By Sue Cocking, Guy Harvey Outpost Travel Journalist scocking@guyharveyoutpost.com [Havana, Cuba–] Speeding down Havana’s main highway in a rickety Daewoo taxicab, my heart is …
Pryde Group Water Sports Conference to Be Held at Old Bahama Bay, June 1-4
22 May 20147:36 PM
Pryde Group Americas manufacturers of premier watersports gear is coming to Guy Harvey Outpost’s Old Bahama Bay property. The Pryde Group’s well known brands include Cabrinha Kite Surfing, Imagine SUP, Neil Pryde Windsurfing, and NP Accessories. Representatives from throughout the Americas will be coming to Old Bahama Bay to test the latest products from the Pryde Group.
It is a complement to the great facilities and staff to have such a well known brand come to Old Bahama Bay. Guy Harvey Outpost is happy to welcome them.
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 and Scuba Radio. Everyone seems to be enjoying him- and herself as the drinks flow and an acoustic salsa band energizes the crowd. My entree is served in a lobster shell arch stuffed with lobster meat, fish, and chopped vegetables-- delicious! I order another daiquiri to prep for the taxi ride back to the Hotel Quinta Avenida-- a white-knuckled repeat but otherwise safe.
In daylight, I take in the enigma of the Caribbean's only Communist-ruled island: 1950s American cars beautifully repainted and humming along on diesel engines alongside dilapidated 1970s Russian Ladas; newly-repainted storefronts near museums and apartment buildings that look like they haven't been pressure-cleaned in 50 years; the Acuario Nacional Cuba (national aquarium) opened in 1961 with now-crumbling cement fish tanks but still housing a robust coral restoration program and fisheries research center; revolutionary slogans in fading paint on concrete walls next to cutting-edge medical research labs.
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Later, touring the Pinar del Rio province on Cuba's southwestern tip, we got an in-depth tour of the San Juan y Martinez tobacco plantation-- maker of internationally-acclaimed cigars. Cuba is very proud of its cigars, which start with specially-grown seeds from a lab in Havana that are planted in September and harvested during the winter months. The leaves are dried over a period of several months, then undergo a multi-step fermentation process and later are hand- rolled, cut and pressed. We watched a worker at his rolling table who told us he could turn out 100 per day. But by the time you buy one of these fine cigars, it is probably four to five years old. Several members of our party eagerly purchased samples.
On our last night in Cuba, many of the group dined at Club 21-- a small Havana restaurant serving everything from roast pork to grilled snapper. I ordered a plate of shrimp pasta -- scrumptious, but so large I couldn't finish it. Later we visited the Hotel Nacional where the grand dining room and outdoor plaza reminded me a lot of the posh Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. A must-see is the celebrity wing decorated with photographs and memorabilia of American movie stars, pop musicians and political leaders from around the world. We attended a music and dance revue in the hotel theater featuring elaborately-costumed performers in feather headdresses and jeweled bodices. The show opened by re-enacting Latin America's early history in song and dance, but then veered off in a helter-skelter of narrative directions. Nonetheless, it was dazzling to watch.
Heading back to our hotel, we passed the Malecon-- Havana's signature seawall where it looked like thousands were just hanging out and enjoying the simple pleasure of the cool ocean breeze.
Cuba is about the world's hottest destination right now among American tourists forbidden from traveling there for the past 50 years and hungering to visit a living time capsule of the previous century free of fast-food chains and strip shopping malls.
Guy Harvey Outpost will be conducting another guided expedition to Cuba soon. Visit guyharveyoutpost.com for upcoming details. And check out part two of my Cuba blog on July 7 to learn about the wondrous scuba diving opportunities at Maria La Gorda in the Pinar del Rio province.
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Sue Cocking chronicles the Guy Harvey Outpost travel and adventure experience in regular blog posts on GuyHarveyOutpostNews.com/. For 21 years, Cocking covered the full spectrum of outdoors adventure opportunities in South Florida and beyond for the Miami Herald, including fishing, diving, hunting, paddling, camping, sailing and powerboat racing. She is a certified scuba diver and holder of an IGFA women's world fly fishing record for a 29-pound permit.
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Share your photos, videos and experiences with Guy Harvey Outpost by hash tagging #OutpostAttitude to all of your social media posts.
