Tommy Hobson Fresh Beat Band Star Visits Small Hope Bay

Fresh Beat Band Star Tommy Hobson Visits 

Small Hope Bay Lodge!

Fresh Beat Band star Tommy Hobson, visited Small Hope Bay Lodge a month ago. Originally known as The JumpArounds, The Fresh Beat Band is an American preschool show has been airing on Nikelodeon since 2009 and has received many awards since its premiere. Tommy plays a character named "Shout", who is a member of a band called "Fresh Beats". The band is made up of four members, Twist, Kiki, Marina and Shout. Shout is the keyboard man and vocalist. The concept of each episode begins with the band singing about a problem that the band will soon comes across. Throughout the episode, the band manages to solve the problem. At the end the band sings their closing song, which includes what the problem was and how they dealt with it.

Hobson has also made many television appearances. Most notably he has starred in Free Enterprise and Clubhouse Detectives. Hobson started acting at the age of 6 and received a B.A. in theater from Yale University. 

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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 Easter, or as we now call it, "Feaster" 2015

We had an amazing holiday here at Small Hope Bay Lodge! A beautiful, April evening, with our bar and dinner on our beach-side patio. Here is just a bit of what our Easter menu included:

• Whole roasted pig
• Lobster tails
• Smoked Turkey
• Ham
• Two kinds of ribs
• Roasted brussel sprouts
• Grilled corn-on-the-cob
• Pumpkin bisque
• Root vegetable puree

And the dessert . . . Around 30 of the tastiest desserts ever, including pecan pie, Oreo cheescake, coconut pecan cookies, carrot cake, pina colada cake, guava duff, and so many more!

It was an incredible night for all. Hats off to the chefs, they really outdid themselves on this one!!!

Pig is almost done!

Beautiful evening!

Desmond at the butcher station

Turkey looks perfect!

Oh, the desserts . . . 

Our team!

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Another Wonderful Christmas at Small Hope!

Christmas is a very special time here. Couples, friends and families escape to Small Hope Hope for the holidays for several reasons - sunny and warm days; a great meeting place for many who would be traveling; lots of activities for everyone (diving, snorkeling, kids games, fishing); great, home-style food without the fuss of making it at home. 

Our Christmas traditions here include our typical daily activities such as dive and snorkel trips, as well as special things like making your own Christmas tree decorations and our HUGE and tasty feast. This year's menu included roasted turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, Kahlua-glazed ham, mushroom stuffing, roasted sprouts, Waldorf salad, tomato pumpkin bisque, Mahi Mahi, sauteed shrimp, mashed sweet potatoes, and sauteed peppers. This, of course, was followed by dessert . . . 25 delicious homemade desserts in fact!

Our great staff followed dinner with a dance performance by our chef, Sherry, and a short demonstration of Bahamas-style Junkanoo!

It was such a great night - full of laughter, smiles, and friends, both old and new - that I can't wait for next year!

Like one of our guests said the other night - "It's just like home, but better!" Pin It Now!

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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Card Sharks

These past few days it's been mighty windy and the raging sea has been crashing down on the rocky shore. Most guests have been relaxing in the lodge by the fire, but no amount of surge could keep our card-playing friends from taking their Bavarian gambling to the waters. Lars, Tom, Phillip and divemaster Claudius take  'Card Sharks' to a whole new level by slapping around cards, coins and downing Kaliks in the water by the dock. Check it out.

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Izzy Goes Fishing

Izzy, our playful and goofy potcake decided he was in the mood for a little fishing the other morning. He jumped right into the tidal pool and spent his morning looking for the perfect catch. His fishing skills need a little work but he sure is a joy to watch!

Check out the video as Izzy tries his best to catch a fish!

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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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Bahamas Fishing

Bone Fishing, Reef Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing... We Have It All At Small Hope Bay Lodge

Bone Fishing

Reef Fishing

Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island is the perfect place to come for any type of fishing!

Deep Sea Fishing

Bone Fishing

   Andros Island has hundreds of square miles of flats, home to permit, tarpon and especially bonefish. The island is widely known as the bonefish capital of the world. 

   Bonefish are considered the premier game fish by most avid fly fishermen. They accelerate faster and swim farther than any other fish you take on light tackle. The bonefish fights more doggedly than most fish twice its size and the ruthless, primitive instincts of this skittish creature leave no room for error!

   Small Hope Bay Lodge offers bonefishermen of all experience levels the opportunity to fish the best spots on the island. Our experienced guides not only know the fish and the island but they know fishermen as well and what it is that will make their trip a great one. For more information on bonefishing at Small Hope Bay Lodge check out the bonefishing page on our website!

Reef Fishing

   The world`s third largest barrier reef is located just off the east coast of Andros Island. It is abundant in snapper and grouper which are popular among fisherman out on the reef.

