Cayman Island Castle

Over the years, I have visited the Cayman's many, many times, but this last visit was truly wonderful. The view was spectacular...the villa was clean, the private pool was well maintained, and the weather was glorious.

There are two "castles" located next to each other. Since we had six people...we chose the smaller of the two, but the larger would accommodate a very large family, or group of friends. There is a private beach (that is swept daily) next to the facility with several kayaks for visitors' use. A dive shop is within walking distance. The shop provides all the gear for scuba divers and snorkelers. They set out  each morning and afternoon, and offer a deep water dive of 100 feet...and also a reef dive.
Following is an excerpt from the trip notes.

I woke up early the next day to take advantage of the sunrise, which was just to the left of the pool.  Amazing!  You will hear roosters crowing in the morning, as there are a lot of chickens roaming the island along with green iguanas (although we didn’t see any iguanas at the property).   I then took a kayak out to a white pole that is about 300 yards from shore.  Take note of this pole: right beneath it is a wonderful coral head, absolutely teaming with fish.  The water is about 10 to 15 feet deep here, and it makes for a delightful dive.  Most of the kayaks have a line on the bow or stern, so you can tie up to the pole and swim with the fish.  I thought this was a brilliant “perk” of the property.  Take advantage of it!

Other than hanging out on the patio and in the pool (which the kids loved) and on the beach, we did the following activities:

1)    Dolphin Discovery.  This is located north of Seven Mile Beach, about an hour drive from the property.  It was great fun.

2)    Turtle Farm.  This was included in the price of the Dolphin Discovery.  The main tank holds all the mature turtles and we got to see them being fed.  Quite an experience.  They are huge!  They also have smaller tanks where you can pick up and hold the little turtles (the kids loved it).

3)    Red Sail 65 foot catamaran sail from Rum Point to the reef at North Sound and Stingray City.  You have to do this.  It was fantastic.

4)    Mastic Trail.  This is a guided walk which begins up near Rum Point.  If you like nature walks, this is for you.  Our guide was very well-informed and pointed out all the different trees, birds and other critters which we encountered.  Make sure you take plenty of water and bug spray.  It’s not a hard walk and lasts about two and a half hours. 

A quick note on Rum Point.  It is about a 25 minute drive from the property, and is highly recommended.  We actually went back the day after the sail just to hang out.  It is perfectly maintained and the beach is gorgeous.  The water is only a few feet deep with a sandy bottom, so the kids can explore the water without being worried about it being too deep.  We found a number of live conchs there, too.  We couldn’t resist taking a couple of waverunners out (again from Red Sail) on an excursion.  There were three stops.  The first was to the mangroves, then on to Starfish Point (where you stop and hold live starfish), and then on to a 15 minute snorkel dive on a beautiful coral head.  We had a blast on this tour.

For more information you may go to:

 http://www.caribbeanrentalvillas.net/

Walking for a Cure (Arthritus)

Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, the annual Walk for Arthritis Cure event took place at Wash Park, Denver. It was a cold, gloomy morning (much like English weather) but after two days of snow last week, we shouldn't grumble. Most people donned a warm coat, hat and gloves, and braved the weather regardless. In five years of participating in this very special event, I don't think the weather has ever been so uncooperative -- but spirits were high and most people completed the walk.

Carol Lee Miles Launches New Book

CarolLee Miles has a motto:  Dream it!  Speak it!  Write it!  Live it!    And that's what she is doing with her new book coming out in June:  Getting Paid to Cruise: Secrets of a Professional Cruise Host.   Miles has spent the last 25+ years as a professional Cruise Host/Tour Director and has had the good fortune to step foot on all 7 continents as well as travel in over 100 countries and on as many cruises. 

The book takes the reader on an imaginary cruise to the Mexican Riviera while training and entertaining all along the way.  Then follows her "secrets" she has gleaned from the years spent in traveling with tour groups ranging in size from 13 to 450! It addresses fear of career change (changing F-E-A-R to L-O-V-E) and psychology of conflict confrontation after leading your through her own wanderlust meanderings which centered around finding inner peace.  The reader will find a soul searching takes place in looking for that perfect career. The book is for age 19 to 90 and will train, entertain and challenge your brain along the way.  Miles is also doing some training cruises. Those as well as other information on the author and the journey can be found at www.CarolLeeMiles.com

The Road to Hana - Maui

One of the most frequently asked questions when a traveler visits Maui is – “Did you go to Hanna?” I must admit, when I looked at the route, knew it would take a whole day of winding roads and one car bridges that led inland one minute to tropical forests and, in the next instant, provide a spectacular view of the coastline, I had to go…couldn’t possibly go to Maui without having that experience.

The round trip journey took approximately 9 hours (more of less according to photo opportunities). I say round trip because the road literally runs out, and a visitor has to return by the same route. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and therefore well worth the time and effort. There are 617 curves, and 56 one lane bridges that caused some holdups, but overall it was a fantastic trip. I highly recommend anyone who visits Maui to take the time to see this part of the island. Oh yes, and a meal at Mamma’s Fish House on the way home, is a wonderful way to end the day.

Captain Dave of Safari Boat Excursions

What an adventure! Captain Dave of Safari Boat Excursions (http://www.safariboatexcursions.com) took us on an exciting adventure as he circumnavigated Lanai. The journey began at 7:00 AM at the Lahaina harbor in Maui and finished back there at 2:30 PM. Breakfast was served on board, and also a delicious lunch.

Captain Dave’s boat (Lanakila) was built to his own specification. It is fast, comfortable, strong and designed for easy access to the water – which turned out to be very important to the snorkelers and free divers on board. It gives a much better ride than the alternative raft boats.

Our first stop as we went around the island was the wreck of a concrete Liberty boat scuttled by its captain after WWII. This was just the first of many special sites Captain Dave shared with those in the boat and that few other visitors to Maui experience.

At another location Captain Dave expertly maneuvered the boat into a cave opening and then throttled back just as the swell crashed onto the surrounding rocks and showering everybody sitting on the bow of the boat. The ensuing screams of delight from the women and girls, and whoops and whistles from the men on board delighted Captain Dave and all aboard.

Largest Banyan Tree in the USA

The Banyan tree sits in the middle of the town square in Lahaina, Maui. It is the largest Banyan tree in America. It was planted in April, 1873, as a memorial to the Christian missionaries who preached in the area. First thing in the morning, and at dusk, the chorus of birds is truly wonderful. During the day, the huge branches provide shade to the thousands of visitors and residents who sit under the boughs to enjoy their lunch.

Humor - English Style

The following advertisements are from British Newspapers ---

Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica – 45 volumes. Excellent condition £200.00 or best offer. No longer needed, got married -- wife knows everything!

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Wedding Dress for Sale – worn once by mistake!

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Joining Nudist Colony – must sell washer and dryer £100.00

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Free Puppies – Mother is a German Shepherd…Father is a Super Dog able to leap tall fences in a single bound.

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Free Puppies – ½ Cocker Spaniel…and ½ sneaky neighbour’s dog.

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Free Yorkshire terrier – 8 years old. Hateful little “b*#*##” – Bites!!