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/vamos-a-la-habana-with-guy-harvey-outpost/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Clyde Butcher’s Awe-Inspiring Photo Exhibit – July 13-Sept. 4 at the Islander Resort in Islamoarda – Sparks Photo Contest&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cb-ochopee-smaller1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-1540" alt="Image" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/cb-ochopee-smaller1.jpg?w=650" /></a>
Islamorada, FL – July 10, 2013 – Celebrated Florida landscape photographer Clyde Butcher and his “Preserving Eden” exhibit will open July 13th at the new Florida Keys Discovery Center, located on the grounds of the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost in Islamorada. With over 30 photographs, most in the artist’s signature large format black and white, the exhibit uses Butcher’s own words as well as ecology-themed story boards to put the Everglades and other Florida environs into a conservation context, said Matthew Woodside, curator at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, which developed the traveling display.
To coincide with the opening of the exhibit Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges announced the launch of its “Share YOUR Adventure” photo contest on Facebook, with prizes for the best adventure travel photos. Commenting on the timing of the launch Outpost President Mark Ellert noted, “Guy Harvey and Clyde Butcher are synonymous with the visual arts and conservation. Here we have two great artists with one resonant message: celebrate and conserve this great ecosystem called the Everglades.”
When asked what transforms a photograph into art, Butcher responded, “I think it’s obviously the person behind the camera who creates the art. Art doesn’t come from fancy equipment. It comes from a way of seeing the world.” Clyde Butcher’s powerful black and white photographs explore his personal bond with the environment. The exquisite beauty and depth of his work draw the viewer into a relationship with nature. A large format camera allows him to capture elaborate detail and textures that distinguish the intricacy of the landscape.
Beginning August 1st, aspiring artists and Guy Harvey fans will be encouraged on Facebook to post photos of their memorable travel experiences. Grand prize winners of the Outpost photo contest will be showcased in the Guy Harvey magazine and receive sportswear, travel gear and accessories from program partners including AFTCO, Go Pro, Sixt Car Rental, Divers Direct and others. Details at <a href="http://facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpostIslamorada" target="_blank">facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpostIslamorada</a> are forthcoming.
Robin Schlaudecker, general manger of the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost noted the Florida Keys Discovery Center and Theater is being designed with the help of the Guy Harvey Outpost organization to showcase the history and environmental conservation efforts underway throughout the Keys. “Photography and art are powerful communication tools. We intend to use both as we transform the Islander facilities at Oceanside and Bayside into the newest member of the Guy Harvey Outpost family.”
Despite new guestroom interiors, extensive upgrades to the lobby and other public spaces, the conversion will not change Islander’s character. Resort owner David Curry and marine life artist Guy Harvey are both committed to enhancing Islander’s signature casual Keys’ ambiance that has made the resort so unique and popular including the resort’s iconic signage.
The sign marks the entrance of Islander, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, at mile-marker 82. With 139 guestrooms, suites and two-bedroom townhomes for extended stays, the Islander Outpost offers the best in casual Keys’ hospitality with its expansive beachfront, pools and 14-slip marina basin.
The exhibit is free, and open to the public from July 13 to September 4, 2013. For more information about the artists, visit <a href="http://www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com">www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com</a> and <a href="http://www.ClydeButcher.com">www.ClydeButcher.com</a>. For property information or reservations, visit <a href="http://www.GuyHarveyOutpostIslamorada.com">www.GuyHarveyOutpostIslamorada.com</a>. For more information about the exhibit, contact Matthew Woodside at 941-746-4131, ext 37, or <a href="mailto:mwoodside@southfloridamuseum.org">mwoodside@southfloridamuseum.org</a>. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/clyde-butchers-awe-inspiring-photo-exhibit-july-19-sept-4-at-florida-keys-discovery-center-sparks-photo-contest/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Open Letter to the Lauderdale Yacht Club&body=<a href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-65" title="Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/final-resort-logo2.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="159" /></a>
Dear LYC Members,
On behalf of <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey</a> and the entire Guy Harvey Outpost team, I want to thank you for participating in this year's Bimini Blast at the <a title="Bimini Big Game Club web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina</a> - or Outpost Bimini, as we like to call the Club.
As a resident of Fort Lauderdale for 25 years, and as a longtime member of the LYC, I am particularly proud of our efforts to bring the Big Game Club back to life and reestablishing the Club's relationship with the LYC. It will be my personal agenda to ensure we have continuing programs and promotions for LYC members.
Some of you may know that Guy spent many years living in the Las Olas Isles area and, like me, puts significant weight in the opinions and goodwill of the LYC membership base. As a result, we welcome any comments you might have regarding this event, or any future visit.
We are excited to know that LYC has already made plans to return to the Club again next year. We have some exciting plans in store for the LYC in the near future, and we are certain next year's event will be even more enjoyable. Until we see you again in Bimini, remember -
From the Oceans, Comes Life - enjoy the Journey!
Mark Ellert
President, Guy Harvey Outposts Ltd.
