Dragon...is the name of the Kiwi band who released "April Sun in Cuba." Maybe we'll try and get it for the next issue (could be appropriate). Or you can look it up on Youtube. Hello out there in Blogger land! We trust that you are well and that you have your coffee/tea/beer/wine/whatever ready for another exciting installment.
We’ve had a very busy month. Hopefully all of the good bits are covered in here somewhere. Enjoy the read. See you all next month.
We’ve had a very busy month. Hopefully all of the good bits are covered in here somewhere. Enjoy the read. See you all next month.
Don’t forget that you can read older editions by navigating down through the pages or by using the Archive button on the right. You can also click on the pictures if you want to make them bigger. There are some links to a whole bunch of other photos too if you are interested.
A birdseye view of Grand Cayman
Travel Report
Little Cayman.
For our Easter break, we headed to Little Cayman. There are three islands in the Cayman group with Little Cayman and Cayman Brac being quite close together but about 90 miles from Grand Cayman. We jumped on a small plane, loaded with Chilly Bin etc and hopped over.
The planes land on the airstrip and then taxi across the main road to the ‘terminal’ area. Our bags were collected and thrown in a Ute and we were directed across the road to our unit. All very convenient. Restaurant, Bar, Pool. Not much else required.
Merilda has it all...
There was a little shop and liquor store about 300 metres away so we didn’t miss out on too much. They even stocked Carib, which Dave thought was a bit of a bonus.
A small dinosaur
Did some fishin...
Little Cayman is a little like Anegada in the BVI. Very quiet (and just as mountainous), maybe slightly more organised and very relaxing with some nice water and the occasional beach. Lots of Iguanas were running about too, especially after Jake started chasing them. Even a few resident Iguana’s at the hotel were happy to pose for photos.
Did some fishin...
Little Cayman is a little like Anegada in the BVI. Very quiet (and just as mountainous), maybe slightly more organised and very relaxing with some nice water and the occasional beach. Lots of Iguanas were running about too, especially after Jake started chasing them. Even a few resident Iguana’s at the hotel were happy to pose for photos.
Believe it or not... sunrise.
Snorkeling was really good there. The whole family went out one day and saw Lobsters, Sharks (x 5), Stingray, Turtles, Barracuda and a heap of other fish. People pay big money to dive and see all of this and here’s us seeing it all for free!
Michelle nearly lost it when she dived into the water and spotted this.
The kids were getting anxious at this stage...
We had a couple of bikes allocated to our unit which we used a few times. We stole one from next door for Sam as well and Jake just sat on the bar of Dave’s bike. For the longer trips around the island we had a rental car which is left outside the rental place with the keys in. Well, where’s it going to go?
A little bit dry in parts
Whistling Ducks - although they didn't whistle for us. Maybe they had their minds on May the 1st...
What a team...
We took a Kayak out to Owen Island (couldn't all fit in so Michelle had to swim but it wasn't too far!) which is a tiny islet just off the beach. It’s about 400metres around but was quite cool as we were the only people on it.
We had a nice weekend and will definitely go back at some stage.
See more cool pics of Little Cayman (four albums):
We had a nice weekend and will definitely go back at some stage.
See more cool pics of Little Cayman (four albums):
Chickens/Roosters & Snakes
We haven’t seen any Rats so far in Cayman but there are plenty of pesky Hens and Roosters floating about… and the occasional snake. The Roosters here are not too bad with their timing but there is one in the neighborhood that tends to crank up in the middle of the night. We think its days are numbered. There was another but we came out one morning to find a bunch of feathers strewn across the lawn and the street. The Rooster never returned.
Dave was sitting out the back of the house one day reading a book. He was reading away when a little brown head popped up in the middle the book, flicking its tongue. He nearly ‘soiled’ himself and leapt backwards about 8 feet (That was Dave, not the snake). It had come slithering along through the grass unnoticed and up the legs of the picnic table and was about to slither across the book. It just so happened that Dave was reading a story that was talking about Mambas and the like at that point in time.
A few days later Sam walked out to the car and then uttered a yelp. Another snake was sunning itself on the driveway. But he slowly wandered off and disappeared down a hole in the garden. Probably not the last we will see of that one.
The snakes we had in the BVI were relatively small compared to these ones. But we are assured that they are harmless.
A Three Way Intersection with Stop Signs at each corner
Just when we’d mastered the four way stop signs…. A “Y” intersection! Each road with its own stop sign. We still haven’t worked out any Intersection Etiquette so we just bowl on through as soon as we spot an opening.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day here started with a Dawn Service at 5:45 am on a small pier just along the coast. Dave went along with about 40 Kiwis and Aussies in attendance. Unfortunately the Bugler got lost and didn’t make it so some lady sang the first part of Amazing Grace instead. Wasn’t quite the same really. A story was read, and the ode was spoken. Then it was back to the rugby club for ‘breakfast’ which consisted of coffee, rum and some bacon sandwiches.
