tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53772502745177348662024-03-13T13:25:52.728-04:00Things we did today...Just Livin' - in Puerto Rico!Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.comBlogger1033125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-49322542778798728512023-06-18T13:26:00.010-04:002023-07-09T08:50:06.448-04:00Sailboat for Sale - Memsahib<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Unique wooden motorsailer FOR SALE - <span style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: justify;">$45K (US)</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Memsahib</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfPAqR3AMNV_c6xsLj7xZzk-HyAF7aAY6z7UdCns0unHIDL1WRpTH-Gj0t-D7K72UpgQE6T8gSXWqK7cwrF9Jxi-hhGFsdtf-8m7Tq1518NQm3QhsdyekI9XO7mEO4FP8v_ZpVhmdLdsFeO1AdEiID0FPtDfmvi4udqoC7yKmoB1jMkAFvyRG5MiVgg/s2048/IMG_8484.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1896" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfPAqR3AMNV_c6xsLj7xZzk-HyAF7aAY6z7UdCns0unHIDL1WRpTH-Gj0t-D7K72UpgQE6T8gSXWqK7cwrF9Jxi-hhGFsdtf-8m7Tq1518NQm3QhsdyekI9XO7mEO4FP8v_ZpVhmdLdsFeO1AdEiID0FPtDfmvi4udqoC7yKmoB1jMkAFvyRG5MiVgg/w592-h640/IMG_8484.jpeg" width="592" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you know... you know</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpYNDwdxZtqOGH-tggG9yfMxXPYftoHDxjSpbImB23Ezux2UVrtsqAOricSeV27Q--b27FsHLDXaKfM0AY_JB9dQUbXeAj8LfH6vO_L2l6wDPSuaEwKXkQe4LlpjA4jh_hW9y3jrToJpf1TZ29TxeHWfyYm-IKSbWE72ICn0IrLipFJvHzi3Sr3MtGA/s500/image1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpYNDwdxZtqOGH-tggG9yfMxXPYftoHDxjSpbImB23Ezux2UVrtsqAOricSeV27Q--b27FsHLDXaKfM0AY_JB9dQUbXeAj8LfH6vO_L2l6wDPSuaEwKXkQe4LlpjA4jh_hW9y3jrToJpf1TZ29TxeHWfyYm-IKSbWE72ICn0IrLipFJvHzi3Sr3MtGA/s320/image1.jpeg" width="250" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Workboat bones with classic yacht style. </i></b>Bronze fastened, 11 tons of teak hull and deck, yacal frames, and ipol floors. She is a centerboard sloop of 36’ LOA, 11’ beam, 4’ draft board up and beefy Beta-Kubota 50 hp with approx. 2300 hours.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">She was designed by Walter McInnis as a “one-off”, built in Hong Kong in 1961 and then shipped to Boston to the Eldredge-McInnis yard for final outfitting. Search “<a href="https://sailboat.guide/walter-mcinnis" target="_blank">Walter McInnis</a>” for a closer look at the accomplishments of these two men who started in the early 1900s designing yachts and fishing boats, as well as designing and building for the Coast Guard and Navy during World War II.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Visit “<a href="https://memsahibsvoyage.com/about/" target="_blank">Memsahib’s Story</a> “ to see the previous owner's blog of her life since the mid 70’s until 2014. Owners of this unique vessel have <a href="https://memsahibsstory.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank">documented many of the special touches</a> applied throughout her life, and she is looking for her next caretaker.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">She is now moored on the south coast of Puerto Rico in Bahia de Patillas. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Hull HQZ00179G161, </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">US Doc #1104576</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQcSqBYxBxkVFKnDPtNF9UL3NqtHARUs/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank">2014 survey is available here</a></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/FeV8Q1Jr8M5AZ8am6" target="_blank">See all of the photos here</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWJ-ks6HTaKnKaholjB-XET9Qm-ys0LTk7G68PP8OyQ67lHY2_KhSW1jsunA0prlu-424gkMQDXo31TJtMGBNaweUnXv4kUOed_quvhg3Eci8Gl9Oy5dkO0-7Q08kL_fdEGD9sxwl9kp4MuTvdquD4_N6oO-kg0J2D7ODMTMK_PBEMkTrOtWKwz5aXw/s1200/image2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1200" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWJ-ks6HTaKnKaholjB-XET9Qm-ys0LTk7G68PP8OyQ67lHY2_KhSW1jsunA0prlu-424gkMQDXo31TJtMGBNaweUnXv4kUOed_quvhg3Eci8Gl9Oy5dkO0-7Q08kL_fdEGD9sxwl9kp4MuTvdquD4_N6oO-kg0J2D7ODMTMK_PBEMkTrOtWKwz5aXw/s320/image2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz-TAMpVIBMCyfV_Oprty_AV4PGufjUSpeCy_0ZsbYeJeEcCPYPZonYpVpOjEZRbxkVBxOJDOW__OCbvWonFdPz2u9qwOzHnVFNxCDV0iovfY03UKQ4KJxWT9DqnmtnP0HA6OtyGecg3e2gG_6yXqpX9ZMA2bIRxCzbLJ451zWQyQHcTcz_2kr3wgyA/s1438/image3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz-TAMpVIBMCyfV_Oprty_AV4PGufjUSpeCy_0ZsbYeJeEcCPYPZonYpVpOjEZRbxkVBxOJDOW__OCbvWonFdPz2u9qwOzHnVFNxCDV0iovfY03UKQ4KJxWT9DqnmtnP0HA6OtyGecg3e2gG_6yXqpX9ZMA2bIRxCzbLJ451zWQyQHcTcz_2kr3wgyA/s320/image3.jpeg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xdkZapzxOqo8HbJf-67UW_-TSZuoIErRiXCiFVDvZiFPowfYi3trOlWBjqpxYuLqkTmSBoEqq8uhlp4uxT4fF5sXzkAx3528LhwrB2i6Rbtu1sMBUUk43JzB0pd6WFWGz4ySkCV1D2p0r-OGM_6V5V4YA_VZkNEOnV_KUzdxf42W6ChDmwJqVx5hg/s2048/IMG_8532.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xdkZapzxOqo8HbJf-67UW_-TSZuoIErRiXCiFVDvZiFPowfYi3trOlWBjqpxYuLqkTmSBoEqq8uhlp4uxT4fF5sXzkAx3528LhwrB2i6Rbtu1sMBUUk43JzB0pd6WFWGz4ySkCV1D2p0r-OGM_6V5V4YA_VZkNEOnV_KUzdxf42W6ChDmwJqVx5hg/w300-h400/IMG_8532.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SEb6yqebFbZfgv0X2X05pcjTHZyZw1_JZ44uMJorKzcK9B_PlQQZSAXtLB0ctCfZstL_4KpOYSzKEf5yEnbTOMG77gYDYmju0EBvfJoV7MJcOtn0zhUzcf-gNotvoYtgAoxHALxDY83ahTmElUB4OMKgNc2S21kXYNGrvJtIR_osQcH3MsWUaCFwKA/s2048/IMG_8533.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2048" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SEb6yqebFbZfgv0X2X05pcjTHZyZw1_JZ44uMJorKzcK9B_PlQQZSAXtLB0ctCfZstL_4KpOYSzKEf5yEnbTOMG77gYDYmju0EBvfJoV7MJcOtn0zhUzcf-gNotvoYtgAoxHALxDY83ahTmElUB4OMKgNc2S21kXYNGrvJtIR_osQcH3MsWUaCFwKA/s320/IMG_8533.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;"><b>Major Maintenance and Upgrades Since the April 2014 survey</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">May 2017<span> </span>Standing rigging replaced</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">June<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 2</span>017<span> </span>Autopilot installed. Raymarine EV 200 Sail with EV 1 sensor, P70 control head, and Type 1 linear drive</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">July<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2017<span> </span> Renogy 100 watt solar panels (2) and 40A charge controller <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Aug<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2017<span> </span>Relocated power panel and complete cabin re-wire</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Sep 2017<span> </span>Hurricane Maria <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No damage!</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">May 2019<span> </span>Cockpit roof replaced</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Aug 2019<span> </span>Hauled for bottom and topside paint</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">May 2023<span> </span>Group 27 battery bank replaced Diehard</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1h6jUmIXiFgCI2JZC8n7KFzwniYE6CS5wRIa6Utk_jHB7Bcm_Yl1n1GCaITivxL7EM49ei2tQm79IB6XgbVAQN4c6DAUpVaO49SvBaMlorxayopHkgJNq8C9uCFAqPQs9KtMv-_ATBhgfzKz8vCieXETg6KSYFC_9fzKPFFAXiptuqJF5wqQhOfjTg/s2048/IMG_8493.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1h6jUmIXiFgCI2JZC8n7KFzwniYE6CS5wRIa6Utk_jHB7Bcm_Yl1n1GCaITivxL7EM49ei2tQm79IB6XgbVAQN4c6DAUpVaO49SvBaMlorxayopHkgJNq8C9uCFAqPQs9KtMv-_ATBhgfzKz8vCieXETg6KSYFC_9fzKPFFAXiptuqJF5wqQhOfjTg/s320/IMG_8493.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLf4iZaduwA-vjzP2Ax7My16lBNe6LEXfGt0Lx3wDExB1HyhtlsOdPKj6aSvVkGgzICwhN5RKB3JjCg5KcJwVqb40gfiUZW0YpeidLEKanBpm_gJkDy3KIOPcewbVyFQC3pA6FXS-ctuMRCDXDs3zOvqZ1LvpaqfSE5SBPWqsVfnDSAxB-kLn6kCR0w/w400-h300/IMG_8546.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 17px; text-align: justify;"><b>Equipment stem to stern</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Delta 40# plow with 100’ 5/16 BB chain and 100’<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>3/8 line</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Harken furler</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Lewmar Pro series 1000 windlass</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Vetus 5512 bow thruster with 5 ¾ dia. prop</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Raritan toilet to macerator to 10 gal holding tank</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Whale 500 GPH shower system</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Medical kit/ditch bag</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Two 20<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>ft<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>30 A shore cords</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">ATN Mastclimber</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Origi <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>6000<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>two burner and oven alcohol stove</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">EPIRB <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Acr Rib-36<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Life Sling and horseshoe</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Seward S1200 water heater</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">20 A Charles Charger</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Lewmar 43 two speed winches</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Technodrive TMC 260 transmission</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">AquaDrive transmission to shaft anti-vibration coupling</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">8’ shellback dinghy with 2 hp Honda outboard</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Fortress Guardian 29# anchor</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;"><b>Electronics</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Uniden Atlantis 250 hand-held VHF</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Standard Horizon GX2150 helm mounted VHF</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Raymarine c70 chartplotter</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">Raymarine i40 wind instrument</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;">This boat will speak to only the wooden boat aficionado. She is one of a kind and she is full of the things that only a knowledgeable few will understand and appreciate. Don't forget to click on the 2014 survey and the full selection of photos linked above. If you would like to speak to the current owner, contact Steve at sfmadden5282 at hotmail.com.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Calibri; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-15357031197289453392021-10-06T13:33:00.003-04:002021-10-07T15:07:26.469-04:00SOLD Dinghy For Sale SOLD<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiF44mZ3JJA/YV3Uz-y-63I/AAAAAAABpMM/em_oXddl_u8P4aGx-bmAPHSGJtcq44togCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2813.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiF44mZ3JJA/YV3Uz-y-63I/AAAAAAABpMM/em_oXddl_u8P4aGx-bmAPHSGJtcq44togCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2813.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinghy, motor, trailer and accessories <b>$5,500.00 USD</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD</span></b> <div>Well, it was a great idea... We thought that after selling our sailboat, we would just buy a dinghy that we could zoom around in so that we could get back s little of the freedom we used to enjoy on the water. But unfortunately, instead of giving Bruce an outlet to gain some autonomy, it was just a little too fast for him these days... Our zooming days are in the past. <p></p><p>So now, after getting the dinghy, motor and trailer all legal and buying a whole bunch of accessories, we are back to square one, and someone who is looking for a turn-key dinghy is going to be very happy!</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQojO1h9fBQ/YV3U4by3AGI/AAAAAAABpMQ/_ZXLcbhS-74J9K5HDRWqCBNLoBnuRnRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2814.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQojO1h9fBQ/YV3U4by3AGI/AAAAAAABpMQ/_ZXLcbhS-74J9K5HDRWqCBNLoBnuRnRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2814.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b>Dinghy: 11ft. West Marine Hypalon - Double floor- Fiberglass</b><p></p><p><b>2015 Model RIB350 HYP</b></p><p><b>Max HP - 25</b></p><p><b>Max load 1,322 lbs</b></p><p></p><p><b>4 person</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9TKsR4iW0oY/YV3VBOH5UBI/AAAAAAABpMU/2cyFLaQlURgfqLg02zL5-5MWhxLTB-w5wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2811.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9TKsR4iW0oY/YV3VBOH5UBI/AAAAAAABpMU/2cyFLaQlURgfqLg02zL5-5MWhxLTB-w5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2811.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S-fieKIYgU/YV3VDT5mjcI/AAAAAAABpMc/n9evftwApwAJ9HepKs98jGYLUdN9FOZsQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2812.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S-fieKIYgU/YV3VDT5mjcI/AAAAAAABpMc/n9evftwApwAJ9HepKs98jGYLUdN9FOZsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2812.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQj5pP2f7lM/YV3VIJWaIlI/AAAAAAABpMk/bQKrKI4uV_wM0ipLhTiJMhuleqNkvwl8gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2817.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQj5pP2f7lM/YV3VIJWaIlI/AAAAAAABpMk/bQKrKI4uV_wM0ipLhTiJMhuleqNkvwl8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2817.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKpHjd23K_M/YV3VLXpRgaI/AAAAAAABpMo/ME2ivoY4iF0A7MKlNaFwdZHGL8gir8otwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2822.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKpHjd23K_M/YV3VLXpRgaI/AAAAAAABpMo/ME2ivoY4iF0A7MKlNaFwdZHGL8gir8otwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2822.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SDmNQlshss/YV3VN4iVsiI/AAAAAAABpMs/KdxmITw485Y7E3L5M_o6lG2DUQGMj6uAACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2824.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SDmNQlshss/YV3VN4iVsiI/AAAAAAABpMs/KdxmITw485Y7E3L5M_o6lG2DUQGMj6uAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_2824.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3o2S5tTcYbI/YV3VRLRNkbI/AAAAAAABpM0/JhmuV53fdjEzWh23FY82M6Mv3Ft91hRNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2826.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3o2S5tTcYbI/YV3VRLRNkbI/AAAAAAABpM0/JhmuV53fdjEzWh23FY82M6Mv3Ft91hRNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/IMG_2826.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ICt8-DpWY4/YV3VTX4qZcI/AAAAAAABpM4/yBvTZgzlJcErM5ZUuaLEcTW0lvNH9OIagCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2829.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ICt8-DpWY4/YV3VTX4qZcI/AAAAAAABpM4/yBvTZgzlJcErM5ZUuaLEcTW0lvNH9OIagCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2829.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchor Locker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzNxVnHJh4E/YV3VdtrmnNI/AAAAAAABpNI/Yyt2Sm_uOkss_y_sR7zBQpRc49AaAEyhgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2828.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzNxVnHJh4E/YV3VdtrmnNI/AAAAAAABpNI/Yyt2Sm_uOkss_y_sR7zBQpRc49AaAEyhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2828.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fbuISeMphFs/YV3VgROY27I/AAAAAAABpNM/1OqfvGqbAGUmFUqK3qMegDnZeoenaeYzACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2830.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fbuISeMphFs/YV3VgROY27I/AAAAAAABpNM/1OqfvGqbAGUmFUqK3qMegDnZeoenaeYzACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFbENk9lwzc/YV3VkjG3qyI/AAAAAAABpNY/hmVtDJcZqBYL_Pn1TRqN9hVahbd6mFlEACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2825.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFbENk9lwzc/YV3VkjG3qyI/AAAAAAABpNY/hmVtDJcZqBYL_Pn1TRqN9hVahbd6mFlEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2825.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>What's wrong with it? The dinghy is in excellent condition. Very clean. No patches. It holds air well. The topsides show this sun damage-purely cosmetic. <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rM8euOF2ZA/YV3V_OqI7kI/AAAAAAABpNk/1zXoAlSy16Yj1NmMCK0dp3ddh_d9Zw5VACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2820.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rM8euOF2ZA/YV3V_OqI7kI/AAAAAAABpNk/1zXoAlSy16Yj1NmMCK0dp3ddh_d9Zw5VACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2820.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The only other thing wrong with it is this. I have no idea what happened here. It appears that the previous owner must have pulled it across something that may have damaged the finish. He applied this hard surface sealant. There is no sign of any leakage. When you remove the stainless plug that allows water inside the hull to drain, it is always dry. <p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQBZqb7eisQ/YV3W_JPhqrI/AAAAAAABpNs/YBW2a-r5hbAS72AwfWLJrZOskMOsD0D_ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2818.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQBZqb7eisQ/YV3W_JPhqrI/AAAAAAABpNs/YBW2a-r5hbAS72AwfWLJrZOskMOsD0D_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_2818.jpeg" width="360" /></a></b></div><b>Outboard Motor - 2008 15HP</b><p></p><p><b>15/20 Carburetor</b></p><p><b>2 Cylinder</b></p><p><b>4 Stroke</b></p><p><b>118 lbs</b></p><p><b></b><a href="https://www.perfprotech.com/mercury-marine-parts-catalog/umodel/11382" target="_blank">Parts list</a><br /><br /></p><p>The motor is in excellent condition. The previous owner was an auto mechanic and he kept this motor very clean. We recently changed the impeller. It has started easily for us ever time we've used it. </p><p>It comes with a 6 gallon auxiliary gas tank with hoses. </p><p><br /> </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hLrW0V7VsA/YV3XFzLzSYI/AAAAAAABpNw/9ob_3mh-EH4BhjX9C38EQzc_mnWnL_WdgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2819.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hLrW0V7VsA/YV3XFzLzSYI/AAAAAAABpNw/9ob_3mh-EH4BhjX9C38EQzc_mnWnL_WdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_2819.jpeg" width="360" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xpRjUZ-FBoA/YV3Xt24iXjI/AAAAAAABpN4/tfusUjV10pExhEn0lRR2AFbpiULJLXp6wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2830.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xpRjUZ-FBoA/YV3Xt24iXjI/AAAAAAABpN4/tfusUjV10pExhEn0lRR2AFbpiULJLXp6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlwTrxkJNNs/YV3X5sJGQJI/AAAAAAABpN8/nxy-m5bmNG00NRz_wOViq2a1Lifw5m09ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2832.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jlwTrxkJNNs/YV3X5sJGQJI/AAAAAAABpN8/nxy-m5bmNG00NRz_wOViq2a1Lifw5m09ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2832.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oiHCH6elJA/YV3X7k_lhKI/AAAAAAABpOA/H7fvQ1HPdRwu36ZshAirhS9YKsK7M4TZwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2834.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oiHCH6elJA/YV3X7k_lhKI/AAAAAAABpOA/H7fvQ1HPdRwu36ZshAirhS9YKsK7M4TZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2834.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Accessories list:</b><p></p><p><a href="https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|7504|2290202|2290207&id=1506004" target="_blank">Telescoping Swim Ladder</a> purchased new 2021</p><p>2 <a href="https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|135|2290066|2290073&id=441781#" target="_blank">Type 1 Adult Nearshore life jackets</a> purchased new 2021 and in perfect condition. They store inside the seat.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S7STGZ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Seamax boat bench cushion</a> and storage purchased new 2021</p><p><a href="https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1&id=4284524" target="_blank">Dinghy cover</a> purchased new 2021<br /><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C9Qt_7-ItiQ/YV3aa1DxFtI/AAAAAAABpOM/vb_LICqijosAQFWdX31A8PFtjKNXR7kqQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2836.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C9Qt_7-ItiQ/YV3aa1DxFtI/AAAAAAABpOM/vb_LICqijosAQFWdX31A8PFtjKNXR7kqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect fit - keeps the sun off so that no further damage will occur.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4lDB2KiAQZ8/YV3aj0M2aII/AAAAAAABpOQ/HrigvYixr7YHQNxU82H9Uo_qPF2gwXl-gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2835.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4lDB2KiAQZ8/YV3aj0M2aII/AAAAAAABpOQ/HrigvYixr7YHQNxU82H9Uo_qPF2gwXl-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h344/IMG_2835.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchor, chain and 100ft of rode</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Also included with the sale:</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 boat cushions</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 foldable cushion seat</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 inflatable fender</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grease gun and top-of-the-line axle grease</div><div style="text-align: left;">extra oil </div><div style="text-align: left;">various spares</div><div style="text-align: left;">Safety flares</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fire extinguisher</div><div style="text-align: left;">Inflater pump</div><div style="text-align: left;">Flush muffs</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 extra life jacket</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hypalon cleaner and protectant</div><div style="text-align: left;">straps for trailing</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJduzAscqsk/YV3bk-26CkI/AAAAAAABpOc/dFhA41e3Uk45KK2j44qZaDUKAqrZrjOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2839.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJduzAscqsk/YV3bk-26CkI/AAAAAAABpOc/dFhA41e3Uk45KK2j44qZaDUKAqrZrjOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2839.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>2015 West Marine Light Boat trailer</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Axle was replaced recently by the previous owner</div><div style="text-align: left;">We purchased new wheels/tires and installed Bearing Buddies with new axle grease</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spare tire added</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PQoFCoQXRbA/YV3cMFjRsvI/AAAAAAABpOk/QVR-nMdeIe0ono9hz1BqAmsegGOTUnw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2809.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PQoFCoQXRbA/YV3cMFjRsvI/AAAAAAABpOk/QVR-nMdeIe0ono9hz1BqAmsegGOTUnw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2809.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Asgh67bxjpU/YV3cPuuzaDI/AAAAAAABpOo/QA12USMye_MfSm4-6MV99z2z8m_TeiGdgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2810.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Asgh67bxjpU/YV3cPuuzaDI/AAAAAAABpOo/QA12USMye_MfSm4-6MV99z2z8m_TeiGdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2810.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ypg5gG7wHNI/YV3cSWPmJ1I/AAAAAAABpOs/m6bfgeyhJTQkmBhj43iTdRaT3RkwtNkTQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2815.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ypg5gG7wHNI/YV3cSWPmJ1I/AAAAAAABpOs/m6bfgeyhJTQkmBhj43iTdRaT3RkwtNkTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h430/IMG_2815.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IrVWtNUuLnY/YV3cUayB9rI/AAAAAAABpOw/XtQaahrt2GwZ-t3aoow9N7IV7u__W5UuwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2816.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IrVWtNUuLnY/YV3cUayB9rI/AAAAAAABpOw/XtQaahrt2GwZ-t3aoow9N7IV7u__W5UuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2816.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New boards and carpet installed by previous owner</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The boat and trailer are ready to go. All of the paperwork is in my name and up to date. Import tax has been paid on the trailer. Marbete is in date on the trailer. Registration on the boat was done in April. <p></p><p>The boat will plane loaded and is so much fun! </p><p><b>Price for Dinghy, Outboard, Trailer and all accessories: $5,500.00 USD</b></p><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-34726281079517748452021-09-08T17:00:00.003-04:002021-09-11T08:46:15.767-04:00The Road Often Traveled<p>It's very warm here in Puerto Rico right now. During the dead of summer, we tend to stay inside with the air conditioner running full blast... but of course you know that I can't do that. I have to get out!! We've done some recent exploring lately, and we didn't want to drive very far for today's exercise... so I decided that we would take the road often traveled ~PR 184~ but today, instead of just zooming through, we would stop at the many little places we pass so many times. We packed up a picnic, made sure we had plenty of hydration for Bruce, and off we went!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yKcZPN1J-4/YTyNMjgj5II/AAAAAAABpEs/FLrXZPVBAMEuMM6MY-XUn7VaQP2yepKPQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yKcZPN1J-4/YTyNMjgj5II/AAAAAAABpEs/FLrXZPVBAMEuMM6MY-XUn7VaQP2yepKPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2006.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ahP2Ek32c68" width="320" youtube-src-id="ahP2Ek32c68"></iframe></div><br /><p>PR184 winds up into the mountains quickly. It follows a series of small streams closely in many places. Much of the road is winding and narrow, and has limited opportunities for pulling over and looking around. But there are a few! And today, we stopped first at one of them. There's pretty much only room for one car (by American standards) and this spot is well used judging from the trash scattered around. But we scrambled down the embankment and found a nice little spot to hang out! This is only a few minutes from our house, and we could easily come here to enjoy a dip in the river! Bonus: There are big goldfish in the deeper pool before the rock dam! </p><p>Next stop, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/68wuGvJbu3fZXeqm7" target="_blank">Vegas Place</a> park! This is a very inviting spot, also on a rocky stream, where Locals congregate on the weekends. Today, we pulled in and found the parking lot to be completely empty. We walked down to the river beneath the overpass that leads to a neighborhood, and sat on the rocks. If you're still, creatures come out to play. We were very surprised to see SHRIMP! Bruce wouldn't believe me until he saw them for himself! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-8uZeuppZM/YTyRau5dE6I/AAAAAAABpE0/kkyPPeWGDZUQHtpuq0JNvM6KlyD-G4nzgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2009.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-8uZeuppZM/YTyRau5dE6I/AAAAAAABpE0/kkyPPeWGDZUQHtpuq0JNvM6KlyD-G4nzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shady spot for shrimp-watching</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-miMZwi9U6S8/YTyRgUoJQYI/AAAAAAABpE4/eTXIpbQgDAEMcLE7maUkrZRnbhbMvJ73wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2010.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-miMZwi9U6S8/YTyRgUoJQYI/AAAAAAABpE4/eTXIpbQgDAEMcLE7maUkrZRnbhbMvJ73wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2010.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spots like this remind me very much of the Texas Hill Country!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A few cars arrived as we were preparing to leave, and we spent some time chatting with a man who had lived in New York for some years. We enjoy getting to talk to people who have lived in both the US and PR, because they know how they differ. We always pick up some useful knowledge from them, and today was no different. Good times. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIgNBRGuZPU/YTyTduUWGmI/AAAAAAABpFc/2xc9L8smfb4L8gWK8MZdlpzQB13xQaZ2gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2012.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="2048" height="253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIgNBRGuZPU/YTyTduUWGmI/AAAAAAABpFc/2xc9L8smfb4L8gWK8MZdlpzQB13xQaZ2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h253/IMG_2012.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned ruins of a home with a view!</td></tr></tbody></table>Off we went again, enjoying the winding roads and the forest canopy causing the sunlight to flash like disco lights! I'm happy to see the forest reclaiming these roads because they were cut back severely by Hurricane Maria. Today was a bright, sunny day, and very clear comparatively speaking. We've had some serious Saharan Dust these past weeks, but today we pulled over and enjoyed the real view!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6xqAgoJZa40/YTyTolh3M7I/AAAAAAABpFg/y48Zw1E5ofMASI28RP4Sv9TYQ9MAwSW9QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2015.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6xqAgoJZa40/YTyTolh3M7I/AAAAAAABpFg/y48Zw1E5ofMASI28RP4Sv9TYQ9MAwSW9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2015.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHlAsR5BpOg/YTyTzgNrXzI/AAAAAAABpFo/eJ4S1WABefYaw5B1HeYkAYI1KVqDogvpgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2022.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHlAsR5BpOg/YTyTzgNrXzI/AAAAAAABpFo/eJ4S1WABefYaw5B1HeYkAYI1KVqDogvpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2022.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta take a Bandera selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-0Vmkt8_SU/YTyUzQ6FHgI/AAAAAAABpF0/JsOxBcvp8WM9h-kOUQJ0mK84MUS5m1oHwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2027.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v-0Vmkt8_SU/YTyUzQ6FHgI/AAAAAAABpF0/JsOxBcvp8WM9h-kOUQJ0mK84MUS5m1oHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2027.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>So of course we aren't really just aimlessly wandering... I always have an agenda. Today's agenda was to revisit the pool at Charco Azul. As we have recently discovered, the mountains are just a little bit cooler than the coastal areas, and this makes it wonderful for hiking. Many times we have visited this pool, and it has been too "cold" to swim. During the middle of summer, it's perfect for both hiking, and swimming! We brought along our picnic, and had a delightful afternoon here! It's only 30 minutes from home (if you don't stop and take pictures at every possible opportunity), and after today, we vow to visit more often! I'll shut up now so that you can just walk with me and enjoy the beauty of nature!