Deep Sea Fishing

   The Tongue of the Ocean, a 6000ft drop located just beyond the reef is great for deep sea fishing. Among others fishermen often find dorado, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and jacks. 

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Irene's Kidney Bean Soup

As promised here is the recipe for Irene's Kidney Bean Soup!

Those of you who have visited Small Hope Bay Lodge know that this soup is famous! Guests are always asking for the secret to the wonderfully delicious masterpiece Irene has created. So now here it is, I give to you the coveted recipe so you can bring a little bit of Small Hope home with you.  Enjoy!!


You Will Need:  recipe makes 1 gallon pot, adjust ingredients for desired amount

4 slices of bacon
2 medium onions
1 carrot
2 celery pieces from the stalk
1 sweet pepper
10 cans kidney beans
water, as needed
4 tbsp chicken base (flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
slurry (4tbsp cornstarch, 1 cup water)
thyme, to taste
pepper, to taste (preferably fresh picked peppers, such as goat or habanero)
salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Puree bacon in a food processor until very fine. Cook in soup pot on low heat.
2. While bacon is on, puree onions, celery, carrot and sweet pepper to same texture. Add to pot and continue to cook on low heat.
3. Puree kidney beans as well to same texture and add to pot, heat slightly.
4. Add enough water to pot so that contents equal 1 gallon
5. Turn heat to high, bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 45 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, bring back to a boil and cook for 5 min more.
7. Add slurry and thicken, cook 5 minutes.
8. Add thyme and peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Adjust taste with salt.

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Easter at Small Hope Bay Lodge!

We celebrated another great Easter weekend here at Small Hope. There was a full house with friends and families of all ages. The kids played on the beach, made sand castles and of course - hunted for Easter eggs. The grown-ups went diving, fishing or just relaxed on the beach or in a hammock. And, like all holidays at Small Hope Bay Lodge, we celebrated with a HUGE feast. Renauldo outdid himself yet again with a spread of roast turkey, ham, tempura lobster, shrimp and more. After dinner guests had their choice of 26 desserts! It was a great day and we look forward to many more to come . . . 

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Special offer throughout February for all our loyal fans!

Midwinter and those blues have well and truly set in. Here at Small Hope (in the glorious Bahamian sunshine!!) we really feel for you, and have decided to do something to brighten up even the coldest of winters........

......by giving you even more incentive to come see us here on Andros! Throughout the whole of this month, we are giving away FREE PADI Scuba Diver or Adventure Diver certifications when you book a four night stay with us. Just mention this ad and where you saw it (Facebook, Twitter, Blog etc.) when you're booking. Simple! 

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'Twas the night after Christmas at Small Hope Bay Lodge . . .

We had another wonderful Christmas here at Small Hope Bay Lodge. Full dive boats, fishing, kids playing on the beach . . . And to finish a wonderful day we had an extraordinary feast prepared by Renauldo, Michelle and Denise, including a whopping 33 desserts! The day after Christmas was enjoyed by amazing dives in the morning and afternoon (gotta burn off those desserts, right?). A lodge filled with families and friends celebrating the holidays together is definitely my idea of a great time. Small Hope is now in to our 51st year of operation and it just keeps getting better.

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Irene’s pancakes

With the weekend upon us, why not treat yourself to some pancakes for breakfast??

A little taste of Small Hope at home.......

Irene’s pancakes

4 cup. flour

1 teaspoon. baking powder

3 eggs

1 cup. sugar

1\4 teaspoon nutmeg

1\4 teaspoon cinnamon

½ c. cream

Water or milk as needed

Combine wet ingredients and beat in flour and spice till just smooth.  Add a

Little cold water if needed.  Best if rested cold an hour before

using.

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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!

Everyone likes cookies......

Oatmeal Cookies

 

Ingredients

¾ cup shortening
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon cloves
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts
3 cups quick-cooking oats

Method

Heat oven to 350˚.  Mix thoroughly shortening, sugars, egg, water and vanilla.  Stir in remaining ingredients.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 inch apart onto greased baking sheet.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched with finger.  Immediately remove from baking sheet.

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Summer! Time for some fun in the SUN!!!

 

IS THE BEACH CALLING YOUR NAME???

If so come and visit Small Hope for your summer vacation!!

Come and enjoy some diving....

Weather it be a Wall, Caverns, Shark, Blue Hole or Shallow Reef there is something for everyone's skill and enjoyment.

You will get to meet the newest additions to the family Scuba and Sassy...

Sassy is a girl on the left and Scuba a boy on the right

A nice way to spend the day!

 If you just want to relax and take it easy Small Hope we can help you do that!

See our website for all our specials 

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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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