10 Years, 12 Nights, 6 Hotels, ONE LOVE - April 2012 Trip Report

Trip Report Continued...

Day 9

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I love waking up in Jamaica. I love the feeling of crisp clean hotel sheets against newly tan skin, I love seeing the sunlight streaming in through the shuttered windows and the palm leaves swaying. I love hearing the ceiling fan swooshing overhead and the Reggae music drifting over from the bar. I love the smell of aloe vera lotion and coconut oil. There is a calm relaxed happy sensation that just washes over me at the realization that I have another day on the most amazing Island in all the Caribbean.

I gave Markus a gentle nudge and whispered “It's moving day...”

“mmm”, He murmered with a smile “So...Where are we going now? I forgot...”

Markus is very laid back when it comes to vacation plans. He likes being the tail on the kite and lets me plan the details. I really pushed the envelope when I booked 6 different hotels for this trip but when I told him my plan, he had just laughed. He thought it was a little crazy, but he was up for the adventure. Every time we checked into a new hotel, it felt like a new vacation starting all over again. I loved it. You meet new friends, get to know the staff and the environment around you changes. You get to see Jamaica from yet another angle and it's always unique.

“Next stop is Catcha Falling Star”, I told him.

We had stayed 4 nights at Seasplash (our longest stay ever in any hotel) and we were ready for the next chapter. I had already known that Seasplash would be a lot of fun from the stories I'd read from other boardies and it didn't disappoint. Jim Hurt made us feel at home and partied with us like a rockstar. All of the staff was so kind and welcoming. The location is great and there was always something happening in the bar area. Webcasts, concerts and great happy hour specials. If you get a package that includes breakfast, you wont be disappointed. It's really good.

We packed up our bags and head over to the dining area for breakfast before checking out.

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The sky was a little overcast today – but the weather was warm and the ocean was calm. In the distance I saw the familiar green glow of Gerryg123's floatie as he enjoyed his daily morning float. (If you look closely, you can see it in the picture) I had to smile. I was going to miss that sight.

We ordered our usual breakfast and settled down in the dining area. Guirigay and Sweetiepie came over to join us. Eventually Gerryg123 emerged from the ocean and had breakfast at the table next to us with Jim Hurt.

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After breakfast we head back to our room to clear out the last of our bags and tidy up the room a bit. We said our goodbye's to all the staff and our sweet housekeeper. We gave Jim Hurt a huge hug and thanked him for everything.

Guirigay and Sweetiepie decided to join us on our ride over to Catcha Falling Star. They were hopeful that there might be a room available for them as a drop-in hotel guests. We all had our fingers crossed.

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It felt like a homecoming when we drove through the familiar gates of Catcha Falling Star. The lush landscape...the beautiful little cottages nestled in-between palm trees and colorful flowers... Gentle Ben, the golden retriever standing beside the reception area wagging his tail. This is my favorite place on earth.

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Mauvette greeted us at the front desk with a warm smile “Welcome back!” Guirigay inquired about a room and they were in luck. The Capricorn WAS available. Score! They would be staying with us at Catcha after all!

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Markus was so happy to be reunited with Ben.

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Gurigay and Sweetiepie needed to wait a bit for the Capricorn to be ready so we told them they could store their bags in our Pisces cottage.

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The Pisces cottage is adorable. It's small with windows on all sides, fridge and all the amenities you could ask for. The bathroom has an partially outdoor shower with a view of the sky and trees overhead.The deck has a hammock, table and a view of the sea in the distance. It's set apart from the other cottages in a way that makes you feel like you have a lot of privacy. I loved it!

We decided to head over to Ivans bar while we waited for Guirigay and Sweetiepie's room to open up.

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A round of celebratory Dirty Bananas...

A little bit later, Mauvette came up and alerted Guirigay about the room being available. They moved over their bags and it was time to head over to our next adventure.

The Annual Boardie Bash.

We were a little past “fashionably late” and the party was kicking full force when we arrived. I was so excited to be a part of this celebration. There were so many boardies, familiar faces and new faces. For the first time I could put a face to a name with so many people that I had been chatting with on the board for over a year. Greenie was playing the steel drums, everyone was laughing and hugging. What an experience!

Since this boardie bash has been written about in countless trip reports at this point, I'll just let the pictures tell the story. You'll see a lot of smiling faces!

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Luvsdaisland & Rasta Stan

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Sweetness!

