Up early and off to Cemetery Beach for snorkeling, and yes you guessed it it behind a cemetery, but don’t let that scare you. Not a great morning Jim, Tamara, Kelli and Pat were off while Ryan and I held back due to a suspicious lady we had seen before and then the rains came. While snorkeling Kelli and Jim were intimidated by the Bermuda Chub, which have become somewhat aversive due to feeding.
Thunder and Lightening, everyone out of the big pool.
Blueberry sized Hermit Crab
Back to the condo and change and shower and then update blog, watch contractor on webcam and the off to the West end for lunch a Macabuca the Cayman’s ocean from tiki bar. We were also joined by a miniature hermit crab at our lunch table about the size of a blue berry.
Macabuca Punch: Dark, Golden, Spiced,Coconut, Pineapple and White Rum topped with ginger ale and passion fruit
Macabuca is Grand Cayman’s premier ocean front tiki bar. Located in West Bay, on the North West point of the Island, Macabuca is the place to be for all of your rest and relaxation needs. Stop in for lunch or a casual dinner and enjoy the best view the Caribbean has to offer. Sunsets at the Tiki bar have improved with our daily happy hour from 5 until 7.
View from Macabuca, Grand Cayman
The little brother of the Cracked Conch restaurant, Macabuca offers one of the best shore diving and snorkeling locations on the Island. Sundivers dive shop, at the Cracked Conch, is located on property and offers all diving and snorkeling amenities offered by Hall of Fame dive master Ollen Miller.
Macabuca ocean side tiki bar is quickly becoming Cayman’s hotspot for live musical entertainment. Friday’s and Saturday nights you can enjoy everything from local DJ’s to the hottest live bands on the Island. Stay tuned to Ecay 5pm for upcoming events and dates, more reason to get off seven mile beach and experience the West Bay style.
The Hell Post Office, Who knew!Pat as Satin in Hell
After a couple of Macabuca punches it was off to Hell a little town in the West End so Kelli and Ryan could mail some post cards from Hell.
Tonights cocktail is Passion Fruit with Golden and Coconut Rums.
Rain last night and it stopped about 8 or 9 in the morning. We had breakfast and then when snorkeling in front of the condo. We pretty much hung out and had a low key day, enjoying the sun and the beautiful water.
Lunch was at the condo some walked across the street to Quiznos for subs and sodas.
After lunch more snorkeling.
Tonights cocktail: Banana Daiquiri and left over Margaritas
We had planned on going to Stingers for dinner, but their exhaust system was down and they were waiting for the repairman so we walked across the street to Coconut Joe’s. A good time was had by all.
Today is the day we go to Sting Ray City to swim with the stingrays. We planned on a late breakfast at the condo and a late lunch in George Town because we do not get off the boat until after 7:00 and then we will all need showers.
The morning was spent swimming and snorkeling at the condo, however the water was very cloudy today probably due to a rain storm moving in to the area, so most of the time was spent swimming and sitting or laying around in the sun/shade.
The girls wanted to go to a thrift shop that was closed yesterday so they headed off at about 11:30 and were to text us when on their way to George Town.
We all met up at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant in GT and had what else; margaritas and cheese burgers in paradise. They we did a little shopping and bought T-shirts for the crew working on the house back in New Point.
Cheese Burger in Paradise
At 3:15 we drove back to the condos, changed clothes and then walked a couple of properties north to the Marriott Hotel where we were picked up by Red Sail Sport and transported to their base camp on the east side of the island, boarded one the their catamarans, The Poseidon, and then headed out to Sting Ray City. Sting Ray City is actually a sand bar that has formed just off a reef about a 30-minute motor from Grand Cayman. The fisherman dump all of their eatable scraps from fishing here and the Sting Rays gather to
Sting Rays gather around Pat, Kelli, Ryan and Luke the Captain of the Poseidon
eat. Over the years they have become accustom to people and mow can be handled. This one name Frisbee, so named because he has no tail, and therefore no barb, so he is very easy for folks to handle with our fear. After playing for about and hour in waste deep water we climb back on
Pat and the Rays
Poseidon and sail back to the Red Sail Sport base camp. Of course drinks and food are available so were have a Cayman Lemonade and Rum Runner and for go the food because were al headed to Michaels
Jim and Tamara observe cautiously
for dinner.
