New Snorkel Sights From Shore

In an effort to strengthen his leg after a car accident in Hawaii,. Jeff and his son Brian have been snorkeling from the beach every day before sunset. In doing so, they have found areas of developing coral, and previously developed nurseries that have not been discovered until recently. Next time you come down, ask us where a good spot to snorkel from the shore is, and we'll be happy to show you an area you probably haven't seen yet! Check out this video that Pique made just yesterday!

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Closing Time

It's closing time once again here at Small Hope Bay, which means we have temporarily closed the hotel to take care of any maintenance needs that require attention. While the bay is quite without any visitors, we have been keeping ourselves busy to pass the time. Fedor and the maintenance crew have been working hard to refurbish the cabins and repaint the bathrooms so you will have a comfortable and cozy room next time you come to visit. Fede and Dennis have been servicing and recalibrating every tank, BCD, and regulator on the dock. It's amazing how well a regulator breaths after it has been given the time and attention that Fede and Dennis have been giving them. Our friend Patrick is visiting from Canada to renew our electrical systems. Even though we have been able to power the entire resort off a generator when the power on the island goes out, the new system will be more energy efficient and will allow us to install more solar panels in the future. While all of this is very tiering, Dania has been keeping our spirits high by making delicious meals every day, keeping our stomachs full and our smiles constant.
As always, the Weather is wonderful and Andros is beautiful, but the guests are what make Small Hope Bay Lodge special, so we can't wait to say hello to all of the returning guests and meet anybody who has not had the chance to visit us yet.

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Blast from the past

Small Hope Blast from The Past!!!

Recently we had a visit from a former dive master Mike Francis, and he gave us some photos that made us reminisce.

Small Hope Bay has always centered it's service around family,fun and adventure and we have held true to our core values from 1960 to now. It has been an incredible journey for the past 55 years of operations at Small Hope Bay Lodge, and we plan to keep you 'a part of the family' for many more years to come. 

Small Hope Bay Lodge. then, now, always!!!

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Our new and improved website . . . .

We have redone our website!

We have redesigned the look and feel of out website, making it more user friendly and more mobile friendly! We made sure we kept all the great information, but made everything more accessible, and streamlined.

Give it look - on all your devices - and let us know what you think!

www.smallhope.com

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Summer Camp has Come to Small Hope!

It's a lot of fun for the Ancat summer students to spend the day at Small Hope Bay Lodge, going out to the coral reef and experiencing the smooth running of the best dock in the area is a big treat for the youths.  

Every summer Ancat works to expose the island children to the many wonders of Andros and while we're instilling within these children a love of the outdoors and a great appreciation of nature, we're teaching them as well: to swim, snorkel, hike, kayak, to identify birds and fishes, corals too. We're building the youth's self esteem and showing

them that they too can make a difference, as each year they participate in a community project to remove marine debris from the shoreline, beaches and waterways. 

Peter and Gabrielle Douglas, of Small Hope family fame, run the Andros Conservancy and Trust, (Ancat), a local environmental NGO and  have run this camp for six years now, understanding that its only through exposure to all that Andros has that they'll be able to build the baseline environmental knowledge of the Bahamian populace, who will be the future custodians of our island saving its resources for generations yet to come to enjoy. 

We firmly believe that ignorance is not the fault of the ignorant but the fault of those who know, but choose not to pass the knowledge on. It is in all of our hands to conserve the natural resources of Andros, to pass on the baton to the next generation. If you would like to assist in any way be it through a donation of funds, equipment, volunteer or just a prayer at the right time we would be grateful, there is a lot to be done.

Please contact Ancat at ancatoffice@gmail.com or visit their website at www.ancat.net to find out about more of the work of the Andros Conservancy and Trust.

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Memories at Small Hope and Cereal in Trees

Something that I've really enjoyed about interning here is how often people ask me how it is that I ended up in the Bahamas, particularly Small Hope. When I answer 'Actually, I've been here before. I was about four years old the first time I visited,' the expressions on everyone's faces goes into an exciting state of shock and joy. It's pleasant to see so many families come here with their children and when I watch the kids jump around the beach and games room I so often think 'Wow, that was me some time ago...that's pretty wild.' A number of guests have asked me to tell stories about my former experiences and they also ask how much things have changed here. And what's nice to say is that things don't really change all that much around Small Hope, and most of the grounds look just the way they did a year ago, 13 years ago and 17 years ago.