Later on in the day, still at the rugby club, there was a game of Aussie Rules/Gaelic football, Oz vs Ireland. Following that was the main event, the Northern Hemisphere taking on the Southern at Rugby. Dave played in this game. It was his first proper game of Rugby in Cayman. They won 30 – 22.
We haven’t seen any Rats so far in Cayman but there are plenty of pesky Hens and Roosters floating about… and the occasional snake. The Roosters here are not too bad with their timing but there is one in the neighborhood that tends to crank up in the middle of the night. We think its days are numbered. There was another but we came out one morning to find a bunch of feathers strewn across the lawn and the street. The Rooster never returned.
Dave was sitting out the back of the house one day reading a book. He was reading away when a little brown head popped up in the middle the book, flicking its tongue. He nearly ‘soiled’ himself and leapt backwards about 8 feet (That was Dave, not the snake). It had come slithering along through the grass unnoticed and up the legs of the picnic table and was about to slither across the book. It just so happened that Dave was reading a story that was talking about Mambas and the like at that point in time.
A few days later Sam walked out to the car and then uttered a yelp. Another snake was sunning itself on the driveway. But he slowly wandered off and disappeared down a hole in the garden. Probably not the last we will see of that one.
The snakes we had in the BVI were relatively small compared to these ones. But we are assured that they are harmless.
A Three Way Intersection with Stop Signs at each corner
Just when we’d mastered the four way stop signs…. A “Y” intersection! Each road with its own stop sign. We still haven’t worked out any Intersection Etiquette so we just bowl on through as soon as we spot an opening.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day here started with a Dawn Service at 5:45 am on a small pier just along the coast. Dave went along with about 40 Kiwis and Aussies in attendance. Unfortunately the Bugler got lost and didn’t make it so some lady sang the first part of Amazing Grace instead. Wasn’t quite the same really. A story was read, and the ode was spoken. Then it was back to the rugby club for ‘breakfast’ which consisted of coffee, rum and some bacon sandwiches.
Later on in the day, still at the rugby club, there was a game of Aussie Rules/Gaelic football, Oz vs Ireland. Following that was the main event, the Northern Hemisphere taking on the Southern at Rugby. Dave played in this game. It was his first proper game of Rugby in Cayman. They won 30 – 22.
Look! Real grass! Luxury!!!
There was also a bit of “Two up” and a few other activities in the clubhouse.
Sport
Gaelic
Michelle continues to play Gaelic football every second Sunday. Their team is doing alright and usually manage to win at least one of their two games each week. Dave takes on the supporting role during these games with a bucket of Heinekens on ice. It’s not easy being a supporter.
Touch Rugby
On the alternate Sundays we have Touch Rugby. Both Michelle and Dave play in this and their team (The Cayman Pirates/Pirals) are clinging to the first spot, although there is some hot competition and the team has lost a couple of games in recent weeks (much to the delight of the other teams), which is a bit of a concern with the finals coming up.
Kids Rugby
The kids go to rugby on Saturday mornings and also Thursday afternoons for skills coaching. They seem to be enjoying the run around and Sam even scored the winning try for her team last week.
Rugby
Dave has been going to training at the club on Tues and Thursday nights. He isn’t allowed to play until he is allocated to one of the teams (there are four, plus an under 20 side). The guy who does the allocating is away with the Under 19’s at the IRB tournament in Kenya. Maybe in a week or so Dave might get a real club game. The delay isn’t that much of a frustration since he pulled his Hamstring again last week. He’s currently under ‘Physio’s orders.’
Michelle continues to train with the Women’s team, however as they generally play only internationals, you need to qualify and that means living here for three years. Hopefully there will be a few non Internationals coming up. They did play an ‘introduction’ game the other week against the Under 14 boys (who thought all of their Christmases had come at once) which was a bit of a stop start affair with the boys dominating initially until the girls got a bit more organized and looked after their ball. Michelle, being a bit nervous in the first half, took Dave's advice to the letter, and passed the ball every time she got it but eventually got some guts up and started to get into the "real" game of rugby. Unfortunately, the game ended unexpectedly with one of the new girls landing awkwardly and breaking her wrist (Brodie, Liz & co - don't let it put you off, just make sure you hold the ball with both hands!).
Sport
Gaelic
Michelle continues to play Gaelic football every second Sunday. Their team is doing alright and usually manage to win at least one of their two games each week. Dave takes on the supporting role during these games with a bucket of Heinekens on ice. It’s not easy being a supporter.
Touch Rugby
On the alternate Sundays we have Touch Rugby. Both Michelle and Dave play in this and their team (The Cayman Pirates/Pirals) are clinging to the first spot, although there is some hot competition and the team has lost a couple of games in recent weeks (much to the delight of the other teams), which is a bit of a concern with the finals coming up.
Kids Rugby
The kids go to rugby on Saturday mornings and also Thursday afternoons for skills coaching. They seem to be enjoying the run around and Sam even scored the winning try for her team last week.