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kx1U-CYIDAg/YTyVn3ANzxI/AAAAAAABpF8/jPs2qhmlQCQV0wt2vI3kGArSUGHfLF9EwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2032.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kx1U-CYIDAg/YTyVn3ANzxI/AAAAAAABpF8/jPs2qhmlQCQV0wt2vI3kGArSUGHfLF9EwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2032.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyKOCsX44Ag/YTyVxuV7OwI/AAAAAAABpGA/oN7NmkYtXe0n4PsXM2ZqkdUP4blZG7GeACLcBGAsYHQ/Rhynchospora%2Bciliata%2BBotoncillo%252C%2BCoqui%25CC%2581%2Bblanco%252C%2BYerba%2Bde%2Bestrella%2B%253A%2BStargrass.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qyKOCsX44Ag/YTyVxuV7OwI/AAAAAAABpGA/oN7NmkYtXe0n4PsXM2ZqkdUP4blZG7GeACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Rhynchospora%2Bciliata%2BBotoncillo%252C%2BCoqui%25CC%2581%2Bblanco%252C%2BYerba%2Bde%2Bestrella%2B%253A%2BStargrass.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://plantasdepuertorico.blogspot.com/2014/03/cyperaceae-dichromena-rhynchospora_26.html" target="_blank">Coqui Blanco ~Stargrass</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dIh-KVlVEQE/YTyWA9-2FrI/AAAAAAABpGI/AuHBX-mUSyw576g-0YcgXFGffDWc6MD_QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2034.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dIh-KVlVEQE/YTyWA9-2FrI/AAAAAAABpGI/AuHBX-mUSyw576g-0YcgXFGffDWc6MD_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2034.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canopy still shows damage from Hurricane Maria three years ago.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-KkSEHRs1E/YTyWPSKVGNI/AAAAAAABpGQ/XVqKgmaYKaYx6vtj63XTL44l_j8NacdogCLcBGAsYHQ/Spathoglottis%2Bplicata%253APhilippine%2Bground%2Borchid.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-KkSEHRs1E/YTyWPSKVGNI/AAAAAAABpGQ/XVqKgmaYKaYx6vtj63XTL44l_j8NacdogCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Spathoglottis%2Bplicata%253APhilippine%2Bground%2Borchid.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jardineropaisajista.com/orquidea-spathoglottis-plicata/" target="_blank">Spathoglottis plicata</a> ~ Phillipine ground orchid</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tcRjnn_AUx4/YTyWin3XAtI/AAAAAAABpGc/Ca8IGWsyorYYP3xpWdLj-O5FkpcRbzEfQCLcBGAsYHQ/NEPSERA%2BAQUATICA%2BALTEA%2BAMARILLA%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BENANO%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BDE%2BCIE%25CC%2581NAGA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tcRjnn_AUx4/YTyWin3XAtI/AAAAAAABpGc/Ca8IGWsyorYYP3xpWdLj-O5FkpcRbzEfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h414/NEPSERA%2BAQUATICA%2BALTEA%2BAMARILLA%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BENANO%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BDE%2BCIE%25CC%2581NAGA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=Nepsaqua" target="_blank">Altea</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fcfCtHbsu40/YTyZsUWbnnI/AAAAAAABpGk/e6x94uJ-624FR_8GinlVGvjXwBLJgp9IwCLcBGAsYHQ/Palicourea%2Bcroceoides%2BCachimbo%252C%2BPalo%2Bde%2Bcachimbo%2B%253A%2BYellow%2Bpalicourea.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fcfCtHbsu40/YTyZsUWbnnI/AAAAAAABpGk/e6x94uJ-624FR_8GinlVGvjXwBLJgp9IwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Palicourea%2Bcroceoides%2BCachimbo%252C%2BPalo%2Bde%2Bcachimbo%2B%253A%2BYellow%2Bpalicourea.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caribbean Red Cappel/<a href="http://bosqueasueto.blogspot.com/2006/04/cachimbo.html" target="_blank">Palicourea croceoides</a>/Cachimbo/Palo de cachimbo/Yellow palicourea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5cLvqU93Og/YTyZwGFHx0I/AAAAAAABpGo/pGuUjnTVVbglhTF9O9zyxwzso_5TJ9IDwCLcBGAsYHQ/Caribbean%2BRed%2BCappel%253APalicourea%2Bcroceoides%2BCachimbo%253APalo%2Bde%2Bcachimbo%253AYellow%2Bpalicourea.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5cLvqU93Og/YTyZwGFHx0I/AAAAAAABpGo/pGuUjnTVVbglhTF9O9zyxwzso_5TJ9IDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Caribbean%2BRed%2BCappel%253APalicourea%2Bcroceoides%2BCachimbo%253APalo%2Bde%2Bcachimbo%253AYellow%2Bpalicourea.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caribbean Red Cappel ~Palicourea croceoides</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-44UKQfjUhWk/YTyazGnv49I/AAAAAAABpGw/uq6pY3ExRv49m7IPYtQATSC1WXr_HFTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/GONZALAGUNIA%2BHIRSUTA%2BRABO%2BDE%2BRATO%25CC%2581N%252C%2BMATA%2BDE%2BMARIPOSA%252C%2BPALO%2BPELADO.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="2048" height="612" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-44UKQfjUhWk/YTyazGnv49I/AAAAAAABpGw/uq6pY3ExRv49m7IPYtQATSC1WXr_HFTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h612/GONZALAGUNIA%2BHIRSUTA%2BRABO%2BDE%2BRATO%25CC%2581N%252C%2BMATA%2BDE%2BMARIPOSA%252C%2BPALO%2BPELADO.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=Gonzhirs" target="_blank">Mata de Mariposa</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrkGU0cHhPw/YTybJcR-RjI/AAAAAAABpG4/7P4wBeUNjmsEWtrrCS5JjWlKl0XbwFxswCLcBGAsYHQ/Beggarweed%252C%2BDixie%2BTick%2BTrefoil%2BDESMODIUM%2BTORTUOSUM%2BCADILLO%2BPEGAJOSO%252C%2BZARZABACOA%2BJUNQUILLO%252C%2BZARZABACOA%2BTORTUOSA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1542" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrkGU0cHhPw/YTybJcR-RjI/AAAAAAABpG4/7P4wBeUNjmsEWtrrCS5JjWlKl0XbwFxswCLcBGAsYHQ/w483-h640/Beggarweed%252C%2BDixie%2BTick%2BTrefoil%2BDESMODIUM%2BTORTUOSUM%2BCADILLO%2BPEGAJOSO%252C%2BZARZABACOA%2BJUNQUILLO%252C%2BZARZABACOA%2BTORTUOSA.jpeg" width="483" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/65634/#b" target="_blank">Beggarweed</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-On7ojtUcH_I/YTybhizr_JI/AAAAAAABpHA/9MZ17TCO6-suPFYHrS99EFTE9JkfM8nSACLcBGAsYHQ/26827484-E396-4B38-9140-2D541E940AFB.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-On7ojtUcH_I/YTybhizr_JI/AAAAAAABpHA/9MZ17TCO6-suPFYHrS99EFTE9JkfM8nSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/26827484-E396-4B38-9140-2D541E940AFB.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yagrumo</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-08aGAc9K9Z8/YTybuA0q6WI/AAAAAAABpHE/tKBnbOe4Fh0quVLMaou_7u-UWbnjJ8rDACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2065.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-08aGAc9K9Z8/YTybuA0q6WI/AAAAAAABpHE/tKBnbOe4Fh0quVLMaou_7u-UWbnjJ8rDACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_2065.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tender new life</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QR02il3LXKU" width="320" youtube-src-id="QR02il3LXKU"></iframe></div><br /><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IusywVIkhBs/YTycPj1MCBI/AAAAAAABpHM/Ri1WHGEU9bk3mJTfu8_3oigizXXaHAiTgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2067.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IusywVIkhBs/YTycPj1MCBI/AAAAAAABpHM/Ri1WHGEU9bk3mJTfu8_3oigizXXaHAiTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2067.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found an empty seat in the shade.</td></tr></tbody></table>To say that it takes us a long time to walk such a short distance would be an understatement. But eventually we reached the charco. There were a few people there, but we quickly made friends and Bruce found a fellow history buff who was very knowledgeable about lots of things. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mdpdg-KYno0/YTycYQPunGI/AAAAAAABpHQ/9Fo37Xv16-ELZmgbXVEeDYXJ31sRP8IQQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2068.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mdpdg-KYno0/YTycYQPunGI/AAAAAAABpHQ/9Fo37Xv16-ELZmgbXVEeDYXJ31sRP8IQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2068.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/dSo5G1mJu5rAST4g8" target="_blank">Charco Azul, Patillas</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXs2r0V3cAI/YTycmY9-VHI/AAAAAAABpHY/0dWcoWp78Dspc-NPMYNNKh5nMojl0D5pACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2069.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXs2r0V3cAI/YTycmY9-VHI/AAAAAAABpHY/0dWcoWp78Dspc-NPMYNNKh5nMojl0D5pACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2069.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on in! The water is fine!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6qzF1yj8pqY/YTycttNuYEI/AAAAAAABpHc/8TVk8tnQ_uADjxHVO0VncAsixEJhJgengCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2074.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6qzF1yj8pqY/YTycttNuYEI/AAAAAAABpHc/8TVk8tnQ_uADjxHVO0VncAsixEJhJgengCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2074.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No really, it's kind of cold! But eventually I got in all the way.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/icnQZ_r5a9A" width="320" youtube-src-id="icnQZ_r5a9A"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlEPj3pjqOE/YTyc502O_0I/AAAAAAABpHg/JQLRkOnOvcIOP-tgvILEqwfSXhANlO8CwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2079.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1506" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlEPj3pjqOE/YTyc502O_0I/AAAAAAABpHg/JQLRkOnOvcIOP-tgvILEqwfSXhANlO8CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w469-h640/IMG_2079.jpeg" width="469" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the minows attack you!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTC-qqvFlGo" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZTC-qqvFlGo"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oyJqR0RYyK8/YTydFrtJSaI/AAAAAAABpHo/RCOiYrASGVQ7TKzePyO-cumSiMU-EcH4ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2090.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oyJqR0RYyK8/YTydFrtJSaI/AAAAAAABpHo/RCOiYrASGVQ7TKzePyO-cumSiMU-EcH4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2090.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVSJlVCy80I/YTydKOULsJI/AAAAAAABpHw/QLuv8A2OEdoHIs8XhVoMISo9ojrRewSTwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2082.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVSJlVCy80I/YTydKOULsJI/AAAAAAABpHw/QLuv8A2OEdoHIs8XhVoMISo9ojrRewSTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2082.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget... this IS a repository for our photos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W3StBF8KDIs/YTydPDthLAI/AAAAAAABpH0/QftxGQxLvUQIsSsZV-yNSH7f0yez2yO9ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2092.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W3StBF8KDIs/YTydPDthLAI/AAAAAAABpH0/QftxGQxLvUQIsSsZV-yNSH7f0yez2yO9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2092.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool is bigger than it looks! Bruce is WAY over there!</td></tr></tbody></table>While I crept slowly into the water, inch by inch, Bruce just plunged right in and swam around. The fish swarm around and pick at any bare skin, which sounds icky, but is really kind of fun. We enjoyed the warm (but not too hot) sunshine, the cool mountain pool, and conversation with new friends, until we began to prune up. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJ2JyxgUcoY/YTyd9C7MgqI/AAAAAAABpIE/qDUm8VHM6C0IETvQF9Su0vQaQb2uD_ThQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2112.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJ2JyxgUcoY/YTyd9C7MgqI/AAAAAAABpIE/qDUm8VHM6C0IETvQF9Su0vQaQb2uD_ThQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2112.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I made my way over to the puny falls. There was quite a bit more water rushing through here on our last visit, but the meager falls were easier to enjoy this way. I found myself a seat right in the middle and enjoyed nature's sauna. <br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hKxzLbARjrA" width="320" youtube-src-id="hKxzLbARjrA"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hAciFcxTG_A/YTyeHnHvcjI/AAAAAAABpII/4sqzWtaiJyoYjCkgBwjFKqYvNl0bTfHrACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2121.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hAciFcxTG_A/YTyeHnHvcjI/AAAAAAABpII/4sqzWtaiJyoYjCkgBwjFKqYvNl0bTfHrACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2121.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh this is the life!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v380F1IBCHg/YTyeOPPxoAI/AAAAAAABpIQ/B_i7t5fLil84-8nnejJwE966diQgT-GqgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2118.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v380F1IBCHg/YTyeOPPxoAI/AAAAAAABpIQ/B_i7t5fLil84-8nnejJwE966diQgT-GqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2118.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should have brought your water shoes....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucgAD_bTSzU/YTyeTHL8A6I/AAAAAAABpIU/KCxCGvsIFdc5E3Sn4fJ-wt5LVfP1OKYMgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2128.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucgAD_bTSzU/YTyeTHL8A6I/AAAAAAABpIU/KCxCGvsIFdc5E3Sn4fJ-wt5LVfP1OKYMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2128.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the top!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHfNrM2a1xY/YTyeXQocqQI/AAAAAAABpIc/J6SuaKZX1u8r9uhR_Hpcoc_RPXb2AwVDwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2129.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHfNrM2a1xY/YTyeXQocqQI/AAAAAAABpIc/J6SuaKZX1u8r9uhR_Hpcoc_RPXb2AwVDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2129.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petroglyph ~ Authentic or not, it's fun to see!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRFSTlLsycs/YTyfLMLLqaI/AAAAAAABpIs/C17_vWZaU2spnDqaHMlfo4kyRMJVzO_CQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2130.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRFSTlLsycs/YTyfLMLLqaI/AAAAAAABpIs/C17_vWZaU2spnDqaHMlfo4kyRMJVzO_CQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_2130.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We got out of the water and spread out our picnic mat. Here we sat, enjoying the sweet mountain air, the happy sounds of families having fun, and the extreme good fortune that we find ourselves living in this magical place. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--CDc9GpeeHo/YTyfrK1-K5I/AAAAAAABpI4/w-gTYShKfwMRKXMYZfduuL9n5_dxQ9acACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2137.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="2048" height="318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--CDc9GpeeHo/YTyfrK1-K5I/AAAAAAABpI4/w-gTYShKfwMRKXMYZfduuL9n5_dxQ9acACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h318/IMG_2137.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>After a leisurely lunch, we packed up and began the easy hike back to the car. I swear there were different things to see, that somehow we missed on the first pass! We also took a bag that we filled with trash on our way out. Plenty of time for Bruce to stop and rest as we enjoyed the mountain forest. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-WyNRvEWjg/YTyfoZZUQxI/AAAAAAABpI0/p5ATDFMtZasfG0JPNDTQZ7UI-FjTcgQBACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2133.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3-WyNRvEWjg/YTyfoZZUQxI/AAAAAAABpI0/p5ATDFMtZasfG0JPNDTQZ7UI-FjTcgQBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2133.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i98xcQ314Gg/YTyfwaX_t_I/AAAAAAABpI8/SKbQuL5mezw0tcE1uX7kAXb0oO_xUw00gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2139.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i98xcQ314Gg/YTyfwaX_t_I/AAAAAAABpI8/SKbQuL5mezw0tcE1uX7kAXb0oO_xUw00gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2139.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby Christmas tree!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QQr07-crSE/YTyf38q9mUI/AAAAAAABpJE/SsKTg60CHmMEppd56p3i9Bjz0dm2k1jngCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2141.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QQr07-crSE/YTyf38q9mUI/AAAAAAABpJE/SsKTg60CHmMEppd56p3i9Bjz0dm2k1jngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2141.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fern spoors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3v414JJKxBc/YTyf9QODR_I/AAAAAAABpJM/YHnw93KVjy0One-9XMz_ArWbZmnwSaMXgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2148.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3v414JJKxBc/YTyf9QODR_I/AAAAAAABpJM/YHnw93KVjy0One-9XMz_ArWbZmnwSaMXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2148.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the path with my trash collection bag. There wasn't too much on the path.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qe6_cW_JTHk/YTyf8Trb-9I/AAAAAAABpJI/bjmoO5J1mXY1RZ0CRNghkhBY15ndssNhwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2142.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qe6_cW_JTHk/YTyf8Trb-9I/AAAAAAABpJI/bjmoO5J1mXY1RZ0CRNghkhBY15ndssNhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2142.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sublime peace</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nLBtpmJSMQ/YTygJ-GIQ0I/AAAAAAABpJQ/67D1d6j2578gVrQWkRwnTt0IN3ncfo06QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2160.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nLBtpmJSMQ/YTygJ-GIQ0I/AAAAAAABpJQ/67D1d6j2578gVrQWkRwnTt0IN3ncfo06QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG_2160.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dragonfly landed near me and posed for a photo-shoot!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V_pCARnKyUU/YTygP-XH3rI/AAAAAAABpJY/HSMzXLon5z0Np14Q2UUR2eWMzLHBJuF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2167.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V_pCARnKyUU/YTygP-XH3rI/AAAAAAABpJY/HSMzXLon5z0Np14Q2UUR2eWMzLHBJuF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2167.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of stopping places for Bruce to wait while I take pictures of EVERYTHING!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A7PVXDTmc9c/YTygX8E5n8I/AAAAAAABpJc/2qCFZQdzqE4AOdbjOKXqwI8Wf9SsaW9LACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2168.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A7PVXDTmc9c/YTygX8E5n8I/AAAAAAABpJc/2qCFZQdzqE4AOdbjOKXqwI8Wf9SsaW9LACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2168.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7l-Vyi5S2Jw/YTygbQlyMLI/AAAAAAABpJk/ybFICw8KC_4dtML6zo1TyjGxms7F2VbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2170.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7l-Vyi5S2Jw/YTygbQlyMLI/AAAAAAABpJk/ybFICw8KC_4dtML6zo1TyjGxms7F2VbdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2170.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kMoBy1sq3VE/YTygfkrhVII/AAAAAAABpJo/898tizc0J2E_9n-j52Y81Jh19pGZVzppQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2184.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kMoBy1sq3VE/YTygfkrhVII/AAAAAAABpJo/898tizc0J2E_9n-j52Y81Jh19pGZVzppQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2184.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More spoors!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z1yt3dSsCZY/YTygkMPD5rI/AAAAAAABpJs/W0CDBpPGkogiqOsUCxKnhDgybUm7WC6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2190.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z1yt3dSsCZY/YTygkMPD5rI/AAAAAAABpJs/W0CDBpPGkogiqOsUCxKnhDgybUm7WC6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2190.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_zj2EZLBaZU/YTygpHcYxaI/AAAAAAABpJ0/Z3l2A4nZXmULYtrrqaN2Qemkfj7WOS4TQCLcBGAsYHQ/AA360CE3-5317-4FEA-9610-BFE539462494.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_zj2EZLBaZU/YTygpHcYxaI/AAAAAAABpJ0/Z3l2A4nZXmULYtrrqaN2Qemkfj7WOS4TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/AA360CE3-5317-4FEA-9610-BFE539462494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://plantasdepuertorico.blogspot.com/2014/01/melastomataceae-miconia-mirabilis.html" target="_blank">Camasey Blanco</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gb5HLD4R4PU/YTyhXRzYVjI/AAAAAAABpKI/7uMhQdoJ72QRHmJ24Nwddt5vjpud2_yvACLcBGAsYHQ/MICONIA%2BMIRABILIS%2BCAMASEY%2BBLANCO%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BDE%2BCOSTILLA%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BCUATRO%2BCANALES.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2048" height="551" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gb5HLD4R4PU/YTyhXRzYVjI/AAAAAAABpKI/7uMhQdoJ72QRHmJ24Nwddt5vjpud2_yvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h551/MICONIA%2BMIRABILIS%2BCAMASEY%2BBLANCO%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BDE%2BCOSTILLA%252C%2BCAMASEY%2BCUATRO%2BCANALES.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is so amazing I have to post two pics... First time I've seen this in bloom!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3FiANWoBgg/YTyhiVKmstI/AAAAAAABpKM/ywPEsqI0mrU5lO6pwWxcxdhDzHAtEyXmgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2205.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="2048" height="337" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3FiANWoBgg/YTyhiVKmstI/AAAAAAABpKM/ywPEsqI0mrU5lO6pwWxcxdhDzHAtEyXmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h337/IMG_2205.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok 3 pics...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Back at the car, we were pleasantly energized by the fresh air and sunshine and exercise! We took one more detour before going home... The next town over is Patillas. We have lived here for almost three years, and have NEVER visited their town plaza!!! How can this be??? <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvoqRjuwsFM/YTyh54zCCoI/AAAAAAABpKY/Tn_5sgHQtss11gJ8XBYipKmRMYclNl5zACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2219.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvoqRjuwsFM/YTyh54zCCoI/AAAAAAABpKY/Tn_5sgHQtss11gJ8XBYipKmRMYclNl5zACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h404/IMG_2219.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old buildings and brick cobbled streets in surprisingly good shape!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kfDmi7c-ptU/YTyiA2Z1vpI/AAAAAAABpKc/JQ2tT79fwBgEMv_CHuR2vuIQegDQmfO9QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2221.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kfDmi7c-ptU/YTyiA2Z1vpI/AAAAAAABpKc/JQ2tT79fwBgEMv_CHuR2vuIQegDQmfO9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2221.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at sea level, it's pretty warm. But this looks like it could be a nice place for a fiesta!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5DtMaXxd_U/YTyiIxyxAPI/AAAAAAABpKg/tAjP_bTh0_kS-9yyjuMfRzuocajN2DPugCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2223.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5DtMaXxd_U/YTyiIxyxAPI/AAAAAAABpKg/tAjP_bTh0_kS-9yyjuMfRzuocajN2DPugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h494/IMG_2223.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every municipality has an old chapel. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkuBcQfo90k/YTyiPFy10tI/AAAAAAABpKo/TH1P1ibmTyAwPMl7OZ3V2f7ItgcQU1kWQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2230.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkuBcQfo90k/YTyiPFy10tI/AAAAAAABpKo/TH1P1ibmTyAwPMl7OZ3V2f7ItgcQU1kWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/IMG_2230.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old movie theatre. I wish it was in business! Maybe some day it will be!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ahpdbh8IIqs/YTyiWBiJIWI/AAAAAAABpKw/IN98-Tm1W38BLJI0YGA6XHjVNVrto19bwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2227.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ahpdbh8IIqs/YTyiWBiJIWI/AAAAAAABpKw/IN98-Tm1W38BLJI0YGA6XHjVNVrto19bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_2227.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many Puerto Rican municipalities have war memorials. They are VERY nice!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Well, we strolled around the nearly empty plaza for a while... quickly reminded that the temperatures are VERY different near sea level than they were in the mountains. Time to get home! I hear rumbles! We are so glad we got down from the mountains before any rain began. These streams are prone to flash flooding so it's always good to go early in the day, and to consult the weather. Lucky again! Thanks for hanging out with us! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucZw0S-cZ-Q/YTyi1lP9xAI/AAAAAAABpLA/TEWyYb_DONUORso1fgpttrZV5ADff-0PgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_2232.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucZw0S-cZ-Q/YTyi1lP9xAI/AAAAAAABpLA/TEWyYb_DONUORso1fgpttrZV5ADff-0PgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_2232.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-63900258957682131952021-09-06T21:00:00.032-04:002021-09-09T08:53:09.495-04:00Labor Day Hike to Salto Santa ClaraI have SO many little bubbles on my Google map that it will take me a lifetime to visit them all... so there's no time to waste! When the Facebook hiking group suggested a hike to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SziCfzfUMkcioRPC6" target="_blank">Salto Santa Clara</a> (which is one of my to-do bubbles...) I was quick to agree! Who cares if the drive is potentially 3 hours each way??? A drive in the mountains up PR10 is always a pleasure in itself. <div><br /></div><div>But wait! Bruce has had some recent issues with overheating and he was a bit hesitant to jump off into the unknown like this. Sunday afternoon he told me that he didn't want to go. It's hard getting old and not knowing your own limitations. Fear of having problems on a remote trail makes one very nervous. I toyed with the idea of driving to meet the group alone, but in the end, we prepared well with lots of cool water, energy snacks, cool clothing, and sports drink electrolyte powders packed away in our lunch kit. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were both a little nervous, but we agreed that we would take the trail at our own pace, with plenty of rest stops. Besides, every time I see a flower, I have to stop for a photo shoot. So that provides Bruce with plenty of rest time! We set out in the morning with a good attitude, just happy to be out enjoying our island ~ at whatever pace we can!</div><div><br /></div><div>After leaving 10, we started winding our way along the narrow and steep mountain roads that I have grown to love. When we first moved here, I have to admit that they scared me a little. Since then I'm much more brave! Still... when we're on an unknown road, sometimes I get worried. My rationalization is that if we are still seeing homes and small cars, we should be relatively safe! We certainly tested that theory today! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, we're zipping along (at 20mph) and suddenly there is this valley off to the left with a colorful suspension bridge! Full stop! This is one of the bubbles on my Google Map! We parked in the very small parking area, and got out to take a look at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cg5zRRGHPbgGs2k47" target="_blank">Puente Colgante Guzmán and Casa Bandera</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUcvVkZqyAI/YTnmdbUk7_I/AAAAAAABo9U/z1njGg0SZCUxuJdLie7NUmVnEw392cDrACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1734.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUcvVkZqyAI/YTnmdbUk7_I/AAAAAAABo9U/z1njGg0SZCUxuJdLie7NUmVnEw392cDrACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1734.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hmmm. That bridge is a lot longer than it looks in the photo! You're supposed to walk down the road to these homes, and pay the $1 per person to cross back to your car via the bridge. Thankfully, we are in a hurry and don't have time to do this today... maybe on the drive back! Yes, I'm a little bit afraid of heights and suspension bridges! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, we load back up and speed off... until we come around another curve and see this burst of purple in the lush green mountain forest. In rapid time as we drive <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/h862LPJfcZHt113c8" target="_blank">around the curve</a>, this tree lines up with a mural on the side of a school building. I'm stopped in my tracks with wonder at the cleverness of these amazing Puerto Rican artists!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eerwQdjE2AE/YTnrEyGxYMI/AAAAAAABo9c/YupkZcYEAvU6JTIgHKly_EzpQ1zYLb0GACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1739.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eerwQdjE2AE/YTnrEyGxYMI/AAAAAAABo9c/YupkZcYEAvU6JTIgHKly_EzpQ1zYLb0GACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1739.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As my mind connected the dots, I was blown away by the cleverness of this!</td></tr></tbody></table>Soon after this, the road became iffy. We were just about to chicken out and turn back, when we passed a young woman and stopped to make sure that this super-narrow road was passable... We ended up talking to her for 10 minutes! Sweet girl... She had no idea that there was a waterfall literally 15 minutes away from her house!!! But she did say the road was passable, so we waved goodbye and continued intrepidly on! </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evj-1FldWD0/YTn7Z30qKLI/AAAAAAABpDc/zBDaCO0VKaUNsFVu1ajpfa05L4U_BpcbgCLcBGAsYHQ/Tibouchina%2Bgrandiflora%253ALarge%2Bleaf%2BPrincess%2BFlower%253APurple%2BGlory.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evj-1FldWD0/YTn7Z30qKLI/AAAAAAABpDc/zBDaCO0VKaUNsFVu1ajpfa05L4U_BpcbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Tibouchina%2Bgrandiflora%253ALarge%2Bleaf%2BPrincess%2BFlower%253APurple%2BGlory.