beach bonfire.2

We recently completed the filming for a rental episode of House Hunters International here in Grand Cayman. [More details on when you can watch it on HGTV in the future (when I find out myself).] One of the scenes we shot involved a beach bonfire with all of our "regulars". The shoot was very relaxed during this sequence, as the director and crew allowed us to carry on like we normally would while they filmed from a distance. During and after the shoot, I picked up my camera for some bonfire photos, which came out better than usual, since this gathering took place before sundown (for the purposes of the film crew.) The other reason they came out better than usual is that camera-guru RA picked up my Canon and snagged some shots with me in them. What a treat! (Photo credits noted below.)

Boat shoes and sandals are nice, but no shoes required on the beach.

Here are shots of most of our pals, a few of which were first-time bonfire attendees!

The first step to a successful fire is, of course, building it. WH decided to try to rip apart a wooden pallet with his bare hands...

Photo credit: RA

...with limited success. House-mate DB had to get involved. I love his successful smirk below.

Photo credits: RA

Soon enough, we had a steady blaze going, and everyone selected a meat to roast.

Photo credit: RA

A special thanks to NS for finding the above skewers for our hotdogs! We'd all but given up on finding suitable natural sticks for our fires.

Photo credit: RA

Photo credit: RA

The refreshing trade winds that blow through our island this time of year meant getting near the fire wasn't as torturous as in past summertime gatherings.

Photo credit: RA

Still, our sticks weren't quite long enough to allow us to recline in our beach chairs while roasting, so everyone developed a different roasting technique. Above, you can see KK's method: Seated in a nice striped beach chair while BK handled the meat.

I chose to kneel, embracing the exfoliating experience of a sandy bonfire.

Photo credit: RA
"Hey guys, how's my dog looking?"

I ended up with sandy legwarmers. It's all part of the beach look!

Photo credits: RA
Ready for my cheese-dog!

NS went with triangle pose for minimal sand exposure.  I have to apologize to SM for her "back"-seat row.

Photo credits: RA

I guess the experience wasn't too scaring; her signature laughter kicked back in shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: RA

Finally, RA set down the Canon and picked up a Polish sausage (thanks for providing, MO!). His roasting method also focused on sand-avoidance.

LL wasn't afraid of the sand and assumed quite a lady-like pose next to the flame. Nice form!

Then it was s'mores time. WH brought mega-mallows, one of which is being roasted by BH in the photo below.

Two s'mores virgins!

Another fabulous fire! My favorite shot of the night:

Photo credit: RA

Best co-star ever. Viewing party details (and many more bonfires) to follow.