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The awesome Jim & Donna

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Beautiful Bella Bea – It was so good seeing her again! We did our traveling Jewelry exchange again. She gave me the most beautiful sea glass necklace.

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Markus taking it all in

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Beachgirl66 – I love her smile, Miss her a lot..

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Greenie

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Great job, Clarity. You are on FIRE with this report, as we eagerly await each new chapter .....

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I ordered the lionfish dish again. (I was dealing with a full blown lionfish addiction at this point and was craving it all the time.)



Here's some footage of everyone congregating together in preparation for the big group shot. Every time I see this, it takes me right back to that day and I long to go back so much...



http://youtu.be/dHX2wZP7S2E




To be Continued...
Next stop Just Natural and final group gathering at Catcha Falling Star.
(The first round of tearful goodbye's :()

Your pictures are so good. Everyone's smiles at the boardie bash says it all, no need for commentary, good call.

this report gets better and better!

Okay... So many comments to be made on this one :)

First... If Patty doesn't bring popsicle Hubbity, I'll bring the Southern version of you two! But I'm holding out hope that you'll be there! Also, keep in mind.... I was snow skiing pregnant with twins .... you can fly! :)

Second... Guirgay & Sweetie Pie are two people I can't wait to meet. Sweetie Pie has the face of an angel. She looks like someone that anyone would enjoy being around. Guirgay... I just want him to tell me how to say his name, and maybe he'll let me wear one of those awesome hats!

Third ... That pic of Sweetness really shows her beauty. I love her smile! That truly is a great pic of her!

Fourth ... The lionfish looks really good. That will be on my to do list come April.

Fifth .... How can you not come in April! I need to hear Markus' voice! That video clip just isn't enough!

Confession .... So jealous I wasn't there!

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Originally Posted by Clarity

Haha! I would love to go in April. That’s going to be one AMAZING boardie bash but It’s really not in the stars for us. I am hoping that a Little Clarity or Markus will ((Finally)) be on the way by then. I’m relying on all of you guys to take me along vicariously through your trip reports. So Don’t let me down! I’m looking forward to reading the further adventures of my favorite couple, Gary and Tiffany.:cool:

I bet I can convince Patty Sather to bring us along on Popsicle sticks in April like she did with Manda and Joe.;)

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As much as I would LUV to see you in April:) I will pray harder for you to have a likkle Clarity and HubbyMan:) Good luck, my friends.

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Originally Posted by Clarity

I love waking up in Jamaica. I love the feeling of crisp clean hotel sheets against newly tan skin, I love seeing the sunlight streaming in through the shuttered windows and the palm leaves swaying. I love hearing the ceiling fan swooshing overhead and the Reggae music drifting over from the bar. I love the smell of aloe vera lotion and coconut oil. There is a calm relaxed happy sensation that just washes over me at the realization that I have another day on the most amazing Island in all the Caribbean.

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Perfect description:)

Haha at the end of the vid you hear Marley say "im gettin splinters in my pants"!! hahahaha

Hahahahaha, I was!

I love reliving these moments, every single one of them!
Constant smiles :)
Your photos and videos are the perfect addition to these memories, thanks for capturing and sharing them all

That is one of my favorite photos of Markus the one in Canoe at the Boardie Bash. I remember asking you once if there was ever a time that he WASN'T happy? And you said "Only when you take his food away from him" Hahahahaha
But I also just realized in the back of that photo I appear to either be shocked or appalled by SOMETHING.....hahahaha that made me laugh

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Originally Posted by marley9808

I also just realized in the back of that photo I appear to either be shocked or appalled by SOMETHING.....hahahaha that made me laugh

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Probably about me trying to squeeze into the group picture ....

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Originally Posted by Clarity

Trip Report Continued...

Markus is very laid back when it comes to vacation plans. He likes being the tail on the kite and lets me plan the details. I really pushed the envelope when I booked 6 different hotels for this trip but when I told him my plan, he had just laughed. He thought it was a little crazy, but he was up for the adventure. Every time we checked into a new hotel, it felt like a new vacation starting all over again. I loved it. You meet new friends, get to know the staff and the environment around you changes. You get to see Jamaica from yet another angle and it's always unique.

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I know exactly what you mean. I have done a bunch of 10 day camping trips with my husband and we both swear that the trips seem extra long because we move every couple of days. Every time we get some place new, home just seems that much longer ago. We are going to be in Negril for 10 days this time and I decided that we would stay at 3 places during that time. I figured any more and I was going to pushing my luck with Sunshine. He was totally on-board. It did take a month of repeating to him the plan before he could remember the details himself though.