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tibouchina grandiflora/Large leaf Princess Flower/Purple Glory</span></td></tr></tbody></table>If it hadn't been for the fact that we were meeting people at this place, we really might have been tempted to backtrack and abandon this folly... Just as the road was really taking us into the sticks, we met another vehicle head on. Turns out, it was Anton, coming back up the road to see if we were wandering around out here!! I'm not sure how far he would have gone... he left his wife at the trail head... But he turned around as we continued on and eventually we popped out onto an open area at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/si5ys6c5vSjk1JUAA" target="_blank">trail head</a>, where we could park and wait for Nancy, the only other person coming to this little event. This is exactly the problem they mentioned at our last hike. Out here in these mountains, there is little, if any cell service. So finding one another is questionable. We waited for a while, and then went ahead on the hike, figuring that she would catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzduEeQYWV4/YTnsqRHG71I/AAAAAAABo9k/50Bzxo7UmTIJZuEi81pRiG6a-SeyfknNACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1747.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzduEeQYWV4/YTnsqRHG71I/AAAAAAABo9k/50Bzxo7UmTIJZuEi81pRiG6a-SeyfknNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1747.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UAwlzpND-_U/YTntJqaNCZI/AAAAAAABo9w/JCVKwUQ-jbMN8VIPJu6v1fDktNqyBi2AgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1750.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UAwlzpND-_U/YTntJqaNCZI/AAAAAAABo9w/JCVKwUQ-jbMN8VIPJu6v1fDktNqyBi2AgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1750.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail began well... easily distinguishable and wide open. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYx0g56zbZw/YTntZYla7LI/AAAAAAABo94/KB9W9yzdXVwWgZ6-Chw-L0Tgq0GCknI4wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1753.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYx0g56zbZw/YTntZYla7LI/AAAAAAABo94/KB9W9yzdXVwWgZ6-Chw-L0Tgq0GCknI4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1753.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing #1 very easy! Didn't even get our feet wet.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPyJwn3sHWA/YTnthydojmI/AAAAAAABo98/XLrSivOwjCMRe6a3uD7lW6Co2-Ol164SACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1754.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPyJwn3sHWA/YTnthydojmI/AAAAAAABo98/XLrSivOwjCMRe6a3uD7lW6Co2-Ol164SACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1754.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing #2, still easy. Big rocks to hop across. Ashley points out the trail on the other side.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obcAacL8Y7M/YTnttSZd9eI/AAAAAAABo-E/5wshyTQWqBcMEqxtJRKTbVWoKSVjYSWVACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1755.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obcAacL8Y7M/YTnttSZd9eI/AAAAAAABo-E/5wshyTQWqBcMEqxtJRKTbVWoKSVjYSWVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_1755.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can barely see the trail as it leads off to the left. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZSC1eIcblE/YTnt1-O__TI/AAAAAAABo-M/qBhwZ52IqgYa9JN-O901hWXxbt5rqxfpgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1757.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZSC1eIcblE/YTnt1-O__TI/AAAAAAABo-M/qBhwZ52IqgYa9JN-O901hWXxbt5rqxfpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h390/IMG_1757.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But we found it and continued on! (looking back)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcJArlZTSog/YTnuVUzSPAI/AAAAAAABo-Y/sKXXOFHUYQ8KMK_UJa-OiKQhNJdWTHK9ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1767.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcJArlZTSog/YTnuVUzSPAI/AAAAAAABo-Y/sKXXOFHUYQ8KMK_UJa-OiKQhNJdWTHK9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1767.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of these flitting about!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dEwjFrxq3SE/YTnuanVyPEI/AAAAAAABo-c/coxgK1J_v84t0IKFDfGZDIBK9qMI8ccpACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1768.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dEwjFrxq3SE/YTnuanVyPEI/AAAAAAABo-c/coxgK1J_v84t0IKFDfGZDIBK9qMI8ccpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1768.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We continued along with Anton and Ashley leading the way, until we reached the first falls. Honestly, if this was all we would see today we would have been happy. While we were figuring out the next move, Nancy caught up with us! There had been some issue with the meeting place, but it's all good now! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9NkXryOgso/YTnu0-0Sm5I/AAAAAAABo-o/ZZO1wIzr4hkFXrvT6azCWGZl8Pg4JaQFgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1769.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9NkXryOgso/YTnu0-0Sm5I/AAAAAAABo-o/ZZO1wIzr4hkFXrvT6azCWGZl8Pg4JaQFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1769.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VUPMIPAzHQ/YTnu3mm1ilI/AAAAAAABo-s/XiINGJMTz_8b6ZbcutwsRrf-CqqiHMElwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1770.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VUPMIPAzHQ/YTnu3mm1ilI/AAAAAAABo-s/XiINGJMTz_8b6ZbcutwsRrf-CqqiHMElwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1770.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ztmxqp8RfU/YTnu6VuLlkI/AAAAAAABo-w/emLtROYQPUQ9Z0XX5hgEQ-lDKOMeHz19wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1781.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="2048" height="555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ztmxqp8RfU/YTnu6VuLlkI/AAAAAAABo-w/emLtROYQPUQ9Z0XX5hgEQ-lDKOMeHz19wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h555/IMG_1781.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0CVN6oyqnY/YTnu8B_Vh5I/AAAAAAABo-0/UiDx2oDzDeg_aR5SQRGs0mdcyhzZwpUSwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1782.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0CVN6oyqnY/YTnu8B_Vh5I/AAAAAAABo-0/UiDx2oDzDeg_aR5SQRGs0mdcyhzZwpUSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1782.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This does not do justice to the flowers and colored rock across the river!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VN6NkHqLL8/YTnvD2jdEnI/AAAAAAABo-4/xorKAH3jKE4ikzuu0oFYXE6QaAgFPy5yACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1784.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VN6NkHqLL8/YTnvD2jdEnI/AAAAAAABo-4/xorKAH3jKE4ikzuu0oFYXE6QaAgFPy5yACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1784.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost missed this! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAqbn7iridA" width="320" youtube-src-id="tAqbn7iridA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone is here now, so we consulted the Google map to see which way to go. The trail continued up and off to the right, away from the river. From this point, the trail became more "interesting". I would not call it difficult, but it was just enough of a challenge to get your attention! There were muddy spots, rocks to be scrambled over, fallen logs to traverse, and this long incline to be managed. The cable that stretches along the length of this segment made it a breeze!! Thank you trail people!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTgua0BcpZU/YTnvJ1xVzMI/AAAAAAABo_A/YqniRqDO-6g91uTQGhJGEXsjaKXLfxrEgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1787.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTgua0BcpZU/YTnvJ1xVzMI/AAAAAAABo_A/YqniRqDO-6g91uTQGhJGEXsjaKXLfxrEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1787.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-birMHpvIOW8/YTnv6lyIZoI/AAAAAAABo_Q/vJsaebcd9SYBVWIBAyPmv19B7TQ6jEn_gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1788.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-birMHpvIOW8/YTnv6lyIZoI/AAAAAAABo_Q/vJsaebcd9SYBVWIBAyPmv19B7TQ6jEn_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1788.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce brings up the rear!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xxhM5MmRPI/YTnwl75imhI/AAAAAAABo_Y/Z4JAsWDZCjQCxkWfqn199aRplZAbyRWvgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1791.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xxhM5MmRPI/YTnwl75imhI/AAAAAAABo_Y/Z4JAsWDZCjQCxkWfqn199aRplZAbyRWvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1791.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div>This is the point where the others pulled away from us. All along the route I periodically asked Bruce how he was feeling. Watchful for any sign of overheating, he told me every time that he was feeling fine! This is a huge relief for me! The temperatures here in the mountain forest are very cool compared to what we're getting down at coast level. The shade of the canopy and the occasional gusty breeze make conditions here just perfect! I'm encouraged!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y2OCjlhExVE/YTnwwTdJdbI/AAAAAAABo_c/4fA8coDCuXUjjipjiBrh5GTnpmqIDDzQACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1793.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y2OCjlhExVE/YTnwwTdJdbI/AAAAAAABo_c/4fA8coDCuXUjjipjiBrh5GTnpmqIDDzQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1793.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So peaceful and serene...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2fg6EUR10o/YTnw1QzBVfI/AAAAAAABo_g/-XO062dB8VcIfd8jLd_5p8dw27f-q9_gwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1795.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2fg6EUR10o/YTnw1QzBVfI/AAAAAAABo_g/-XO062dB8VcIfd8jLd_5p8dw27f-q9_gwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1795.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuUsfjaCe6I/YTnw5Wwvi-I/AAAAAAABo_o/DtElkTSJ0YgbvPfwqCOJw9muwE6YwsR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1798.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuUsfjaCe6I/YTnw5Wwvi-I/AAAAAAABo_o/DtElkTSJ0YgbvPfwqCOJw9muwE6YwsR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1798.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, a lot of these trees still show the damage from Hurricane Maria three years ago.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uO-3v-0Qi4k/YTnxCv4dR5I/AAAAAAABo_s/Z0MsggImlG40VnmHFQCQb9RmPjAS4SmDgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1800.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uO-3v-0Qi4k/YTnxCv4dR5I/AAAAAAABo_s/Z0MsggImlG40VnmHFQCQb9RmPjAS4SmDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1800.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZyHiE1jVGE0/YTnxFt0FdjI/AAAAAAABo_w/UGjmWRshFd8tm4VIAqoceDyY1PFMySCFACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1804.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZyHiE1jVGE0/YTnxFt0FdjI/AAAAAAABo_w/UGjmWRshFd8tm4VIAqoceDyY1PFMySCFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1804.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QD71RXi1tEw/YTnxWoOCIKI/AAAAAAABpAA/jrf-BXVxP1U9v_KqSGrJN1z5B4qLWu67QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1806.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QD71RXi1tEw/YTnxWoOCIKI/AAAAAAABpAA/jrf-BXVxP1U9v_KqSGrJN1z5B4qLWu67QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1806.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see you! Do you see us???</td></tr></tbody></table>The sounds of the forest were punctuated by the excited voices of our fellow hikers as they reached our destination. We rounded a curve in the trail, and suddenly we could see them far below. Almost there!!<br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBz5ecxuPqg/YTnxlAK803I/AAAAAAABpAE/PtQYslOr7SE2tfY_OScS6XP2tMIs9HxrQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1808.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="2048" height="610" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBz5ecxuPqg/YTnxlAK803I/AAAAAAABpAE/PtQYslOr7SE2tfY_OScS6XP2tMIs9HxrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h610/IMG_1808.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge fallen Yagrumo leaf! I wanted to take it but needed both hands for the trail!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkebtnWHdqY/YTnxy0dB3xI/AAAAAAABpAM/EfsNs2pKbQQGvwc2nMxGDFQZAlNkxR6bACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1809.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkebtnWHdqY/YTnxy0dB3xI/AAAAAAABpAM/EfsNs2pKbQQGvwc2nMxGDFQZAlNkxR6bACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1809.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little bit of a scramble getting down the last part!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ws1-QeFOVvA/YTnx58jzHGI/AAAAAAABpAU/NDTuhMqkCPEYKBrcZeELI4ZKwPgV-ICgACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1811.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ws1-QeFOVvA/YTnx58jzHGI/AAAAAAABpAU/NDTuhMqkCPEYKBrcZeELI4ZKwPgV-ICgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1811.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally the trail opened up and became easy again!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J3YZOhb-5L0/YTnyAzGsgsI/AAAAAAABpAY/zeliPdhFIxYTssN6Iz7SaBw42wcZlGpxgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1815.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J3YZOhb-5L0/YTnyAzGsgsI/AAAAAAABpAY/zeliPdhFIxYTssN6Iz7SaBw42wcZlGpxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1815.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some kind person made stairsteps in the muddy bank!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5_J4XbGmL4" width="320" youtube-src-id="h5_J4XbGmL4"></iframe></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDRr5r6fuYg/YTnyIHKVKwI/AAAAAAABpAg/ifnp3AWcNdch_nFzd8o1Bcdq-H_n22xfQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1838.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDRr5r6fuYg/YTnyIHKVKwI/AAAAAAABpAg/ifnp3AWcNdch_nFzd8o1Bcdq-H_n22xfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1838.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNTKC_oTR9Y/YToBgNUTF4I/AAAAAAABpEk/3VrEyNyCaBAwM59Gjz_sY7RSZHLpDfDewCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1829.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNTKC_oTR9Y/YToBgNUTF4I/AAAAAAABpEk/3VrEyNyCaBAwM59Gjz_sY7RSZHLpDfDewCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1829.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile Forest Princesses!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55QWxZ7UWnY/YTnyMK4287I/AAAAAAABpAo/4QWPj-OzLtM9gNFnneAHRNPaKEnNdM6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1843.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55QWxZ7UWnY/YTnyMK4287I/AAAAAAABpAo/4QWPj-OzLtM9gNFnneAHRNPaKEnNdM6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1843.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful rock and water streaking the walls of the canyon looked amazing. See Bruce over there?</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course Bruce was in the water and swimming across before I even took off my backpack! The water was cold, but not TOO cold. That's the beauty of doing these mountain hikes in the heat of summertime. The water is just too cold for swimming during the winter.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DtXrBaSrUGc/YTnyotYwJCI/AAAAAAABpA4/e7-ICqbgl2gvUvvDKDrlYRROArouJRprgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1845.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DtXrBaSrUGc/YTnyotYwJCI/AAAAAAABpA4/e7-ICqbgl2gvUvvDKDrlYRROArouJRprgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1845.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eaVpXfMCamo" width="320" youtube-src-id="eaVpXfMCamo"></iframe></div><br /><div>Everyone got into the water, some went across to the other side... I did get in, but just as far as the big rock near the falls. Sitting on that boulder, just watching the falls cascade down the sheer cliff was amazing. I don't know why, but waterfalls just always seem so unreal! The air was still, with the occasional gusty breeze. The roar of the falls made the voices of our friends seem far away. The sunlight sparkling in the falls lit up the mist drifting from the top to dissipate into nothingness. So beautiful. Speechless. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDFs6aSRlKQ/YTn0ZD6oF1I/AAAAAAABpBA/MkNLlwtay40Jgw4ZEz7wMMv9orqQDUjsACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1849.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDFs6aSRlKQ/YTn0ZD6oF1I/AAAAAAABpBA/MkNLlwtay40Jgw4ZEz7wMMv9orqQDUjsACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1849.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce after his swim.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JSgTfKlTMJ4/YTn0eDH87yI/AAAAAAABpBE/pZ59p7q3MJIHxdA4zOxwil2utJ5ozyNYwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1851.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="2048" height="543" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JSgTfKlTMJ4/YTn0eDH87yI/AAAAAAABpBE/pZ59p7q3MJIHxdA4zOxwil2utJ5ozyNYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h543/IMG_1851.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How lucky are we???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBC0W3pi21c/YTn0kA_D1FI/AAAAAAABpBI/jsf4nWTpA9oyDJjb5xNSXp3-nVVQj-lcgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1867.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBC0W3pi21c/YTn0kA_D1FI/AAAAAAABpBI/jsf4nWTpA9oyDJjb5xNSXp3-nVVQj-lcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1867.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just trying to live our best life!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eaVpXfMCamo" width="320" youtube-src-id="eaVpXfMCamo"></iframe></div><br /><div>We got out of the water and found a spot on another huge boulder to have our little picnic. We had chicken salad and crackers. Simple, but perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gn_I4GQvaV8" width="320" youtube-src-id="Gn_I4GQvaV8"></iframe></div><br /><div>The warmth of the sun dried out our clothes, and warmed our chilled bodies. We enjoyed conversation with another couple. The young man shared some of his other favorite places to hike... more bubbles on the Google map!! Eventually the skies began to cloud up and we even got a little bit of Liquid Sunshine! Our local friend told us that here in Puerto Rico, when it rains while the sun shines, they say that a witch is getting married. One of many sayings throughout the islands. </div><div><br /></div><div>We still had a long hike back up the canyon and a drive home! So all good things must come to an end, and we packed up and began to retrace our steps back up the trail. For me, going up is easier than doing down. When you're going down, the trail falls away from you and looks so much more steep. Going back up, the trail is practically in your face and it's easy to sort of crawl up the steep parts. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MrRCY6lRQ-g/YTn2Z-p1jLI/AAAAAAABpBQ/aYsIS6jnQkcRz7YlAdqoLczEB_anQo1rwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1885.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1683" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MrRCY6lRQ-g/YTn2Z-p1jLI/AAAAAAABpBQ/aYsIS6jnQkcRz7YlAdqoLczEB_anQo1rwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h400/IMG_1885.jpeg" width="328" /></a></div>Our group left us, traveling much more quickly. Not because we are old and tired, but more because I can't pass by any little forest treasure without launching a full-on photo shoot!! We agreed that we would text them when we got back in cell range, but that they would not wait for us. This gave Bruce and I the leisure to really enjoy the magnificent beauty of this place truly alone. We appreciate these magical moments of discovery with just the two of us very much.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqOBvtXHvMo/YTn2fSNiE9I/AAAAAAABpBU/gaDpTqzqrwE5K507BlOmy_8a18OcM366ACLcBGAsYHQ/Bitter%2Bmelon%2Bflower%253AMomordica%2BCharantia.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqOBvtXHvMo/YTn2fSNiE9I/AAAAAAABpBU/gaDpTqzqrwE5K507BlOmy_8a18OcM366ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Bitter%2Bmelon%2Bflower%253AMomordica%2BCharantia.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitter Melon Flower. Didn't see any bitter melons...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jsEFM_NUW1A/YTn2lpGwbiI/AAAAAAABpBY/jN2Vu3IeoH0f5HYI0O8b4uuzhjxFa0z9wCLcBGAsYHQ/BROWALLIA%2BAMERICANA%2BCATALINA%252C%2BTERESITA%252C%2BPENSAMIENTO%2BDE%2BPOBRE.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1689" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jsEFM_NUW1A/YTn2lpGwbiI/AAAAAAABpBY/jN2Vu3IeoH0f5HYI0O8b4uuzhjxFa0z9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w528-h640/BROWALLIA%2BAMERICANA%2BCATALINA%252C%2BTERESITA%252C%2BPENSAMIENTO%2BDE%2BPOBRE.jpeg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browallia Americana, Catalina, Margarita Morada, Pensamiento de Pobre, Teresita</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m6h8QdPP2qs/YTn3S6X1eKI/AAAAAAABpBo/yz3SQScaWtsfN_qPakhrFmoddcz7WHBEQCLcBGAsYHQ/HIPPOBROMA%2BLONGIFLORA%2BTIBEY%252C%2BTIBEY%2BBLANCO%252C%2BCIPRIL.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m6h8QdPP2qs/YTn3S6X1eKI/AAAAAAABpBo/yz3SQScaWtsfN_qPakhrFmoddcz7WHBEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/HIPPOBROMA%2BLONGIFLORA%2BTIBEY%252C%2BTIBEY%2BBLANCO%252C%2BCIPRIL.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippobroma Longiflora Tibey, Tibey Blanco, Cipril</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPQK2EOnDtE/YTn3j1QNUWI/AAAAAAABpBw/YRRBGKaxmCA-LETyAD19E0BBjZUUMvjAACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPQK2EOnDtE/YTn3j1QNUWI/AAAAAAABpBw/YRRBGKaxmCA-LETyAD19E0BBjZUUMvjAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dU9o5e-RW0o/YTn3mvG4u9I/AAAAAAABpB0/IKipyTZRMmsOfAEBHs8PSZ6d2d6kgnOSACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1888.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dU9o5e-RW0o/YTn3mvG4u9I/AAAAAAABpB0/IKipyTZRMmsOfAEBHs8PSZ6d2d6kgnOSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1888.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We reached the first falls again, and sat down to take a break and to more thoroughly enjoy the moment. We considered swimming here, but time was moving on and we still had a three hour drive. Getting home before dark is our preference, so we just sat and drank some electrolyte water. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZWcjHRD8j8/YTn398fREwI/AAAAAAABpCA/qWcYSAlY_hEZ1EhhAbhAV8DVGFaH1XIPgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1893.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZWcjHRD8j8/YTn398fREwI/AAAAAAABpCA/qWcYSAlY_hEZ1EhhAbhAV8DVGFaH1XIPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1893.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAa6-Kf9278/YTn4AURxl0I/AAAAAAABpCE/bEAuZ1-D71wPXJcHFroXu0C42drSDFDRACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1896.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAa6-Kf9278/YTn4AURxl0I/AAAAAAABpCE/bEAuZ1-D71wPXJcHFroXu0C42drSDFDRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1896.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtQ9uDBKb1Y/YTn4FnK30AI/AAAAAAABpCI/bo6tNl_MO6UBRSalIQdhV_oQQe_4Z8xlwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1900.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtQ9uDBKb1Y/YTn4FnK30AI/AAAAAAABpCI/bo6tNl_MO6UBRSalIQdhV_oQQe_4Z8xlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/IMG_1900.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This berry comes after this white flower.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTpPzkxeYaI/YTn4QJH-44I/AAAAAAABpCQ/1IlcehqqVGQ0WmLutaeE1uXyCDlLrNQPACLcBGAsYHQ/RUBUS%2BROSIFOLIUS%2BFRAMBUESA%2BCOMU%25CC%2581N%252C%2BROSA%2BDE%2BNOVIA%252C%2BZARZA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTpPzkxeYaI/YTn4QJH-44I/AAAAAAABpCQ/1IlcehqqVGQ0WmLutaeE1uXyCDlLrNQPACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/RUBUS%2BROSIFOLIUS%2BFRAMBUESA%2BCOMU%25CC%2581N%252C%2BROSA%2BDE%2BNOVIA%252C%2BZARZA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubus Rosifolius Frambuesa Común, Rosa de Novia, Zarza</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diRFl2aRuQs/YTn4g992OoI/AAAAAAABpCY/K8ONCe3jnrkcKEucbbMPKvwe8PtS3_c3wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1909.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diRFl2aRuQs/YTn4g992OoI/AAAAAAABpCY/K8ONCe3jnrkcKEucbbMPKvwe8PtS3_c3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1909.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail seemed so much easier with experience.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z-Bl1cBtTg/YTn4oYbOgKI/AAAAAAABpCc/YcEc3WGfvB0Engi6PRFt73Z65gmxhYYTACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z-Bl1cBtTg/YTn4oYbOgKI/AAAAAAABpCc/YcEc3WGfvB0Engi6PRFt73Z65gmxhYYTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bHWVn6OdoJY/YTn4r8jaQPI/AAAAAAABpCg/MypgNrqb-AYPFl9AQXbeo6NN7n6VevmGACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1926.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bHWVn6OdoJY/YTn4r8jaQPI/AAAAAAABpCg/MypgNrqb-AYPFl9AQXbeo6NN7n6VevmGACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1926.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny little lichen?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FQ4ouUN2Hk/YTn4yNnFYTI/AAAAAAABpCo/41WDvwBHPiwte8xUqULnGquEhGC-LzUQgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1910.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5FQ4ouUN2Hk/YTn4yNnFYTI/AAAAAAABpCo/41WDvwBHPiwte8xUqULnGquEhGC-LzUQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1910.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Near the end of the trail, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks. I had found, and collected a couple of air plants that I spotted on the way in. Here I found a treasure! </div><div><br /></div><div>It looked like some type of Dancing Lady Orchid. Tiny and sweet and just growing on a rotted branch. I had to have it. I'm no good at keeping plants alive, but I have to try! I picked up the branch and placed it gently in Bruce's backpack for transport. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SwUch_5sc8/YTn5gGjFoQI/AAAAAAABpC4/UIiblZJTRjM_5FgbD4nh9yC8xogPwgpmwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1913.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1445" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SwUch_5sc8/YTn5gGjFoQI/AAAAAAABpC4/UIiblZJTRjM_5FgbD4nh9yC8xogPwgpmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w451-h640/IMG_1913.jpeg" width="451" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it is a <a href="https://travaldo.blogspot.com/2018/02/tolumnia-variegata-care-and-culture.html" target="_blank">Tolumnia Variegata</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYqLtOvCeF0/YTn6p3OQIqI/AAAAAAABpDA/GViRi1jCm9EB_ctH8bK4x_DwmAIkw85SACLcBGAsYHQ/MACROPTILIUM%2BLATHYROIDES%2BHABICHUELA%2BPARADA%253ALA%25CC%2581TIROS%2BDE%2BPASTO.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="2048" height="357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYqLtOvCeF0/YTn6p3OQIqI/AAAAAAABpDA/GViRi1jCm9EB_ctH8bK4x_DwmAIkw85SACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h357/MACROPTILIUM%2BLATHYROIDES%2BHABICHUELA%2BPARADA%253ALA%25CC%2581TIROS%2BDE%2BPASTO.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macroptilium Lathyroides, Habichuela Parada, Látiros de Pasto</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was almost sad as we got back to the start of the trail. What an absolutely amazing time we have had here. And we are BOTH feeling somewhat relieved that Bruce made it through it with no issues. Now we know that as long as we can stay relatively cool, he can still do these trails!!<br /><br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tozeKNlgnu0/YTn6_avENQI/AAAAAAABpDI/Wd5DYtLg3OEUvObuIW_Kfh-57_giN4bjQCLcBGAsYHQ/Partridge%2BPea.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tozeKNlgnu0/YTn6_avENQI/AAAAAAABpDI/Wd5DYtLg3OEUvObuIW_Kfh-57_giN4bjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Partridge%2BPea.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partridge Pea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5bWxND3yHj4/YTn7Gcz25xI/AAAAAAABpDM/_GCMl3zHgX8swGknrplpZDP-5gchjqGvQCLcBGAsYHQ/Snow%2Bsquarestem%2BMelanthera%2Bnivea%2BAsteraceae.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5bWxND3yHj4/YTn7Gcz25xI/AAAAAAABpDM/_GCMl3zHgX8swGknrplpZDP-5gchjqGvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Snow%2Bsquarestem%2BMelanthera%2Bnivea%2BAsteraceae.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Squarestem, Melanthera Nivea, Asteraceae</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDOqoU1EcmM/YTn7znuQllI/AAAAAAABpDo/VmKTFbWLXLYl7s4oh5NMGGwQvKEbNOhpACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1953.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDOqoU1EcmM/YTn7znuQllI/AAAAAAABpDo/VmKTFbWLXLYl7s4oh5NMGGwQvKEbNOhpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_1953.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My motto: Never miss an opportunity to SWING!</td></tr></tbody></table>Feeling absolutely energized... we changed shoes and got started on the drive back home. I was a little bit nervous because we now had no way of using Google Maps to get us out, and had to rely on luck and our memories (lots of luck) because without cell service, we're screwed!! But luck was on our side, and it wasn't long before we got just a little sliver of cell service that populated my Google Map, and so I was once again armed and happily in control of the situation. This allowed for more sudden, frivolous stops along the way to see the awesomeness of it all!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPeaUB1pN-E/YTn8foPjkZI/AAAAAAABpDw/yNgM8Nu7m3425b4T_cyo2QLErmgKzZx-QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1961.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPeaUB1pN-E/YTn8foPjkZI/AAAAAAABpDw/yNgM8Nu7m3425b4T_cyo2QLErmgKzZx-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1961.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cool, if somewhat iffy old bridge! Cross on a wing and a prayer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lGSbn4oudZg/YTn8p1WLK5I/AAAAAAABpD0/dvkx6MFPRR4DN3l8nagjlnIxWc3Q5GFVQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1965.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lGSbn4oudZg/YTn8p1WLK5I/AAAAAAABpD0/dvkx6MFPRR4DN3l8nagjlnIxWc3Q5GFVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1965.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom-zoom.. wait, WHAT? Are those coffee plants? YES!