All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson

View From Dune Preserve, Anguilla, 2010

The secret is out.  Well, it wasn’t really a secret.  You don’t get the honor of #1 Beach Bar in the World without having been noticed by a few people.  When we first visited Anguilla in November of 2007, we stayed at the Cuisinart Resort, just steps from the best beach bar in the world, Dune Preserve.  We learned of Dune Preserve when while planning for the trip, we discovered the music of Bankie Banx, who is one of the island’s most famous residents.  We made our children, ages 8 and 10, stay up long past their vacation bedtime (which is even later than their regular bedtime), to go see Bankie play.  We actually met Bankie the afternoon of the show while he was working on construction of the bar.  This photo from back in 2007 shows the work being done at the time.

Dune Preserve under construction, 2007

The improvements were preceded by the concert for preservation of the dune by Bankie and Jimmy Buffett in March of 2007, culminating in the Live in Anguilla CD/DVD set.  I have the DVD in my player in my office and loop it on really cold days.

Anyway, we were on the beach that afternoon in 2007 taking our Christmas card photo, when my daughter pointed in the direction of Dune Preserve and asked, “Is that Bankie Banx?,”  pretty good for a 10-year-old.  I told her she should find out for herself.  This is one of her most cherished photos.

Al and Bankie Banx, 2007

Bankie invited us to come to the show that night, and we stayed as long as our 8-year-old’s patience and energy would permit.

Welcome to Dune Preserve, 2007

Clip from our daughter’s video, 2007

Every year, we return to have a drink, listen to some music, and get an autographed t-shirt for our daughter.  What attracts so many people to this place is the laid back atmosphere and good music.  It makes you dream of one day staying here forever and being “Stuck in Paradise.”

Bankie Banx at Dune Preserve, 2009

Inside Dune Preserve, 2010

Dune Preserve, Anguilla, 2010

Another autograph for Allison, 2010

Meeting Bankie Banx, 2010

View from Dune Preserve, 2009

Head back to My Irie Time…

Tweet

NOTICE: W photography, through its sister site, myirietime.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson

Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Anguilla

I had heard about Gwen’s Reggae Grill before our first trip to Anguilla in 2007, but we didn’t actually make it there until 2009.  Gwen’s is located somewhat apart from the hustle and bustle of bars and restaurants that you immediately see when you arrive at Shoal Bay East, a gorgeous stretch of sand and water on Anguilla’s north coast.  To get to Gwen’s, you walk east along the beach…

On the path to Gwen’s, Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

…and then start watching for signs, which will confirm you’re headed in the right direction.

Sign leading the way to Gwen’s Reggae Grill

Soon you will see an oasis of great food and drink, Gwen’s Reggae Grill.

Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Anguilla

Looking overhead at the gorgeous palm trees

This was Gwen’s in 2009.  Sadly, Gwen’s had a fire on November 20, 2010, just four days before we returned to Anguilla.  We couldn’t bear to see the ruins, so we did not head that way on our 2010 trip.  However, Gwen’s has rebuilt, and although it may be a bit more time before the palm trees are this glorious overhead, the spectacular view and wonderful hospitality continue on.

View from Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Anguilla

Head to My Irie Time…

Tweet

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson

I was in Sarasota, Florida for a trial deposition this week. Given the flight times, I had to stay over and had a bit of time to enjoy beautiful Siesta Key, a long stretch of beautiful, white powder beach.  While in Sarasota, I enjoyed the hospitality of a fantastic couple, Carlton and Deborah Grooms.  People who think my husband and I are adventurous should meet the Grooms.  A few years back, they took their ten- and eleven-year-old children on a trip around the world, visiting 23 countries.  Their story is told in detail, along with amazing images, on their websites: Deborah Grooms Photography and Carl Grooms.  Carl has a great blog of travels around the Caribbean called Coastlines and Tan Lines, with engaging stories of people and places I would love to visit.  This is a remarkable couple, not only because of their great experiences and talent, but because of their willingness to welcome me, a stranger to them and their town, and to treat me like an old friend.  Thanks again for the hospitality!

In the style of vintage postcards, this was put together in photoshop with a few shots from Siesta Key.

Tweet

All words and images ©2006-2012 Wendy G. Gunderson