Axe-tivities
Seemingly out of nowhere, axe throwing has become a popular bar activity in the past few years. A Beaconite remembers first seeing the phenomenon and wondering if it is such a good idea to mix alcohol and heaving sharp metal objects for competition. But the reporter must say he had a whale of a time — and sustained no injuries — while heaving those axe heads at wooden targets at a Virgin Islands spot in Brandywine Bay over the weekend. After a couple of test throws that ended up bouncing off the targets, the axes began to find their homes on the little spray-painted red dots. A former Beaconite who joined him didn’t have as much luck, but they both enjoyed the activity nonetheless. Especially during the slow season, it seems like a good business plan to install such low-overhead activities that bring residents back to the same places they’ve been visiting for years. Business owners don’t have to shell out too much money, and patrons get new and exciting ways to beat the dog days of summer. The Beaconite hopes other establishments take note.
Tomfoolery
A Beaconite never thought he would let the local Tom Cat turn him into a cartoon Jerry. Always a dog man, the reporter now finds himself in thrall to a random feline. The old adage that cats adopt you, not vice versa, does seem true with this streetwise hustler. Treating the apartment like a hotel, he turns up at all hours of the night, usually after a very loud fight, scarfs a whole packet of Friskies Party Mix or whatever other treat the Beaconite has suddenly started buying from the supermarket for him, and then skedaddles back into the darkness to please himself. He’s toying with the Beaconite, who kind of likes Tom’s haughty bad boy demeanour as he patrols what he now clearly considers to be his house before demanding feeding. Maybe it’s the inscrutability of the feline mind that gets him. If you’re doing a project at home, a dog will look at you in a way that declares, “I love you! I have no idea what you’re doing, but I love you!” But a cat will stare at you with disdain, apparently thinking, “You’re using the wrong screwdriver, you idiot — and where’s my Friskies Party Mix?” The black-furred cutey is also adept at playing the Beaconite off against the neighbours — keeping everyone on their toes wondering which apartment he will choose to adorn tonight. On the walk down the hill to Cane Garden Bay beach, the reporter often feeds the array of feral chicken families and wandering goats with bread like a human mobile food bank. But Tom knows he’s number one — and fiendishly plays on it.
Donkey rides
One of the highlights of the past few weeks for one Beaconite was covering the donkey races at the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta. As someone who has always enjoyed being around animals, she was delighted to spend her afternoon and evening watching the event. On more than one occasion, she was asked if she was going to ride a donkey herself and attempt to win a race. Though such a prospect seemed enjoyable to most of the participants — save some who were bucked off their donkeys — the reporter decided to keep her feet on the ground and watch the races through her camera lens instead. She found the event to be one of those traditions that makes the Virgin Islands stand out as a wonderful place for visitors and residents alike. Whether you were born here, you moved here or you’re just passing through, activities like the donkey races in Carrot Bay are unforgettable. The reporter hopes that the competition can continue for generations to come.