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJGbs_CnjKw/YTn8xxTfq2I/AAAAAAABpD8/Rv5l4AGDTSIODkShMHEPwkVViw67JQ3XgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1968.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJGbs_CnjKw/YTn8xxTfq2I/AAAAAAABpD8/Rv5l4AGDTSIODkShMHEPwkVViw67JQ3XgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1968.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulously healthy and nearly in season for picking!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1wTgB-m0Ak/YTn83pUq6gI/AAAAAAABpEA/h51fx_amtm4rw8WzA2Tz7xYtiGg8DT67QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1967.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1wTgB-m0Ak/YTn83pUq6gI/AAAAAAABpEA/h51fx_amtm4rw8WzA2Tz7xYtiGg8DT67QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/IMG_1967.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel a coffee tour coming on...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuB645sG0xE/YTn8-NDyzLI/AAAAAAABpEI/FnlkA2T-7H45bYICfyiEChGAPE5F8PyPgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1974.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuB645sG0xE/YTn8-NDyzLI/AAAAAAABpEI/FnlkA2T-7H45bYICfyiEChGAPE5F8PyPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1974.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many stunning vistas with no place to stop. This will have to do.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3TpqCN-rc7E/YTn9EiP5N6I/AAAAAAABpEM/0Q6Sy3L-OUsBFiTpT-5RiDl38yfQWCVxwCLcBGAsYHQ/Impatiens%2BBalsamina.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3TpqCN-rc7E/YTn9EiP5N6I/AAAAAAABpEM/0Q6Sy3L-OUsBFiTpT-5RiDl38yfQWCVxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Impatiens%2BBalsamina.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impatiens Balsamina just growing randomly</td></tr></tbody></table>We passed the suspension bridge and because there were serval cars parked, we gave it a pass for today Soon we found ourselves once again in civilization on PR10 and careening (at 45 mph) toward home. Later, after quick stop at a fruit stand (for island-grown pineapples) about an hour from home, everything returns to normal. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a way to keep our minds fresh and eager to continue exploring our beautiful island. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once we were back home, we didn't even feel tired. I'm sure our bodies will be sore in a day or two, because we had to use every known muscle today... but I think that just the fact that Bruce (and me too) is now more sure that his hiking days are NOT over, has us both feeling very happy right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>What did YOU do with your Labor Day this year? Come to Puerto Rico!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and my little orchid? Her name is Clara, and she seems happy on our patio! Wish her luck!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G0-sqCag-iY/YTn_O3vjTPI/AAAAAAABpEc/ZvWVWj0yZKQNMLu1EbIHCAhuRa501h96ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1987.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G0-sqCag-iY/YTn_O3vjTPI/AAAAAAABpEc/ZvWVWj0yZKQNMLu1EbIHCAhuRa501h96ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1987.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-22443976567042966842021-08-30T15:00:00.014-04:002021-09-02T14:09:47.121-04:00Staycation in Arecibo ~ Part 2<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F9Izlle5OE0/YTDl5Zh1LGI/AAAAAAABo3g/7lJopTzEd7ga9pRBCn_rqvNAcBLmm3F_ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1475.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F9Izlle5OE0/YTDl5Zh1LGI/AAAAAAABo3g/7lJopTzEd7ga9pRBCn_rqvNAcBLmm3F_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1475.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger enjoyed the scraps from my pineapple!</td></tr></tbody></table>Yesterday was a long and fun-filled day. All of the angst about getting here and settling in is now gone. Our B&B is a bit rustic, but our host makes up for any shortcomings. We came in knowing that there would be no air conditioning. But we've lived on a boat for years and we are no stranger to fresh air! Besides... we are in the mountains where the nights are cool and quiet. We slept like babies and woke up ready to experience mornings on the finca! </p><p>Guillermo arrived just as we were finishing our coffee, and we got busy doing the chores.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TeBG_sJm0tk/YTDmmQfnppI/AAAAAAABo3o/dEw80tWhB2giqHdW4gPAfLemFQq6SKO4QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1476.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="2048" height="224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TeBG_sJm0tk/YTDmmQfnppI/AAAAAAABo3o/dEw80tWhB2giqHdW4gPAfLemFQq6SKO4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h224/IMG_1476.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passion flower bud</td></tr></tbody></table>We followed our host around the farmyard, crumpling leaves between our fingers to release the scent of mint and some sort of medicinal tea plant. Just getting out of the house required that we duck beneath the winding passionfruit vine, heavy with parcha and flower buds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3RYJ6PphBUo/YTERLXSF4-I/AAAAAAABo80/XF45YFY9gL8WOPDTqxlAOuhw2S-aJu9qgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3RYJ6PphBUo/YTERLXSF4-I/AAAAAAABo80/XF45YFY9gL8WOPDTqxlAOuhw2S-aJu9qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h474/IMG_1609.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsqRHthLOmY/YTDnWJ4D75I/AAAAAAABo3w/N54UV91W4c4MOdhPLJvyd15LPfekHdVKACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1478.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsqRHthLOmY/YTDnWJ4D75I/AAAAAAABo3w/N54UV91W4c4MOdhPLJvyd15LPfekHdVKACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1478.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Guillo lead the way around to the backside of the apartment where he bent to shuffle through a clump of weeds. He straightened up and held out a handful of fresh cilantro for us to take home with us!!<p></p><p>It didn't take us long to figure out what the long bamboo pole was for when Guillo handed it to Bruce. A bag on the end, rigged with a small knife wired to the edge made the perfect tool for snatching fat, delicious avocados straight from the tree!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvDXbunDMK4" width="320" youtube-src-id="yvDXbunDMK4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-asoOV8xrjOQ/YTDoCN_hLiI/AAAAAAABo34/--gt2xWTzicly35mhy5seMRj6K-6jue9wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1489.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-asoOV8xrjOQ/YTDoCN_hLiI/AAAAAAABo34/--gt2xWTzicly35mhy5seMRj6K-6jue9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1489.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree was loaded with these babies! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />By this time, the poor little Buttermilk was losing patience. He was a hungry boy and he knew that his milk was ready... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qZyZceVedgo" width="320" youtube-src-id="qZyZceVedgo"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pgFcc3qIyW0/YTDoaNO5SWI/AAAAAAABo4A/ztNuvAFm2vAsPyQyBCaxoSPBu0Vh9KcWgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1506.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pgFcc3qIyW0/YTDoaNO5SWI/AAAAAAABo4A/ztNuvAFm2vAsPyQyBCaxoSPBu0Vh9KcWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He put his whole nose in the milk! I'm not sure why he didn't drown!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoIdHHKa8O0/YTDohdFzXrI/AAAAAAABo4E/nGlWDPfDkSUseItvi-dFsYD7U9bXDCaMwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1512.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoIdHHKa8O0/YTDohdFzXrI/AAAAAAABo4E/nGlWDPfDkSUseItvi-dFsYD7U9bXDCaMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagging his tail, he slurped it to the last drop, then tossed the bucket!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKC1oktZ9Po/YTDor_cLu4I/AAAAAAABo4M/lRyjY6adgI0w90p9YbnEDFuBIEzbnBOtwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1520.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKC1oktZ9Po/YTDor_cLu4I/AAAAAAABo4M/lRyjY6adgI0w90p9YbnEDFuBIEzbnBOtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1520.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As soon as Buttermilk was fed and moved to fresh grass, the chickens and bunnies got fed. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2J2XL-QrGZQ/YTDo0nCcudI/AAAAAAABo4Q/V55nwFGFRhkqxGRTh2eMUzCAlrxuQ_ISACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1523.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2J2XL-QrGZQ/YTDo0nCcudI/AAAAAAABo4Q/V55nwFGFRhkqxGRTh2eMUzCAlrxuQ_ISACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1523.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have to stay in the cages because the dogs will eat them... Too bad!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6dtJWlt_Hw/YTDxns59l4I/AAAAAAABo4g/AYft9WZWww8TbJNcQAhPMD7tZ_sN25-5ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1530.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6dtJWlt_Hw/YTDxns59l4I/AAAAAAABo4g/AYft9WZWww8TbJNcQAhPMD7tZ_sN25-5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1530.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Finca!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPj5Hj3pmc4/YTDw9fgIYOI/AAAAAAABo4Y/YWRIDBFl7S8hQmdAWcgx6nrW8pSk-55WwCLcBGAsYHQ/Asclepias%2Bcurassavica%253Atropical%2Bmilkweed%253A%2Bbloodflower%253A%2Bcotton%2Bbush%253A%2Bhierba%2Bde%2Bla%2Bcucaracha%253A%2BMexican%2Bbutterfly%2Bweed%253A%2Bredhead%253A%2Bscarlet%2Bmilkweed%253Awild%2Bipecacuanha.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1635" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPj5Hj3pmc4/YTDw9fgIYOI/AAAAAAABo4Y/YWRIDBFl7S8hQmdAWcgx6nrW8pSk-55WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/Asclepias%2Bcurassavica%253Atropical%2Bmilkweed%253A%2Bbloodflower%253A%2Bcotton%2Bbush%253A%2Bhierba%2Bde%2Bla%2Bcucaracha%253A%2BMexican%2Bbutterfly%2Bweed%253A%2Bredhead%253A%2Bscarlet%2Bmilkweed%253Awild%2Bipecacuanha.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepias_curassavica" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Mexican Butterflyweed</a><br style="text-align: left;" /></td></tr></tbody></table>The chickens and bunnies were just as excited about their breakfast. It's too bad that they can't roam the property. If the dogs don't get them, something else just might. Once the feeding frenzy passed, we went inside to have our breakfast and dress for the day. Time flies when you're enjoying farm life... and we've got places to go and people to meet!<p></p><p>So, this whole escapade was initiated by a planned hike in Bosque Estatal de Rio Abajo. There's a hiking group on Facebook and this will be our first hike with them. Today's hike ends with a chance to see the elusive Puerto Rican Parrot. I've never seen one in the wild, so we're hopeful. These birds are most likely to be seen in the evening, so we had plenty of time to do a little bit of scouting around Arecibo before we had to head for the meeting place, so we drove north to the coast. </p><p>I have so many colored bubbles on my Google map that we have yet to visit. Today, we knocked out a few more! The coast road is really fun, and reminds us of the "beach town" vibe we loved when we lived in Port Aransas, TX. It's weekend, so everything is open and people are out enjoying island life. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NZo30fH82tI/YTD7amcdSRI/AAAAAAABo4o/9N4l0dxdkYApRg57dtjZpPrEQVokHVGjACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1537.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NZo30fH82tI/YTD7amcdSRI/AAAAAAABo4o/9N4l0dxdkYApRg57dtjZpPrEQVokHVGjACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1537.jpeg" width="480" /></a>Our first stop was to see the monument statue of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_of_the_New_World#:~:text=The%20Birth%20of%20the%20New,coastline%20of%20Arecibo%2C%20Puerto%20Rico." target="_blank">Christopher Columbus</a>. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/M7GcC1gUFDdRApY5A" target="_blank">Birth Of The New World</a> far exceeded my expectations!! This bronze statue rises an astounding 360 feet from base to top, and when it was completed in 2016, it became the tallest statue in North America. Quite impressive, to be sure. It's beautiful, and I was only disappointed that we could not walk all the way up to the base to look up at it. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iauv-qEViFg/YTEBZUMvqQI/AAAAAAABo4w/aR6RbZLU3fYjeEbW__pHuAxhCSne4F3OwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1538.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iauv-qEViFg/YTEBZUMvqQI/AAAAAAABo4w/aR6RbZLU3fYjeEbW__pHuAxhCSne4F3OwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1538.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer detail of the base. </td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tNISm14D3ws/YTEBdpKXMXI/AAAAAAABo40/jhdwOr94h78qzw-H5QUDyt2b32j0PTHggCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1541.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tNISm14D3ws/YTEBdpKXMXI/AAAAAAABo40/jhdwOr94h78qzw-H5QUDyt2b32j0PTHggCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1541.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--pUfOxW6SeI/YTECUcY5RYI/AAAAAAABo5A/x9y8J2g2LtoRtua0_XysCnRcMdqlqtvBwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1543.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2048" height="197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--pUfOxW6SeI/YTECUcY5RYI/AAAAAAABo5A/x9y8J2g2LtoRtua0_XysCnRcMdqlqtvBwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1543.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://g.page/arecibolighthouse?share" target="_blank">Arecibo Lighthouse</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We stopped at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RkNUb2hFV2Xwbpu96" target="_blank">Cueva del Indio</a> site and took a brief look around. The trail is not long, but it's super hot and we have a long hike ahead of us. This will have to wait, but at least we know where to go and what to do for next time. Time was marching on and we began to think about food. We drove back along the coast road looking for pinchos! We didn't really want to hike on full tummies, and a shot of protein would do us nicely. Along the way, we found another place to visit on our next trip. There is a very nice attraction at the Arecibo Lighthouse. I think we're going to need more days!!<p></p><p>We found a pincho place, bought some and drove to the meeting place for a nice picnic. We parked beneath a tree and changed into our hiking shoes. The other hikers arrived, and we were ready to follow them to the hiking area. Evidently they've learned their lesson, that they should meet up in a place that has internet, instead of meeting in the mountains where there is no service for most carriers. Smart! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rls2sOSiuSg/YTEDcxzMFhI/AAAAAAABo5I/WgpjaSKF1nAVGBffhknzxxnuP-eFP-Z9wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1545.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rls2sOSiuSg/YTEDcxzMFhI/AAAAAAABo5I/WgpjaSKF1nAVGBffhknzxxnuP-eFP-Z9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1545.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We followed in a line of 4 cars, taking the main highway 10 and turning off at the sign at 6612 that heralds the forest. Turns out that if you just turn off on <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/UPkAre6mSu5UMzJ8A" target="_blank">621</a>, it takes you all the way to the gate where you park your car and walk in. <p></p><p>There were eight of us in all, plus two big doggies. All of these people had hiked together before, and they were very welcoming of us newbies. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1yaSe-UwJU/YTEEaK_0P8I/AAAAAAABo5Q/FgMI5GltqOMceiN1vUzPLq0tZ8UbLBkJwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1546.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1yaSe-UwJU/YTEEaK_0P8I/AAAAAAABo5Q/FgMI5GltqOMceiN1vUzPLq0tZ8UbLBkJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1546.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful field of <a href="https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=Odoncusp" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Coral de Jardin/Firespike</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E92y6aU6_YM/YTEEe4qiTnI/AAAAAAABo5U/upai0sFfqD0HUFfbK3128djQyX79I-3qwCLcBGAsYHQ/coral%2Bde%2Bjardin%253Afirespike%253AOdontonema%2Bcuspidatum.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E92y6aU6_YM/YTEEe4qiTnI/AAAAAAABo5U/upai0sFfqD0HUFfbK3128djQyX79I-3qwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/coral%2Bde%2Bjardin%253Afirespike%253AOdontonema%2Bcuspidatum.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firespike almost looks fake!</td></tr></tbody></table>Bruce and I have done a LOT of hiking alone, so it was very nice to have others to talk to along the way. There is a paved road to a gate, then the paving continues through the forest. The pavement is a little rough, but easily walkable. The incline reminded us that we've been walking mostly beaches lately! Sweat poured from our bodies, regardless of the cool shade of the mountain forest. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mcokdo0daU/YTEE7IymZ6I/AAAAAAABo5g/vtKvDkn2hT0BI7yLXUnhPczvfE7UQj_BgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1550.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mcokdo0daU/YTEE7IymZ6I/AAAAAAABo5g/vtKvDkn2hT0BI7yLXUnhPczvfE7UQj_BgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1550.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0akI2nGmKA/YTEE-vpR6JI/AAAAAAABo5k/5oZcbeCPdzw6zbphaTNKWHh0jlI5CfyrwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1553.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1862" data-original-width="1396" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0akI2nGmKA/YTEE-vpR6JI/AAAAAAABo5k/5oZcbeCPdzw6zbphaTNKWHh0jlI5CfyrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1553.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger obviously, but what type? </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hW9i5w30Wz0/YTEFFqXVqFI/AAAAAAABo5o/7_-FdNGyvDgsir6ROJ8rVSCqYpw4BTcqgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1555.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="2048" height="290" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hW9i5w30Wz0/YTEFFqXVqFI/AAAAAAABo5o/7_-FdNGyvDgsir6ROJ8rVSCqYpw4BTcqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h290/IMG_1555.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We walked to the end of the paved road where we met another gate. This is the place where the parrots are supposed to congregate at around 5pm each day. We were too early, so we backtracked and took a wooded path off the paved road. This path was tougher going, with rocks in the muddy trail, tree limbs to climb over, and a stand of fallen bamboo that we had to climb through. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hKdRVgic19s/YTEFiIYij7I/AAAAAAABo54/oYBUYn1liFM4_YwJYML1-hD5Im3uydjlwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1557.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hKdRVgic19s/YTEFiIYij7I/AAAAAAABo54/oYBUYn1liFM4_YwJYML1-hD5Im3uydjlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1557.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mo7gZk4EqN8/YTEFk66FwKI/AAAAAAABo58/uxSplXQuJS4WY-6BW2qQdHGunUwmvn8lwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1558.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mo7gZk4EqN8/YTEFk66FwKI/AAAAAAABo58/uxSplXQuJS4WY-6BW2qQdHGunUwmvn8lwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1558.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8RiSfG-3BU/YTEFtLQ1CxI/AAAAAAABo6E/jerDHyALlF83vvbj0mIhEMScGI3aFYTUwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1562.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8RiSfG-3BU/YTEFtLQ1CxI/AAAAAAABo6E/jerDHyALlF83vvbj0mIhEMScGI3aFYTUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1562.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This reminded us very much of the hashes we did in Grenada.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-djxcvpM8uZ4/YTEF0MOseII/AAAAAAABo6M/5_TJ1Oo9qhcnBOrGx7Q-VfhYoN19rP7mgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1565.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-djxcvpM8uZ4/YTEF0MOseII/AAAAAAABo6M/5_TJ1Oo9qhcnBOrGx7Q-VfhYoN19rP7mgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1565.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGjrZFXwgUI/YTEF2r5XvfI/AAAAAAABo6Y/DaSVT7Q5uJgn261VenAVuOXouYZ0rybJQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1567.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGjrZFXwgUI/YTEF2r5XvfI/AAAAAAABo6Y/DaSVT7Q5uJgn261VenAVuOXouYZ0rybJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1567.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4KbcgW2fTd0" width="320" youtube-src-id="4KbcgW2fTd0"></iframe></div><br /><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C07S8uDWHic/YTEGO-TUDOI/AAAAAAABo6k/HY9EjB9aadYz3tdsSG-EtevoWkEJkOfzwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1570.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C07S8uDWHic/YTEGO-TUDOI/AAAAAAABo6k/HY9EjB9aadYz3tdsSG-EtevoWkEJkOfzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1570.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful fallen Maga flower</td></tr></tbody></table>This point is where Bruce decided that he would rather sit it out and wait while I followed the others onward. He knows his limitations and has had some recent trouble with becoming overheated, so he is extra cautious. I left him sitting with his music and some electrolyte water. He was perfectly happy. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZuJstgc7Oo/YTEGWZt342I/AAAAAAABo6o/IyjIiAXWOGItIw9syJdWge8W58lCHPcmACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1571.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZuJstgc7Oo/YTEGWZt342I/AAAAAAABo6o/IyjIiAXWOGItIw9syJdWge8W58lCHPcmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1571.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail became more obscure, marked only with orange ribbons.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtMMsyx1bSo/YTEGfOre2TI/AAAAAAABo6w/A4aGEMvc1v4hQUQvY6DI9x9nYM8I_-aHgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1572.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtMMsyx1bSo/YTEGfOre2TI/AAAAAAABo6w/A4aGEMvc1v4hQUQvY6DI9x9nYM8I_-aHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1572.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsE8Oe7Ryyw/YTEGiToA3zI/AAAAAAABo60/uW081aA1zRAQq_6l9SxCKbWa9Ie1y7ucwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1575.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2048" height="483" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RsE8Oe7Ryyw/YTEGiToA3zI/AAAAAAABo60/uW081aA1zRAQq_6l9SxCKbWa9Ie1y7ucwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h483/IMG_1575.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not staged! This flower fell into this rotted log!</td></tr></tbody></table>I caught up to the others and we hiked along in companionable conversation. These people like a lot of the same things I do, so it was really nice for me. Our destination was a small cave that nobody has been to before. After walking some distance, I began to worry about leaving Bruce alone for too long, so I told the others I was going to turn back, and waved them on their way. <p></p><p>It was kind of fun backtracking through the seldom used forest trails. You really had to be vigilant because it was easy to leave the trail. But I made it back to the bamboo tunnel and Bruce, just about the time one of the other hikers, Nancy called out my name. She got worried that I would get lost and followed me out. I felt a little bad that she didn't get to see the cave, but she assured me that she was primarily here for the parrots. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sbRAF4LT6Fk/YTEHrb1BgrI/AAAAAAABo7A/OG119-RzyH8okmRpwI5Q1_qaibVWFXi-QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1576.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sbRAF4LT6Fk/YTEHrb1BgrI/AAAAAAABo7A/OG119-RzyH8okmRpwI5Q1_qaibVWFXi-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1576.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the line. Wait here quietly for parrots!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2Nnrh0qvgg/YTEI4XnokJI/AAAAAAABo7I/Gj4fKtRyn9o33N_zxGZbwm9Kt8nKgl7ugCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1578.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2Nnrh0qvgg/YTEI4XnokJI/AAAAAAABo7I/Gj4fKtRyn9o33N_zxGZbwm9Kt8nKgl7ugCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_1578.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div>So the three of us returned to the paved trail and walked back up to the fence to wait for them. We stopped talking and listened intently to the quiet of the forest. It was magical really. Nothing but the sounds of nature, the occasional bee buzzing by... a bird squawking. We thought we heard a flock of them. We're almost sure of it. They seemed to quiet down when we made noise, so we had to be silent. <p></p><p>The rest of the group returned, causing another hush... Well, we have to get back to our B&B and really didn't want to drive in the dark, so we were the first to turn back for the hike to the car. The others agreed, as they were coming from San Juan and had much farther to drive than we did. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vp-N_cGsf0w" width="320" youtube-src-id="vp-N_cGsf0w"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJXm5dsI6A4/YTEI8hIuKXI/AAAAAAABo7M/yFQgW5AqNMgZtkBmOe34DsmiBufyTWRKwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1581.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJXm5dsI6A4/YTEI8hIuKXI/AAAAAAABo7M/yFQgW5AqNMgZtkBmOe34DsmiBufyTWRKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1581.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bd0_fkLPXBQ/YTEI_kViYUI/AAAAAAABo7Q/u_XbNMvQxAUduFmiuFnyu8PKgauG4czXgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1584.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bd0_fkLPXBQ/YTEI_kViYUI/AAAAAAABo7Q/u_XbNMvQxAUduFmiuFnyu8PKgauG4czXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h422/IMG_1584.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZrVQErxadU/YTEJCSYFUkI/AAAAAAABo7U/XPYgGxG0Xw0Faq55dkcu1G_DkOtdLhT7QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1588.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZrVQErxadU/YTEJCSYFUkI/AAAAAAABo7U/XPYgGxG0Xw0Faq55dkcu1G_DkOtdLhT7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1588.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some other kind of ginger I've never seen before. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUlDRvpkxKw/YTEJI-6Bt8I/AAAAAAABo7Y/1dUFh-ghDE4KbbRHNeF361h1ZXvHQbh-QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1589.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUlDRvpkxKw/YTEJI-6Bt8I/AAAAAAABo7Y/1dUFh-ghDE4KbbRHNeF361h1ZXvHQbh-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1589.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ginger was identified by another hiker as Butterfly Ginger, or <a href="https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=Hedycoro" target="_blank">Dulce Nieve</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLEmipCwDyg/YTEKAZ_xO-I/AAAAAAABo7o/66ZdnftIPdUlZGLTz2vFTcdh3BVp6FPhgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1591.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLEmipCwDyg/YTEKAZ_xO-I/AAAAAAABo7o/66ZdnftIPdUlZGLTz2vFTcdh3BVp6FPhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1591.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never seen it before, but here is a whole BUNCH of it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We ended our hike at under four miles. A bit longer than we've been doing lately, but we had plenty of time and distraction. I would definitely do this hike again! We said our goodbyes and drove back to the finca where we found Guillermo waiting for us. We opened a couple of adult beverages and enjoyed the company. Guillo gave us a sample of the <a href="https://www.recetaspuertorico.com/acompanates/rellenos-de-pana/" target="_blank">Rellenos de Pana</a> he had made out of canned corn beef and breadfruit from the tree out back. So delicious! He even gave us half a dozen of them frozen to take home with us! This guy...<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IB-dbdOZe1I/YTENOOavR_I/AAAAAAABo7w/znpFua6wVE8YuBRa_JpbxUSmpnO_FPqoACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1601.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IB-dbdOZe1I/YTENOOavR_I/AAAAAAABo7w/znpFua6wVE8YuBRa_JpbxUSmpnO_FPqoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1601.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet new amigo, Guillermo!</td></tr></tbody></table>Then, he led us around back and left us beside a pile of wood while he went in search of pine needles to use to start the small bonfire. Left alone in the dark, pleasantly weary from a full day of hiking and exploring, and maybe a wine cooler... we looked up at the dark night sky. Tall pine trees loomed darker and the stars were coming out. The sweet scent of mountain air was intoxicating. I could hear some unidentified bird to our left... When Guillo returned he told me it was a little <a href="http://edicionesdigitales.info/AvesRUM/AvesRUM/mucaro_comun.html" target="_blank">Múcaro</a>, the Puerto Rican Screech Owl. How awesome is that???</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tHFUXzcZTa4" width="320" youtube-src-id="tHFUXzcZTa4"></iframe></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gUykCjLHc4/YTEN5RcsRcI/AAAAAAABo74/MOns8NPaNiEL6ddbI0N0-IWy6WFpGkViwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1597.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gUykCjLHc4/YTEN5RcsRcI/AAAAAAABo74/MOns8NPaNiEL6ddbI0N0-IWy6WFpGkViwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1597.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>The fire got going and we talked and laughed. I told Guillo that I want to help him plant the new coffee trees he has waiting to go this fall. I know we will come back to this magical place, and I hope that Guillermo and his wife will come visit us so that we can return the hospitality he has shown us. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ODhknNX35YA/YTEN_ZZG8PI/AAAAAAABo78/zBIxmxqp3OEzFUoh313KDu4Ka90CvGQ0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1607.