My sister and I c. 1995

Coming back always yields a great amount of nostalgia and when I walk down the line of cabins a lot of memories crop up. This morning when I was walking to breakfast, I glanced over at some of the cabins (cabin 1 and 2) and remembered some moments as I noticed a particular tree whose trunk bears an unusual shape. This tree has a large limb that was cut off  a long time ago, which makes for a pretty comfortable seat and is probably something that goes unnoticed. What's funny is that it was there 13 years ago (a lot longer than 13 years probably) and my older sister and I had quite a bit of fun with it back then. 

Back in the day, Small Hope used to have those small cereal boxes at the breakfast buffet--you know, those ones that are great for roadtrips and have a mixture of children's favorites like Fruit Loops and the not so favorites like Raisin Bran. Well, we had the brilliant idea of taking them from the buffet, along with soda cans from the coolers, and actually sell them to guests. We went to the tree whose funny trunk makes a great stand, and set up shop with a sign, Mardi Gras beads and all sorts of decorative shells. We sat around and waited, waited while shouting at passersby and actually made a profit from selling Small Hope's breakfast supply! Granted, it was marginal and probably 77 cents or something like that, but it was an exciting entrepreneurial endeavor to take on as a 9 year old. It's fun to walk by that tree and think about how cool I felt when I was little to revamp the notion of a lemonade stand and sell packaged goods in a tree. Maybe I'll take Kaliks out there some day and try to sell them to guests when the boss ain't lookin!

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Return Guest T-shirt Contest!

We're looking to have a new design for the shirts we give to our return guests and want everybody's input! So to combat this quest, we're holding a design contest and would love to have as many participants as possible. Fun, quirky, fishy designs are always great and anything that you feel suits the experiences you've had at Small Hope Bay Lodge. Think water, fish, diving, relaxing, hammocking, family, food, or whatever else comes to mind when you think of Small Hope. Our current shirt has a Small Hope logo on the front side with a large design on the back sharing a quote from Dick Birch.

Some examples of former T-shirt designs include lists of quotes, birds, funny underwater pictures and others.

We're accepting submissions and the only thing you need to make sure is that your images are saved at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (pixels per inch). Please email your submissions to shbmktandros@gmail.com  and let's get this contest rolling! Get creative! We love quirky and fun!

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Duke Hanna Remembered: Part One of Two

A Husband, Father and Dear Friend

   Leroy 'Duke' Hanna came into the family of Small Hope Bay Lodge in the early 1960's when the Lodge was in it's first years of operation. Almost immediately Duke fell in love with Joan (former wife of Dick Birch- founder Small Hope Bay Lodge). Duke, with Joan by his side became a father to many, a friend to everyone and a bedrock of Small Hope Bay Lodge and Androsia.

"We lost a part of the history of Small Hope and of course the greater Bahamas in the death of my father Duke. He was a wonderful father, mentor and friend and will be forever missed."   - Jeff Birch 

    It was common to hear the sounds of Duke around Small Hope...even when he wasn't there. As a former president of the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union it was no surprise that he should possess musical talents. One of the few bands successful in finding and securing work in the Bahamas was Duke and His Caribbeans. The band even recorded a few records. The album, entitled "A Perfect Day at Small Hope Bay" was always playing around the lodge or during cocktail hour. Jeff managed to secure a few of the last remaining records and has complied the songs to share with everyone and allow the memory of this great man to live on forever through his music.      

Follow the links below to download all of Duke's music

  Duke was a exceptional man who cherished life and loved his family. As the founding president of the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB), he worked hard to make a difference everyday. An excerpt from a tribute to Duke says;

"He had spent his adult life fighting for the rights of the Bahamian workers. Duke did what he did for working people to help improve their lot and their dignity because he knew it was the right thing to do."

"Words of condolence cannot begin to approximate what this separation must mean to Joan and her family. We can only exult in the honor that this great and noble, sovereign Bahamian did his duty and has quietly departed to a better place. Sleep on Sovereign warrior." 

 click here for the full tribute

   Life itself is very fragile and very short. It is important to cherish the moments in your life and the people that surround you. Family, and the belief that there is nothing in this world more precious has always been the cornerstone of Small Hope Bay Lodge. Small Hope lost a dear family member with the passing of Duke Hanna. He is not one we will soon forget and we are comforted in the fact that his memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved him. To Joan and all of Duke's family our hearts are with you in this time of grief. 

Mr. Leroy Stephen 'Duke' Hanna

1933-2012

"Duke has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in peace." - Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson   full tribute here

Click here for memorial video of Duke

A Perfect Day at Small Hope Bay with Duke Hanna
Right Click and select 'Save As' to download any song

• Small Hope
• Blood Shot Eyes
• Island In The Sun
• Rose
• Let It Be Me
• Big Bamboo
• Shame & Scandal
• Island Woman
• These are the Times
• Take Your Bundle and Leave
• Beyond the Reef
• Blowing in the Wind
• Calypso Island
• Land of Sea and Sun
• Yellow Bird
• Wonderful Isle
• Big Shark, Black Shark
• I Worry About You
• Cocoanut Water, Rum & Gin
• Delia Gone
• Twenty Miles
• Summer Holiday
• Bahaham Lullaby
• Small Hope (slow)

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A Small Hope Reunion

Together Again!

