Day 14 and 15 (July 8 and 9th, the last days)

July 8

Today was all about doing the things we will miss the most about leaving this, our Island paradise.

We were on the move pretty early but not before jumping in the pool for a morning swim. We arrived at Long Bay Beach for a nice walk and to take in one last look at that amazing water. We arrived on the beach, which is pretty much ours since there is never anyone on it! Well this time, 5 local dogs were there to greet us. The two older ones looked at us with careful eyes... would we be friendly and not hurt their kids? They finally figured out we were friendly white folks and relaxed around us. They even followed us for a ways and enjoyed the water as much as we did. We took some pictures of them.

Our walk along the beach was even more special since we knew it was the last one (FOR THIS TRIP). It was pretty warm but the sea breeze was just perfect. We walk about 10 km, up and back. We arrived back to our car area and had to take one last look around.... ah it really is hard to leave this place!

After the beach we had a bit more running around to do. We had to get some rum cake and a view crafts from a local Haitian arts market. This was the first bartering we had to do on this Island. Not like the Dominican Republic or Mexico where everything you get is bartered. However, unlike the formentioned, here even the bartering isn't cheap. But still we didn't want to be to cruel to this lady since she was Haitian and we knew she didn't have a ton of money and well we are sure she was sending money back home to Haiti too.

After our quick shopping trip we made a B-line back to the condo for a swim and to just lay around in the sun and eat lunch. By mid afternoon we went down to our next favourite spot, the beach just near us. It was busier than usual with 6 people on it. We got into our snorkelling gear and had an hour or so of exploring the ocean life. By 4:00 it was time to head back to the pool for a fresh water rince... and then we got in our finest and went out for a nice meal along the beach to catch the sunset one last time.

July 9 (our last morning)

Since we packed most things last night, we didn't have too much to do. Besides, our Couchsurfing friend, Lynn, was entered in the 1 mile swim just down from us and asked us to come down to watch. It was pretty exciting actually. We said our good byes to her after the race and headed back to the condo to finish the last minute things before heading to the airport.

We arrived at the airpot just around noon. It didn't take us more than 10 minutes to check in and get rid of our luggage BUT then we had to go to security. There were 3 or 4 flights leaving around the same time and the airport is not made for this volume. The line was inside and outside and then looped. It took us almost an hour to get through security. It was a blessing since the waiting room was so small that you could hardly take a deep breath without your abdomen hitting someone! Okay, maybe not that bad but I painted a picture that it was pretty tight. Lucky they knew this and were boarding planes like crazy.

The first few minutes of the flight almost makes you home sick for the Islands we just left! As the plane gains altitude you can't help looking at the waters and shake your head in amazment! Everyone who is reading this and likes beaches, water and swimming and warmth.... MUST GO to the Turks and Caicos!

The flight back to Toronto was pretty fast and before we knew it we were on Canadian soil once more. By the time we went through customs and rechecked our luggage again... and had to go through security again (yes, Toronto isn't set up that good) we only had about an hour before our flight was called. We had supper and then it was almost boarding time. The flight to Moncton was a bit late leaving but we didn't care so much since we planned to stay the night in Moncton rather than get home at 2:00 in the morning.

Final words... The Turks and Caicos is in our opinion a place that we can't wait to return to! If you like to just relax and enjoy walks on the beach, warm clear water, great snorkelling and just a perfect pace, then this is the place for you to visit! When you do... try to do at least 2 weeks, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for reading our Blog and until our next adventure... travel safe where ever life takes you.

This is the beach locals

Chillaxing in the Turks and Caicos

The last walk on Long Bay Beach

Not our condo but one can never just walk by!

"Handsome" sunset!

Couchsurfer Lynn in the blue suit

The madness of it all...

The 3 of us after the race