Any time you put music to video and photos it changes the whole dynamic. An extra emotional element is added and strengthens the entire project. It becomes greater than the sum of all its parts. That's what I'm trying to accomplish with this music video of the 2nd Annual Castaway Winter Beach Bash. Using the songs "Island State of Mind" from The Pirate Sessions and "Sunny Day" by Joy … [Read more...]
Sun, fun, rum, crystal clear blue water, sea turtles, tons of activities and a great staff--these are some of the reasons why I chose Bolongo Bay Beach Resort to be the location of the Castaway Winter Beach Bash. Fresh off our 2nd successful beach bash, I thought a video letting people know why Bolongo Bay Resort is our choice for the post holiday escape to the Caribbean. I brought along Pirate … [Read more...]
Here we go! As promised here are another set of photos taken during the Castaway Winter Beach Bash at Bolongo Bay Resort on St. Thomas. I want to go back! Badly. This set of photos takes us to St. John where we spent a day touring the island in Jeep Wranglers. We went off the beaten path (almost way off) to find the true charm of St. John. We visited Cafe Concordia, The Tourist Trap, Skinny … [Read more...]
After one sip, you'll be questioning yourself in the morning. And so the story begins. Like most trips with me, the first night always seems to last well into the early morning hours. It's a combination of adrenalin from the excitement, meeting new friends and there always seems to be a near empty bottle of rum involved. The first night of the Castaway Winter Beach Bash played out no … [Read more...]
Looking through trip photos definitely stirs your need to return to that time, that place. It has only been 4 days since our return from St. Thomas and the 2nd annual Castaway Winter Beach Bash at Bolongo Bay Resort, but already I feel the need to sink my toes in those sandy shores again. I took hundreds of photos and videos, so bringing the event to you is going to be a progression. Here is … [Read more...]
The 2nd annual Castaway Winter Beach Bash came to a close this past Sunday. Saying good bye to new friends and the islands is always a hard thing to do. You become close with those you share rum drinks with while gazing out over stunning blue water vistas. It's the glue that brings island salty souls together. I want to give a big thanks to all the Castaways that flew in for the event. We had … [Read more...]
This will be the last time before the Castaway Winter Beach Bash that I sit down in the RumShop office and write a post. Tomorrow will be a travel day to Bolongo Bay Resort and the southern shore of St. Thomas. I know many of you expressed interesting in going but just couldn't make it. No worries my friends. Starting Wednesday, I'll begin posting photos and sharing the fun with everyone via … [Read more...]
I just looked at the long range forecast for St. Thomas, daytime temps in the low 80's with sunny skies. The Castaway Winter Beach Bash will be a true escape from the snow and freezing temperatures some of you are dealing with right now. 7 days and counting! The itinerary for the beach bash is ready. It's packed with beachside activities like sailing lessons, rum tastings, paddle board lessons … [Read more...]
In 13 days, Castaways will descend upon St. Thomas and Bolongo Bay Resort for the 2nd annual Castaway Winter Beach Bash. The days will be filled by swimming with sea turtles, snorkeling for sunken rum bottles, paddle boarding in the bay and sipping strong rum drinks. The nights will entertain with live music at the beach bar, a sunset cruise and spontaneous late night sing-a-longs to iPod music … [Read more...]
After one sip, you'll be pounding your chest. Pounding your chest? We've had so many banana themed boat drinks on here that I'm running out of monkey analogies. Better put the rum thinking cap on for next time. Anyways, let me introduce you to the Bruised Banana. Castaway mixologist Jeremy has created us a special drink for this week's boat drink recipe. Not only is it mind-numbingly … [Read more...]
How time flies. In less than two months Castaways from all over will converge at Bolongo Bay on St. Thomas for the 2nd Annual Castaway Winter Beach Bash. Here is a look at the fun we had earlier this year. Now it's time to go back and you’re invited! This January 10-13 Castaways will be treated to buckets of rum, swimming with sea turtles, cruising the Caribbean during sunset and live music on … [Read more...]
Why I Write Close your eyes and remove yourself from the everyday. Picture your toes sinking into the sand as the waves kiss your ankles. It's a serene feeling that everyone should experience. I live a little bit of that life, living on the coast of southwest Florida and escaping to Caribbean to find adventure and inspiration whenever possible. If you have a love of the Caribbean and the island lifestyle then you have come to the right place. It's my passion to share the beauty of the island with … Read More
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