Andrea's day at Stingray City - Caymans

The excursion today was mixed. The transportation organization and their timing was not good but each individual event was good. The botanical garden was very pretty. Though it was not the height of blooming things looked very lush compared to our winter standards. They had a lot of damage from hurricane Ivan in 2002. They have worked hard to bring the garden back and though it is not as full as it was before the hurricane, it is still stunning.

The swim with the sting rays was great. Many of the group stayed on the boat and did not get in the water. Those that did enter the water seemed quite nervous. I think I fed more of them than any of the others. The captain was having me hold one, he wanted to show me and the others it's mouth, he lifted the stingray up to expose the mouth to me and the sting ray blew a bunch water in my face. It was pretty funny and very surprising. The captain apologized and said that was not what was supposed to happen. They are amazing creatures to watch. The under bellies are very soft and the top is like sand paper.

The swim with the sting rays was the highlight of the day!

Andrea H. Michaelsen