We loaded the van and headed down the road to the turtle farm. It's a farm in the fact that turtles are raised there, but it feels more like a Sea World exhibit. Upon entering, we were met by a huge turtle 'ocean' with a dock for them and a beach so they can make nests to lay their eggs. The eggs are later removed by the conservationists that work at the farm to be carefully monitored and studied. The turtles that live in the 'ocean' are HUGE. Most that have reached that size are over 40 years old and weigh 300+ pounds. They are beautiful.
There are smaller tanks that hold smaller turtles. Many of the smallest turtles are allowed to be picked up and held. Most of these little guys aren't too thrilled to be removed from their swimming practice, but we were taught that the nerve in their throat will calm them down if it's gently rubbed with the stroke of a finger. We had so much fun holding turtles.
We drove past gorgeous 7 Mile Beach which looks like the most stunning post card I can possibly imagine. One of many Tortuga Rum shops was next on our tour where I learned that cinnamon raisin rum cake is even better than the chocolate version. YUM! We also stopped in Hell, Grand Cayman, a tiny part of the island so named for it's black rock formations that look rather ominous and the fact that a British hunter visiting this location shot at a bird and missed, stating, "Oh, hell!" in response to his failed attempt. It's turned into a big tourist attraction but honestly didn't impress me much. The rock formation is eerily pretty, but it's not worth the hoopla that's made about it.
 |
| The rock formations at 'Hell'. |
After driving around some of the mansions on the west side of the island, we left the bus and hopped on a boat for the 30 minutes ride out to Stingray City which is nothing more than a shallow sandbar about 3-5 feet deep. The sand is as white as sand gets and the white is crystal clear. Stingrays come and go as they please into the shallow water. A while back, boats started anchoring there feeding the rays. As more boats would come, the rays kept returning. Now, the wildlife parks management boat is out there all day to keep an eye open for any unruly tourists, but most of the guides do a great job of keeping the humans in check so the rays stay safe. They are so silky smoothy, and yes, cuddly too! The Caymanians say it's good luck for 7 years to kiss a stingray, and while I don't believe in luck because God orchestrates everything, the rays were too cute to resist. They will also give back 'rubs'. :) One ray has been nicknamed Frisbee because she was born without a tail. Frisbee is currently pregnant, and we could feel the two little babies inside of her. Crazy! Several barracuda swam past us and I found a couple of pufferfish and conchs too. We didn't want to leave this gorgeous taste of Eden where humans and sea life played with such joy. On the way back, we got a closer look at the Cayman Dropoff where there's a living coral reef and then the water depth plunges from 30 feet to 700 feet to 7000 feet in a matter of yards.
 |
| Frisbee |
 |
| Ray and Puffer |
I asked Isaac if we could retire to Cayman if we don't end up in Zambia. I think it wouldn't be hard to convince him to do. :)
Thursday was our second formal night and it was the captain's reception for repeat guests. That's always a fun party! Isaac and I were eating at the Steakhouse on the ship that night as our anniversary present from his parents. It's a four course meal, so of course I couldn't eat all that was on my plate if I wanted to at least taste everything, but our waitress kept thinking something was wrong. Only that my stomach is too small for all of that! Isaac said he ate the best steak of his life that night. It was a great treat, and we enjoyed the show afterward with his family.
No comments:
Post a Comment