Sunday Morning, Huntum's Ghut

Huntum's Ghut refers to many things. At its most basic, it refers to the watercourse that handles most of the drainage from Great Mountain. "Ghut", after all, is just another word for "ditch", and there are many ghuts throughout the island.

Huntum's Ghut also refers to a street. Huntum's Ghut Road parallels huntum's ghut, the ditch, and connects Great Mountain and other points in the mountains with downtown Road Town. It's one of only two roads going out of Road Town into the mountains. HB and I drive it every day, as it's the easiest way from our house to Road Town.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Huntum's Ghut refers to the community that lines Huntum's Ghut Road. The busyness of the road and the barrier of the ghut create a cohesive, vibrant community. 

During the morning and evening rush-hours, Huntum's Ghut Road is lined with pedestrians and parked cars. Traffic tries to maneuver through them, and often comes to a standstill when a driver sees an acquaintance walking and stops to have a chat. Friday nights, especially, Huntum's Ghut Road becomes nearly impassable from all the people out and about. 

The pictures below were taken on Sunday morning, an exceptionally quiet time for Huntum's Ghut.

There are always a few folks limin' on the porch of the laundromat/ice store. The laundromat, combined with the One-Mart across the street and the gas station next door, forms the core of social life in Huntum's Ghut.

Many of the women in HG wash their clothes at home, and use the dryers at the laundromat.

Where does the water come from for a washing machine installed on an outdoor balcony?

Animals are prolific along Huntum's Ghut. There is a rash of feral dogs, and pet dogs that are allowed to roam free. 

One family keeps goats and chickens in their front yard, although there are plenty of roosters and chickens on the streets, too.

Near the laundromat is a popular local restaurant that HB and I keep meaning to try (hopefully in the next week or two)

And just next door is my favorite sign in all Tortola:

It makes me laugh every time I drive by.