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ODhknNX35YA/YTEN_ZZG8PI/AAAAAAABo78/zBIxmxqp3OEzFUoh313KDu4Ka90CvGQ0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1607.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--k5o6oC5kdo/YTEOIQZ3u2I/AAAAAAABo8A/la98xJ-Wah8anG_Bns2STqKL7Sv_0hOUQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1608.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--k5o6oC5kdo/YTEOIQZ3u2I/AAAAAAABo8A/la98xJ-Wah8anG_Bns2STqKL7Sv_0hOUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1608.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ghost?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Eventually our fire died down and we said goodnight. One more peaceful night in the mountains, and we must go. The dogs kept us company while we drank our coffee and waited for Guillo to return again. He loaded us up with more avocados, and even a potted plant that he insisted I take! Hopefully I won't kill it!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--62qCFmpmMQ/YTEOk3ndoiI/AAAAAAABo8Q/ti8UnRKy81ksZa-KND43s5ux5DYsm-1AwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1612.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--62qCFmpmMQ/YTEOk3ndoiI/AAAAAAABo8Q/ti8UnRKy81ksZa-KND43s5ux5DYsm-1AwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1612.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie, Negro, and Pinto (left to right) Good dogies!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PGQAqMOi8Xk/YTEQLKvLPnI/AAAAAAABo8Y/sAY9nk-Yfr0UEt_b6PPChP9msAs4tXoSACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1614.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PGQAqMOi8Xk/YTEQLKvLPnI/AAAAAAABo8Y/sAY9nk-Yfr0UEt_b6PPChP9msAs4tXoSACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1614.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The way home was beautiful, and we stopped to check out one more spot for future reference. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/gT8gu6pPuK9c6qUG7" target="_blank">Cascada La Planta</a> is a man made waterfall. It is part of the hydroelectric plant from the 1920s. We <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZU21CQ1vSC6P1mXj9" target="_blank">drove in</a> and walked the short trail alongside this man-made river, to the first falls. <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1QGCqUiXTRk/YTEQQ6lenFI/AAAAAAABo8c/1xDptqNVibcX3Eh_FEYADWZtCRyznaAQgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1615.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1QGCqUiXTRk/YTEQQ6lenFI/AAAAAAABo8c/1xDptqNVibcX3Eh_FEYADWZtCRyznaAQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1615.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3EYQm09HPo/YTEQXDSCEYI/AAAAAAABo8g/QEDRoCCYHK8Xa5UtTFT9XjVfMMbjQ4Z5gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1635.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m3EYQm09HPo/YTEQXDSCEYI/AAAAAAABo8g/QEDRoCCYHK8Xa5UtTFT9XjVfMMbjQ4Z5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1635.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBuuDn1nZ8A/YTETK__7G_I/AAAAAAABo88/Nn7wcVukbN0_XeMaSalDVq_vtrGOHoIzQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1623.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBuuDn1nZ8A/YTETK__7G_I/AAAAAAABo88/Nn7wcVukbN0_XeMaSalDVq_vtrGOHoIzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h476/IMG_1623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-trO3RVz5NYc/YTETNXhBt6I/AAAAAAABo9A/PCgb-2i7v-QU62lcpVY_NuH4AP8RR85wACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1634.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-trO3RVz5NYc/YTETNXhBt6I/AAAAAAABo9A/PCgb-2i7v-QU62lcpVY_NuH4AP8RR85wACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1634.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There was a man there trying to get under the falls, not a very smart move if you ask me. But he did it and didn't die, so there's that! We will put this on our list of places to visit next trip out this way. The river looks very inviting and there are more falls upriver. Awesome!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HU52mLOZRLY" width="320" youtube-src-id="HU52mLOZRLY"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SBbFCH4BYGc/YTEQdfg5hcI/AAAAAAABo8k/KawFqu4WILc5t8PN5CcfzaFwRBd4g3vrQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1638.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SBbFCH4BYGc/YTEQdfg5hcI/AAAAAAABo8k/KawFqu4WILc5t8PN5CcfzaFwRBd4g3vrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1638.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy trail!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkAxXA1YOnM/YTEQg8jtqBI/AAAAAAABo8o/2pM-H9eyZbEMydEPoPSjsaX7EAoRJvZtwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1642.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkAxXA1YOnM/YTEQg8jtqBI/AAAAAAABo8o/2pM-H9eyZbEMydEPoPSjsaX7EAoRJvZtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1642.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well in the end, we DID get to see a parrot!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This concludes another fabulous staycation here on our beautiful island!</p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-59075428786232900882021-08-28T21:30:00.001-04:002021-09-01T08:04:20.453-04:00Weekend Walkabout ~ Staycation in Arecibo<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bUKgG36au9w/YS9ZYk0Yt-I/AAAAAAABoyI/P2f_Am01fs0fFMLzNilYe9YyZbbd-DXewCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1354.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bUKgG36au9w/YS9ZYk0Yt-I/AAAAAAABoyI/P2f_Am01fs0fFMLzNilYe9YyZbbd-DXewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1354.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of how that thought-seed looks inside my brain...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So I'm thinking we might do a little staycation trip sometime in September, but I haven't started planning yet... I see a post on a hiking group that I follow on Facebook, and the seed begins to grow! It's Thursday. The hike is on following Sunday. A quick search on <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46708047?source_impression_id=p3_1630497295_edUzerwOvqy5TOc0&guests=1&adults=1" target="_blank">Air B&B</a> and I found us an available spot that doesn't break the bank... and a plan is born! Thankfully Bruce has stopped objecting to any hair-brained schemes I suggest... and he just goes with it! </p><p>It's easy really. I've got so many things I want to see marked on my Google Map, I just pick a route and look to see what we can hit! Saturday morning we threw some clothes and food into the car, rolled down the shutters and just drove away! First stop - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vW4sdjmQxsoVGYdj9" target="_blank">Utuado, PR.</a> </p><p>There are several little things to see there, mostly looking at the murals painted by some very talented people! First we drove the narrow streets of the "down town" area. These little towns are all so very quaint, with plazas, and architecture from a time gone by. Paint is the one thing that brings these very old buildings back to vibrant life, and I just LOVE it!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtZAct9ZoTg/YS9chbvS7hI/AAAAAAABoyQ/o_-gFODTLk8LpWc4pmgHxKWMETTizYgQgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1349.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtZAct9ZoTg/YS9chbvS7hI/AAAAAAABoyQ/o_-gFODTLk8LpWc4pmgHxKWMETTizYgQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1349.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a story here. The eye reflection is staring into the barrel of a gun! Very sad!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkWBkIje23A/YS9cr52UyEI/AAAAAAABoyU/K02VEXrtIUEYxbhyFTJnAlsFVw9T-FRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1357.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkWBkIje23A/YS9cr52UyEI/AAAAAAABoyU/K02VEXrtIUEYxbhyFTJnAlsFVw9T-FRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h462/IMG_1357.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a very <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7UUq3MW53S5PQ5oF7" target="_blank">well known building</a> that has been on my list for some time. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovZxYfbTKFY/YS9dEwm8cSI/AAAAAAABoyg/j9cT8X6gVSwxC0BRaR8o6ZsVmiGqV2nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1361.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovZxYfbTKFY/YS9dEwm8cSI/AAAAAAABoyg/j9cT8X6gVSwxC0BRaR8o6ZsVmiGqV2nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1361.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/h6xXNNfnPAbZXk9Y9" target="_blank">This one</a> is part of a project. A young painter named Hector is painting the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hectorpr16" target="_blank">Bandera de Puerto Rico</a> on structures throughout the island. I am on a mission to see them ALL! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPkZAr7GZrQ/YS9d8aSoULI/AAAAAAABoyo/6PlooVyGl1cOP4M1lhAATzPbZa7ZK-z6QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1367.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1165" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPkZAr7GZrQ/YS9d8aSoULI/AAAAAAABoyo/6PlooVyGl1cOP4M1lhAATzPbZa7ZK-z6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w365-h640/IMG_1367.jpeg" width="365" /></a></div>We parked nearby and walked around a bit. There is also a war memorial here that is very nice. The statue of the soldier eerily reminded me of some old photos I remember seeing of my father. <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UU0mQcXhvBE/YS9eBWD0QeI/AAAAAAABoys/-04GsRVhup4wbFsleaM1DPANthn1GJ4lgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1365.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UU0mQcXhvBE/YS9eBWD0QeI/AAAAAAABoys/-04GsRVhup4wbFsleaM1DPANthn1GJ4lgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h444/IMG_1365.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is so much better in person. Looks like it's made of bronze. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZ69_8NTmwA/YS9eI2DkakI/AAAAAAABoyw/mn3fN1t7ZLA0l531z6GytdnJx5ylOrcEQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1366.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZ69_8NTmwA/YS9eI2DkakI/AAAAAAABoyw/mn3fN1t7ZLA0l531z6GytdnJx5ylOrcEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1366.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of Americans don't realize that Puerto Ricans have fought in all of our wars. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxmqvUMMk98/YS9eS3t0mMI/AAAAAAABoy8/zgDvt9dHt8wYp6TwG1mJojBZUEprJ5n1gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1368.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxmqvUMMk98/YS9eS3t0mMI/AAAAAAABoy8/zgDvt9dHt8wYp6TwG1mJojBZUEprJ5n1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/IMG_1368.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are several random murals painted on the sides of buildings in town. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />We walked around for a while, then drove to another pin on the map. Turns out I didn't find the place I was looking for, but found a street full of painted homes! We will have to come back to catch the spots we missed!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4D-cqkWPyYw/YS9eqzl_VlI/AAAAAAABozI/KcnflUFZODUIrQhZmuQJX6TOaADj9spiACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1371.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4D-cqkWPyYw/YS9eqzl_VlI/AAAAAAABozI/KcnflUFZODUIrQhZmuQJX6TOaADj9spiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1371.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VE9jV8ALGS8/YS9euBMAWkI/AAAAAAABozM/dHy08FycuUoftCCfHaTAI3jGg38rqmWIgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1376.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VE9jV8ALGS8/YS9euBMAWkI/AAAAAAABozM/dHy08FycuUoftCCfHaTAI3jGg38rqmWIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h420/IMG_1376.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u_SgQ1YCtoI/YS9ezWxy7KI/AAAAAAABozQ/l3fpckyuYN4JJyM8Uyz1nCRVWntjaxy0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1377.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u_SgQ1YCtoI/YS9ezWxy7KI/AAAAAAABozQ/l3fpckyuYN4JJyM8Uyz1nCRVWntjaxy0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1377.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ffyl1b_CBk/YS9e1pQFa5I/AAAAAAABozU/Pn-cz_Q_emU_RYg8UK1jhsT82QYCKW8cQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1378.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1831" data-original-width="2048" height="573" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ffyl1b_CBk/YS9e1pQFa5I/AAAAAAABozU/Pn-cz_Q_emU_RYg8UK1jhsT82QYCKW8cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h573/IMG_1378.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_fZTP9hSyI/YS9e4E4TN1I/AAAAAAABozY/wLjyaUbgtjs_fBFd4hqaNde044wg92ypgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1379.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_fZTP9hSyI/YS9e4E4TN1I/AAAAAAABozY/wLjyaUbgtjs_fBFd4hqaNde044wg92ypgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h388/IMG_1379.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE this rooster!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-egFjyQjHTwU/YS9e9KrRcbI/AAAAAAABozg/ca9FS7LqrOsYgQRr8W34xsy_lWxBwN6YQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1381.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-egFjyQjHTwU/YS9e9KrRcbI/AAAAAAABozg/ca9FS7LqrOsYgQRr8W34xsy_lWxBwN6YQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1381.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhWi43H3em8/YS9e_ZKJ_BI/AAAAAAABozo/fNlFfmb-trMWVWZqDwB5-8vdRUHuB3oPQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1382.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhWi43H3em8/YS9e_ZKJ_BI/AAAAAAABozo/fNlFfmb-trMWVWZqDwB5-8vdRUHuB3oPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1382.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a small community book exchange box near this one. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZzLCje-6ag/YS9fJuGwr3I/AAAAAAABoz0/ASIiidfT_bIhZvlPBl6d42gYxz44sI4GQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1383.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZzLCje-6ag/YS9fJuGwr3I/AAAAAAABoz0/ASIiidfT_bIhZvlPBl6d42gYxz44sI4GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h382/IMG_1383.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ycnuimYHUOs/YS9fM4naitI/AAAAAAABoz4/3757km_CLUgROfe82GpwMxCkTvk_7aH1wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1384.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ycnuimYHUOs/YS9fM4naitI/AAAAAAABoz4/3757km_CLUgROfe82GpwMxCkTvk_7aH1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1384.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These old neighborhoods are given new life with these murals!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vZyKOuluUas/YS9fTh44_xI/AAAAAAABo0A/BgyOeTklkAopE4OLQkPedy-Ji-noAiPzwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1387.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vZyKOuluUas/YS9fTh44_xI/AAAAAAABo0A/BgyOeTklkAopE4OLQkPedy-Ji-noAiPzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1387.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w5GCGVWt2wo/YS9fXJwRblI/AAAAAAABo0E/vqrGWARUIbwuafolC9iK3gR320oySnw3ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1388.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w5GCGVWt2wo/YS9fXJwRblI/AAAAAAABo0E/vqrGWARUIbwuafolC9iK3gR320oySnw3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1388.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cat watched me curiously.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BemNgQQxJfU/YS9fdZPuhMI/AAAAAAABo0Q/GcXvkxx495kYlLzakl6qazHhAl1LOihuwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1389.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BemNgQQxJfU/YS9fdZPuhMI/AAAAAAABo0Q/GcXvkxx495kYlLzakl6qazHhAl1LOihuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h380/IMG_1389.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darn car parked in front of this one!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aW_ClCnNfLU/YS9fjbtCMkI/AAAAAAABo0U/mzUhSibd12cBF45sab3D4Nkt97Oqi7WYQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1392.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aW_ClCnNfLU/YS9fjbtCMkI/AAAAAAABo0U/mzUhSibd12cBF45sab3D4Nkt97Oqi7WYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1392.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdVvTUxzBUc/YS9fos-GJvI/AAAAAAABo0c/zCYGwYZhoucTzBkM7t3O0WI3E2MyJMVLACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1396.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LdVvTUxzBUc/YS9fos-GJvI/AAAAAAABo0c/zCYGwYZhoucTzBkM7t3O0WI3E2MyJMVLACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1396.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uBSTK3N_NmU/YS9frKFEnkI/AAAAAAABo0g/9erlriu_jbYxvtLoFz3n8Ae2hJ_5XagkwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1397.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uBSTK3N_NmU/YS9frKFEnkI/AAAAAAABo0g/9erlriu_jbYxvtLoFz3n8Ae2hJ_5XagkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1397.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BX1c1x89OE0/YS9fu3WJuyI/AAAAAAABo0o/gZrHcE5XeBgf_wDjLSAIVG5qjETAcH2_gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1399.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BX1c1x89OE0/YS9fu3WJuyI/AAAAAAABo0o/gZrHcE5XeBgf_wDjLSAIVG5qjETAcH2_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h376/IMG_1399.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJ9L_1tQkB0/YS9fywPrNRI/AAAAAAABo0w/uU7FQ8fBJXQdic2nfsP7Gb7MjLlycY2PQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1404.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJ9L_1tQkB0/YS9fywPrNRI/AAAAAAABo0w/uU7FQ8fBJXQdic2nfsP7Gb7MjLlycY2PQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h265/IMG_1404.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoops!</td></tr></tbody></table>Pretty sure we missed a lot, but we will be <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8FbiWW4ywke7tpup8" target="_blank">back here</a> for sure! It was fun hiking through these steep and narrow streets to find these treasures! But it's getting warm, and it's lunch time!<p></p><p>Next stop, a short drive to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/iuo4z3LAkZyb1Vgc9" target="_blank">Embarcadero</a> at Lago Dos Bocas! The drive is an event in itself. The karst formations in this part of the island are nothing short of amazing to see, and driving through them is just fun!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BvC9HtX0SdI/YS9hvrq6lQI/AAAAAAABo1E/zydif4C5LeEr5mAQMRxS4rL8r78gvMRoACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BvC9HtX0SdI/YS9hvrq6lQI/AAAAAAABo1E/zydif4C5LeEr5mAQMRxS4rL8r78gvMRoACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1407.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBdBHN0fDJg/YS9hzyxcdtI/AAAAAAABo1I/Zsb1YMHJP1AZPiQl6eHlMA-_85co4x_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1411.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBdBHN0fDJg/YS9hzyxcdtI/AAAAAAABo1I/Zsb1YMHJP1AZPiQl6eHlMA-_85co4x_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1411.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We found the docks and signed up for the boat ride across the lake to the restaurant. We talked to some people while waiting, and learned that before hurricane Maria, there were six restaurants here on the lake, but now there is only one. They have a shuttle boat that picks up small groups for a smooth ride with a view!<p></p><p>There are kayakers on the lake, and I've been making plans with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haciendalascascadas1" target="_blank">Hacienda Las Cascadas</a> to come check out their kayak adventures. Well, the owner was at the embarcadero giving out business cards and we made a connection. It's on the list!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mhyfkgwDLU4/YS9h64pWHrI/AAAAAAABo1M/T6xEECXC43gQkTdR4pjOCR33sQhvwPe9QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1414.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mhyfkgwDLU4/YS9h64pWHrI/AAAAAAABo1M/T6xEECXC43gQkTdR4pjOCR33sQhvwPe9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1414.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fc_1nUCNC5g/YS9h9Et3vQI/AAAAAAABo1Q/28wE7EKJY_EenqEJaFhZAhMrOX62cdKcgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1417.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fc_1nUCNC5g/YS9h9Et3vQI/AAAAAAABo1Q/28wE7EKJY_EenqEJaFhZAhMrOX62cdKcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1417.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eecSqZuRm9o/YS9iAGGOL4I/AAAAAAABo1Y/NsqOIP5XnG8q4jJZKm3jMvpmYzJGB_cBQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1420.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eecSqZuRm9o/YS9iAGGOL4I/AAAAAAABo1Y/NsqOIP5XnG8q4jJZKm3jMvpmYzJGB_cBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1420.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XO4vXnhkAoU/YS9iDALloLI/AAAAAAABo1c/WjbUADcs2Zg1tN8GoyJAL0EGePs791TCACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1423.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XO4vXnhkAoU/YS9iDALloLI/AAAAAAABo1c/WjbUADcs2Zg1tN8GoyJAL0EGePs791TCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1423.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ZWnpWba4lU" width="320" youtube-src-id="9ZWnpWba4lU"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLtToixprRY/YS9kB4psLOI/AAAAAAABo1w/1QdPj1vv6GsgletkZuDZQSW_y3lDDxnxACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1425.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLtToixprRY/YS9kB4psLOI/AAAAAAABo1w/1QdPj1vv6GsgletkZuDZQSW_y3lDDxnxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h352/IMG_1425.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/VNa9MWwtAcYDK4rG6" target="_blank">Casa Chalet</a>. The kayakers get to check it out!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5U_nh6iKOM/YS9kR3dO0-I/AAAAAAABo14/Ok8EPby23p0KKkw73ebUETmzIY0uD1uuwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1427.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5U_nh6iKOM/YS9kR3dO0-I/AAAAAAABo14/Ok8EPby23p0KKkw73ebUETmzIY0uD1uuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_1427.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the dam from the lake. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4OyOHTPc8o/YS9kZi-yGDI/AAAAAAABo18/H0zgkBcqbdwewjTdNSm8JdjTCkt-6MW5gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1428.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4OyOHTPc8o/YS9kZi-yGDI/AAAAAAABo18/H0zgkBcqbdwewjTdNSm8JdjTCkt-6MW5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1428.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views around the lake are just magnificent!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQ58cc8zDEI/YS9kfw7_CmI/AAAAAAABo2A/y2SkEtW1mOwGGfE4Rj80uZtO-WbwsMnjQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1438.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQ58cc8zDEI/YS9kfw7_CmI/AAAAAAABo2A/y2SkEtW1mOwGGfE4Rj80uZtO-WbwsMnjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1438.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon, we arrived at Paisaje Escondido for lunch!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqpypL55D10/YS9kqE_IbMI/AAAAAAABo2M/umywtmJqXY0hscziy0HxJU0fS2zkHBdQACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1441.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqpypL55D10/YS9kqE_IbMI/AAAAAAABo2M/umywtmJqXY0hscziy0HxJU0fS2zkHBdQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_1441.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yC8bXZiJoQ4/YS9ksw41_EI/AAAAAAABo2Q/YzK8PloNY8kw6mD-8u0dKOpKX8Iy1FKHQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1444.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yC8bXZiJoQ4/YS9ksw41_EI/AAAAAAABo2Q/YzK8PloNY8kw6mD-8u0dKOpKX8Iy1FKHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1444.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminded us very much of Whisper Cove in Grenada. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emUb_NCimTY/YS9mVqYfIlI/AAAAAAABo2g/dhOEnwnQ9Vou5fgbp6sFCYcsRS6OJsb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1448.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2048" height="276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emUb_NCimTY/YS9mVqYfIlI/AAAAAAABo2g/dhOEnwnQ9Vou5fgbp6sFCYcsRS6OJsb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h276/IMG_1448.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry goldfish waiting at the dock!</td></tr></tbody></table>We met a nice young man from California on the way over, and invited him to join us for lunch. We were disappointed that he was only on the island for a short time, or we would have invited him home with us!! The food was exceptional. If you come here, don't miss the <a href="https://www.quericavida.com/recipes/arroz-mamposteao/e5c5af75-0740-4a50-bc6f-6ce6b07977e5" target="_blank">arroz mamposteao</a>. They are the BEST!! We whiled away the hours, enjoying the conversation with a new friend, left a big tip, and then caught the shuttle boat back to the embarcadero. It's getting to be late afternoon and we want to get to our B&B for the last challenge of the day. </p><p>Our host had advised us not to take the short cut road to his place, but to drive all the way north into Arecibo and back south for better roads. Of course I could not just do that. I've got to see what I'm missing! And the road through the Rio Grande de Arecibo Valley enticed me inexorably onward. We took the road-less-traveled and didn't regret it for a second. It was in no way close to the most hair-raising road we've ever traveled, and the views were our reward! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQEuSd3z-cQ/YS9mldoHSgI/AAAAAAABo2o/ICJ1N5FLSmMHgp-F7QEvDuvjnsvNKB1pACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1450.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQEuSd3z-cQ/YS9mldoHSgI/AAAAAAABo2o/ICJ1N5FLSmMHgp-F7QEvDuvjnsvNKB1pACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1450.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped on one of the bridges to take in the view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUEvL2UzthM/YS9mr4oLlRI/AAAAAAABo2s/WZlaieNJZcoyEJcafhn82W4Lxxary4GeQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1451.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xUEvL2UzthM/YS9mr4oLlRI/AAAAAAABo2s/WZlaieNJZcoyEJcafhn82W4Lxxary4GeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1451.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere up there off to the left is Cueva Ventana. We didn't spot it. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I didn't realize it while we were there, but this is the valley that you can see from the window at Cueva Ventana. I think that by the time we stopped, we had already passed the bridge where we could have seen the cave... next time!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLUVy39e03Y/YS9nLdqp7vI/AAAAAAABo20/HmbLT3L508sx11gPjAHuS0alWtUXAwBwwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1456.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLUVy39e03Y/YS9nLdqp7vI/AAAAAAABo20/HmbLT3L508sx11gPjAHuS0alWtUXAwBwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1456.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We continued on through fields of high grass on a one lane "road"... thankfully only passing one other vehicle along the way. Gradually the roads improved and we didn't fall into a pothole... so there's that. The next challenge would be the entrance to our B&B! Wait, what? Yes! Our host mentioned that the drive was off-road and steep, and a 4WD vehicle was advised. He told us that we should be OK as long as it doesn't rain! How's that for nerve-wracking? But in the end, it was a steep drive and bumpy, but our little Honda CRV handled it easily. <p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRa09lxQWIM/YS9otLqekdI/AAAAAAABo28/kzF2miutu1Q-2JhdzALirxO6gg5ezE10ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1469.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1526" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRa09lxQWIM/YS9otLqekdI/AAAAAAABo28/kzF2miutu1Q-2JhdzALirxO6gg5ezE10ACLcBGAsYHQ/w298-h400/IMG_1469.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parcha growing around the door!</td></tr></tbody></table>We parked and met our host, Guillermo, and he showed us around the finca. It is truly a farm in all respects. There are cows, and chickens and dogs. Guillo showed us some of the plants growing riotously around the place, and told us about their uses. He is a fount of knowledge and we're looking forward to getting to see more in the morning... </p><p>But for now, we are tired after a long day, and we are just ready to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature! We spent some time getting moved in, and getting to know our host, and just feeling the peace seep into our souls. </p><p>The Puerto Rican countryside is the place to go for a recharge, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLDs98bbF8Y/YS9pBD6O5FI/AAAAAAABo3I/O7-LtOnUYq082BO2g8TzR_Pbg8r3b3tTgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1462.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLDs98bbF8Y/YS9pBD6O5FI/AAAAAAABo3I/O7-LtOnUYq082BO2g8TzR_Pbg8r3b3tTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h236/IMG_1462.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaya flower up close!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSslO0XqqfQ/YS9pJM1ZfqI/AAAAAAABo3Q/z5E9FfL7wjQRbcr_CoL4ORoh2V-LG9T0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_1471.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSslO0XqqfQ/YS9pJM1ZfqI/AAAAAAABo3Q/z5E9FfL7wjQRbcr_CoL4ORoh2V-LG9T0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_1471.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Festive solar lighting all around.