The 1974 Cayman Island $2 Blue Heron Silver Commemorative

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” Blackbirds tend to like shiny objects” ~ The Bloody Raven

Juan & Christopher: The Second Voyage

The Cartographer examined his improvised dyes on scrap pieces of paper that he set drying in the sun. The local flower and plant derived color looked satisfactory for his map work. "Good!" Relieved of the burden of command and most manual duties he had the luxury of time to concentrate on his charting. Double and triple checking positions, carefully noting geographical features, gauged the quality of the wind and currents. What he could not fit on the charts he carefully documented in his logs in descriptions along with added illuminations of exotic trees, fauna, and people.

Some of his thoughts meandered back to Spain and he'd missed the familiar life there. But as a career seaman the sea was his life. Despite the humid climate and inhospitable terrain, the land was lush and in ways beautiful. There were not very many forests in Spain as much of it were cut down to build her homes, cook her meals, and build her navy…

Sailing back over to the Caribbean Islands is another coin I’ve acquired cheap from a show dealer So where are these Cayman Islands?WThe Cayman IslandsBy TUBS Under CCO 3.0

The beauty of our featured Silver Commemorative coin comes from the Autonomous British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands where in the past had been frequented by Pirates back in the 17th century but now as an independent Republic from Jamaica in 1962.

It's chief Industry is not just it’s thriving ocean sports tourist resorts but of Private Banking making it a Tax haven for rich political and corporate entities legally ‘Sheltering’ their wealth. According to the Guardian newspaper, “There are twice as many registered companies as people.” The Guardian Nevertheless, judging by the Touristy pictures, the Caymans are a trio of lush beautiful islands teaming with a diverse ecosystem more than it’s local reefs.

The largest Island, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac total a mere 264 sq-kms in territory and a population of 64,420.

With the remains of the evening light Juan de la Caso paced off three hundred yards from the last position the previous night from a fixed point south of the island. With the sextant he pinpoints the North star and repeated the reading to make sure the coordinates were correct. Tedious figures were scribbled down in his notebook. And with the compass he was able to figure out the distance to the next large new island just bearing north of island they were on now. The sea is quiet. The fleet rested not far offshore waiting the new day…

Cayman Islands 2 Dollars Great Blue Heron1Reverse: Blue Heron flight, Marsh, $2 KYDSilver (.925), 29.45g40mm Diameter, Reeded edgeReference Catalog KM# 7, Y# 7Mintage of 30,000 Proof

1Obverse: Cayman Islands, Third Portrait by Arnold Machin, 1974, Elizabeth II

W Great Blue Heron by Terry Foot under CCO 2.0

Ardea Herodias, a large elegant shore bird standing up to 4.5 ft tall with a very large migration range from Canada all the way down to Central America. The species population is stable and growing and it’s conservation status is classified as of ‘Least Concern’.

Back at the camp Columbus returned from his own survey of this island. Their reluctant Arawak guides were a part of an Indian settlement here. They were somewhat useful even as no one could understand the language, so any questioning was almost useless and as usual Columbus kept referring to their Indian guests about the source their gold nose and ear jewelry. The Admiral again reminded everyone that it was necessary to maintain friendly relations in part to strengthen Spain's territorial claims should an inevitable dispute with either Portugal or any other country arise. The case would be taken before his holiness Pope Alexander to arbitrate….

Now for those that are also attracted to the colorful Paper currency!

2010 Cayman Islands $1 1Front: English text, angel fish, $1 KYD, map, coat of arms, Queen Elizabeth II, $1 KYDMade by the Thomas De La Rue Company LtdReference Catalog P-38c

1Back: Back: English text, $1 KYD, nautilus shell, The Bluff on Cayman Brac, $1 KYD, One Dollar

There was a lot riding on this voyage, Columbus's word and reputation was on the line with only the discovery of what seems to be so far a chain of islands expanding northward with a few may be worth setting down a colony or outpost. No gold mines, no tracts of spices in expansive fields, and so far no China. The long trip under cramped conditions had dampened the resolve of many of the Colonists with only the promise of great riches has kept up their Hope.

Already there has been a growing resentment from the Colonists that the instant riches haven't materialized and began the quiet accusations against Columbus having exaggerated his claims. Having to manage many greedy and ambitious colonists was not an easy task that often took him off his original mission of finding the way to India and China. Juan reasoned that the Spanish aristocracy of the Royal court could not stand for an Italian foreigner being in charge of what could turn out a very profitable venture and widespread fame. And should this venture fail, Columbus would shoulder the blame just as much...

2011 Cayman Islands $5 Dollars KYD 1English Text, $5 KYD, Hawk's bill turtles, map, coat of arms, Queen Elizabeth II, $5 KYD

1 Back: English Text, $5 KYD , conch shell, Cayman Parrots $5, Five Dollars KYDReference Catalog P-39a WPM P. 39

W Cayman Islands Parrot by Lhb1239 Under CCO 3.0
Amazona leucocephala, Cayman Islands parrot is also known as the Cuban Parrot found forests of Cuba, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. A medium sized Amazon Parrot considered the Cayman Island’s national Bird. The conservation status of these birds are “Near Threatened” according to IUCN classification. Adorable fella isn’t he/she?

In this moment Juan began to see his powerful rival as a pitiful man. The expectations must be an enormous burden only to be balanced by the strength of his will and the faith placed upon him. And Governor of the Indies may have to resort to heavy handed tactics to accomplish his goals and his promise to the monarchy of Castile.

Juan needed a name for his charts, "What are you going to name this island Governor?"

The Governor had already named the previous ones; Barbados, Saint Lucia,...The question somehow snapped him out of his deep glum thoughts, "Today is Sunday no? As Governor of the Indies I will name this Island Dominica!"

I hope you enjoyed this coin feature, thank you for stopping by for a read.

References

1. My own pictures shot with a Samsung SM-A530W P. Image under PixabayR. Clip art from 123RF W. Wiki CommonsTourism of Cayman IslandsCayman Islands Wiki Wiki Cayman Island Parrot

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“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”