2001 - 6/28 to 6/29 - Berry Island Club

The Berry Island Club is on the Eastern shore of Frazer’s Hog Cay – essentially, the Eastward extension of Chub Cay. It’s a resurrection of the 1950’s name of the first marina on this site.  A good dock with a few slips and moorings.  A captivating clubhouse with the kind of bar you dream about finding in the islands. It has a small, intimate restaurant, fantastic food and great hosts – Donald Loupe, his wife, Sue and brother, David.  They were originally from Louisiana but also lived in Naples. 
(I told you it was a small world) Wayne called on the VHF to make dinner reservations. Good thing we did as all 14 seats were reserved after our call. Imagine finding such a charming, tiny remote place with everything you want and a party too! Remember we met the owners in Nassau at the Chinese restaurant while dining with George and Elaine. Molly was greeted by three monster dogs – two of them, mother and son, were owned by Larry and Brenda aboard STRAY DOG a 32 ft tug-like trawler. We’d first met them at the Nassau Yacht harbor where they made the mistake of going out and leaving the dogs aboard. The damage those dogs did was cause for a good keel hauling! They chewed the water hose, canvas cover and some electrical lines. The other big dog belonged to David and lived on the island.Poor Molly, they chased her everywhere; she hid under the steps, up the steps, behind the bar, in the kitchen…They finally cornered her and she cried and ‘screamed’ so loudly, everyone came running thinking she was being eaten alive! We had a drink and met some wonderful people. I took Molly home and returned for dinner. It turns out they booked two more than they should have and we were pleasantly surprised to be table-mates with Stephanie and Bob from Miami Beach.They were aboard WHISPER II, an Endeavor 32’ sailboat moored near us. Coincidentally, their condo is at the same place in Miami Beach were the dinghies used to be able to go, just near where we were anchored the night before we left Miami.Things heated up after dinner. We

David the magnificent

moved to the bar; music was playing, David was mixing very strong drinks and we all just ‘clicked’. David passed out

Stephanie & me

instruments and we played along with the music. Dancing, singing and just plain having fun.

Wayne, David, Winnie, Nameless couple, Don

David was our server, bartender and entertainer & I think he was also cooked the food…what a guy, what a place, what a party! A return visit is definitely in order

Beautiful girl but no one knew her name; David & me

Aren't we just the cutest ???

I was toast !!

We started to wrap it up about 2:00 am (we’re usually in bed by 9-10 ). Finally in bed at 0300! Our plan was to cross the banks to Gun Cay in the morning – NOT!  Estimated crossing time is 13 hours. I don’t think so…No-not me! Sorry, don’t remember much about this very lazy, recovery day. However, Bob and Steph had to leave as Bob had work on Monday morning- YIKES!  I went ashore, poked around and taking pictures. Donald gave me a tour of the kitchen and upstairs.  There are three rooms set up like a bed and breakfast – very nicely done. David lives in one of the apartments up there. He has a nice screen porch and all the comforts of home. Don and Sue live aboard their boat at the dock. Here’s a picture of the swamp buggy they use as a “taxi” to pick up guests at the little airport & from Chub Cay Marina. I’m sure they raced it at the Naples Swamp Buggy races in Naples. Picture a Northerner getting off the plane & having this as their transportation. I know I'd love it.

Airport Shuttle buggy