Excursion - Grand Cayman

So, as much as I claim to be able to just relax, I will only be able to do so with a small game plan in place before our cruise.  I make no secret of my OCD, and I have learned to keep it to manageable levels.  That means specifically that I can give a little on certain aspects of organization, but not all.  I like to have an idea of where we will be, what we can do while we are there, and have a slight idea of what we are going to do.  So, I thought I would take the next few posts as an opportunity to do my research on ports.

Five years ago, on our first and so far only cruise, the one port we were able to see was Grand Cayman.  We passed up the cruise line excursions and decided to just go exploring.  Right off the bat, we saw a sign for the most expedient way to get around the island.  I cannot remember the cost (it wasn't much, $10-20 for both of us), but a company on the island provides a series of vans that take you to the most popular spots.

The one stop we didn't make (and I wish we had) was the Turtle Farm.  Okay, I know it is a tourist locale.  I am well aware of this. But I love animals-particularly marine life.  I am very much intrigued by the efforts of the Island to both utilize the turtles for food and conservation.  This seemingly contradictory practice has been refined over time.

Also, the last time we were there, remnants of the damage from Hurricane Michelle punctuated the island in the form of piles of debris that had yet to be cleared.  Hurricane Ivan, which had pummeled the island just one year earlier, also served to leave damage in its wake.

But, the beauty of the island clearly couldn't be diminished by mother nature's fury.  My husband, the adventurous explorer, took us into the back streets and smaller shops located further off the beaten path.  We found some wonderful surprises in the form of trinkets and souvenirs to bring back to family.

This time around, I have researched a local company for our excursion.  We are going to see the turtle farm this time, go back to Hell, and have lunch in a local restaurant.  We are also going to spend some time in the water.  I am a fairly good swimmer, but I have never been snorkeling before.

If this is even a HINT of what we might see:

Then pass me the mask, tube, and flippers.  I am SO there...