http://tinyurl.com/lbv37o

I visited Providenciales (Caicos islands) and Grand Turk (Turks Islands) over the July 4 long weekend. While they are primarily a beach/diving destination, for good reason, and I did both, I also tried to visit some of the other sites, especially on Grand Turk, which is by far less visited than the Caicos islands. In fact, I'm pretty sure I was the only tourist in Cockburn Town during the half-day I spent on Grand Turk.

I rented a car to visit Providenciales -- I did see local buses, but they seemed infrequent, and I didn't want to depend on taxis.

I stayed at the Gansevoort, which is located on a clean, long beach, and it was away from the much busier part of Grace Bay.

When I tried to view the photos it requires me to sign up / sign in at the request of the poster. Is there a reason for that?

your pics are great and different from most, which i liked. the first one from the conch farm is quite good. where is that coat of arms on the stariway?
how did you like your room and the service at gansevoort?

thanks for sharing!
did you find GT to look rough? Judging from your pictures, it looks like it has a ways to go since the hurricanes last Sept. The old colonial building picture, the entire 2nd story porch is missing! looks like some buildings, next to post office are gone, and most of the landscaping. I thought it would look better by now. what where your impressions?

I've stayed at Gansevoort, enjoyed my stay.

I never recommend the "buses" that run, they look just like the illegal buses and have no regular services. If you end up on an illegal one, could end up in jail...not a fun way to spend vacations.

I loved the picture of the rack of conch shells.

virginia, the coat of arms on the stairway was taken in the Legislative Assembly on Grand Turk. I tried to take some different photos -- there are lots of great beach photos (plus I don't like to take my camera to the beach).

The Gansevoort was really nice, excellent service, on an incredible beach -- plus it was removed from the much larger condo/hotels, so it had a sense of solitude.

Thanks for your photos, Michael! I loved the rack of conch shells too. Were you snorkeling when you saw the turtle? Just back from a week in Puerto Rico myself.

Patty, I was actually in a boat that has under waterline seating and lots of windows (it left from Turtle Cove). I don't have an underwater camera, so while I saw lots of stuff while snorkeling, I had to take the boat to get photos. Saw lots of turtles, fish and lobsters. It was a little hokey, but great for kids, and was a good way for me to get out of the midday sun for an hour or so.

I haven't been to PR in a few years (the last time I visited was to see the Mets when the Expos played some "home games" in San Juan).

Michael