<a title="2010 Bimini Blast Photo Album" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bimini-Big-Game-Club/127094040665962?v=photos&ref=ts#!/album.php?aid=13362&id=127094040665962" target="_blank">2010 Bimini Blast Photo Album</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/63-2/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey Outpost’s Popular “Burning Wahoo” Bonfire Series Tournament Returns to Old Bahama Bay For February 2016&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/obb-wahoo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2923 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/obb-wahoo.jpg?w=300" alt="OBB Wahoo" width="300" height="182" /></a>WEST END, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND—SEPTEMBER 28, 2015— The Bonfire Fishing Tournament Series, created and managed by Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, today has announced dates for the Second Annual Burning Wahoo Tournament , scheduled for February 25-28, 2016 on West End, Grand Bahama Island.
Chasing wahoo along West End’s Wahoo Alley and beyond this February will be top anglers looking to take home cash, prizes and bragging rights for the newest edition of the popular “Burning Wahoo” Bonfire Series tournament hosted by Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour.
The two-day tournament will kick off with a Captain’s meeting and barbecue on Thursday, February 25th and will then offer private party events (including a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo), a beach bonfire with a burning wahoo sculpture, and an awards ceremony dinner during the course of the tournament.
This past February, anglers in 23 boats competed for the largest wahoo and aggregate total over the two-day Burning Wahoo tournament off West End. St. Augustine’s Fishin a Loan team emerged as the tournament champion, landing the largest wahoo at 63.9 lb on Day 1 and a 60.5 lb wahoo on Day 2 for a cumulative total of 448 lbs. Cash and prizes totaled $30,000.
For the 2016 edition, Tournament Director Cliff Jensen said early bird pricing (prior to December 31) is $300 per angler with a minimum of four anglers per boat. Also the first 25 boats registered and stay at the hotel will receive a $200 credit.
Jensen said cash, trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Go <a href="http://www.bonfireseries.com" target="_blank">HERE</a> to register online.
Sixty miles east of Palm Beach, Old Bahama Bay has 70 luxury guestrooms, a 70-slip deep-water marina with fuel and on-site customs, and a full array of resort amenities.
Available for tournament charter will be legendary Bahamas/Walker’s Cay Captain Billy Black and Dutchess, his 50-foot Hatteras, as a Guy Harvey Expedition Fishing Outfitter.
Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, as part of its “Travel With a Purpose” mission, which combines a unique celebration at Outpost Destinations while promoting conservation, awareness and education, is again partnering with The Bahamas and Old Bahama Bay to benefit the West End All Age School with an end of tournament donation. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-outposts-popular-burning-wahoo-bonfire-series-tournament-returns-to-old-bahama-bay-for-february-2016/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=GHRI, Georgia Aquarium Partner for Stingray Census Study in Grand Cayman&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/stingray-census2c-gcm-0812-0631.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1378 " title="Stingray City Census" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/stingray-census2c-gcm-0812-0631.jpg" alt="" width="495" height="329" /></a>Alex Harvey, Louisa Gibson and Dr. Brad Wetherbee secure a large ray in a pool in the cockpit of Guy’s Scout boat while Georgia Aquarium's Tonya Clauss prepares to take blood from the ray’s tail.
The <a title="GHRI web site" href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> just finished conducting the annual census of the stingray population at <a title="About Stingray City" href="http://www.caymanislands.ky/activities/attractions/stingraycity.aspx" target="_blank">Stingray City</a> in <a title="About Grand Cayman" href="http://www.caymanislands.ky/aboutcayman/grandcayman.aspx" target="_blank">Grand Cayman</a>. The GHRI team, led by <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey</a> and GHRI Director <a title="About Dr. Mahmood Shivji" href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/overview/faculty-staff-profiles/mahmood_shivji.html" target="_blank">Dr. Mahmood Shivji</a>, <a title="About Dr. Brad Wetherbee" href="http://www.uri.edu/cels/bio/wetherbee/p/frames.html" target="_blank">Dr. Brad Wetherbee</a> of the <a title="U. of Rhode Island web site" href="http://ww2.uri.edu/" target="_blank">University of Rhode Island</a>, <a title="U. of Edinburgh web site" href="http://www.ed.ac.uk/home" target="_blank">Edinburgh University</a> student Louisa Gibson and Guy's adult children, Jessica and Alex Harvey. Assisting the GHRI this year were three special guests from the <a title="GA web site" href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org" target="_blank">Georgia Aquarium</a> - veterinarians Tonya Clauss, Lisa Hoopes and Nicole Boucha, who were on hand to analyze blood samples to better assess the overall health of the rays. Thanks to all who participated - updates from the census will be available soon! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/ghri-georgia-aquarium-partner-for-stingray-census-study-in-grand-cayman/){kind=link}
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