Sadly we to the counting down stage of our trip – when to do the last drift snorkel, or the last visit to this place or that. We are making sure that Jess gets to do everything that she wants, as she probably will never return, and we cant guarantee that we will either.
So, its always important to plan for the big rocks first (remember your Steven Covey 7 Habits of Success?). And todays was the Drift Snorkel to Rum Point – and it was certainly incredible. Before starting, we toured the fancy houses and landscaping one last time. We could see that the boats out to the Coral Gardens were leaving from Kaibos restaurant and resort, now that Rum Point is closed. It was a bright sunny day.
David dropped us off at the public restroom as usual. There I spoke with a family who was obviously wondering if it was a good snorkeling place. I saw they had no fins. Not really then, but if back with fins its amazing. In fact, the first tier of reef – the line closest to the starting shore – was a bit so we
swam easily (very little current) across the channel to the farther reef. Found barracuda and another flamingo tongue, but no flying gurnards (we had seen them last time). Just as we made the decision to also swim out to the Coral Gardens once again, and we were just setting off into the great wasteland – an area of more sand than corals – we spied not one but TWO Eagle Rays!! All in all on that trip we found SIX STINGRAYS, the 2 eagle rays, one green turtle, and a NURSE SHARK.
Then, as we were in the seagrass near the pier (3 of water??) there was another NURSE SHARK. What a great way to end the drift snorkeling.
After drying off a bit and energizing ourselves with raisins and peanuts, we drove to the East and hopped in the water again to just check out how many species of fish were hiding under the pier at Morritz Resort. I got to 18!! Including a on a huge tarpon, the same lionfish we saw the other day, lots of chubs and sergeant majors who eagerly away handouts from the restaurant, and the usual suspects.
a bit of a drink in the sun to warm up, and then stopped at the 10 sails memorial. In 1784 or so 10 ships floundered on the reef and the locals rescued all but 8 people. That must have been a dreadful night.
Lunch today included the Jamaican staple of bulla, a type of dark bread/biscuit. It reminded us of molasses cookies – soft and thick – but the ingredients did not include molasses. We shall have to get some more of those!
After a short rest we did some dry adventures: Jess wanted to try the flight of locally brewed beers. In fact, we had tried shandies – beer mixed with sprite – with the local IronShore brand – a dark nutty beer. Good thing David and I shared our 4 little glasses. We had an interesting chat with Spencer, a 6th generation Caymanian, who says the building permits and everything else to do with planning takes a crazy long time.
Then we went to Hurleys supermarket for a good look around and bit of a shop. We had NEVER had the blessing of time to just wander and see all the interesting things. I
almost bought a bag of hibiscus flowers – it was to make flavored water, which must be similar to Agua Fresca? David still didnt have anything on hand for supper, so we stopped for jerk chicken at the place on the street just close to Hurleys. As usual, we are wiped out and ready for bed! And ready for probably another 6 am wake up! It rained a little today, especially on the West Side of the island, and the forecast is worsening, so well see what we can do for the next few days.