That first picture with the doctor bird looks like something right out of National Geographic. Well captured!

Thanks for getting back on the report :)

Thanks Luvmylabs and Kaycee!

Garysteph – You're going to love Guirigay, Sweetiepie, Sweetness, Marley, Ninja, Tizzy, Spottycatz, Booger and the whole crew. This trip was an experience I will never ever forget and the boardie bash was the icing on the cake. Next April is going to be that X2! Thanks for offering to bring us on popsicle sticks! Haha! I'd love to be a member of “Team Grits” -I'm totally going to take you up on that!

P.S. Markus is going to make a special video update just for you.:D

Tizzy & Marley – lol The splinters in my pants comment had me cracking up!

I also love that Marley is looking SO shocked at something being said in the background of Markus’s smiling shot. That always makes me laugh too!

Miss you guys so much!

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Originally Posted by wpyogi

As much as I would LUV to see you in April:) I will pray harder for you to have a likkle Clarity and HubbyMan:) Good luck, my friends.

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Awww thanks Wpyogi! :o

I’m sorry for the one week hiatus. I work at a University and the week before a holiday is always the busiest time. I haven’t had much time to even breathe.

Luckily, I now have a 4 day weekend ahead of me so I can *finally* finish this TR! Thank you for sticking with me through this. So here goes…

Trip Report continued…

The Annual Boardie Bash was drawing to a close (see previous entry) and the crowds were beginning to disperse.

Guirigay suggested a stop over at Just Natural for a fruit drink before heading back to Catcha Falling Star.

So Marley and Ninja hopped on their scooters. Guirigay, Sweetiepie, Markus and I piled into a taxi. We all met up at “Just Natural”.

I’ve heard a lot about “Just Natural”. It was always on my list of places to go but we never managed to squeeze it into previous trips. I was excited about finally going there. Most of the reviews were about the amazing breakfast spread but I was full of lionfish at that point. So I decided to just order a drink.

I really liked the vibe at “Just Natural”. It’s nestled in the foliage, surrounded by palms and a beautiful garden with outdoor seating.

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The woman behind the bar area was super sweet and eager to explain all the healthy juices that they had to offer.

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I can’t remember what I ordered. I remember I asked for something super nutritious and cleansing. (Something with a lot of vitamins and veggies in it.) I figured it might counteract all the damage done from 9 days of excessive red stripe consumption.

She slid this greenish brown drink in front of me.

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I gazed down at it and lifted the glass of murky liquid hesitantly to my lips. It wasn’t visually appealing but I figured I would just chug it down. It was a little slimy and the taste was unusual for me. I guess you could say it tasted extremely healthy? I’m pretty sure there was some kind of grass in it. I felt a weird tingling in the back of my throat afterwards. I should have probably mentioned that I’m allergic to a random array of strange things. For example: I can’t eat fresh cherries, kiwi’s or Apricots. My throat swells up and I can’t breathe. For a moment I feared an allergic reaction coming on, but it subsided after a minute.

Whatever was in the drink was a lot for my stomach to break down and suddenly a wave of lethargy washed over me. I felt incredibly tired and all my limbs felt loose. I felt the urge to just slide off the chair, sink into a fetal position and sleep for days. It was as though all the partying had finally caught up with me.

I gazed over at Markus and I could see that he was feeling the same way.

Outside rain began to fall again. It was nice, cool and relaxing inside the hut area. Everyone was generally quiet and winding down from all the excitement of that day. It was pretty peaceful just listening to the rain hit the palm leaves.

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Guirigay started telling the woman behind the counter about his swollen ankles and some of the pain he was experiencing.

She quickly asked him to show her his ankles and when she saw them she insisted on giving him a foot massage to ease the discomfort.

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Marley and Ninja were utterly pooped as well. They decided to head back to Catcha to rest up a bit. We agreed to meet up later for dinner at Ivans. They drove away in their scooters.

The rain stopped at that point so Markus, Sweetiepie and I decided to walk across the street to Xtabi while Guirigay continued getting his massage.

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We went down to the underground caves to check out the location for Patty Sather’s “Girly girls and manly men” photo shoot.

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Unfortunately we didn’t have our bathing suits on, so we would have to return later to take the actual calendar picture. (at the time, I had no idea what we had in store for us for that upcoming photo shoot and what was lurking in the shadows of that cave…watching us silently with glittering eyes… I shiver to think about it.)