A Small Hope reunion was held this summer on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

      John Rice and Kay Baldwin have been coming to Small Hope Bay Lodge for many years now. John an avid bonefisherman and Kay a serious diver found themselves quite at home here on the bay. Over the years they have introduced us to many others; fishermen, divers, enthusiastic relaxers and the group has grown to the size it is now. This year everyone met in Michigan for a little reunion before they meet up again at Small Hope Bay for the holidays.

    Small Hope Bay Lodge is home away from home for this ever growing group and everyone has a fantastic time when they’re on the bay. Whether they are goofing off underwater, casting a fly out on the flats, enjoying an afternoon nap in the hammock on the dock or just chatting over conch fritters it is always great fun!

    And speaking of fun…everyone at Small Hope is very excited for the return of Margarita John and his famous Margarita Parties!  Better be sure to get your order in fast before they are all gone. Christmas and New Years are sure to be a blast with this group making yet another return visit.

 

Looking forward to December.....

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Friends and Family

Small Hope Bay Honors Two Very Dear Friends

 Small Hope has been around since 1960. It was built by Dick Birch and the Birch family still owns and operates the resort. Family has always been a fundamental part of life at Small Hope. The Birch family has grown and grown since Dick first arrived on Andros. And it continues to grow to this day. This is because once you come to stay with us you are part of the family here. We are lucky to be a part of so many people’s lives. Like all families we have our share of good times and bad, but we go through these times together.

Small Hope Bay Lodge recently helped to remember and celebrate two very dear friends. 



The Laing’s have been coming to Small Hope for decades. Patrick Laing was a diver, a father and a good friend. His daughter Elizabeth has come to fulfill his final wish of being laid to rest with Small Hope in The Tongue of the Ocean. His ashes and plaque will be placed near Whip Wire Wall and we hope his spirit will roam the ocean forever. Watch Patrick's final dive here and see as he is laid to rest in the Tongue of the Ocean Memorial Dive

Jim Spencer was another good friend of ours. He and his wife Lynndale made us a part of their lives and shared many happy moments here at Small Hope throughout the years. His ashes and plaque will be laid to rest in the ocean Blue Hole, one of his favorite places in the world. His wife, children and grandchildren all came to Small Hope to celebrate his life and say goodbye.

All of us at Small Hope feel so proud and privileged to have been a part of such special moments. That these men loved Small Hope and our beautiful ocean so much that they have chosen to spend eternity with us says it all. We are moved and so thankful to have touched the lives of these families.

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Happy New Year!!!

Another New Year was rung in at Small Hope and what a sweet party it was! Our evening started around the outside bar where we had a pleasant breeze keeping us cool. Not only did we have a full lodge but many of the Birch family was here to celebrate with us as well, not to mention other Andros Island friends who stopped by for some cocktails.

At 7pm, Michelle and Renauldo announced dinner and WOW, a huge feast including ham, turkey, stuffing, coconut shrimp and spinach and artichoke bisque was served. That was followed by 42 (yes 42!!!!) desserts - a new Small Hope Bay Lodge record. Among them - chocolate chip cookies, key lime pie, New Orleans style cheesecake, double chocolate decadence cheesecake, sweet potato pie, homemade eggnog, and sex in the pan.

After dinner guests were treated to cocktails inside and outside as well as Alec's traditional New Years Bang Bangs - shots of tequila mixed with Sprite and banged on the counter for extra fizz. We all made our hats in the Games Room. Some made more simple hats while some left no glitter or rhinestone untouched.

We took down the Christmas tree and started the bonfire down the beach. At the countdown, the tree was tossed in and our newly made hats too. We could see fireworks displays from Nassau but decided to add some fireworks of our own for good measure.

All in all, it was an amazing night and the only sad thing is that we have to wait a whole year to do it again . . .

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Renauldo's Stuffing Recipe................

This is the basic stuffing recipe that I do, because some people have allergies, or a vegetarians or similar.  Therefore you can add to this recipe, any type of meat that you liked, whether it is a type of seafood like lobster or shrimp, or meat, or combination.

It’s all base on your preference.