Back aboard the bus which now has every seat filled we drop folds off at the Westin Hotel with our final stop the Marriott. A quick walk to the condo, showers all around and walk over to Canama Bay for dinner. After dinner back to the condo and by this time it was close to 11:00pm so we
Breakfast in the condo, fruit, english muffin, and yogurt. Lunch was at Eats Cafe, after lunch the girls went shopping so Jim, Ryan and I went to Foster Super Market to resupply. Back to the condo for some quiet time. Pat and the girls returned home about 2:00 and at 2:30 we went snorkeling in front of the condo, there is a small reef with plenty of aquatic life. After about and hour of snorkeling we went for a dip in the pool and then back to get a shower before cocktails. Tonights cocktail was Margaritas.
Dinner tonight is at the Wharf Restaurant. This is a great location to watch the sunset, reservations at 6:30 to be sure not to miss it.
Eden Rock & Devil’s Grotto Grand CaymanSix foot latter enters into 4 foot of water atop the coral bottom
Eden Rock Dive Center
Up early today, lite breakfast in condo and off to Eden Rock for more snorkeling just south of Seven Mile Beach and approximately 46-feet below the surface are Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto, two of the most popular diving spots on Grand
Water entry
Cayman. Both are boggling, wonderful mazes filled with tarpon, silversides, parrotfish and barracuda, and they should be enjoyable swims for both beginner and intermediate snorkelers. We even saw squid swimming by and turtles.
After snorkeling back to the condo and off to lunch at the Sunshine Grill. The Sunshine Grill has been the recipient of many local accolades, including multiple wins at Taste of Cayman for our fish tacos. Our burgers have been voted Best Burger for the past three
Island Combo at the Sunshine Grill, Grand Cayman
years by BestofCayman.com. Les Standiford, the critically acclaimed author, recently commented: “The restaurant’s hamburger is the best I have ever had…If Andy Warhol were to have painted a hamburger, it would have (or should have) looked like yours. And as for the taste…simply heavenly!” They have been award twice for the best fish tacos in the Grand Cayman. Both Pat and I decided to have the Island Combo so we could try the Fisk Taco, the slider and the Sunshine Scramble which is a mix of french fries, sweet potato fries, and tempura jalapeños, mushrooms and onion straws – EXCELLENT and the taco were outstanding, the slider cooked to correct temperature. The staff friendly and attentive without being in your face. The finally – a miniature ice cream cone of chocolate and hazelnut soft-serve. I would eat the remainder of our lunches there if we could.
Tonights cocktail was Orange-Pineapple with Golden Rum.
We decided to try the wood fired pizza at Cimboco which we have seen several time while eating there, its also an easy walk. The crust was very good, thin and crisp, but we have had better, although not in the Caymans.
USS Kittiwake off the coat of Grand Cayman sunt as a artificial reef in 2010
Today were getting a planned late start, meeting for breakfast at 1000 at Cimboco and then off to the Marriott Hotel to meet up with a group to go snorkeling. We cruised along Seven Mile Beach on one of our luxurious catamarans to some of the best snorkeling on the island. The catamaran stops for snorkeling at two locations. The first stop takes you to Cayman’s newest attraction the USS Kittiwake Wreck and the second a beautiful coral reef where guests can enjoy the plentiful marine life.
USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) under tow on the Elizabeth River, 18 February 2010, from the James River National Reserve Fleet to Dominion Marine,
USS Kittiwake (ASR-13)
Norfolk, VA., where she will be cleaned of toxic materials. The ship will then be towed to the Cayman Islands where she will be sunk in about 65 feet of water as an artificial driving reef. The ship was place on the bottom on July 5 2011. Watch the YouTube video
Following the snorkeling of the Kittiwake
USS Kittiwake sunk 7/5/2011 in the Cayman Islands
we returned to the condo via the catamaran under sail at about 9 knots, and the walk up the beach, we showered and made cocktails. Tonights cocktail was Mango with Rum. After cocktails we walked over to the Waterfront Restaurant in Canama Bay and had dinner and after stop for Gelato at the same location. Then the girls when shopping and the guys crashed on the benches and talked trash.