We returned to the surface and Markus rested on the ledge overlooking the sea. We were both oddly sweaty and feeling dazed from sheer exhaustion. It was an effort to even stand. We were sinking fast.

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Aww, My poor tired honey…He was really out of it...mumbling gibberish basically at this point. It was officially time to hit the sack.

We returned to Just Natural as Guirigay’s massage had come to an end. We all stumbled back to the taxi and we were dropped off at Catcha.

I collapsed into bed with Markus and I’m pretty sure I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow.

When I woke up again, it was dark outside. I could hear distant laughter coming from Ivan’s bar. I yawned and stretched out in bed. I felt very relaxed, very rested and fit. Whatever was in that drink was now having a positive effect. Every part of my body felt good.

Markus emerged from the bathroom, fresh from a shower. He was in good spirits and happy. “I feel GREAT!”

“Me too!”

I showered too and got dressed for dinner.

We headed over to Ivans Bar. The whole bunch of people were already there partying it up. Booger, Sandy (pooper), Gonjon, Tizzy, Guirigay, Sweetiepie, Marley and Ninja.

They all greeted us warmly when we arrived and a fresh tropical drink was placed in my hands.

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And the night officially began!

Some of the group had already had dinner, so we walked over to the dining area with Guirigay, Sweetie Pie, Marley and Ninja.

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We had a delicious dinner together. I ordered the seafood linguine. (AMAZING! Everyone has to try this dish at least once – It was my first time ordering it and I was blown away)

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It was so creamy and filling, I could only eat half and rest was put in a doggy bag for later.

After dinner, we met up with the rest of the crew to party at Ivans Bar.

This party was a little more bittersweet then the previous ones. We knew that tonight was Booger, Sandy, Tizzy and Gonjon’s last night in Jamaica. This was the last time we would all be together at Ivans.

We really brought the house down, Kevin, Ty and Vivienne got into the mix and it was a lively party with a lot of singing together and laughing. It was so much fun. Everytime I think of this night, I just have to smile. It was definitely a highlight for me.

Here’s a group shot:

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After that picture was taken, We released more lanterns into the sky…

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Tizzy grabbed my arm “Daisy! Lets go jump off the cliffs together! C’mon”

I stared at her in horror and gripped her shoulders “Tizzy, no…there are LIONFISH in there! Lionfish! They all come up to the surface at night”

“Aww psaww… Don’t worry, girl, I’ll protect you from the lionfish. Lets go!”, She laughed and dismissed my fears with a wave of her hand.

I hesitated for a moment, considered it but then shook my head rapidly with wide eyes. “Don’t do it Tizzy! It’s too dangerous!”

Tizzy just laughed and darted off into the darkness. Booger and Sandy bravely followed. I stood back biting my nails and fearing for their lives.

Markus rubbed my shoulders “Honey, they’ll be fine” He assured me.

And of course, they were.

They all returned dripping wet and laughing up a storm. (I’m pretty sure Booger performed a special hanging brain flying leap off that cliff in a way only Booger can … but don’t quote me on that one. Lol!)

Next time Tizzy, I promise! I WILL overcome my fear!

And then it was time for the goodbye’s.

This was hard for me…I’m REALLY not good with saying goodbye. I’m Mrs. Waterworks. I put on my bravest face as we all hugged.

I thanked Sandy (Pooper) for pulling the sea urchin spines out of my foot and told her how happy I was to get to know her. She saw the tears welling up and told me not to cry. “You’re going to visit us in LA okay! Do you hear me? That’s an order not a request”

I laughed and hugged this strong beautiful woman. The mother hen of the group.

Next was Booger.(The one that surprised me the most). I expected a snarky old man and instead I got to know a young handsome mischievous bloke with the biggest heart. He might try to hide it, but he’s really a softie. He also had the ability to deflect my tears by saying something that made me laugh and smack him.

I hugged GonJon goodbye. He’s the one person I didn’t get to know as well as the others. This is perfectly understandable considering the fact that he was hit by Cupid’s arrow 10 minutes after I met him and was pretty head over heels for a certain Texan wildflower. He is clearly a great guy though and a lucky one at that.

Which brings me to Tizzy… She was the hardest to say goodbye to. She’s so full of light and love. Her happiness and joy with life is contagious. She came over to hug me and all we had to do was look at each other. I can’t remember what I said to her, but it was from the heart.

She pulled me in for a tight hug. When we pulled away, she was wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Damn it Girl! I can’t even look at you! You’re making me cry! Stop it!”