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p></p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-27817479712693627882021-06-26T18:30:00.360-04:002021-06-30T09:40:54.822-04:00Discovering The South<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yke3UybU5j4/YNxYv9qUtVI/AAAAAAABoNY/myb_jTiTLls7nSIfYvMFYNqa_NB7J1nLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/d058c1dc-17e3-4223-8af9-4bd0f35e509c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yke3UybU5j4/YNxYv9qUtVI/AAAAAAABoNY/myb_jTiTLls7nSIfYvMFYNqa_NB7J1nLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/d058c1dc-17e3-4223-8af9-4bd0f35e509c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the sleeping man in our mountains! <i>Photo credit Redescubriendo el Sur</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Most people who visit Puerto Rico never leave the San Juan area. Even those who do very seldom come around to our part of the island. There is one young Puerto Rican who is trying to change that. And he is beginning with those of us who already live here! The best way to appreciate this island, is by adventuring with a guide! Finally, the stars aligned, and we, along with some of our neighbors, joined our new friend in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Redescubriendo-el-sur-2020-pr-101843021374843" target="_blank">Redescubriendo el Sur</a>!</p><p>We met up with our guide in the morning, and followed him to the start of the trail <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/bVpCpoC4L3NbRNBL6" target="_blank">where we parked</a> our cars, and donned our hiking gear. From there... the exact location gets a little fuzzy! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq1jJbRQKn4/YNxbm9GefFI/AAAAAAABoNk/D0Irt-qMH40hx77GczrwSGIkEH14gnPXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9598.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq1jJbRQKn4/YNxbm9GefFI/AAAAAAABoNk/D0Irt-qMH40hx77GczrwSGIkEH14gnPXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9598.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our parking spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLonR9Vca5I/YNxbmrY-SQI/AAAAAAABoNg/tgzJNON0TqExh8SmPiC7yEyfn_EtNzNtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLonR9Vca5I/YNxbmrY-SQI/AAAAAAABoNg/tgzJNON0TqExh8SmPiC7yEyfn_EtNzNtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9600.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The valley in the center was home to Taino people. </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nvL6McUVIg/YNxb3hMfdGI/AAAAAAABoNs/Xsd3clreCAU_GkZLWRMmGYMSkMqq58bWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9601.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nvL6McUVIg/YNxb3hMfdGI/AAAAAAABoNs/Xsd3clreCAU_GkZLWRMmGYMSkMqq58bWACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9601.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We followed along single file, as the trail became more steep and scrabbly by the minute. We stopped now and then for a breath, where the view took that breath away!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YanVJVOCAic/YNxxCge69hI/AAAAAAABoUY/hJxzAMd-IlAAulTTKhwzsF3s4bXj_RFJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1532/IMG_BBF1FE9C96A4-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YanVJVOCAic/YNxxCge69hI/AAAAAAABoUY/hJxzAMd-IlAAulTTKhwzsF3s4bXj_RFJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w518-h640/IMG_BBF1FE9C96A4-1.jpeg" width="518" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's our parking spot, and we hiked somewhere in here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmR_QUUHPyg/YNxb_bVf_zI/AAAAAAABoNw/qARuH6JRVOYBX9_iqpO5jMnK69IoiZMcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmR_QUUHPyg/YNxb_bVf_zI/AAAAAAABoNw/qARuH6JRVOYBX9_iqpO5jMnK69IoiZMcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9602.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't difficult... in the beginning!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uMLmWIXdUk/YNxeaREjcGI/AAAAAAABoN8/3xSGqenI4gsrIa5aea-Jjy_rgXLHg0XEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9607.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uMLmWIXdUk/YNxeaREjcGI/AAAAAAABoN8/3xSGqenI4gsrIa5aea-Jjy_rgXLHg0XEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9607.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Along the way, we got a lesson about the history of the area, including many little secrets of the Taino. Many artifacts have been found in these mountains. The <a href="https://youtu.be/m3wEybeJ4J8" target="_blank">Tachuelo</a> was used to create yellow pigment, as well as to treat various health issues. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPzPlcarw-U/YNxel4Mw3bI/AAAAAAABoOA/zvhpAFIAbMAN4ZX5_C30rO6G2_iWzXeMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9604.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPzPlcarw-U/YNxel4Mw3bI/AAAAAAABoOA/zvhpAFIAbMAN4ZX5_C30rO6G2_iWzXeMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9604.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree is characterized by the thorny knobs ~ tachuelas (tacks)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We climbed ever higher, and the path became more and more difficult to manage. Not only was it steep, but it was mostly dry dirt that made for a very slippery slope!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcLoIkqsAMQ/YNxg4ubf3VI/AAAAAAABoOQ/AKAzTMzBYF8Os4G06G_82eq4p1oavlEAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcLoIkqsAMQ/YNxg4ubf3VI/AAAAAAABoOQ/AKAzTMzBYF8Os4G06G_82eq4p1oavlEAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_9617.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnBXS8XRQJE/YNxg4hGav2I/AAAAAAABoOU/y0NpogLlkI4PDY5d_41-W54KFjzNQEmEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnBXS8XRQJE/YNxg4hGav2I/AAAAAAABoOU/y0NpogLlkI4PDY5d_41-W54KFjzNQEmEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9622.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOMWCyxbwHA/YNxg4ajh2PI/AAAAAAABoOM/kZi1aXvZRVoyuDIQ6UavK2nOSRYtOBugQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9627.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOMWCyxbwHA/YNxg4ajh2PI/AAAAAAABoOM/kZi1aXvZRVoyuDIQ6UavK2nOSRYtOBugQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9627.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M94_12eROmg/YNxg5MVaZvI/AAAAAAABoOY/B7sYQ59m1zIjD434TIGlnhmyEHK86swpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M94_12eROmg/YNxg5MVaZvI/AAAAAAABoOY/B7sYQ59m1zIjD434TIGlnhmyEHK86swpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9630.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% sure he was a mountain goat in a previous life!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We climbed through areas that had recently been burned, and I asked José how the fires had started. He thought maybe some were lightning strikes, and others could be from pieces of glass, which combined with the sun, started the fires like using a magnifying glass. </div><div><br /></div><div>The view of the neighboring mountains, and all the way down to #thefreakincaribbean was stunning, and during one of our rest stops, we were treated to our daily dose of <a href="https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/why-brain-programmed-see-faces-everyday-objects#:~:text=Face%20pareidolia%20%E2%80%93%20the%20phenomenon%20of,other%20'real'%20human%20faces.&text=%E2%80%9CA%20striking%20feature%20of%20these,of%20personality%20or%20social%20meaning." target="_blank">pareidolia</a>!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Hj0AacZoM/YNxibwfT3nI/AAAAAAABoOs/R8rK3pKJFY8nfieTzXKN7fhPH7Ir-GpIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Hj0AacZoM/YNxibwfT3nI/AAAAAAABoOs/R8rK3pKJFY8nfieTzXKN7fhPH7Ir-GpIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Caras de Piedra ~ See the faces in the dark rocks on the right?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ1EDIp6J4M/YNxjjv3ec6I/AAAAAAABoO4/8FFZJ3FANwQuIyU-gqxXzOqWTj2L_EgdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9631.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ1EDIp6J4M/YNxjjv3ec6I/AAAAAAABoO4/8FFZJ3FANwQuIyU-gqxXzOqWTj2L_EgdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9631.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2jf0-UkhQ8/YNxjjqT7KKI/AAAAAAABoO8/0E5ycreqJAMfvwQH0QZR0a8u_9m64l3XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9634.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2jf0-UkhQ8/YNxjjqT7KKI/AAAAAAABoO8/0E5ycreqJAMfvwQH0QZR0a8u_9m64l3XwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9634.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ83HNOcHe0/YNxjjhDHrCI/AAAAAAABoO0/eIhDT3Lz3XMon7mYpQjoR_APeqwT6zLiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ83HNOcHe0/YNxjjhDHrCI/AAAAAAABoO0/eIhDT3Lz3XMon7mYpQjoR_APeqwT6zLiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9638.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v1fSeYd6lA/YNxjkIzHWZI/AAAAAAABoPA/YQjBshOiu9cD5zL69q8_8HGnKj56JpkHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9639.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v1fSeYd6lA/YNxjkIzHWZI/AAAAAAABoPA/YQjBshOiu9cD5zL69q8_8HGnKj56JpkHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9639.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP8ug5wNwmY/YNxjkoGcDbI/AAAAAAABoPE/m1rAsB_cxhcdfaBN4-m231qln87_DktqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP8ug5wNwmY/YNxjkoGcDbI/AAAAAAABoPE/m1rAsB_cxhcdfaBN4-m231qln87_DktqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_9640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little band of neighbors!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdjWds3UwfA/YNxjkv_4e7I/AAAAAAABoPI/u_7kDJFgVp8zSO27795S0t_zg321kwCWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9642.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdjWds3UwfA/YNxjkv_4e7I/AAAAAAABoPI/u_7kDJFgVp8zSO27795S0t_zg321kwCWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_9642.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Piedras Chiquitas(?) in the background!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qBizl5GJZE/YNxjkzzRZRI/AAAAAAABoPM/NuLjmrU_JBoYkOYqTfCfXM2tMbXxvMWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qBizl5GJZE/YNxjkzzRZRI/AAAAAAABoPM/NuLjmrU_JBoYkOYqTfCfXM2tMbXxvMWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h460/IMG_9643.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta get our guy in there!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqH5614yr18/YNxjlL0sAII/AAAAAAABoPQ/FLlJhvDIBNw1yhRVhSzUipK3nZHK8pnbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqH5614yr18/YNxjlL0sAII/AAAAAAABoPQ/FLlJhvDIBNw1yhRVhSzUipK3nZHK8pnbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9645.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patterns made by clouds crawling across the hills and valleys were mesmerizing. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Along the way, one by one, some of us decided to call a stop to the madness. My foot is still not so trustworthy, so when I saw that the final destination required what looked to be a near vertical climb, I sent Bruce on his way with the most hearty of souls, while I backtracked to hang with the more sensible, if less adventurous crowd!</div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed the cool clouds passing overhead while we waited to see who made it to the top!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh5KbKBehl8/YNxlGChE7LI/AAAAAAABoPo/eZcEDYafAjQXr9DEmLzwFnmTuaaafpKNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh5KbKBehl8/YNxlGChE7LI/AAAAAAABoPo/eZcEDYafAjQXr9DEmLzwFnmTuaaafpKNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9652.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's José! They made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jv4Rx1yiu8g" width="320" youtube-src-id="jv4Rx1yiu8g"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PnhwnRpM0I/YNxlc4KSWZI/AAAAAAABoPw/23O_AYJWOA0AZ0xgSf8bRZaXQRBrZ0bUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9657.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PnhwnRpM0I/YNxlc4KSWZI/AAAAAAABoPw/23O_AYJWOA0AZ0xgSf8bRZaXQRBrZ0bUACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9657.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is... the winner!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We watched for what seemed like ages, to see who made it to the top. I didn't see Bruce (thank goodness he came to his senses), but Sue and LJ both made the final cut. Hooray for them! While they enjoyed the fruits of their labor up there, I enjoyed the slightly more sedate view from almost up there! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfMlICYqkdE/YNxmKxz6P-I/AAAAAAABoQA/D4aJcEV5Jjo-GRcXGwxUShFL6jiUqSFFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9659.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfMlICYqkdE/YNxmKxz6P-I/AAAAAAABoQA/D4aJcEV5Jjo-GRcXGwxUShFL6jiUqSFFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9659.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcz-WMLo-zk/YNxmK6RUY6I/AAAAAAABoP4/Iy20VvSRSGEn022b8U4WHzeJ2PVJ1duGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9668.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcz-WMLo-zk/YNxmK6RUY6I/AAAAAAABoP4/Iy20VvSRSGEn022b8U4WHzeJ2PVJ1duGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9668.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qXHBVW2nNY/YNxmKwFRB0I/AAAAAAABoP8/aeRptWjel3Ykz2dQJR5q1VzCYkWXHNfnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9677.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qXHBVW2nNY/YNxmKwFRB0I/AAAAAAABoP8/aeRptWjel3Ykz2dQJR5q1VzCYkWXHNfnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9677.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>So many times during our daily lives, we see the fascinating sight of the rain falling in the mountains. Today, we got to see that rainfall from a different perspective. The completely calm breeze stirred, and then began to puff as these sheets of rain disturbed the atmosphere. I worried that we were about to be standing on a mountainside being drenched... but thankfully, nobody got wet, and nobody got blown off the mountain! But everybody got treated to a magnificent display of mother nature's glory.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2e9AlfdoON8" width="320" youtube-src-id="2e9AlfdoON8"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/liGDOIbDEaw" width="320" youtube-src-id="liGDOIbDEaw"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsBlpHaSRjs/YNxngIgLa-I/AAAAAAABoQM/_s_hsYG6_J06F0R-p70faxFOy4Bpaa11gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9687.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsBlpHaSRjs/YNxngIgLa-I/AAAAAAABoQM/_s_hsYG6_J06F0R-p70faxFOy4Bpaa11gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9687.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing clouds highlighted the plains and Caribbean Sea far below.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I watched anxiously as our friends crept back down the mountainside, and I admit to a certain rush of relief when I finally saw Bruce emerge from the brushy trail near where we waited. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDBjmmY9f24/YNxnwV05PqI/AAAAAAABoQc/_gzCcUbQ4Asdg_HSTA8INJNRM0TqGksKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9689.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDBjmmY9f24/YNxnwV05PqI/AAAAAAABoQc/_gzCcUbQ4Asdg_HSTA8INJNRM0TqGksKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9689.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh, there he is!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PiS7Fjw2jw/YNxnwRUjB8I/AAAAAAABoQU/fqW0W4mrt2YY6e8fsWHAeJGx51gQsgRXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PiS7Fjw2jw/YNxnwRUjB8I/AAAAAAABoQU/fqW0W4mrt2YY6e8fsWHAeJGx51gQsgRXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9698.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely on the right and you can see LJ and Julia coming down the mountain.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJcDZrg5ZJ4/YNxnweU0CrI/AAAAAAABoQY/3pCli15fa2UFKvGnaFm3u_yPwEywOvx3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJcDZrg5ZJ4/YNxnweU0CrI/AAAAAAABoQY/3pCli15fa2UFKvGnaFm3u_yPwEywOvx3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_9699.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be reunited!</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqxbYOz7QDg/YNxrrjax7dI/AAAAAAABoR8/RY-P7toaclAYIxPkH6FCzwA1hwxeWViuACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/The%2Bwinners%2Btaken%2Bby%2BJose.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqxbYOz7QDg/YNxrrjax7dI/AAAAAAABoR8/RY-P7toaclAYIxPkH6FCzwA1hwxeWViuACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/The%2Bwinners%2Btaken%2Bby%2BJose.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The WINNERS!!! Photo credit ~ Jose</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu4v-c1Se_g/YNxnw-9rd5I/AAAAAAABoQg/kMNc9QbRkXUKsrX5bko4hAlA1fth6ED3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9700.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu4v-c1Se_g/YNxnw-9rd5I/AAAAAAABoQg/kMNc9QbRkXUKsrX5bko4hAlA1fth6ED3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9700.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't get enough of this view!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoKf1VCAW_k/YNxnxkoZHCI/AAAAAAABoQk/INH83Y-KQyEPS16Yk5n92DnxPjMqphQ7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoKf1VCAW_k/YNxnxkoZHCI/AAAAAAABoQk/INH83Y-KQyEPS16Yk5n92DnxPjMqphQ7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_9705.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amigos!</td></tr></tbody></table>On the way back down, once we had passed the treacherous parts, which somehow no longer seemed to be so treacherous, we stopped to take a look at this small plaque, engrave with the name of the mountain. Wow! Wonder if all of the mountains on this island have name tags!!<div><br /></div><div>The way back to the cars seemed to go by far more quickly than the outbound trek. Soon we were packing away our hiking sticks and having a trail snack, preparing for the next stop on our tour... a lovely spring fountain hidden in in the forest just off the roadside! I LOVE that you can find these hidden treasures, and drink from the very life of the island we call home. Somehow it makes me feel more a part of this marvellous place!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPzoxT6ck9Y/YNxpeEx5-lI/AAAAAAABoQ4/ms-ELDFJnPITF5Dc7FGZEDAlQ5mDacJTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9709.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPzoxT6ck9Y/YNxpeEx5-lI/AAAAAAABoQ4/ms-ELDFJnPITF5Dc7FGZEDAlQ5mDacJTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9709.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zilmvmMLTC4/YNxpeCIZVCI/AAAAAAABoRA/sAn6OlrdJdwDSFpFajU3JEknpIuOoYi6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9711.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zilmvmMLTC4/YNxpeCIZVCI/AAAAAAABoRA/sAn6OlrdJdwDSFpFajU3JEknpIuOoYi6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9711.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad I still had my hiking shoes on!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-RFojndCgY/YNxpeNzd8nI/AAAAAAABoQ8/Owjbpwr8QjELlSqH_tcNu1MtOADha_JvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-RFojndCgY/YNxpeNzd8nI/AAAAAAABoQ8/Owjbpwr8QjELlSqH_tcNu1MtOADha_JvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h468/IMG_9714.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7xfoYIBsz-4" width="320" youtube-src-id="7xfoYIBsz-4"></iframe></div><br /><div>Refreshed and cooled by the spring water, we loaded up again and were off to visit a place I've had on my Google Map for a while, but have yet to visit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAHz45az2rA/YNxquaGSJQI/AAAAAAABoRQ/NKSEpiwXZqI0O2BfgHnQszkoK1GsmO4ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9724.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAHz45az2rA/YNxquaGSJQI/AAAAAAABoRQ/NKSEpiwXZqI0O2BfgHnQszkoK1GsmO4ogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9724.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>How happy I am to have waited to come to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AQk1pxEJGeo2fDB9A" target="_blank">Hacienda Los Maldonado </a>with our trusty guide! He took such good care of us and made sure we knew the significance what we were seeing (the owner did a talk, but only in Spanish). </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDqngJZ2K3s/YNxqnL5SvKI/AAAAAAABoRM/EQ4Jj_upggAxMkWaY9u_IyIYNLnJQiPDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDqngJZ2K3s/YNxqnL5SvKI/AAAAAAABoRM/EQ4Jj_upggAxMkWaY9u_IyIYNLnJQiPDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/IMG_9729.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>After the presentation, we were treated to the ~ now-familiar ~ Pitorro!!! Yes please!! It was very good, a nice combination of fruit and cinnamon!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aECDV_QI7yU/YNxq53MuJ2I/AAAAAAABoRU/iEnXicIVOysLuYnXgaPfypMVc_oaYKjMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9732.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aECDV_QI7yU/YNxq53MuJ2I/AAAAAAABoRU/iEnXicIVOysLuYnXgaPfypMVc_oaYKjMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_9732.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUckCXSN8sI/YNxq6OMdhvI/AAAAAAABoRc/ksuKwy7rP7c_2sCVBmpNtrcOR4oYu5PqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9734.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUckCXSN8sI/YNxq6OMdhvI/AAAAAAABoRc/ksuKwy7rP7c_2sCVBmpNtrcOR4oYu5PqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h430/IMG_9734.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9vfNEWjrkk/YNxq6Be51QI/AAAAAAABoRY/-iEf7toT8B8AUFP73CJSZKJuvB31iUpcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9737.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9vfNEWjrkk/YNxq6Be51QI/AAAAAAABoRY/-iEf7toT8B8AUFP73CJSZKJuvB31iUpcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9737.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gracious host and guide!</td></tr></tbody></table>After <strike>a couple or three</strike> a taste of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitorro" target="_blank">Pittoro</a>, we went around to each of the exhibits on the grounds. José explained the significant items to us, and answered our many questions. There are some more modern pieces mixed in amongst the authentic Taino artifacts found in this area through the years. The most amazing thing here became evident quickly... The owner of the property is an unbelievably talented wood carver! He has so many works of art displayed here... I'm amazed that they are not in a museum somewhere! <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LEidxZv1ac/YNxs_KfBBxI/AAAAAAABoSI/pcbX6KmM3446MKL_zUXD8LDff63SbS5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9747.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LEidxZv1ac/YNxs_KfBBxI/AAAAAAABoSI/pcbX6KmM3446MKL_zUXD8LDff63SbS5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/IMG_9747.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various artifacts old and older!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oADq94Zm0K8/YNxs-46ThgI/AAAAAAABoSE/-3M5vszqO7QA3VVQXXbUyPFnLFvfTygugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oADq94Zm0K8/YNxs-46ThgI/AAAAAAABoSE/-3M5vszqO7QA3VVQXXbUyPFnLFvfTygugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h472/IMG_9749.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the authentic Taino atifacts</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOcBhR4p9qs/YNxs_NrsGlI/AAAAAAABoSM/-perq4qOaschEqx8QCMWxSNvaNbSm72mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOcBhR4p9qs/YNxs_NrsGlI/AAAAAAABoSM/-perq4qOaschEqx8QCMWxSNvaNbSm72mgCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_9760.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful carving from a single piece of wood!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdDTsm_fwzs/YNxs_nyjaEI/AAAAAAABoSQ/SWotaKMfS8YseIuycTKbLDuhr7pBqrfLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdDTsm_fwzs/YNxs_nyjaEI/AAAAAAABoSQ/SWotaKMfS8YseIuycTKbLDuhr7pBqrfLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9771.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More wood carvings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ9X4hTwUTk/YNxs_-ZOkSI/AAAAAAABoSU/dnVigAzTm4c9Q9bUGZZVtMA_thN2n8X_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9778.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ9X4hTwUTk/YNxs_-ZOkSI/AAAAAAABoSU/dnVigAzTm4c9Q9bUGZZVtMA_thN2n8X_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w428-h640/IMG_9778.jpeg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, this from a single piece of wood!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JltLdbLOsk/YNxtAe6UmCI/AAAAAAABoSY/wgTTbwMUrx0bcakSwZyavdbIdXORjYA-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JltLdbLOsk/YNxtAe6UmCI/AAAAAAABoSY/wgTTbwMUrx0bcakSwZyavdbIdXORjYA-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9781.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqEk7G4nzw/YNxtA80excI/AAAAAAABoSc/AQ65OTqV1JYowEKUWbzKjBgCSi89hOYWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9784.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DqEk7G4nzw/YNxtA80excI/AAAAAAABoSc/AQ65OTqV1JYowEKUWbzKjBgCSi89hOYWACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_9784.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimensions of a <a href="https://www.andaluciaexplorer.com/2019/04/monday-morning-photo-biggest-mortar-and.html#:~:text=Andalucia%20Explorer&text=Recognised%20as%20so%20by%20the,weighs%20in%20at%205.82%20tons." target="_blank">previous world record holder</a>! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXVFIliKJtU/YNxtAwmaWBI/AAAAAAABoSg/n0DjZIeuLFgXZ2qMWKzY-fDl6Gj_eV1HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9786.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXVFIliKJtU/YNxtAwmaWBI/AAAAAAABoSg/n0DjZIeuLFgXZ2qMWKzY-fDl6Gj_eV1HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9786.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge Pilón, or Mortar and Pestle, held the world record until 2015!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-7SzuCQP2E/YNxtBaub0mI/AAAAAAABoSk/8obefqCrZrkmBCx8KJ9J9I_oCMO8XYUDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9787.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1506" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-7SzuCQP2E/YNxtBaub0mI/AAAAAAABoSk/8obefqCrZrkmBCx8KJ9J9I_oCMO8XYUDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w470-h640/IMG_9787.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3vuJlHVo8k/YNxtC6eZ4XI/AAAAAAABoSw/w3SkFZ5yXdoUq7tY9uWkHy9-L5r2bKCfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3vuJlHVo8k/YNxtC6eZ4XI/AAAAAAABoSw/w3SkFZ5yXdoUq7tY9uWkHy9-L5r2bKCfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/IMG_9802.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This piece of art was carved from a single tree ROOT!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haJVITVqYTk/YNxtC1aHn2I/AAAAAAABoSs/QJMDNZUGEzEBTiLxQebeXCjWMu8JQCfmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haJVITVqYTk/YNxtC1aHn2I/AAAAAAABoSs/QJMDNZUGEzEBTiLxQebeXCjWMu8JQCfmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9811.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj70dP4GQ-g/YNxtCkFuCDI/AAAAAAABoSo/xyuA09iWgSU_ODODn6n-6aeOP-yOYObkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj70dP4GQ-g/YNxtCkFuCDI/AAAAAAABoSo/xyuA09iWgSU_ODODn6n-6aeOP-yOYObkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9817.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm sure we didn't see everything, and we will come back again since it's so close to our house... but we were getting hot, and were about to drop from hunger! Next stop, NOT for food!!! Wait, what? There's more? Oh yeah, the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fKJzZ35Z8aYhTcGc8" target="_blank">petroglyphs</a> I've been dying to see for months! We followed our guide once more to an obscure location, where we got out and met the owner of the property where these Taino petroglyphs have been found. </div><div><br /></div><div>He chuckled as we were introduced and he found out that we had all come from so far away, just to gawk at his river rocks! The trail to this spot was much easier, and cooled by the forest canopy for most of the way. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpECzDNgkU/YNxvhgfARnI/AAAAAAABoTQ/nE4zWVH_p7I3ZpM4ONdPcHtUBTZPF-oGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpECzDNgkU/YNxvhgfARnI/AAAAAAABoTQ/nE4zWVH_p7I3ZpM4ONdPcHtUBTZPF-oGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9819.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUSIl7uYQM/YNxvhh0sbTI/AAAAAAABoTM/2ZR5jjTJrV45p79R2wGT8WM93vGQbw1xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUSIl7uYQM/YNxvhh0sbTI/AAAAAAABoTM/2ZR5jjTJrV45p79R2wGT8WM93vGQbw1xgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9832.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DIo1kNMcso/YNxviZGGDZI/AAAAAAABoTY/uoTRbuUbZ6kSfupsfkii_QPDQuxDpoUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DIo1kNMcso/YNxviZGGDZI/AAAAAAABoTY/uoTRbuUbZ6kSfupsfkii_QPDQuxDpoUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9834.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLYCfP8VnW4/YNxvi5wSHJI/AAAAAAABoTc/RnBuaII4NZko_vTEJR0jOXe3V8Bd1VCvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9840.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLYCfP8VnW4/YNxvi5wSHJI/AAAAAAABoTc/RnBuaII4NZko_vTEJR0jOXe3V8Bd1VCvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9840.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTQuq8QOKDQ/YNxvjIu5SlI/AAAAAAABoTg/9x9Ro_JvT9Y2IMfA1OVWMFscpz53f_eIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9844.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTQuq8QOKDQ/YNxvjIu5SlI/AAAAAAABoTg/9x9Ro_JvT9Y2IMfA1OVWMFscpz53f_eIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9844.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAURWyEe7Mg/YNxvjDw_r9I/AAAAAAABoTk/hLazOuuHG60npZnPHu3MaiUKXn3ndwjegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9854.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAURWyEe7Mg/YNxvjDw_r9I/AAAAAAABoTk/hLazOuuHG60npZnPHu3MaiUKXn3ndwjegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9854.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nK2S8QDBm9Q/YNxvj2boldI/AAAAAAABoTo/GXYXeOKLWLo4e_0K6L236mInom5dhHKXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nK2S8QDBm9Q/YNxvj2boldI/AAAAAAABoTo/GXYXeOKLWLo4e_0K6L236mInom5dhHKXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_9858.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-NY9Gwg7DM/YNxvj-ZKQwI/AAAAAAABoTw/qC8LJz686kEnwcVGBgozQrJOTGP7wyxeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2048" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-NY9Gwg7DM/YNxvj-ZKQwI/AAAAAAABoTw/qC8LJz686kEnwcVGBgozQrJOTGP7wyxeACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h253/IMG_9868.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mariposa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pkKoT3ojo/YNxvkvvVcfI/AAAAAAABoT0/6K33RGR2NlIAT5CP4baIdQUBU6hVWC4qACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6pkKoT3ojo/YNxvkvvVcfI/AAAAAAABoT0/6K33RGR2NlIAT5CP4baIdQUBU6hVWC4qACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/IMG_9875.