Pat showing the Captain how its done, the Captain has never sailed a monohull boat.
Breakfast at the condo of yogurt, fruit and coffee. Pat and I walked across the street to one of the many Dive Shop and bought some snorkeling gear. We decided to get the shorter snorkeling fins which also pack better for taking along on trip and we do not plan on doing and diving. We met the group at 0900 and we headed off to Cemetery Beach which is at the North end of Seven Mile Beach to do a bit of snorkeling. The reef was close to shore and like most of the close in reefs in poor shape. We saw dozens of different fish including sea urchins, and even a flying fish.
After 2 hours of snorkeling we packed up and returned to the condo for a shower and to go have lunch. We had lunch at Da Flying Fish which seem appropriate based on the days activities. The food was very good and the service as well.
Next stop George Town for shopping. We wandered around the shop and high-end store or course Kelli and Tamara made purchases while Pat did not see anything that struck her fancy, she briefly considered a purchase from La Parfumerie of more “Little Black Dress” but the price was the same as in Paris so she asked if we were going back and I immediately answered “well of course we will”.
Alfresco Restaurant, George Town , Grand Cayman
Back to the condo for some R&R and then cocktails and dinner was at Alfresco Restaurant on the beach at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, a bit too far to walk. The food was excellent and I would recommend this place for that reason, the service was slow and very inattentive and the food too what seemed
Marinated Conch Salad
like an unusually long time, however, it was worth the wait. I had red snapper that was sautéed with fresh mango and red papaya, served with rice and beans and fresh vegetables. The fish was done perfectly and the sauces was excellent with large piece of fresh island fruit, the vegetable crisp and the rice tasty, way too much food. Pat had the Lobster prepared Cayman style, which meant the lobster was removed from it shell, cut and saluted with a tasty carry
Fish with Papaya and Mango
of fruit and spices, the dish was very good but I thing Pat was anticipating a whole Caribbean lobster. Hers included the same sides. Ryan had the Egg Plant parmesan which he said was excellent and freshly made, Jim had a Hawaiian pizza, Tamara a salad with fish and Kelli Conch Salad and a Caesar salad.
The people of the Cayman Islands have a history tied to the turtle. In the 1600 and 1700’s the Cayman Islands became a provisioning stop for vessels sailing the Caribbean because of an abundance of green sea turtles, which could be caught and kept alive on board as a source of fresh meat. Permanent settlements developed on the Cayman Islands in the seventeenth century and turtling became a means of income as well as providing a local source of food.
However, the turtles around the islands were depleted by the early 1800’s and the turtling industry focused around the Miskito Cays off the coast of Nicaragua. The Cayman turtling fleet continued operating at a sustained level until the early 1900’s. By this time turtle populations were dwindling and, in subsequent years, national and international regulations and alternative sources of income reduced the turtling industry to a negligible level. The appearance of the turtle on the Cayman Islands’ flag, seal and currency reflects the close association the people have to the turtle.
We first had breakfast at Cimboco just a short walk from out cold, excellent breakfast 5 for 5 and add unlimited coffee for 99-cents (CI). Then we headed for the Tuttle Farm and shark feeding, turtle feed and playing with the Turtle.
We arrived at about 1245 EST, they do not adjust for day light savings time, on the island of Grand Cayman (Kay-mahn) which is 480 south of Florida and part of the Cayman Island chain. Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands, the British Caribbean territory. George Town, its capital, is home to the Cayman Islands National Museum, dedicated to Caymanian heritage, and the ruins of colonial-era Fort George. At the island’s centre is the Mastic Reserve and Trail, a footpath through old-growth forest, sheltering a wide variety of native plants and animals.
The first day was low key but not without its challenges. Jim brother and his wife Tamara rented the car and we made two trips to the condo with luggage and passengers. Jim and Tamara are staying in the unit above us, so we carried their bags upstairs and punched in the access code and entered the unit, surprise there was a woman played out on the sofa claiming she had the unit until Sunday! After a few phone calls and some planning for a contingency plan the woman was told that she must leave the apartment by the manager. Several hours passed while the woman cleans the apartment, did the laundry and tidied up.
