Grand Cayman

Great day in Cayman….We arrived early this morning but it took a while for the ship to get cleared, good thing I have the patience of Job. Went to the beach at Royal Palms (Reef Grill) which is adjacent to Island Pine Villas where I have been staying for years. Actually, my cruising so much is somewhat related to Island Pine. I was sailing on the Horizon in 2004 when hurricane Ivan hit Grand Cayman. It really destroyed the Island. I had booked Island Pine Villas to stay on 7 mile beach for the winter….hurricane Ivan changed that plan so I kept cruising. The day was beautiful; it was great to get back to 7 mile beach. I have always felt at home here. Island Pine Villas looks great now, all the repairs and upgrades are done. Next door at the Seagull things look back to normal as well. The beach hasn’t gotten back to its previous state but I’m sure that comes and goes. It was a little sad to see some of the changes on Grand Cayman. There is a lot of building going on, even a new Margaritaville on the waterfront. I’m afraid the island is losing some of its charm…too much commercialism. Tomorrow we are back in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Weather permitting; I plan on going to Doctor Cave beach and on to Margaritaville.