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering around the riverbed, I found several possible petroglyph bits...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9NWOzG1W5I/YNxvlKXdF6I/AAAAAAABoT4/z3Zg5Ma_s-8LNFYpFHkueXwwkb-LtjVkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9876.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9NWOzG1W5I/YNxvlKXdF6I/AAAAAAABoT4/z3Zg5Ma_s-8LNFYpFHkueXwwkb-LtjVkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9876.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaya fields!</td></tr></tbody></table>Now we're REALLY hungry! We said our goodbyes, and loaded up to drive to our final destination of the day... Rene's BBQ. José ordered a huge pile of food for the group, and we fell silent as we ate ravenously... After spending the day, and the adventure, together, we all felt like good friends! While we were offered one more stop in Guayama for some history... we declined! It was 5:00 <strike>somewhere</strike> here, and we were dirty, sweaty and pleasantly exhausted from a full day of discovery. The best part of it all, is that there are many more secret spots to discover, and we will go again with our wonderful guide! Thanks a million for a wonderful day!</div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-35651585109853433932021-05-26T21:30:00.022-04:002021-05-30T14:57:14.045-04:00Girls On The Loose And Bruce ~ Rainforest Edition El Yunque<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnGva1PQvtM/YLO_-hXexQI/AAAAAAABnjw/-D-LN_4y3vkTZIMg4RR9b174pWLLZIElQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9020.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnGva1PQvtM/YLO_-hXexQI/AAAAAAABnjw/-D-LN_4y3vkTZIMg4RR9b174pWLLZIElQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9020.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded Caracol</td></tr></tbody></table>No way could we go back home without driving the 20 minutes more to visit the REAL El Yunque Rainforest!<p></p><p>But first, we take you to a continuation of our morning coffee hour. We are beginning to recognize the critters who hang out here! </p><p>This <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/9593038" target="_blank">Banded Caracol</a> snail has moved all of 8 inches in the 24 hours since we last looked in on him...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iJ6CjAVsF00" width="320" youtube-src-id="iJ6CjAVsF00"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0VMBGDfdB9E" width="320" youtube-src-id="0VMBGDfdB9E"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhuOPhIQ-uE/YLPFFQg3B6I/AAAAAAABnj4/4FS-emyLnbQtHrlrxpzbs-A7kV-DigndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9038.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhuOPhIQ-uE/YLPFFQg3B6I/AAAAAAABnj4/4FS-emyLnbQtHrlrxpzbs-A7kV-DigndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9038.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>While we enjoyed this morning's coffee, and a brief rain, we chatted with our resident Romeo... This cute little Anole Cristatellus - the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/elyunque/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev3_043040#:~:text=The%20Puerto%20Rican%20Crested%20Anole%20can%20be%20found%20throughout%20the,on%20the%20island%20of%20Hispaniola." target="_blank">Puerto Rican Crested Anole.</a> We have noticed that these Anoles come in a variety of shades and patterns, and their crests can vary as well. They also seem to be somewhat territorial, as we see the same lizards in the same places, day after day! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZmctXvSjKo/YLPFa8LoCvI/AAAAAAABnkA/FUXcp5vFWD8pQtzJrBzhKtuHIbiOZxuJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9033.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZmctXvSjKo/YLPFa8LoCvI/AAAAAAABnkA/FUXcp5vFWD8pQtzJrBzhKtuHIbiOZxuJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h474/IMG_9033.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>So this morning, just the same as yesterday, our Romeo was trying diligently to attract the favor of a certain petit brunette. Juliet is small, and cute as a button, with a really pretty design on her back. I think our Romeo is smitten. She, however, is still keeping her options open. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4M0UeQjfxQ/YLPFx2lxiZI/AAAAAAABnkI/xH2cQcF0GqQnehVmkbQLsgOugQjjqJeqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9047.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4M0UeQjfxQ/YLPFx2lxiZI/AAAAAAABnkI/xH2cQcF0GqQnehVmkbQLsgOugQjjqJeqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9047.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juliet is at the bottom left, and that's Romeo top right.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>For a solid 45 minutes, she never moved... while Romeo wandered around, doing pushups and <a href="https://animals.mom.com/anole-lizards-puff-out-throats-2468.html" target="_blank">puffing his dewlap,</a> jumping around on dew covered leaves and taking a little sip of water now and then. Today, we have noticed another mating ritual! Every time Romeo is within sight of the female, he begins to wave his tail seductively. Even I got a little turned on...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QcRhiXlLhZc" width="320" youtube-src-id="QcRhiXlLhZc"></iframe></div><p>While watching Romeo, we noticed that he has a busted nose, and we wondered what happened to him. He continued entertaining us with his antics, until suddenly, Juliet zipped across to the other side of the patio and disappeared around the back of the door! Romeo went over there, but she was still aloof, so he continued with his morning toilette. And then....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzcB9l1l8C8" width="320" youtube-src-id="gzcB9l1l8C8"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5UEV2RphRc/YLPHnLXqzeI/AAAAAAABnkQ/GbPVmdPd0QENekl30t1f4TvNNy4VwSfowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9068.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5UEV2RphRc/YLPHnLXqzeI/AAAAAAABnkQ/GbPVmdPd0QENekl30t1f4TvNNy4VwSfowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9068.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Bruiser on the corner top. Romeo is behind the door bottom</td></tr></tbody></table>I guess we know now what has happened to Romeo's snout! This beefy boy, Bruiser, appeared on the scene and Romeo fled back to the safety of his station behind the french door. From there, he could watch what was going on, but had plenty of notice should Bruiser decide to come rough him up some more. <p></p><p>Bruiser seemed confident in his virile superiority, and so began his pursuit of tiny Juliet unopposed... It was at this point, that we decided it was rude to continue with our documentary...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daSj4nHlEs4/YLPH7Y32TVI/AAAAAAABnkY/VlxkSTPE1rsSoJxKdpVclTDAyvuwTD9IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9070.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daSj4nHlEs4/YLPH7Y32TVI/AAAAAAABnkY/VlxkSTPE1rsSoJxKdpVclTDAyvuwTD9IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9070.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruiser has his eye on Juliet far below... I CAN'T LOOK!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glqlEASa4xE/YLPIMvCUAbI/AAAAAAABnkg/QrMZj1BI_UEsKtcHaUuUiGNdV_njHsqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9059.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glqlEASa4xE/YLPIMvCUAbI/AAAAAAABnkg/QrMZj1BI_UEsKtcHaUuUiGNdV_njHsqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h404/IMG_9059.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOOK!!! A BIRD!! This Reina Mora eyed our lizards briefly before vacating the area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgyXscuAPBE/YLPKN7zpMXI/AAAAAAABnko/Ja5FOVP4bn4RM3ql6S-wLxZtb6gcAA3dACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9076.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1718" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgyXscuAPBE/YLPKN7zpMXI/AAAAAAABnko/Ja5FOVP4bn4RM3ql6S-wLxZtb6gcAA3dACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9076.jpeg" /></a></div>Snapping out of it... we remembered that this morning, we had to check out of our rainforest paradise. But not before we took another little stroll around the grounds. I was so happy to see that the Crepe Ginger has decided top flower for my personal enjoyment! These are one of my favorite tropical flowers, not that all of the gingers aren't extraordinary!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZLBDzpLEOU/YLPKWHi10CI/AAAAAAABnks/BFa3swD8VSkZ9hniwHNKEoxT9SDS766lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9075.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZLBDzpLEOU/YLPKWHi10CI/AAAAAAABnks/BFa3swD8VSkZ9hniwHNKEoxT9SDS766lgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9075.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBGy6EVUvrQ/YLPKjEK4VQI/AAAAAAABnk0/ySPEZybV1xwLX1J5gw8s3iSP4RRiPMrJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9084.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBGy6EVUvrQ/YLPKjEK4VQI/AAAAAAABnk0/ySPEZybV1xwLX1J5gw8s3iSP4RRiPMrJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9084.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy houses</td></tr></tbody></table>We packed our bags, cleaned out the B&B and loaded our gear and our selves into the car... before breakfast! Our plan was to continue on up 191 to see if we could get into El Yunque from the south end... then to head off to brunch at a place I've been dying to try! Yes, this trip is also about food!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLPVhq9fB4/YLPLEdA2vDI/AAAAAAABnlA/7x5MANJ4yeYy_FG1_Z_9eWR2ngzNdKL6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9107.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLPVhq9fB4/YLPLEdA2vDI/AAAAAAABnlA/7x5MANJ4yeYy_FG1_Z_9eWR2ngzNdKL6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9107.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The drive up into the rainforest on 191 is nothing short of spectacular. There are B&Bs up there that we think maybe we might check out sometime... But today, we're only going for a look-see, and to kill time until the brunch place opens. <div><br /></div><div>We parked outside the gate-that-never-opens... and continued on into the official National Park grounds. We crossed a river and walked down the road. It is becoming more and more covered with fallen leaves, but it's still in pretty good shape for a stroll. I remember coming here in 2016, and we had a picnic beside a tiny stream with itty-bitty falls and deliciously refreshing mountain water! Who knows if it's still here or not...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W32nLfB_nI/YLPMO0uPJhI/AAAAAAABnlI/wgPXPsYJf3Uqglkoez-qk8mz_82McOiQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9111.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="2048" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W32nLfB_nI/YLPMO0uPJhI/AAAAAAABnlI/wgPXPsYJf3Uqglkoez-qk8mz_82McOiQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h340/IMG_9111.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w-OLqAFcHg/YLPMPDdzh8I/AAAAAAABnlQ/m1jVZDlZBy8Le5hm2oc40MT8HSz7PuYkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9114.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1997" data-original-width="2048" height="624" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0w-OLqAFcHg/YLPMPDdzh8I/AAAAAAABnlQ/m1jVZDlZBy8Le5hm2oc40MT8HSz7PuYkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h624/IMG_9114.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TboSV80Yx7Y/YLPMO44YsmI/AAAAAAABnlM/OlcPmrtl62URScJoKsM2jpKdbr9C09nCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9117.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TboSV80Yx7Y/YLPMO44YsmI/AAAAAAABnlM/OlcPmrtl62URScJoKsM2jpKdbr9C09nCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9117.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPjP-fSZxi0/YLPMP1CtqaI/AAAAAAABnlU/k1Ye9-bywjI8RVcg91j5-tGZ8RPiJTB5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9190.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPjP-fSZxi0/YLPMP1CtqaI/AAAAAAABnlU/k1Ye9-bywjI8RVcg91j5-tGZ8RPiJTB5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9190.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that crazy-awesome rock!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1783" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOUZizToCYI/YLPMiMO4YaI/AAAAAAABnlo/TDFAVKD_asMF4HV4Fu2TMdl7nRjL25uoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w349-h400/IMG_9087.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="349" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPagePR.asp?TXCODE=Vignvexi" target="_blank">Frijole Cimarrón</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOUZizToCYI/YLPMiMO4YaI/AAAAAAABnlo/TDFAVKD_asMF4HV4Fu2TMdl7nRjL25uoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9087.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOrel-zWC1o/YLPQdxCEd4I/AAAAAAABnmg/W4XBAUhsW4odWCaL9-gqeIojU-KbjK2GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9109.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOrel-zWC1o/YLPQdxCEd4I/AAAAAAABnmg/W4XBAUhsW4odWCaL9-gqeIojU-KbjK2GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h420/IMG_9109.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The endemic <a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begonia_decandra" target="_blank">Begonia Decandra</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFoGAAnvkX8/YLPMj5MKonI/AAAAAAABnls/Hh-HojDnc4QPZwcOodC2on3BwrvStmyFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9118.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFoGAAnvkX8/YLPMj5MKonI/AAAAAAABnls/Hh-HojDnc4QPZwcOodC2on3BwrvStmyFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h472/IMG_9118.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heliconia Caribaea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaNIozvQm0M/YLPRfrI3W5I/AAAAAAABnms/TJfk4AXDJfEhKzFkfrZRkeRI702R8EpGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9121.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1731" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaNIozvQm0M/YLPRfrI3W5I/AAAAAAABnms/TJfk4AXDJfEhKzFkfrZRkeRI702R8EpGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w338-h400/IMG_9121.jpeg" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every wonder where babies come from?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ixCJ8Oz5c/YLPMtqu1lUI/AAAAAAABnl0/Gp-zDo-odVMgE09XQecE6ysaq9JQ5_u_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9124.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ixCJ8Oz5c/YLPMtqu1lUI/AAAAAAABnl0/Gp-zDo-odVMgE09XQecE6ysaq9JQ5_u_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9124.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ScJm_wDYZA/YLPMuqBlrcI/AAAAAAABnl8/KkL7Gjvz5fQT9XfG4-pQ2QF4Jz-NiPSogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9127.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ScJm_wDYZA/YLPMuqBlrcI/AAAAAAABnl8/KkL7Gjvz5fQT9XfG4-pQ2QF4Jz-NiPSogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9127.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHDtzDvky2w/YLPMtwng3XI/AAAAAAABnl4/As2BpROneeg6DW0CxBu_p8rw0xuYEZuWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9129.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHDtzDvky2w/YLPMtwng3XI/AAAAAAABnl4/As2BpROneeg6DW0CxBu_p8rw0xuYEZuWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9129.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://identify.plantnet.org/antilles/species/Gonzalagunia%20hirsuta%20(Jacq.)%20K.Schum./data" target="_blank">Mata de Mariposa</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFeDcDKoxck/YLPMvE2FtCI/AAAAAAABnmA/U-FMBBGG64wrSsW7bb-5G5EbHqD3gMtUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9135.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFeDcDKoxck/YLPMvE2FtCI/AAAAAAABnmA/U-FMBBGG64wrSsW7bb-5G5EbHqD3gMtUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9135.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay! Our little tiny waterfall is still here!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Walking through the sun dappled, fresh mountain air, is most soothing. Of course, I have to take pictures of EVERY flower we see, and I've <strike>spent hours and hours</strike> enjoyed learning their names! I have found two really nice resources for identifying <a href="http://edicionesdigitales.info/misc/flores.pdf?fbclid=IwAR07d1qGmkmEOiXZ2XnneYYzVokq-gA83SC6jievS-675r6IawOBguBIH8M" target="_blank">flowers</a> and <a href="http://edicionesdigitales.info/faunacasera/faunacasera.pdf" target="_blank">critters </a>here in Puerto Rico. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JFPGA3MlXGo" width="320" youtube-src-id="JFPGA3MlXGo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu45MQrxkW0/YLPTu68y0aI/AAAAAAABnm4/52xYTodZJgwWS1hvGN6_3BIKhf6elomqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6766.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu45MQrxkW0/YLPTu68y0aI/AAAAAAABnm4/52xYTodZJgwWS1hvGN6_3BIKhf6elomqACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6766.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Mi Amiga, Sue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cox-PrnUyI4/YLPUeuHl0QI/AAAAAAABnnE/-UUqL4FBWUsbLB-UJ7pWrk7DMxSoyP9vACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9140.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1852" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cox-PrnUyI4/YLPUeuHl0QI/AAAAAAABnnE/-UUqL4FBWUsbLB-UJ7pWrk7DMxSoyP9vACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9140.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see some tiny sparkles?</td></tr></tbody></table>Of course, I slipped out of my flip flops, and climbed right on up to that tiny little pool. The waterfall might have been in somebody's private garden, but if you look close, you can see that there are treasures coming down from the mountain heights. The gravel sparkles with little flecks of GOLD! Now I'm not going to kid myself, I'm sure it's Fool's Gold (is it???), but I took one little piece home with me just in case I ever need a fall-back plan. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DU_vsZXK0DQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="DU_vsZXK0DQ"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVtxh8sIxWc/YLPUtvwvWOI/AAAAAAABnnI/jq-206ykfp4zhwcNd5UgIcjBlCgE9ZG_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9138.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVtxh8sIxWc/YLPUtvwvWOI/AAAAAAABnnI/jq-206ykfp4zhwcNd5UgIcjBlCgE9ZG_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9138.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gold fleck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysMrCOJS7_M/YLPUu_ghO7I/AAAAAAABnnQ/sGpZCJx3nhIzmcSRcH0krcxC0CPbe7MOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9141.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysMrCOJS7_M/YLPUu_ghO7I/AAAAAAABnnQ/sGpZCJx3nhIzmcSRcH0krcxC0CPbe7MOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9141.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain hair, don't care!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xLVsYdkqlQ/YLPUu_k88wI/AAAAAAABnnU/QZxbkhEgiPMuPN2SgHEPP-a3sa5jGSj9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9143.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xLVsYdkqlQ/YLPUu_k88wI/AAAAAAABnnU/QZxbkhEgiPMuPN2SgHEPP-a3sa5jGSj9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9143.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to lure Sue into the stream to help me get my gold down without getting my butt wet!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOyf7fu7lWw/YLPVq3c3AdI/AAAAAAABnnk/EdcUK57Rwe06LpDscbO0xq67V60pG3KQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOyf7fu7lWw/YLPVq3c3AdI/AAAAAAABnnk/EdcUK57Rwe06LpDscbO0xq67V60pG3KQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9154.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL2dnYrQSDA/YLPVrA1D0GI/AAAAAAABnno/EB14QJRTlzIOWYKiOfbSvJMb0iSgEbo4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9153.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL2dnYrQSDA/YLPVrA1D0GI/AAAAAAABnno/EB14QJRTlzIOWYKiOfbSvJMb0iSgEbo4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9153.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp1fQpq5Y5s/YLPVqmljUPI/AAAAAAABnng/5GPUA2OjfQU0Jrg9Qt5dVC98BPXMh175QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9147.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp1fQpq5Y5s/YLPVqmljUPI/AAAAAAABnng/5GPUA2OjfQU0Jrg9Qt5dVC98BPXMh175QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9147.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mata de Mariposa bears fruit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA_LnF9nx-s/YLPVrCdeGdI/AAAAAAABnns/a2ZfGrC1504iGGZQMFHaB49kHXmlMi9BACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9159.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA_LnF9nx-s/YLPVrCdeGdI/AAAAAAABnns/a2ZfGrC1504iGGZQMFHaB49kHXmlMi9BACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9159.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/430174-Gaeotis-flavolineata" target="_blank">The Puerto Rican Semi-Slug</a>. Wait, WHAT??</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/erTOKKuFoHo" width="320" youtube-src-id="erTOKKuFoHo"></iframe></div><br /><div>We continued on a bit further. It seems that every time I say we will turn back at the next bend in the road... there's another bend up ahead! We noticed that there has been a mudslide on the side of the road, and the forest has simply continued growing right there where it landed! Gotta love nature!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p713aL_ccM0/YLPWeVvqAiI/AAAAAAABnn8/DrH1yGp_apgaJ4Dr_Gpb8bB-tiP_58BeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9187.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p713aL_ccM0/YLPWeVvqAiI/AAAAAAABnn8/DrH1yGp_apgaJ4Dr_Gpb8bB-tiP_58BeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9187.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mudslide has come back to life!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yS1s8N2UvE/YLPWp6H2WgI/AAAAAAABnoA/8Hnqz3-DjIEZt7tWzPdubLorGwP5ZnEhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9183.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yS1s8N2UvE/YLPWp6H2WgI/AAAAAAABnoA/8Hnqz3-DjIEZt7tWzPdubLorGwP5ZnEhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9183.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did see a couple of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubus_rosifolius" target="_blank">raspberries</a>, but we left them. This is the flower that comes first.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moKO4mZtJTY/YLPWp5XkYdI/AAAAAAABnoE/yRn6yFQipaQ7A1qf8UVDtHRgb9ru-u1jACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9185.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-moKO4mZtJTY/YLPWp5XkYdI/AAAAAAABnoE/yRn6yFQipaQ7A1qf8UVDtHRgb9ru-u1jACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9185.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwigia_octovalvis" target="_blank">Mexican Primrose</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jksbFY3Jos0/YLPWqAhiqKI/AAAAAAABnoI/eJURn7qFbyUT-SL3jrLzOn1vwSxpel54QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9189.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jksbFY3Jos0/YLPWqAhiqKI/AAAAAAABnoI/eJURn7qFbyUT-SL3jrLzOn1vwSxpel54QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9189.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time's up! Heading back to the car to go EAT!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ACVr4y13cw/YLPWqXoycdI/AAAAAAABnoM/hNIuqLe76bILTP7kllWdkh0NHdhInz83wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9193.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ACVr4y13cw/YLPWqXoycdI/AAAAAAABnoM/hNIuqLe76bILTP7kllWdkh0NHdhInz83wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9193.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But wait... WHAT are these little butterfly things???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMb1CfEAKKc/YLPWqTMMbFI/AAAAAAABnoQ/EXT6asuKjzwDMRLAca8vIQzxVGINojHYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9194.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMb1CfEAKKc/YLPWqTMMbFI/AAAAAAABnoQ/EXT6asuKjzwDMRLAca8vIQzxVGINojHYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_9194.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_3sUNUotY/YLPWqpthGFI/AAAAAAABnoU/mXj-SVl2vss7bg1PAaHJkKbXb3vgWFAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9201.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1665" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_3sUNUotY/YLPWqpthGFI/AAAAAAABnoU/mXj-SVl2vss7bg1PAaHJkKbXb3vgWFAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w520-h640/IMG_9201.jpeg" width="520" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turns out, they're young Begonia Decandra (see mature flowers above)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>There truly is an abundance of awesomeness, all over this island! All you have to do is look around, and it practically finds you! But we are beginning to be ravenous, and looking forward to the whipped-creamy goodness that is the promised brunch... We drove the 25 minutes to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/h3Zt1wsNtkzuvDZY7" target="_blank">Aromas de Kaffa</a>, and were horrified to find their "cerrado" sign out! Not a light was on in the place. Come to think of it... there wasn't a light on in town! I quickly consulted their Facebook page, and much to my chagrin... they just posted an update. <i>Due to a power outage... they remain closed today!</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>OMFG!!! Now what! I've got Susan looking at me with the stink-eye, and she's beginning to growl. Why is this happening to us??? We're good people. We've been charitable. Our Karma is shiny!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I consult the Google, and find the next place... and off we go. Another 13 minutes, with Susan's mood rapidly deteriorating in the seat beside me. I begin to have my doubts as Google takes us into a residential area. We have arrived. Nope. Nothing here! Well crap!</div><div><br /></div><div>She's looking at me again... and I'm starting to become uncomfortable with that steely glare... So, I find yet ANOTHER place on Google. Come on Google... don't fail me again. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2w715d1Djs/YLPZif1UV5I/AAAAAAABnos/4GoS-ae6YjEuySBIeWKnRN0wvDp8jWeKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9212.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2w715d1Djs/YLPZif1UV5I/AAAAAAABnos/4GoS-ae6YjEuySBIeWKnRN0wvDp8jWeKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9212.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is THAT???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I think Sue is going to hit me as I whip into the drive next to this magnificent tree for a photo! I think it's actually a type of pterocarpus. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterocarpus_indicus" target="_blank">Pterocarpus indicus</a>, or India Padauk, if you can believe the book I bought recently for this purpose... OK, on we go. She's fading...</div><div><br /></div><div>We arrive to the next, and final brunch place of the day, and hallelujah, they're open! I tell Sue to go on in and get us a table while Bruce searches for his mask... And... it was a wait, but finally, satisfaction. <a href="https://g.page/elkafehumacao?share" target="_blank">El Kafe</a> in Humacao, to the rescue!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mstQZFD47No/YLPbSAGikEI/AAAAAAABno4/MAX9a4I63_MnTAcvW9GfvUb7Bq81PeKXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9216.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mstQZFD47No/YLPbSAGikEI/AAAAAAABno4/MAX9a4I63_MnTAcvW9GfvUb7Bq81PeKXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9216.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast box for three...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o33hfvcix1M/YLPbSCEUwGI/AAAAAAABno0/s7b-zk7mFaIeihPJAhKC-G_ISZR3SeY4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9217.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o33hfvcix1M/YLPbSCEUwGI/AAAAAAABno0/s7b-zk7mFaIeihPJAhKC-G_ISZR3SeY4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9217.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>It wasn't until after we had ordered, that Sue told us she wanted French toast, and so we had to take on more of this three-person-meal than we expected... But we made a valiant effort! Still with leftovers, we packed ourselves back home.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05-1caM7SYM/YLPb-TKzwHI/AAAAAAABnpE/I-Cd3hl3Gz8gSYDtpBjCuDa3TgZCbZkDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9223.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05-1caM7SYM/YLPb-TKzwHI/AAAAAAABnpE/I-Cd3hl3Gz8gSYDtpBjCuDa3TgZCbZkDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think he's a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_coqu%C3%AD" target="_blank">Common Coqui</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Just as I was relaxing with the washing machine chugging away, Susan called me to come down to her place. URGENT!</div><div><br /></div><div>Seems that when she collected her semi-wet towel from the post back at the B&B, she didn't notice the stowaway when she stuffed the towel into her bag. That is, until she began doing her laundry!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sue knows I'm desperate to see these little guys, but I guess you have to sleep in a tent to be worthy of that honor! Next time, I'm camping!!</div><div>This concludes our little staycation festivities. We will DEFINITELY come back to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/A1Uf3pZuDqFkwjHZ9" target="_blank">Casa Parcha</a>! And, we can't wait for our next adventure with our Amiga, Sue!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BzYOzBtOnfE" width="320" youtube-src-id="BzYOzBtOnfE"></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-68482801855306479192021-05-25T21:30:00.003-04:002021-05-30T12:39:21.905-04:00Girls On The Loose And Bruce ~ Rainforest Edition Casa Parcha<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBPOiMiTRBM/YLIRPpRnytI/AAAAAAABndQ/UXbLWZKLhhoAdS3-MyS-VR4oONuoiBTdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8786.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBPOiMiTRBM/YLIRPpRnytI/AAAAAAABndQ/UXbLWZKLhhoAdS3-MyS-VR4oONuoiBTdACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h291/IMG_8786.