Rugby
Dave has been going to training at the club on Tues and Thursday nights. He isn’t allowed to play until he is allocated to one of the teams (there are four, plus an under 20 side). The guy who does the allocating is away with the Under 19’s at the IRB tournament in Kenya. Maybe in a week or so Dave might get a real club game. The delay isn’t that much of a frustration since he pulled his Hamstring again last week. He’s currently under ‘Physio’s orders.’
Michelle continues to train with the Women’s team, however as they generally play only internationals, you need to qualify and that means living here for three years. Hopefully there will be a few non Internationals coming up. They did play an ‘introduction’ game the other week against the Under 14 boys (who thought all of their Christmases had come at once) which was a bit of a stop start affair with the boys dominating initially until the girls got a bit more organized and looked after their ball. Michelle, being a bit nervous in the first half, took Dave's advice to the letter, and passed the ball every time she got it but eventually got some guts up and started to get into the "real" game of rugby. Unfortunately, the game ended unexpectedly with one of the new girls landing awkwardly and breaking her wrist (Brodie, Liz & co - don't let it put you off, just make sure you hold the ball with both hands!).
Swimming
Sam has joined the local swimming club. It’s been a while for her. The BVI tried to get one going but it was directed at local kids and teaching them to swim. Here it is more focused on competitive swimming which is good. Jake is on the waiting list for that. Sam’s first session involved about 20 lengths of various strokes. She was a little tired after that!
Surf Report
We have checked out the surf… or at least where the surf is supposed to be. Maybe we’ll get Jake out there in the not too distant future. It might be a while before Dave gets out. All depends on the weather!
Diving
Dave did a shore dive out from Sunset House (just along the street) the other week. It was quite a relaxing dive with a small wreck, an inquisitive angelfish and the Mermaid statue which is pretty cool.
Michelle went out on another day and did some diving along seven mile beach.
Both Michelle and Dave got a dive in each at Little Cayman. There is a massive drop off from the reef where the depth goes from about 50 or 60 feet to about a couple of thousand feet (almost straight down). There are some good spots there to dive, but unfortunately time was short. A return trip might have to be planned.
See more diving pics:
Barry Cooda (this one was about the size of Sam!)
Weather Report
The weather has remained hot and dry up until the last few days where we have had quite a bit of rain. Still, the temp ranges from 25 – 30 at the moment.
The weather has remained hot and dry up until the last few days where we have had quite a bit of rain. Still, the temp ranges from 25 – 30 at the moment.
Dolphins & Turtles
Dave went down to the Dolphin Discovery place the other week to see what the story was there. He walked in and bumped into a guy he’d met in the BVI who just happened to work at the Cayman Dolphin place. In the end, complimentary tickets were obtained for the whole family, so off we went the following Sunday morning. We all got introduced to our Dolphin for the morning (Cappy) and got to ride on her and get pushed along through the water. It was pretty good fun and the kids just loved it.
Dave went down to the Dolphin Discovery place the other week to see what the story was there. He walked in and bumped into a guy he’d met in the BVI who just happened to work at the Cayman Dolphin place. In the end, complimentary tickets were obtained for the whole family, so off we went the following Sunday morning. We all got introduced to our Dolphin for the morning (Cappy) and got to ride on her and get pushed along through the water. It was pretty good fun and the kids just loved it.
After that it was across the road to the Turtle Farm. Dave and the Kids had been there before but Michelle hadn’t. So the kids took great delight in showing Mum around. They even showed her where the bulk turtle food was kept, so they could feed the turtles without having to buy it from the shop!
There is a bird aviary there too which was something new for the kids.
Ibis (the Scarlet Ibis is the Trinidad national bird)
More Dolphin & Turtle pics:
Visitor’s Report
Well, not really. We had our first off shore visitor yesterday. Rachael McDonald popped in from the BVI on business and she came around for a quick visit and a catch up. Sorry, she wasn’t here long enough to write a report, as is traditional for our guests. But it was really nice to see her and maybe next time she’ll bring Mark along too.
Well, not really. We had our first off shore visitor yesterday. Rachael McDonald popped in from the BVI on business and she came around for a quick visit and a catch up. Sorry, she wasn’t here long enough to write a report, as is traditional for our guests. But it was really nice to see her and maybe next time she’ll bring Mark along too.
Oh, and be advised that we do have a fourth bedroom here (with it's own ensuite) so visitors are always welcome!!!!! To avoid disappointment, make your booking now!
Next Month
McDonalds Cayman! Yes, we promised it for this month. We just haven’t had the time. We’ll definitely get there soon and report back to you!
Next Month
McDonalds Cayman! Yes, we promised it for this month. We just haven’t had the time. We’ll definitely get there soon and report back to you!
Cycloprep (You work it out)
Cuba!!!! (Maybe!)
Cuba!!!! (Maybe!)
... and some other bits and pieces...
See ya!
:)