We decided to go for a late lunch to Michael’s restaurant while this all took place.
Ryan and Kelli arrived about 6:30 pm their flight was delayed in Houston.
Ryan and Kelli
For dinner it was off to Coconut Joe’s, Drinks were two for $12 so the umbrella drinks were had by all. We then walled back to the condo and turned in after a day of travel, fun, booze and food.
cayman Islands 423 Km (262 miles) to Cube and 928 Km (576 miles)to Miami Florida.
Bermuda Chub, which have become somewhat aversive due to feeding.
Fame dive master Ollen Miller.
and had what else; margaritas and cheese burgers in paradise. They we did a little shopping and bought T-shirts for the crew working on the house back in New Point.
Breakfast in the condo, fruit, english muffin, and yogurt. Lunch was at Eats Cafe, 
after lunch the girls went shopping so Jim, Ryan and I went to Foster Super Market to resupply. Back to the condo for some quiet time. Pat and the girls returned home about 2:00 and at 2:30 we went snorkeling in front of the condo, there is a small
reef with plenty of aquatic life. After about and hour of snorkeling we went for a dip in the pool and then back to get a shower before cocktails. Tonights cocktail was Margaritas.
swims for both beginner and intermediate snorkelers. We even saw squid swimming by and turtles.
under sail at about 9 knots, and the walk up the beach, we showered and made cocktails. Tonights cocktail was Mango with Rum. After cocktails we walked over to the Waterfront Restaurant in Canama Bay and had dinner and after stop for Gelato at the same location. Then the girls when shopping and the guys crashed on the benches and talked trash.
Breakfast at the condo of yogurt, fruit and coffee. Pat and I walked across the street to one of the many Dive Shop and bought some snorkeling gear. We decided to get the shorter snorkeling fins which also pack better for taking along on trip and we do not plan on doing and diving. We met the group at 0900 and we headed off to Cemetery Beach which is at the North end of Seven Mile Beach to do a bit of snorkeling. The reef was close to shore and like most of the close in reefs in poor shape. We saw dozens of different fish including sea urchins, and even a flying fish.
Cayman Turtle Parkbecame a provisioning stop for vessels sailing the Caribbean because of an abundance of green sea turtles, which could be caught and kept alive on board
as a source of fresh meat. Permanent settlements developed on the Cayman Islands in the seventeenth century and turtling became a means of income as well as providing a local source of food.
However, the turtles around the islands were depleted by the early 1800’s and the turtling industry focused around the Miskito Cays off the coast of Nicaragua. The Cayman turtling fleet continued operating at a sustained level until the early 1900’s. By this time turtle populations were dwindling and, in subsequent years, national and international regulations and alternative sources of income reduced the turtling industry to a negligible level. The appearance of the turtle on the Cayman Islands’ flag, seal and currency reflects the close association the people have to the turtle.
excellent breakfast 5 for 5 and add unlimited coffee for 99-cents (CI). Then we headed for the Tuttle Farm and shark feeding, turtle feed and playing with the Turtle.
We arrived at about 1245 EST, they do not adjust for day light savings time, on the island of Grand Cayman (Kay-mahn) which is 480 south of Florida and part of the Cayman Island chain. Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands, the British Caribbean territory. 
George Town, its capital, is home to the Cayman Islands National Museum, dedicated to Caymanian heritage, and the ruins of colonial-era Fort George. At the island’s centre is the Mastic Reserve and Trail, a footpath through old-growth forest, sheltering a wide variety of native plants
and animals.
the unit above us, so we carried their bags upstairs and punched in the access code and entered the unit, surprise there was a woman played out on the sofa claiming she had the unit until Sunday! After a few phone calls and some planning for a contingency plan the woman was told that she must leave the apartment by the manager. Several hours passed while the woman cleans the apartment, did the laundry and tidied up.
We decided to go for a late lunch to Michael’s restaurant while this all took place.