1 tbsp. Vegetable oil

3-8 oz blocks Butter

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 Onion, diced small

2 pieces Celery, diced small

1 Carrot, diced small

1 Sweet pepper

Red and Yellow Pepper, (for color primarily)

1 ½ cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock, or broth

15 cups medium size cubed French bread or bread of choice

1 tbsp. Oregano

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. crushed Red Pepper flakes

1 tsp. paprika (if you have it)

2 tbsp. Garlic powder

2 tsp. Basil

½ tsp. Black pepper

1. Heat pan on medium high heat.  When hot, add vegetable oil, and melt butter in it.
2. Add Onions, celery, carrots, peppers, and garlic.  Cook until nice and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add stock and let come to a rolling boil.  Add seasonings and let mix together.
4. Add bread and mix until bread absorbs all of the liquid.
5. Adjust as necessary with more bread, or liquid as necessary to desired consistency.

If you use water instead of broth, then adjust salt 1 tbsp.

Several things to note:

• If you’re using bacon, or pork fat, chop up fine and then fry down in the butter with the vegetables.
• If you’re using meat, or seafood add at the stage that you’re cooking you’re vegetables also.

Just in time for Christmas!! If you cook this recipe let us know how went for you please. Leave a message on our facebook fan page

If you are not fan yet then please "like" us!!

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Closing Time...............

We are half way through closing for another year!!!

Scuba and Sassy have been helping out.

We had a great closing party at Somerset Beach, some much need fun in the sun and relaxation.....
The cabins are getting a spruce up,the boats a getting a new paint job, new divemaster Erin is working on the glass room, we have convince Jeff for some new cushion covers for the lounge so we can't wait for them to arrive!!!

The hot tub has got a brand new deck, no more nails sticking up and a hand rail for easy exit and entry........

The dive staff have been helping ANCAT clean up the mouth of Fresh Creek in conjunction with Project Aware's Debris Month of Action, we got quite a lot, here is just some of what we got.........

• 509 glass bottles
• 9 tyres
• 7 car parts 
• 408 pieces of rubber
• 1 baby carriage
• 1 very large heavy block

That is just the beginning of what is there, we could all help out every weekend for a year and we wouldn't get it all clean!!!!

We can't wait to see everyone again..................... Pin It Now!

Summer is well under way.......

The summer is half over now and that means closing time for Small Hope, and that means it is time to spruce the place up ready for another season!!

Dive intern Kate has finished her Rescue Diver Course, so a big CONGRATULATIONS to her!!

It is unfortunate that dive master Antonio is leaving us at the beginning of August, we wish him all the best in the future.

With Antonio leaving us we were in need of some new dive staff, so let us introduce you to Erin from Chico, California and Federico from Buenos Aires Argentina they have joined the Small Hope team.

Scuba and Sassy are growing bigger everyday and a big thank you to Kelly and Mason Weaver for the puppies care package!


A big thank you to all our Summer Interns, Petter, Simen, Ben, Rodney, Luke and Davis, it has been fun working with you all!

It was a great treat the other day for dive master Joe, while diving out near the old compressor frame at the dock two dolphins swam by!!

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Whats been happening lately????

 Matt and Kristen, had a wonderful wedding with family and friends!

 Watch their wedding video

May 24th welcomed the arrival of dive master Dennis son Xavier!!! Congratulations!

 

One proud dad!

Vincent, Jane & Paul had a great week fishing all over Andros. They traveled to the West Side, Conch Sound, Fresh Creek and South....A good week was had by all!

Don't forget Small Hope is an Orvis Certified Fishing Lodge!!

 

 

We have had a visit from old friends Gar, Tracey and Morgan from Virginia. This was their 5th visit!!!

Morgan, Mollie and Sadie new friends

Certificate Time

We have been doing some great diving. We were at Goat Cay Wall the other day and spotted a turtle, what  great sight and a pleasure for all divers to see! Check out the video 

Dive intern Kate is nearly their with her rescue training!! Keep up the good work Kate!!

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Summer interns have started to arrive, welcome back Petter and Simen, time for some fun and hard work!!

 On Monday June 6 Derek and Katie got married!!

 

See some of the lovely pictures from Katie and Derek's wedding here 

 

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Oh What A Week SO Far............................

SOOOOO this week is full of excitement!!!

We have been diving everyday, a nurse shark was spotted, eagle rays have been seen under the dock, and we have a perfect night for a snorkel under the dock were we saw, lobsters, crabs, octopus three of them!!! and sting rays.....

We have had some guest enjoying some time on the flats with Glister and what a lovely time they had.......

                          

                    The Children have been hanging out with babysitter Kaylisa for story and play time.

Watch our child friendly boat ride.

The big thing happening this week is the WEDDING of Matt and Kristen on Saturday the 21st of May!!!! 

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