Caymans and the Cali

I've read that all the beauty in Grand Cayman is under the sea.  Or is that Aruba?   Sailing into the port town of Georgetown was a little like driving into a strip mall.  The main street from the port, like so many others, is lined with T-shirt and souveneir shops, dive shacks and restaurants,  but all  in an nondescript architectural style.   There were a few exceptions, like this cute place offering conch where the exterior decor matched Rich's outfit.

But we were there to snorkel.  Our tour was to go to 2 different stops.   We load the boat (slowly.....as we are among the youngest folks on board) pull away from the pier and in about 6 minutes, stop, between the Disney Fantasy and the Crown Princess.  We were hoping to get a little further around the island, maybe a view of the famed Seven Mile Beach, but no.  The snorkeling was pretty good however, we saw the usual--parrotfish, tangs, angelfish and a couple of tarpons, a shark look alike.  

A half hour later we head to the second spot, a ship wreck.   Once again, we motor for a few minutes and find ourselves within swimming distance of shore.   This is the wreck of the Cali, driven ashore in bad winds,  put aground by the Captain to save it, only to be undone by its cargo, rice.  Which reportedly expanded and blew the hull wide open.  Here's a pic I stole from  a flickr account because we don't have an underwater camera:)

Sorry we didn't get to see more of the island.  That's a downside to cruising.  It's hard to get an informed impression of a place in such a short visit.