Soufriere Bay photo by S. McCullah, Pexels
” Blackbirds tend to like Shiny Things” ~ The Bloody Raven
With that in mind, you’ll eventually come to realize that it came with performance limit issues this week as I rationalized adapting my coffee break as a snooze break and is not without it’s potential consequences. Working alone, I was lucky no emergency occurred.
What happened in my dream that night was as follows.
Soufriere Bay, St Lucia Island August 2021
The anchor drops in a clatter of iron cascading over the bow punctuated by a splash. The crew scampered among the masts shouting to one another gathering up and securing the massive sails. The majestic vessel slows until the bow chain goes taunt with a gentle tug. The tide and momentum swings the ship slightly portside before the stern anchor drops and fixes her in an ideal position parallel to the Island’s beautiful shore line.
- Capital city: Castries
- Area: 617 sq. Km
- Population: 181,889 in 2018 est
- Primary Language: French , St Lucian Creole
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Primary Economy: Tourism, Agricultural exports
- Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Oh my g… I love their Tourist website That begins with the unmistakable awesome geographical features; The Pitons. Towering and dominating these dormant volcanic mountains are breathtaking icon of the Island and delicately painted by the lush jungle flora with the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. The feeling of Mystery!
From the Poop deck’s vantage she could look northeast to the 18th century founded Town of Soufriere, due east she can observe flocks of flamingos and other birds among the lush jungle beckoning her longing heart to come explore for its hidden treasures. Her feet almost anticipating the feel of the warm welcoming sandy beaches, and then there are the mystical twin peaks of The Pitons that dominated over the bay. She could feel a new story about the Pitons already taking form in her mind.
To the Coin
2019 St. Lucia Flamingo 2 Dollar
The ‘Storm Crow II Reborn’ was anchored after her first maiden voyage. It’s been a dream come true sailing this beautiful vessel rebuilt from imported oak timbers and to see all the resources come together on this faithful replica of an 18th century English light frigate. One hundred and thirty one feet long twenty eight feet wide, and the mast reaching up exactly a hundred feet.
Did I say exact replica? Maybe except for a 5KW Solar Power generator, modern kitchen, GPS and Satellite tracking electronic navigational system. Nor the twin 800 hp. diesel Caterpillar inboard engines or the four person hot tub. A skilled complement crew of fifty able bodied sailors. Also invited was Punky’s Dad’s family on this inaugural voyage. My oldest son touch off one of the eighteen Six-pounder cannons with a blast signaling the St Lucian official to came alongside to present her with the documents of legal citizenship.
2019 St. Lucia 2 Dollar
Punky’s Dad leaned on the rail next to me, his thinning grey hair rippled with the gentle ocean breeze. I felt I couldn’t be here without his help in those past years, we were like a family. We took in the panoramic view that could only be imagined from post cards and movies.
Thinking out loud I pondered on how we finally arrived here was a bit fuzzy even though I still felt the tug of my job and professional responsibilities back home.
“Responsibilities back home?” Said Punky’s Dad, “That bike accident really gave you quite the noggin bump. Are you okay, another of those headaches?”
“Was what an accident?” I replied with a sly expression.
Bonus Silver No 1: Scottsdale Omnia Round
Scottsdale 1 Troy Oz. Omnia Round 2 Dollar
“You are retired now. Remember? You don’t have to work anymore since you hit it big with all those Crypto-Hive-Telokanda whatever currencies. Girl, you started out with having a custom built treasure chest project that turned into this amazing ship. You said before the accident that you’d be on the search for the legendary Black Flamingo of St Lucia selling the house, the car, just to live on this ship, your ship.”
“Oh yes, I think I said that. It may take a long, long, time to find that Black Flamingo so it’s best be prepared for the long haul PD and you are going help me find it. No hurry, we got lots of time and we have to be thorough for each and every Island in the Caribbean.”
Scottsdale 1 Troy Oz. Omnia Round 2 Dollar
Captain Damus orders the crew to assemble as the Prime Minister of St Lucia stepped from his Launch boat unto the Storm Crow II with his aides and foreign minister. He reached out his right hand, “Welcome to the republic of St. Lucia, you must Ms. Ravenhill of writing fame to the ‘Chronicles of the Bloody Raven.”
I felt a little dumbfounded but accepted his hand shake, “I am Ravenhill, I didn’t expect the honorable Prime Minister, just an Immigration officer …”
“Heh heh, not a lot happens on these Islands but I have the time to welcome someone who would attract important business here.”
“I would, but I am set to retire here and keep up the writing.”
Bonus Silver No 2: Scottsdale ‘The One’ Bar
Scottsdale's "The One" 1 oz Silver Bar
"...for you and your boys." The Prime Minster hands me three certificates, posed for a photo shot with myself and my sons before looking me in the eye and said, "News of the Storm Crow based here generated a lot of interest. There have been several filming companies inquiring about booking your magnificent ship for movies and story rights. My secretary says that even a few celebrities called. I understand you just want to do simple cruise bookings and parties but this is a big business opportunity for many capable and skilled St. Lucian residents to new employment opportunities. Please consider it and I am honored to meet our newest citizen the Bloody Raven!”
Scottsdale's "The One" 1 oz Silver Bar
The Prime Minster leans over to kiss her hand just like the way old imperial Governors who practiced courtesy in the past. A loud obnoxious buzz started by my ear. It was the familiar timbre of my smart phone going off.
I wake up on my Unit’s TV Lounge couch.
The TV was still on some old movie.
I check my phone, “Oh my gosh! My break was over fifteen minutes ago!”
My Take on the Scottsdale 2019 St Lucia Coin?
Sold from the Scottsdale Mint as BU, Kept simple, this St Lucia coin is designed well in an almost reverse Proof like quality that could fool most stackers as Proof like grade. The BU, Brilliant Uncirculated finish of the Flamingos made them suitable to shoot my dark reflection style easy. A gradient cameo finish from the bottom up is subtle enough not to take away from the dramatic text of “St. Lucia” and I know PD loves bird themed coins. Thank you PD for loaning me this coin from your stack.
And the Bloody Raven’s Take on the Scottsdale 2019 St Lucia coin?
It is sold as a fancy touristy coin too. Feels like I am holding a destination Travel Commercial in my hand but a fine coin to get for the Bird watching Stacker. I Googled “Legendary black Flamingo” and I didn’t find… never mind. I like the Scottsdale Omnia better as the reverse is like the old 15 and 16th century Spanish treasure Cobs.
I hope you enjoyed this very special feature
And thank you for stopping by my Pirate Blog today.
The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain 
References
1. All are my own pictures shot with a Samsung SM-A530W unless otherwise indicated.
Sources
Wiki: St Lucia
“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”
