Koningsdam 2017, Day 41, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

After numerous attempts to visit Turks and Caicos, I finally made it today.   Ann, Cathy and I left the ship early, shopped for souvenirs at the cruise ship terminal and then hired a taxi for an island tour.  We lucked out again and had a very informative and personable driver Andy, (aka Steve) Lightbourne.  Grand Turk is 7 miles long and only one mile wide with beautiful white sandy beaches and a coral encrusted reef only yards from shore that drops 7000 feet.  Turks and Caicos are known for its beautiful beaches and excellent diving/snorkelling.  The main settlement is Cockburn Town with its 19^th century Bermudian style homes and inns.  We travelled the narrow streets and witnessed the recent hurricane devastation from Irma and Maria.  Sites normal visited by tourists such as; Her Majesty’s Prison, Salt Museum and the Turks and Caicos National Museum have been closed due to the hurricanes.  Sadly, there was hardly a structure on this island untouched by the hurricanes, not one palm tree remains standing. Clean up is well underway but the residents still have a long road ahead until things are back to normal.  On the positive side, there was no loss of life.  We also made a stop at the Selanais or salt ponds to see the flamingos.  This is the first time I have ever seen gray flamingos…  must be an old lot! Our next stop was at the Lighthouse which was prefabricated in England, transported o the island and erected in 1852.  The position of the lighthouse at the north end of the island protects ships from wrecking on the northern reef.  We drove to the highest part of the island known as Breezy Bray that allows you a view of the entire island. The island is home to many delightful churches and homes; as well, donkeys and horses that roam free.  The water color and beaches are stunning to look at.  After the tour we ended our day at Margaritaville for shopping, refreshments and then I returned to the Retreat for the afternoon.  We had a wonderful day on Grand Turk, very happy that I was finally able to visit.  Just loving my voyage……