Panama to Cayman Islands

20140215

Toward the end of January we squeezed in a week long side trip to Aruba. As planned, we saw some familiar faces and frequented familiar places. Michael the deep sea fisherman, Anthony the boat charter Captain and his cool dog Buster, Werner the Austrian photographer and his lovely girlfriend Lisete, Cuba's Cookin, Flamingo Beach, and of course my favorite Chrystal Casino. This time, though, I was not so lucky at those penny slots - we still had some fun and a break from sitting in the Marina, in Colon, Panama.

We then spent a week cleaning aVida inside and out, and provisioned heavily before our friends MarcR and Kelly joined us Feb 6. We met them in Panama City that first night, toured the Old Town, and caught up on each other's lives.

Back to aVida, we set sail the following day. Though, the weather gods were not so kind to us. We had est 20-30 knot winds on a beat and up to 10-foot choppy waves nonstop for the first several days. It was quite a challenge to use the head, if you can imagine. The boat took a pounding, and so did we. The third day the seas calmed drastically and the winds shifted more to N/NE - what a relief. We were pushing to make it through check-in procedures and into the marina before nightfall, so we did not have to spend another night standing-off at sea.

Tired and battered up a bit, we arrived safely near Grand Cayman Island mid-day Feb 10. We first had to moor off the city dock near Georgetown in order to clear customs and immigrations. On our arrival, we whipped up some smoothies, dipped in the sea, and awaited for the Port of Authority and Police officials. Mid afternoon, they promptly boarded aVida, quickly took care of business, and shared some good humor with us. After we completed our check in, we sailed into Georgetown Harbor to Barcardere Marina. The approach to the Harbor through a narrow reef and shallow sound was successfully navigated. Fortunately, before our arrival, Mark downloaded navigational coordinates from the Marina's website in order to avoid the many coral heads and reefs on the perimeter. After we docked into a slip right in front of the Marina, we just chilled, and of course cheered again.

Our first full day on the Island we rented a jeep to tour the area and plan for the week's activities. They say this island has a higher cost of living, and they mean it. Prices are in some places not just 20-30% higher, they are almost double than what we were used to in Panama. It is British owned, very Americanized with all the comforts and selections available from home.

Grand Cayman is very flat and very clean, despite the almost daily 5 mega cruise ships and tourists that flood Georgetown in the afternoon. We drove the main roads around from the south to north to the east/northeast stopping at Blow Holes, many small coves with pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and a final stop at Kaibo, a lively beach bar past Rum Point.

Stingray City is a must-see, and so we did. A short bus ride, and then boat ride to the northeast of the Island lies a huge reef, home to est 60 plus "domesticated" sting rays. For many years they have been fed calamaries and fondled by local fishermen and tourists. In waist deep warm water, we too fed and fondled them. Quite incredible.

Lunch hour at the Turtle Farm, stroking baby turtles. That same afternoon, a swim with and on Dolphins. Even more incredible. Imagine standing on the noses of 2 dolphins while they raise you up out of the water. Hugging and petting these gentle and intelligent creatures. A once in a lifetime experience (actually our third time).

Due to a shift in the weather where the winds blow from the North causing strong surf, we were unfortunately unable to shore dive. Not a problem - we instead chilled several days during the week, explored Seven Mile Beach, played music, danced, enjoyed our favorite Eucher card game, and shared lots of laughs.

Diving day. Mark and Marc dove, myself and Kelly snorkeled. Another must-see, the Kittiwake wreck. Submerged in est 60 foot waters 3 years ago, this 250 foot, 5-deck ship is a magnificent undersea monument, visible to snorkelers, and an easy swim-through with many passages for divers.

Our final full day together we packed a picnic lunch, snorkeled, and swam in a tiny quaint bay called Smith's Cove.

Marc and Kelly are wonderful people, and very good friends. Voyaging together even in rough conditions was a true test of their good nature- they were solid. Coming from the bitter cold back in Ohio, they somehow managed to bring lots of sunshine with them. Thank you Marc and Kelly - we look forward to another sailing or other adventure with you both!