cozy night in with a classic movie. Sure, we didn't make it past the opening credits, but sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that end with a quiet night at home. Cheers to throwing in the towel and finding joy in the simple things. It's what island life is all about.
So, Friday rolled around, and let's just say the inspirational bug was still on vacation. But hey, I managed to check off one huge task from my weekly to-do list, so I'll take what I can get. By the time the sun started its descent, I was ready to blow a gasket, so I did what any sane person would do – called up my old neighbor and childhood buddy and hit the town for some liquid therapy.
Fast forward, two hours and three beers later, and yours truly was feeling just the right amount of tipsy. But before things got too wobbly, we made a pit stop at our favorite spot for some finger-lickin' good barbecue ribs. Let me tell you, those bad boys hit the spot like nobody's business!
Now, the real stroke of luck came when my buddy spilled the beans about a radio broadcast happening the next day. Turns out, his older brother, whom I knew as Ed, growing up, was in town from the Big Apple. Naturally, I ditched my weekly cohort meeting and hightailed it to 2020 Vision Radio for the Good Old Days broadcast, featuring Edmund John 'Gooner' Arthurton, Nevis’ cricket captain extraordinaire, and the one and only Elquemedo Willett, MBE – a Nevisian cricket legend in his own rights, and Ed’s mentee. And hosted by author of The Father, Son & Offsprings: The Enchanting Story of Nevis Cricket (1945 to 2023), Stevenson (Steve) Manners.
Listening to these old-timers wax nostalgic about the glory days of cricket brought a flood of memories rushing back – days of carefree childhood antics with my buddy, and going to the park to watch his cricket-captain brother do his thing.
But the icing on the cake? Watching my daughter work her magic behind the lens as the official photographer for the event, capturing every historic moment with finesse. Talk about a proud parent moment!
(Ed wearing white holding a copy of The Father, Son & Offsprings: The Enchanting Story of Nevis Cricket (1945 to 2023), Elquemedo in brown next to him, Steve in tan, and the technicians behind the mics in colorful tropical shirts)
As another week looms on the horizon, I'm bracing myself for whatever curve balls life decides to throw my way. Because hey, that's just how the cookie crumbles, right? So here's to rolling with the punches and keeping the faith, and listening to nature by way of the Atlantic...