Miss you Tizz…

And with that we all dispersed to our separate cabins.

“Do you think we’ll ever see them again?”, I sniffled.

“Of course we will”, Markus said with a smile “You know this is only the beginning”

To be continued…
Day 10 coming up next.

Wow, Clarity, how wonderful. This just keeps getting better.

Is that a flying turtle I see in the last night at Ivan's group shot? How appropriate.

Anyone know what was in that Green drink that Christine was serving up at Just Natural. Must work, just look at Marcus at Xtabi 'bout to bite the big one....talk about "Boardie Down" you fall off the Xtabi deck and that would be epic!

These pictures are so good.

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Originally Posted by bjritz

Wow, Clarity, how wonderful. This just keeps getting better.

Is that a flying turtle I see in the last night at Ivan's group shot? How appropriate.

Anyone know what was in that Green drink that Christine was serving up at Just Natural. Must work, just look at Marcus at Xtabi 'bout to bite the big one....talk about "Boardie Down" you fall off the Xtabi deck and that would be epic!

These pictures are so good.

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It was a mixed vegetable juice BJ. Theresa chopped up a variety of leaf and root vegetable to make it. She did me up an aloe shot and a celery juice for my swelling and then insisted on a massage. Awesome lady, we're definitely going out to their new place over the holidays.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
I was cracking up at the "enhanced" group photo with the turtle!
That was HILARIOUS!

Oh and the Money Shot of the Seafood Linguine!!!!! Yes! Mouth watering I actually looked at the screen and said "You will be mine in 39 days!" LOL

And yum, look at all of those Miami Vices! I am going to miss Ty so much, I remembered being shocked when he knew what a Miami Vice was!

Miss you guys!

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******Double Warning, trip report spoiler alert.*******

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Lmao!

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Originally Posted by bjritz

******Warning, the following is not suitable for Clarity viewing.*******
******Double Warning, trip report spoiler alert.*******

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Bjritz - LOL!!! OMG! This had me snort-laughing at my desk at work!!


Happy thanksgiving everyone!!:)


P.S. That screaming turtle in the pic is me, (of course) Now you all know why I'm so camera-shy ;)

Ahhhh Daisy!! See now your doin it again!!! Seriously i knew that was gonna happen lol. Before this trip I was so looking forward to meeting you but I just had no idea....

I pray we will be friends forever <3 <3 <3

Remember that like it was last night. Shoot I had all this stuff I was gonna say but then i got to the end and now I'm a mess. haha
Love you!!!!!!!!!!!

The report is fantastic....I am so so happy to have met you and Markus...just being around you guys makes people smile. I can't wait to see you all again...soon I believe?

Great report, Clarity, as always. So well-written and well-punctuated and great photos. Didn't know folks jumped the Cliffs at night -- that's crazy!

Clarity you are amazing, you make me laugh, you make me cry... Thank you :)

So about this banana shout place,:)

It is 10am here in Scotland and I am sitting reading this with tears rolling down my face, I can hardly see to type! I don't know how many times I have to tell all you turtles just how special you are, but here I am doing it again!! I know most of you are all so lucky to be migrating again at Christmas but us Katz are counting the days until we all meet again in April. I can't even begin to imagine how wonderful that is going to be. Thanks again Clarity for the wonderful piece of writing which just brings us all back to our special place. Turtle Love ♥

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Thanks Katho & Muzikdoc, Miss you guys!

Love you too Tizzy Girl!

2Nuts2Travel – Only 2 Days to go!! Wooo hooo! Have fun in Negril!

Gerryg123 – Yup, As crazy as it seems…it happened and they live to tell the tale lol

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Originally Posted by spottycatz

It is 10am here in Scotland and I am sitting reading this with tears rolling down my face, I can hardly see to type! I don't know how many times I have to tell all you turtles just how special you are, but here I am doing it again!! I know most of you are all so lucky to be migrating again at Christmas but us Katz are counting the days until we all meet again in April. I can't even begin to imagine how wonderful that is going to be. Thanks again Clarity for the wonderful piece of writing which just brings us all back to our special place. Turtle Love ♥

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Markus and I miss you both so much!
We’re going to try to find a way to be there in April for the BIG Turtle Reunion. If we can’t be there physically, you know we’re going to be there in spirit.

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Originally Posted by STRIPER

So about this banana shout place,:)

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Lol! I know you’ve been waiting forever for this but it’s coming up! I promise! (with lots of pictures for you too) check back in on Thursday for that update from Markus. :cool: