. April 2012 .
Hey there, and welcome back for another riveting read. Yep, April was another action packed month. Sam and Michelle headed off to Bahamas for a week. We all had a "staycation" at East End. The National Touch league kicked off. We had international rugby. A couple of wee parties in there somewhere, just for balance, mind. Oh yes, and a very cool helicopter flight over the island. Maybe a few more things thrown in there as well.
Anyway, enjoy the read!
CARIFTA 2012
As we said in the last issue, Sam managed to get herself selected for the Cayman Swim team to compete in the CARIFTA Games in Bahamas in April. CARIFTA stands for the Caribbean Free Trade Association, who started this event many years ago. It also has Track and Field so is very similar to the Olympics, except is for the Caribbean countries and the maximum age for competitors is 17, with the minimum being 11. Sam scraped in by 4 days so was one of the youngest at the meet.
Most countries were represented. There was even a team from the BVI, but Michelle and Sam didn't know them.
The Games went on for 4 days, with Heats in the mornings and Finals in the evenings. The kids stayed in the swimmers village which ended up being a long way away from where the parents stayed. There were good and bad things about it and took some getting used to for the new Mums, including Michelle. The kids obviously needed to focus on what they were there for and were not to meet with their parents during the sessions, whether or not they were swimming - the coaches and managers needed to know where the kids were at all times. They were allowed to meet in the carpark after the end of each session, however the younger kids were taken away early in the evenings a couple of times so that they could get some sleep, unbeknown to the parents which caused a bit of disappointment. The great thing was that the parents did not have to worry about the kids - they were well looked after, so they could go about their business with no worries or responsibilities - allowing plenty of spare time between swim sessions for gym workouts, relaxation by the pool, visits to the bar and even a dive trip!
The Cayman team swam really well, with most doing Personal Best times (PB's), and 7 medals in all (1 gold, 1 silver and 5 bronze). Two bronze medals came from new swimmers in Sam's age group - they swam brilliantly in the heats, surprising all by getting in the finals; then managed to pull another awesome race in the evening to come in 3rd. It was very exciting to watch - there was lots of yelling and screaming, and tears and hugs of joy from the supporters in the stands. Cayman also had quite a number of swimmers making finals, ensuring their supporters made it back to the pool in the evenings!
Sam was selected to race the 100m and 200m Backstroke, the 100m Freestyle and the 4x50m Freestyle Relay - she swam very well, coming away with good PBs in every race. It was a fantastic experience for Sam (as well as Michelle - it's quite different from a spectators point of view!). She was happy with her swims and is keen to go back next year and make finals. Guess we have to stay here at least another year or so now!
The Cayman team makes their entrance at the opening ceremony
The swim meet was superbly organised and included full bands in the opening and closing ceremonies
The Coaches and Team are getting excited!
Sam cheers on her teammates
Sam swims another PB in her Backstroke
The Mums from Cayman are busy filling out their Drinks orders.
Michelle took some time out from the busy schedule to check out some sharks. She booked in with a dive company who took her out to a spot where they feed a bunch of sharks
Sharks Ahoy!
The shark dive was an amazing experience - it was a two tank dive at the same site with the first dive dropping in where they have the feeding but just having a swim around the reef and a wreck. There were several sharks hanging around but not bothering too much with the divers. The water was a lot colder in Bahamas so Michelle struggled to keep warm despite wearing a full wetsuit. Note that the full wetsuits were not really for keeping the divers warm, it was so that no flesh was showing in case a shark mistook an arm or leg for a fish during the feeding! After desparately trying to warm up from the first dive, they dropped down again for the feeding frenzy. The sharks hang around as they feed them at the same time and same spot every day. It is very well organised and they have professional dive photographers and videographers going down with you. You are able to take you own cameras but Michelle was unfortunately not prepared for that. Even if she was the photos would probably be blurry due to her body shaking so much - she claims it was from the cold not from fear!! They had one diver that had the food and as soon as he hit the water the sharks went to him - it was in a box and he would spear out one fish at a time and allow the sharks to eat it. This went on for about 20 minutes, to allow sufficient time for photos/videos to be taken of all the divers. It was amazing how the sharks just swam right towards and past you - there was no way Michelle was going to stick her hand out for any reason - don't want to risk losing it!
She was very pleased that she did this even though she couldn't convince any of the other parents to do it with her! She managed to live to tell the tale and find some photos of her and bring the video back to prove to the rest of the family that she did it (and no, they are no photshopped!)!
Bottom Right, Blue fins...looking kind of relaxed.
The Temple of Doom
The kids were allowed the day off on Monday to go to the water park at Atlantis. The big kids went as well! Michelle and her roomy stuck together and went on all the slides with only one exception - they couldn't convince themselves to do the Temple of Doom - the verticle drop into the shark tank! It was lots of fun and an opportunity to be one of the kids! Sam enjoyed it with all her friends as well and even managed to catch up with Michelle a couple of times throughout the day!
Slumming it at the Sheraton
The team arrives home
One of the few chances to catch up with and congratulate Sam
See more photos from Carifta:
Don't forget to watch the video of Sam's 100 free (at bottom of this edition)
Book Day
The school recently held a book day in which all of the kids come to school with any spare books that they might like to donate to the school library. They were also encouraged to come dressed as their favourite character from a book.
Sam and her friend Skyler went as Thing One and Thing Two from Dr. Suess's Cat in the Hat.
Jake, having read the entire series of Harry Potter books at least three times, went as Harry Potter.
Easter - a big weekend!
We started off our Easter weekend with a two night 'Staycation' at one of the resorts at East End. Thursday after work we packed up the car and headed up the road for about 40 minutes, stopping for dinner on the way believe it or not.
We checked in, unloaded, unpacked then headed to the bar where some friends had arranged to meet us. Unfortunately our friends had been there most of the day and were a little worse for the experience. Despite, requesting a romm nearour friends, their room was as far away from ours as anyone could get. You almost had to catch a bus to get there. But we enjoyed a few drinks and a natter while the kids ran amok.
The next day it was off to the gym, for some, a sleep in for others and breakfast before heading out to the beach. Some other friends were coming up as well. Some for the day and some for a couple of nights. One of our friends was bringing his (relatively new) girlfriend out for the weekend and said he'd see us 'once in a while'. You should have seen his face when he found out that his room was right next door to ours. Priceless!
Anyway, the next two days were pretty much spent on the beach or in the pool. It was very relaxing and did feel like a mini holiday, even if it was just up the road.
After spending most of Saturday at the beach, we headed back and stopped en-route at an Aussie restaurant for dinner.
The next day was an Easter Brunch at our friend's place at the opposite side of the island - West Bay. There was a fair bunch of people there and some really yummy food. The kids ran around doing Easter Egg Hunts and shooting each other or splashing in the pool. The bigger kids sat around enjoying the food and one or two drinks. A very nice afternoon.
After spending most of Saturday at the beach, we headed back and stopped en-route at an Aussie restaurant for dinner.
The next day was an Easter Brunch at our friend's place at the opposite side of the island - West Bay. There was a fair bunch of people there and some really yummy food. The kids ran around doing Easter Egg Hunts and shooting each other or splashing in the pool. The bigger kids sat around enjoying the food and one or two drinks. A very nice afternoon.
Some of the girlies having a laugh
Sam experiments with the camera in the pool
Helicopter FlightDave was pretty lucky and got given a voucher for a helicopter ride for his birthday. We finally managed to book in for the trip on the morning of Easter Monday.
The Helicopter is owned and operated by a Frenchman (Jerome) who has a pretty good sense of humour and kept us entertained throughout.
We took off and headed across the island and out to Stingray City where we got a good view of the tourists and the stingrays there. Sometimes you can see sharks loitering but not this day. We did see some Turtles and some big red starfish.
We headed back over towards West Bay and got a good view of Seven Mile Beach as well as a look at the Kittiwake which is a recently scuttled ship and a popular new dive site.
A view of Sevn Mile Beach
The reef near Stingray City
View towards West Bay
Stingray City - if you look close enough you can see the Stingays in the water near the people.
The Kittiwake
Later in the day there was the Annual "Million Dollar Boat Race."
This boat was the star attraction with speeds of about 130mph.
Million Dollar Boat Race
After the flight it was home to pack for the beach. We headed to our usual spot at Governors beach and set up camp there with the rest of Cayman.
If you didn't already know, Easter is the only time of the year that Camping is permitted in Cayman. So, a large proportion of the population set up small towns at every possible beach on the island. Governor's Beach being no exception. But we managed to battle our way through the tent city and onto the beach.
There was quite a bunch of us there and we claimed our turf and got set up for the afternoon. Our resident Chefs, Dan, Ross and Mick were on hand and we were well catered for throughout the afternoon with a variety of food ranging from Chicken wings to Gourmet beef with blue cheese. Yummy!
Oh yes, there was the boat race going on as well. The course went just past our spot where the boats turned and headed down the back half of the course. In hot pursuit was Jerome in his helicopter with a filmcrew onboard. The big flash boat we mentioned earlier only lasted one lap and then retired hurt. They only put it in the water that morning so that might be a lesson for them.
The paddle boat almost managed to take out the race
Our little set up
Another lovely day, with a nice sunset to match.
See more Easter (and April) photos:
The Big Game
The Cayman national side was taking on Mexico at home. The winner would advance to the second round in the World Cup 2015 Caribbean/North America qualifiers. Cayman had surprisingly been beaten by Jamaica a couple weeks prior and Mexico had thrashed jamaica. Cayman needed to win, and prevent Mexico from getting a bonus point if they wanted to get through.
It was a big day for Cayman Rugby and the kids were put out as curtain raisers to the main event. Jake played in the Under 11's for his side the Iguanas (Grey) against the Buccaneers (white).
Both teams played well and impressed the crowd with their skills.
The Cayman team put on their best display of Rugby in years - so we are told. But they did play really well, shutting down the Mexican attack and scoring plenty of tries at the right end of the park. The final score 48 - 13 to Cayman. They go through to the next round where they play Bermuda (away) and Bahamas (home).
More pics from the Big Game:
The Cayman national side was taking on Mexico at home. The winner would advance to the second round in the World Cup 2015 Caribbean/North America qualifiers. Cayman had surprisingly been beaten by Jamaica a couple weeks prior and Mexico had thrashed jamaica. Cayman needed to win, and prevent Mexico from getting a bonus point if they wanted to get through.
It was a big day for Cayman Rugby and the kids were put out as curtain raisers to the main event. Jake played in the Under 11's for his side the Iguanas (Grey) against the Buccaneers (white).
Both teams played well and impressed the crowd with their skills.
Jake manages to scoot around the opposition to score a try at the whistle.
The Iguanas came away as winners on the day.
OK, time for the Big Game. Jake and co. also acted as Ball Boys for the main game. That's them below in the white trying to work out where Waldo is...
Cayman National song
The Cayman forwards rumble it up
The Cayman team put on their best display of Rugby in years - so we are told. But they did play really well, shutting down the Mexican attack and scoring plenty of tries at the right end of the park. The final score 48 - 13 to Cayman. They go through to the next round where they play Bermuda (away) and Bahamas (home).
More pics from the Big Game:
Touch Rugby
The National League started up recently. Michelle and Dave were drafted into the "Heineken Brew Crew" which has a good mix of youth and experience. The experience tend to play mainly in the middle of the pitch while the Youth do most of the running around and score all the points.
They had two games on the first day with the first at 12:30. Talk about hot! But they managed a fairly good win, and Dave even scored a couple of tries.
They next game was an hour later (still hot!) and they had to work a bit harder in this game but still came away with the win.
The following week it was up against another unbeaten side...but not for long! The Brew Crew head to the top of the table with a fine win.
Last weekend was rained out so those games will be rescheduled. We might even see if we can get a pic or two!
They had two games on the first day with the first at 12:30. Talk about hot! But they managed a fairly good win, and Dave even scored a couple of tries.
They next game was an hour later (still hot!) and they had to work a bit harder in this game but still came away with the win.
The following week it was up against another unbeaten side...but not for long! The Brew Crew head to the top of the table with a fine win.
Last weekend was rained out so those games will be rescheduled. We might even see if we can get a pic or two!
Gaelic Football
Gaelic hasn't been going well for either Michelle or Dave. Both teams have been missing players in recent weeks and the league title has slowly slipped away from their grasp. Finals weekend is coming though and it's straight knockout, so it's all or nothing that weekend!
ANZAC Day
Last year we were in Las vegas for ANZAC day, but we still made the effort and raised our glasses in solemn remembrance.
This year we were back in Cayman and the tradition is to have a sunrise gathering at the Public Dock in South Sound (near the Rugby Club) where the Aussies and Kiwis gather for a small Dawn Service. It was a week day this year (no Public Holiday in Cayman for ANZAC Day) and the numbers were a little down, but still there were about 20 or so people there.
Unfortunately the usual MC didn't appear, but fortunately another was elected on the spot. Unfortunately he was English and didn't know the Ode but fortunately did know some history which he passed on to those gathered.
Dave recited the Ode, the Bugler (yes we have one) played the last post, and then reveille. We had a minute silence and then threw our sprigs of Rosemary into the sea.
A small but meaningful event.
Kid's Rugby vs Bay Biscayne
Just when you thought you'd seen the last of kid's rugby...
We had a club from Florida visit over the weekend. Key Biscayne came down with about 60 kids and 25 Adults.
They had an Under 9, Under 11, under 13, under 17 and a Golden Oldies team.
On Saturday it absolutely persisted down, but the games went ahead regardless. The pitch drains pretty well here.
Jake played in the Under 11's and they came away with a convincing win on the first day.
The second day was hot and sunny, and it didn't slow the boys down at all. Another big win for the Cayman boys, which bodes well for their trip to Bahamas next week for the "Under 12 TriNations" v Bermuda and Bahamas.
More pics from the games:
Last year we were in Las vegas for ANZAC day, but we still made the effort and raised our glasses in solemn remembrance.
This year we were back in Cayman and the tradition is to have a sunrise gathering at the Public Dock in South Sound (near the Rugby Club) where the Aussies and Kiwis gather for a small Dawn Service. It was a week day this year (no Public Holiday in Cayman for ANZAC Day) and the numbers were a little down, but still there were about 20 or so people there.
Unfortunately the usual MC didn't appear, but fortunately another was elected on the spot. Unfortunately he was English and didn't know the Ode but fortunately did know some history which he passed on to those gathered.
Dave recited the Ode, the Bugler (yes we have one) played the last post, and then reveille. We had a minute silence and then threw our sprigs of Rosemary into the sea.
A small but meaningful event.
The location of the ANZAC Gathering in Cayman.
Jake enjoys an ANZAC biscuit which one of the kiwis made for everyone. They were very nice too!
The dock after sunrise
The dock after sunriseKid's Rugby vs Bay Biscayne
Just when you thought you'd seen the last of kid's rugby...
We had a club from Florida visit over the weekend. Key Biscayne came down with about 60 kids and 25 Adults.
They had an Under 9, Under 11, under 13, under 17 and a Golden Oldies team.
On Saturday it absolutely persisted down, but the games went ahead regardless. The pitch drains pretty well here.
Jake played in the Under 11's and they came away with a convincing win on the first day.
The second day was hot and sunny, and it didn't slow the boys down at all. Another big win for the Cayman boys, which bodes well for their trip to Bahamas next week for the "Under 12 TriNations" v Bermuda and Bahamas.
More pics from the games:
A night out
We went out on Saturday night to the Cayman National Team's Dinner. It was a Black tie affair with good food and great company. As you can tell by the pictures, a good time was had by all!
Weather
Believe it or not, April was the wettest month in Cayman history. 3.5 inches of rain fell in the month. And guess what, it only rained on about three occasions!
Next Month:
We went out on Saturday night to the Cayman National Team's Dinner. It was a Black tie affair with good food and great company. As you can tell by the pictures, a good time was had by all!
Weather
Believe it or not, April was the wettest month in Cayman history. 3.5 inches of rain fell in the month. And guess what, it only rained on about three occasions!
Next Month:
- May will see some more international Rugby as Jake and Dave head to the Bahamas for the Under 12 Tri-Nations.
- The whole family heads for Sarasota for a swim meet
- Some Touch is likely to be going on.
- Gaelic season nears finals day.
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