We just got back from an exhilarating day in the ocean, playing with the sting rays. The day started early with an 8 AM tender boat to the shores of Georgetown. After about an hour of confused herding and waiting, we finally boarded the boat to head out on the water.
The excursion guide company goofed up somehow and sent a boat out without a group of passengers (who were told to get on another boat) so we had to make a stop and transfer passengers mid-way to the sand bar. It is a true test of your character to see how well you deal with plans changing or something not going your way. We saw plenty of that during this little interchange but the net result had little impact on the actual fun of the day.
We traveled by boat for about 30 minute to a giant sand bar in the middle of the water. There were already several boats and about 100 people milling about with the rays when we got there. The guide gave us some instructions (shuffle your feet and never approach a ray from behind) and then we were told to get in the water.
It was about 4 feet deep and crystal blue water. The sand is white so the contrast of the dark bodied rays makes it easy to spot these friendly animals. However, it was still a bit nerve-wracking. Once the guide explained to us that their tail is not what stings but it is actually a barb above where the tail meets the body that holds the stinger, we relaxed more.
The best way to describe the rays is like giant wet puppy dogs. They brush up against you for attention, wanting a snack or to be petted. Their bottom side is velvet soft and smooth while the spine and top portions are rough. We brought a bucket of squid and (being sure to keep our thumbs in), were allowed to feed the rays. Steve was even brave enough to catch a few and hold them for a while.
It is considered 7 years of good luck to kiss a ray and a lifetime of good luck if you French kiss it. To appreciate that, you would need to see the actually mouth of these things – not a pretty site and somewhat catfish-like. There was a photographer on board who snapped photos of people kissing the fish and then sold them (of course) on CDs. This photo cracks me up because Steve is literally giggling about holding this ray and I am all puckered up in the back ground waiting to kiss it! Hah!!!
This was one of the coolest experiences for both of us! Steve was a little surprised that I was so interested in doing this because it involved giant creatures swimming around my feet in vast amounts of water. Honestly, had I known that we would be feeding them and that they would be so aggressive about attention (rubbing up and sometimes even swimming up your back) I am not sure I would have signed us up. But I am so glad that I did. The rays were beautiful, friendly and gentle creatures.
We spent lunch at a little beach club as part of the tour then took a cab into town to shop. This is a beautiful city and such a contrast to MoBay. It is clean, bright, new and very classy in Georgetown. There are dozens of very high end hotels, restaurants and shops along the main road, and a lot of new construction. It we came back to the Caribbean to stay, we would seriously consider Grand Cayman.
Tonight is our second formal night of the cruise and we are having lobster for dinner. Yum! Can’t wait!
The excursion guide company goofed up somehow and sent a boat out without a group of passengers (who were told to get on another boat) so we had to make a stop and transfer passengers mid-way to the sand bar. It is a true test of your character to see how well you deal with plans changing or something not going your way. We saw plenty of that during this little interchange but the net result had little impact on the actual fun of the day.
We traveled by boat for about 30 minute to a giant sand bar in the middle of the water. There were already several boats and about 100 people milling about with the rays when we got there. The guide gave us some instructions (shuffle your feet and never approach a ray from behind) and then we were told to get in the water.
It was about 4 feet deep and crystal blue water. The sand is white so the contrast of the dark bodied rays makes it easy to spot these friendly animals. However, it was still a bit nerve-wracking. Once the guide explained to us that their tail is not what stings but it is actually a barb above where the tail meets the body that holds the stinger, we relaxed more.
The best way to describe the rays is like giant wet puppy dogs. They brush up against you for attention, wanting a snack or to be petted. Their bottom side is velvet soft and smooth while the spine and top portions are rough. We brought a bucket of squid and (being sure to keep our thumbs in), were allowed to feed the rays. Steve was even brave enough to catch a few and hold them for a while.
It is considered 7 years of good luck to kiss a ray and a lifetime of good luck if you French kiss it. To appreciate that, you would need to see the actually mouth of these things – not a pretty site and somewhat catfish-like. There was a photographer on board who snapped photos of people kissing the fish and then sold them (of course) on CDs. This photo cracks me up because Steve is literally giggling about holding this ray and I am all puckered up in the back ground waiting to kiss it! Hah!!! This was one of the coolest experiences for both of us! Steve was a little surprised that I was so interested in doing this because it involved giant creatures swimming around my feet in vast amounts of water. Honestly, had I known that we would be feeding them and that they would be so aggressive about attention (rubbing up and sometimes even swimming up your back) I am not sure I would have signed us up. But I am so glad that I did. The rays were beautiful, friendly and gentle creatures.
We spent lunch at a little beach club as part of the tour then took a cab into town to shop. This is a beautiful city and such a contrast to MoBay. It is clean, bright, new and very classy in Georgetown. There are dozens of very high end hotels, restaurants and shops along the main road, and a lot of new construction. It we came back to the Caribbean to stay, we would seriously consider Grand Cayman.
Tonight is our second formal night of the cruise and we are having lobster for dinner. Yum! Can’t wait!
2 comments:
I saw Colby and Grady today on their way to the Seattle Science Center with Grandma. They said to tell you "thank you for going on the cruise" (Grady) and "next time we want to go with you" (Colby). They also told me that they miss you and can't wait to see you on Sunday. :-)
Have a blast and enjoy your last two days on the boat :-)
Steve and Erin sitting in the sea
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes Charles
Then comes Ray
Then comes some margaritas
By the Bay
Ha ha!
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