Hello all,

This to announce that Kara and I have booked an eight night stay in Bermuda for May 11-19. We'll be staying at a guest house in Warwick called Clairfont Apartments located near the south shore. If any of you just happen to be in Bermuda in that time frame I'd like to hear from you. Perhaps we could arrange to meet to discuss old times.

Best Regards to everyone,

Denny

Tough break, Denny. You have the mid.....for 8 straight nights. I'm sure you'll understand.

Thank you for your service.

NTP

No worries, Nick. I'll be on call 24/7 at any of a number of the local pubs. The receptionist at the Clairfont will know where to call.

Denny

Watch out Denny, it gets pretty dark and stormy out that way this time of year! Enjoy your trip pard!

Yummy!and when the dark and stormy weather subsides, the yellowbirds and rum runners return!

Enjoy.

Denny, Enjoy your trip. We enjoyed our two tours/7 years in Bermuda. Stop by the Pink Flamingo on the south shore for a G&T. That was a little known hangout for some of us. Even took the OPS Officer there with a certain Senior Chief in 1986 just prior to my retirement. What a beautiful Island. Keep in mind as you know things change and so do the people.
Have a great time, no "road rash".
Chuck

Thanks Chuck,

I have fond memories of my tour at NAVFAC BDA (1971-73)and know all too well that things do not stay the same. I revisited BDA often while serving aboard USS MCCLOY (FF-1038)(1979-82) as we made numerous ASW patrols to the east of the islands. Since my transfer to fleet reserve and retirement from the Navy my wife and I have travelled to Bermuda in 1993, 2004, and most reecently last June via cruise ships.

Due to the increase in traffic and the increased speed with which the locals drive and my affinity for strong drink, we don't rent mopeds any more. We've made it a habit to take advantage of the transit system of pink buses and local ferries to get around. Also new since we were there in 2004 are mini-buses and high speed ferries. The high speed ferries make regular non-stop runs between St George's and King's Wharf (formerly known as the Royal Naval Dockyard) plus King's Wharf and Hamilton.

I know the Pink Flamingo and will stop there on this trip. There is also a second Swizzle Inn on Southshore Road. Swizzles anyone? How about shark oil barometers?

Later,

Denny

Denny,
You obviously have it ALL under control, wish we were going. We may have a mutual friend in STCS William O'Connor Sonar Chief on the USS MCCLOY. He was on the stack when they got caught up with their towed array and I was QA or OPS Chief in Bermuda, that may have been after you left. He later served as the Command Senior Enlisted at SSAAC Mayport where I was assigned as NUWC Civil Service Representative.
Chuck

Sorry to say I did not know STGC Conner. When I left MCCLOY in late December 1981 there was no Chief ST aboard. I reported to COMNAVSURFLANT in Jan 1982 and was Assistant Force ASWO when MCCLOY physically confirmed towed array contact with the V-III. I have a piece of that tow cable which I had on display on one of the tables at the IUSS 55th.

Denny

Hey Denny,
If you get a chance or have the desire, get some fishing gear, catch a land crab and toss it in for a chance to catch a tasty Hogfish. Enjoy your stay and be safe.

I understand that Smokey presents a 15 minute Powerpoint presentation on parking regulations (do's & don'ts) in downtown Hamilton. Check for seating availability at his next seminar.

Yes, and it starts off with "Don't listen to George"... Ed

Hi George,

I understand that you're an expert on how to double park Mobelettes in downtown Hamilton. Any comment on that allegation?

Denny

Concur, JRV!

Nice, Christine!

Thanks John,

That sounds like a great idea and I might take the time to do some fishing. For sure I'll take the time to have a cold one (or two) and plate of fish-n-chips at the White Horse Tavern in St George.

Denny

Have a wonderful time!

If you cruise by Warwick Estates (across the street from Warwick Long Bay) wave to my old pink cottage (Little Divot) for me :)

My kids are heading out there for a family reunion in June.

Hi Christine,

I'm assuming I'll be very close to "Little Divot" and can probably get some photos of it. The Clairfont Apartments are on Warwickshire Road which leads off South Shore Road across from Warwick Long Bay. If you have a jpeg of what Little Divot looked like when you lived there send it to me via email as a reference. Chances are good that it still is similar in appearance except for the foliage, etc. Send jpeg to me using the email link below.
Denny

My brother, his wife, and my folks went back to Bermuda late last year for my brother's 50th birthday (he was born there); they had a GREAT time. Of course, much had changed since we lived there 1959-1962, but they did manage to find one of the houses we had lived in. Hope you and Kara have the same enjoyable experience!

Thanks Kate,

Kara and I have been back on three trips via cruise ships including the one last June. Change is visible everywhere. Some hotels, and stores we knew as long standing landmarks such as The Belmont, The Bermudiana and Trimingham's no longer exist but the island remains to be as charming as it ever was. I know we're going to have a great time.

Cheers,

Denny