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Usually when we do staycations, or any other 'cations for that matter... I try to pack in as much from the "to do" list as I possibly can. But here at Casa Parcha, much of what there is to do is to just chill! Today, I gave it my best shot! <p></p><p>First we began with a leisurely TWO cups of coffee (OK, they were small cups...) on our own cute little patio. The sun doesn't reach Casa Parcha very early, so we had an extended coffee hour. Slowing down gave us the opportunity to get acquainted with the forest creature flora and fauna that live here! Were beginning to recognize the lizards!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUONcRGVoLk/YLIRhm8E2tI/AAAAAAABndc/ALD1Uz6u6yc7xgetQN8ojrBLCabgB0dVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8796.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2048" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUONcRGVoLk/YLIRhm8E2tI/AAAAAAABndc/ALD1Uz6u6yc7xgetQN8ojrBLCabgB0dVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h490/IMG_8796.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/pleurodontidae_snails.htm" target="_blank">Banded Caracol</a> land snail eating this palm.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjvYE_zYOpM/YLIRhZq9bLI/AAAAAAABndY/cQesIy6hoycIQO2cyERE2pq2vnZndAoggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8797.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1549" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjvYE_zYOpM/YLIRhZq9bLI/AAAAAAABndY/cQesIy6hoycIQO2cyERE2pq2vnZndAoggCLcBGAsYHQ/w485-h640/IMG_8797.jpeg" width="485" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crepe Ginger is one of the "spiral" varieties. </td></tr></tbody></table>We didn't want to wake Susan if she was still enjoying her comfey mattress, so we took a little walk around the grounds. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkmJIdIQy08/YLIUUtjNJ2I/AAAAAAABndw/B7XVq3OC-Sg_Wu35sYFGGCOpqY6viEWOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8800.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkmJIdIQy08/YLIUUtjNJ2I/AAAAAAABndw/B7XVq3OC-Sg_Wu35sYFGGCOpqY6viEWOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8800.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the common area where tent campers can relax and dine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLrQKiXrhdQ/YLIUUqeRFmI/AAAAAAABnds/kOL2B9sWEj0JsdwufNiaw3onpGpGxIrUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8801.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLrQKiXrhdQ/YLIUUqeRFmI/AAAAAAABnds/kOL2B9sWEj0JsdwufNiaw3onpGpGxIrUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8801.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent campers have this cute little kitchenette to use!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWRssoFak40/YLIUU06Xh8I/AAAAAAABnd0/yQ9XHg4qtLciLPU3r6TdVyvuIFUL8VSRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8808.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWRssoFak40/YLIUU06Xh8I/AAAAAAABnd0/yQ9XHg4qtLciLPU3r6TdVyvuIFUL8VSRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8808.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little patio</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--YJW1gUJYos/YLJB1V0dfBI/AAAAAAABnjE/5x421EftuHMdDax1S8tZih7VDoZYpYi_wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9099.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--YJW1gUJYos/YLJB1V0dfBI/AAAAAAABnjE/5x421EftuHMdDax1S8tZih7VDoZYpYi_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9099.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pagoda Plant fascinates me! The little flowers grow in a spiral...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9bx7wBgNok/YLJB96IJ6rI/AAAAAAABnjQ/nghKxAKl9-MKEObI3v1PtRervLARmpOnACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9096.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9bx7wBgNok/YLJB96IJ6rI/AAAAAAABnjQ/nghKxAKl9-MKEObI3v1PtRervLARmpOnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9096.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlN0W4G2sGE/YLJB-lNdx2I/AAAAAAABnjU/2zUUf3mZg0gPf9DKNqygCYc6quBhZmBcgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9094.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlN0W4G2sGE/YLJB-lNdx2I/AAAAAAABnjU/2zUUf3mZg0gPf9DKNqygCYc6quBhZmBcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9094.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But if you look from the top, you find THIS!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdXmpi0bInA/YLJB9wSQrsI/AAAAAAABnjM/Eo877qdZ4PUQuAnb88qAxE09cQVYRd5OACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9093.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdXmpi0bInA/YLJB9wSQrsI/AAAAAAABnjM/Eo877qdZ4PUQuAnb88qAxE09cQVYRd5OACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9093.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8K48eDUTRg/YLIUu3kfojI/AAAAAAABneA/iLZp3XdDMYo2iuD3FJ_9_JUEF0nds67kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/12AE8EBD-D662-4F5C-B966-9A773E4C3121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8K48eDUTRg/YLIUu3kfojI/AAAAAAABneA/iLZp3XdDMYo2iuD3FJ_9_JUEF0nds67kwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/12AE8EBD-D662-4F5C-B966-9A773E4C3121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpinia_zerumbet" target="_blank">Shell Ginger</a> growing alongside the pathway</td></tr></tbody></table>Before too long, Susan found us, and we got dressed for a walk upriver to take a look at the public access portion of Charco el Hippie. It is nice to have this part to ourselves, but it would also be nice to come here sometime on a day trip, just to enjoy the river. It is close enough to our home to easily visit for the day. <div><br /></div><div>Of course I have to take pictures of EVERY flower along the way... But you know what? That's how I learn! And what I learned today, was that this is NOT a Bird of Paradise. Nope! It's a FALSE Bird of Paradise, and actually a type of Heliconia! We are in Heliconia Heaven here in the rainforest!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR1mNIcBkuU/YLIVmqlWmLI/AAAAAAABneQ/_1CeiUpv3XQIMLgKyLaldIDNqNBgAxD5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8812.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1849" data-original-width="2048" height="578" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR1mNIcBkuU/YLIVmqlWmLI/AAAAAAABneQ/_1CeiUpv3XQIMLgKyLaldIDNqNBgAxD5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h578/IMG_8812.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tropilab.com/parrotsbeak.html" target="_blank">False Bird of Paradise</a>, Parrot Beak Heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum?)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsMlgR-SdS4/YLIVmaSdEkI/AAAAAAABneM/bAjNR0fto0gYvwIKcEDHszASlBRWifIUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8813.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="2048" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EsMlgR-SdS4/YLIVmaSdEkI/AAAAAAABneM/bAjNR0fto0gYvwIKcEDHszASlBRWifIUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h332/IMG_8813.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another new flower for me... this field of green with little yellow Pinto Peanut flowers popping up!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8bb0QqWGJk/YLIVmXjbhkI/AAAAAAABneI/YPzIqhL07Okd6ekfKsvFBkJZeER9Qon6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1718/IMG_8814.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="1150" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8bb0QqWGJk/YLIVmXjbhkI/AAAAAAABneI/YPzIqhL07Okd6ekfKsvFBkJZeER9Qon6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/IMG_8814.jpeg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachis_pintoi" target="_blank">Pinto Peanut</a></td></tr></tbody></table>All along the edge of the driveway coming in, there are vines with the property's namesake, the Passionfruit (PARCHA), growing profusely! I have rarely seen the passion flower, and was a little disappointed that we missed them, but this was my first time seeing the fruit growing. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcPZkq46ots/YLI23UlJX6I/AAAAAAABneg/APLsaFU4kHUfYTcU8gVHkyFgJuhL2ZXAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcPZkq46ots/YLI23UlJX6I/AAAAAAABneg/APLsaFU4kHUfYTcU8gVHkyFgJuhL2ZXAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/IMG_8819.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCOlBDSL0Zc/YLI3NJDg3oI/AAAAAAABnes/3hq4uuFjKbooc5YBRdLKGCMVirnVBNWigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8822.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1909" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCOlBDSL0Zc/YLI3NJDg3oI/AAAAAAABnes/3hq4uuFjKbooc5YBRdLKGCMVirnVBNWigCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h373/IMG_8822.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canna Indica, or more commonly the Indian Shot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsgCEmufBs/YLI3N-lvgHI/AAAAAAABnew/5ihjRDsGC3sDnG3VvYgeb7Z5WqXPmfE8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8826.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsgCEmufBs/YLI3N-lvgHI/AAAAAAABnew/5ihjRDsGC3sDnG3VvYgeb7Z5WqXPmfE8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8826.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Heliconia!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7_KlE0_ck/YLI3P0bQZ6I/AAAAAAABne0/eex2w2-ixRUQC5OWTi04iWjkxiIv3ngGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7_KlE0_ck/YLI3P0bQZ6I/AAAAAAABne0/eex2w2-ixRUQC5OWTi04iWjkxiIv3ngGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8828.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somebody needs another cup of coffee...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApQyOr8Pmj4/YLI3SUAcu7I/AAAAAAABne4/p_PA_9A0wEAwtsin2lnWoWmAHQqMforUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApQyOr8Pmj4/YLI3SUAcu7I/AAAAAAABne4/p_PA_9A0wEAwtsin2lnWoWmAHQqMforUACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_8829.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks very inviting, doesn't it? </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Leaving the Casa Parcha property, we turned to the right and continued on up the narrow road to the public access portion of the Rio Blanco at Charco el Hippie. Immediately we noticed the growing amounts of trash left behind by careless visitors. It's very disheartening to see. People, just take your trash with you when you leave, so that these priceless natural areas can remain beautiful for all to enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>We climbed down the path to the water's edge for a look around. These huge boulders are simply fascinating to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rf-Le9K2Qh8" width="320" youtube-src-id="rf-Le9K2Qh8"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSrAoFOl8Uw/YLI4d91wogI/AAAAAAABnfM/tki4nuCUfVgSbxaWGmAcrVZjXR43ufPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8837.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSrAoFOl8Uw/YLI4d91wogI/AAAAAAABnfM/tki4nuCUfVgSbxaWGmAcrVZjXR43ufPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8837.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fcw049grOY/YLI4cl5sjOI/AAAAAAABnfI/H4BTUib7inoV2q1xuxPKAqZirIZLGTBRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fcw049grOY/YLI4cl5sjOI/AAAAAAABnfI/H4BTUib7inoV2q1xuxPKAqZirIZLGTBRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/IMG_8843.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Hybiscus</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEYS_5Mn1kE/YLI4caVgADI/AAAAAAABnfE/G3tJQT5Ug8YA6xPSEU1u1_rvGtBO1z6ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8846.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEYS_5Mn1kE/YLI4caVgADI/AAAAAAABnfE/G3tJQT5Ug8YA6xPSEU1u1_rvGtBO1z6ewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h390/IMG_8846.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzzvi3X79ic/YLI4ikxLTcI/AAAAAAABnfQ/CouRGua5tXsNSJRd2m3pJZKSR8GfRU_xACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8848.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzzvi3X79ic/YLI4ikxLTcI/AAAAAAABnfQ/CouRGua5tXsNSJRd2m3pJZKSR8GfRU_xACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8848.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PY4NowipxU/YLI4jO5dDXI/AAAAAAABnfU/jLERgX1Z5MciZiqiIBbVy40Dw9JQnh-pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PY4NowipxU/YLI4jO5dDXI/AAAAAAABnfU/jLERgX1Z5MciZiqiIBbVy40Dw9JQnh-pQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h372/IMG_8849.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXY90e_bgtg/YLI6AKSGRCI/AAAAAAABnfo/D8aVTgJRJ5sMar5Kc3HAl4mHq-AfSA-WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXY90e_bgtg/YLI6AKSGRCI/AAAAAAABnfo/D8aVTgJRJ5sMar5Kc3HAl4mHq-AfSA-WACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_8862.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would STILL love to find a coqui!</td></tr></tbody></table>We took a couple of trails that led further upriver, but while it is nice here early in the morning before anyone else arrived, we knew this place would be filling up soon, and we have a perfectly lovely pool right outside our door! So, back to Casa Parcha we went!<br /><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geOQmsYxgF4/YLI6UWlGSnI/AAAAAAABnf8/ps0x0Kk9xW4EH9wldu7yegoUbuF66kPtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1387" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geOQmsYxgF4/YLI6UWlGSnI/AAAAAAABnf8/ps0x0Kk9xW4EH9wldu7yegoUbuF66kPtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w434-h640/IMG_8865.jpeg" width="434" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantain growing on the Casa Parcha grounds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcDgPPEyTgc/YLI6Sclx3kI/AAAAAAABnf0/ViWiEw0g_AU-gvadrRPV5zHHOMBPPL5vACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8869.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcDgPPEyTgc/YLI6Sclx3kI/AAAAAAABnf0/ViWiEw0g_AU-gvadrRPV5zHHOMBPPL5vACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8869.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantain flower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gMZAci46p4/YLI6Q57NCtI/AAAAAAABnfw/fKqUG98C1dEsPMz_ZlrOhdK8E8f2vJnRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1181" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gMZAci46p4/YLI6Q57NCtI/AAAAAAABnfw/fKqUG98C1dEsPMz_ZlrOhdK8E8f2vJnRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w370-h640/IMG_8875.jpeg" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Claw Heliconia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMw-CwZAO40/YLI6UFrTqUI/AAAAAAABnf4/ixcx1CgT6SIc17pkKMlo84pwKGIUeqbgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8879.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMw-CwZAO40/YLI6UFrTqUI/AAAAAAABnf4/ixcx1CgT6SIc17pkKMlo84pwKGIUeqbgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8879.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Ginger</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZEqeL4kEw/YLI6VtDj7hI/AAAAAAABngA/zQoqhj8CptYWuIC1KQ6Igceb7dyI9SthQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8883.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZEqeL4kEw/YLI6VtDj7hI/AAAAAAABngA/zQoqhj8CptYWuIC1KQ6Igceb7dyI9SthQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8883.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdHwRBuE0FY/YLI6Wp-QkxI/AAAAAAABngE/iDorJd823X4AFAclMtii-UCKkP4bRmHmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8887.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdHwRBuE0FY/YLI6Wp-QkxI/AAAAAAABngE/iDorJd823X4AFAclMtii-UCKkP4bRmHmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8887.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VOypoYN5a8s" width="320" youtube-src-id="VOypoYN5a8s"></iframe></div><br /><div>We sat down by the river, watching the lizards chase one another around, and waiting for it to get warm enough to swim... Eventually we talked ourselves into trying one more time, the Mexican Food restaurant we found closed the previous day. So, we drove back into Naguabo and this time... we got lucky! They were open!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d7eOGUJGvs/YLI7QPSK_fI/AAAAAAABngc/LdY85ViqcN4VL_lf_yDCGcvY2rNsEITSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8912.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d7eOGUJGvs/YLI7QPSK_fI/AAAAAAABngc/LdY85ViqcN4VL_lf_yDCGcvY2rNsEITSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h308/IMG_8912.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AugtgWy2Q7o/YLI7QUNOkhI/AAAAAAABngg/WNF_-MV29NcswbSaF6wCJvD-K9eqQZpCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8914.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AugtgWy2Q7o/YLI7QUNOkhI/AAAAAAABngg/WNF_-MV29NcswbSaF6wCJvD-K9eqQZpCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h372/IMG_8914.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d114Bh7lhno/YLI7QE2kZ6I/AAAAAAABngY/zenuXL2H-c0ZBCmJYd8KAOB1LeQEoYA1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8915.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="2048" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d114Bh7lhno/YLI7QE2kZ6I/AAAAAAABngY/zenuXL2H-c0ZBCmJYd8KAOB1LeQEoYA1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h293/IMG_8915.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BHBl5hPH0M/YLI7UMkdsfI/AAAAAAABngk/OPknpWSKlWMZA9GICBhZukCyPP7NceaOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BHBl5hPH0M/YLI7UMkdsfI/AAAAAAABngk/OPknpWSKlWMZA9GICBhZukCyPP7NceaOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8916.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS7cyLK9-t0/YLI7UdOPMQI/AAAAAAABngo/qt10qiAcLHAqJael2ipjYXxVgEOUjsHqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8917.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS7cyLK9-t0/YLI7UdOPMQI/AAAAAAABngo/qt10qiAcLHAqJael2ipjYXxVgEOUjsHqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h336/IMG_8917.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0muGNw2aGBs/YLI7VpNt9RI/AAAAAAABngs/A95gq171t9YdQHaheBq7lnbXtMju1P1dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8923.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0muGNw2aGBs/YLI7VpNt9RI/AAAAAAABngs/A95gq171t9YdQHaheBq7lnbXtMju1P1dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h492/IMG_8923.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4V-sJfHfBPI/YLI7ajt1YaI/AAAAAAABngw/boawNMuHZyoRyst_PSI83swp8DG-OM0UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="2048" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4V-sJfHfBPI/YLI7ajt1YaI/AAAAAAABngw/boawNMuHZyoRyst_PSI83swp8DG-OM0UQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h396/IMG_8924.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTwu9uwTYY/YLI7cBzh9qI/AAAAAAABng4/SZKi0pJrhiwPMU3Y_wNZdNJuAzlOFE2sACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="2048" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTwu9uwTYY/YLI7cBzh9qI/AAAAAAABng4/SZKi0pJrhiwPMU3Y_wNZdNJuAzlOFE2sACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h350/IMG_8925.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Yes! They're open! Everything is a little bit awkward with the Covid rules, but we got settled and figured out the menu... I will never hear the end of it from Sue, after I complained so bitterly when this place was closed and we didn't get MEXICAN food... then I ordered something that was NOT Mexican food!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, no matter! <a href="https://g.page/senorandale?share" target="_blank">Señor Ándale </a>will get another chance... Everything we got was delicious!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybNONkzAan0/YLI7b7-rdEI/AAAAAAABng0/f8fBTFf6FqQipY54U2_5EYTib6I2CKOMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8931.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybNONkzAan0/YLI7b7-rdEI/AAAAAAABng0/f8fBTFf6FqQipY54U2_5EYTib6I2CKOMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8931.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>With full and happy tummies, we returned to our place, and prepared to get wet! By this time, the sun was high, and it was indeed getting warm. Even here in the higher elevations, it still gets hot in the middle of the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atxcX69ldlE/YLI899suFfI/AAAAAAABnhU/gkS58Opts7IucDVNf3pMBr3MS2qkSaKiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8935.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atxcX69ldlE/YLI899suFfI/AAAAAAABnhU/gkS58Opts7IucDVNf3pMBr3MS2qkSaKiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h380/IMG_8935.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxQXOfgvYHU/YLI8-OBWWZI/AAAAAAABnhY/_W0TRUqCSAsokm8SWTL3Zhx1m0Pv9WD7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8936.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxQXOfgvYHU/YLI8-OBWWZI/AAAAAAABnhY/_W0TRUqCSAsokm8SWTL3Zhx1m0Pv9WD7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8936.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta1w_aAIDQU/YLI8-DafHKI/AAAAAAABnhc/ReUCxQpYrwMgWX0r40JE8bjF4XZMMDi7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8938.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta1w_aAIDQU/YLI8-DafHKI/AAAAAAABnhc/ReUCxQpYrwMgWX0r40JE8bjF4XZMMDi7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8938.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH6sf2RuXbo/YLI9F5XOqNI/AAAAAAABnhg/LVB3gU7rBTY1vAz2iKt5KevDsEUfqTWPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8946.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH6sf2RuXbo/YLI9F5XOqNI/AAAAAAABnhg/LVB3gU7rBTY1vAz2iKt5KevDsEUfqTWPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8946.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GhalK3WeBqQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="GhalK3WeBqQ"></iframe></div><br />Sue got in first, and reluctantly, I followed. That water is cold refreshing! Taking my time, I was able to creep across the river, finding shallow enough places to walk so that I didn't have to swim. That would have required getting my whole body cold wet! I climbed up the huge rock on the opposite shore, intent on taking a closer look at the petroglyphs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FgM2_msWqbU" width="320" youtube-src-id="FgM2_msWqbU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OY5xJJOwtnM" width="320" youtube-src-id="OY5xJJOwtnM"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QF200iNfrM/YLI9J-BbQ6I/AAAAAAABnhk/QRFaV5-SadsEP4-wgTKXwA3Z1nv4jorKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8965.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QF200iNfrM/YLI9J-BbQ6I/AAAAAAABnhk/QRFaV5-SadsEP4-wgTKXwA3Z1nv4jorKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8965.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ISzwdfusCs/YLI9KVVBggI/AAAAAAABnho/Li6wtspCCL47YrW0VPBN43yvwkvJbaKSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8966.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ISzwdfusCs/YLI9KVVBggI/AAAAAAABnho/Li6wtspCCL47YrW0VPBN43yvwkvJbaKSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8966.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-cfB_oUzc/YLI9RT_j45I/AAAAAAABnh8/9mMctyfSgxUS8Ud8xs4N0xPfSfxDlaxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn-cfB_oUzc/YLI9RT_j45I/AAAAAAABnh8/9mMctyfSgxUS8Ud8xs4N0xPfSfxDlaxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_8969.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I do not know if the petroglyphs here at Charco el Hippie were actually created by the Taino people, but I have my doubts. At least this one done by ELMO is more recent!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLvYV605_k/YLI9Qwut7sI/AAAAAAABnh0/6kKpQSpOmfYw4rqBEfdOqasYeM8asI1QgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8970.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLvYV605_k/YLI9Qwut7sI/AAAAAAABnh0/6kKpQSpOmfYw4rqBEfdOqasYeM8asI1QgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8970.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at the Casa Parcha property.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NmjVkD_DIA/YLI9Q5iBZlI/AAAAAAABnh4/9xnXIguYgcAnYrEb-5g1cMf4hq2ia4IjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8978.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NmjVkD_DIA/YLI9Q5iBZlI/AAAAAAABnh4/9xnXIguYgcAnYrEb-5g1cMf4hq2ia4IjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8978.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Sue being Mermaids!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2r5wDDFGg-Y/YLI9V263CEI/AAAAAAABniA/U1zxl13ZaPYwLyOUHlWEp8mwKw96oUxSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2r5wDDFGg-Y/YLI9V263CEI/AAAAAAABniA/U1zxl13ZaPYwLyOUHlWEp8mwKw96oUxSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8980.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue took off swimming upstream...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL1G8tFTJok/YLI9WpKoGxI/AAAAAAABniE/f-7R30ElLw8gL47n36uTCB5n-n5Fx-9-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8982.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HL1G8tFTJok/YLI9WpKoGxI/AAAAAAABniE/f-7R30ElLw8gL47n36uTCB5n-n5Fx-9-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8982.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJW16DLulmY/YLI9XpnjJyI/AAAAAAABniI/nto9NMdCmpw0-MGXr-caqXFNlAtyCh99ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8985.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJW16DLulmY/YLI9XpnjJyI/AAAAAAABniI/nto9NMdCmpw0-MGXr-caqXFNlAtyCh99ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8985.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlavaHK9AFU" width="320" youtube-src-id="mlavaHK9AFU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSOY7aA1H1A/YLI9bHLkkUI/AAAAAAABniM/OY6g-EMobqYbZSh3iAa_YsY8AK4M24MegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8992.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSOY7aA1H1A/YLI9bHLkkUI/AAAAAAABniM/OY6g-EMobqYbZSh3iAa_YsY8AK4M24MegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8992.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPzWS4FK1K4/YLI9bfS64MI/AAAAAAABniQ/WtX5JGECMBwTUAjeMbfCfJ_La8ZpwWeiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8995.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPzWS4FK1K4/YLI9bfS64MI/AAAAAAABniQ/WtX5JGECMBwTUAjeMbfCfJ_La8ZpwWeiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_8995.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We had an absolute blast kidding around out there! The water didn't feel so cold once you got used to it. The current was strong in spots, making it much easier to go back, than to go upstream...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5W2ZVKbN_tQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="5W2ZVKbN_tQ"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQ24SE3w_vU" width="320" youtube-src-id="fQ24SE3w_vU"></iframe></div><br /><div>Eventually we decided it wasn't right to have all the fun, so we returned to shore and kicked Bruce into taking his swim. He checked out the petroglyphs, and climbed a little higher to see what was on the other side... It's fenced, so back to the river he came.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdtpIralXWc/YLI9fT2VM3I/AAAAAAABniY/HCjwjMvFEXwak2-BdJ6iW1zFMFA0XVgjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9004.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdtpIralXWc/YLI9fT2VM3I/AAAAAAABniY/HCjwjMvFEXwak2-BdJ6iW1zFMFA0XVgjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9004.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_M8XB22xctk/YLI9fYPtg7I/AAAAAAABnic/aptEaGNG8mMAlkkJ_nBPwbrzKvnBYwy8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9008.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_M8XB22xctk/YLI9fYPtg7I/AAAAAAABnic/aptEaGNG8mMAlkkJ_nBPwbrzKvnBYwy8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9008.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMeaq9BLDkc/YLI9f77prSI/AAAAAAABnig/qSavLhXkSp0lanlTZbNc4eHG-UdhHZL3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMeaq9BLDkc/YLI9f77prSI/AAAAAAABnig/qSavLhXkSp0lanlTZbNc4eHG-UdhHZL3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9012.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yBxn_iHVPGg" width="320" youtube-src-id="yBxn_iHVPGg"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PYpeXRY6my8/YLJDEt7_LoI/AAAAAAABnjk/wvOfkbvCC1w9L7oYlVea9B8Lub2D0ZqvQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_9018.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PYpeXRY6my8/YLJDEt7_LoI/AAAAAAABnjk/wvOfkbvCC1w9L7oYlVea9B8Lub2D0ZqvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9018.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We enjoyed the river until happy hour became official, then we retired to the patio to watch the changing light as the sun slipped behind the mountain at our backs. It gets dark early, and quickly here in the rainforest! A full day, preceded by a horsebackriding day, has left our bodies beginning to complain! So an early bedtime did not seem objectionable....</div><div><br /></div><div>Another wonderful day here in Paradise has come to a close!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VKKsZBycZVc" width="320" youtube-src-id="VKKsZBycZVc"></iframe></div></div></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-21420471788624862122021-05-24T21:30:00.003-04:002021-05-30T12:37:31.325-04:00Girls On The Loose And Bruce ~ Rainforest Edition And Horses!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UAW5ehhQtek/YLDLy1dWo4I/AAAAAAABnY8/IDGw_LMg1xwHbTCy2eDn0Gc2sWMgQZWTQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8645.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2022" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UAW5ehhQtek/YLDLy1dWo4I/AAAAAAABnY8/IDGw_LMg1xwHbTCy2eDn0Gc2sWMgQZWTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w395-h400/IMG_8645.jpeg" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blue-eyed horse!</td></tr></tbody></table>We had so much fun taking our neighbor, Sue, along with us on our last Staycation, we invited her to go again! With the days becoming warmer, we though we would get away from the coast, and go up into the rainforest to find a refreshing mountain river to cool us off!</p><p>Casa Parcha is a property situated on the banks of Rio Blanco, in Naguabo, PR. There is a well known pool here, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/JsmeKutiGcx2tmEX8" target="_blank">Charco el Hippie</a>, where lots of people come to play! But Casa Parcha has a private little section where you can practically have the place to yourself!</p><p>There is one little apartment available, plus three very nice tents for camping. The tent guests have access to a bathroom and a lovely outdoor shower, as well as an outdoor lounge, complete with a kitchenette! We booked the apartment, and when we extended the invitation to Sue... she only balked for a second when she found out she would have to book the TENT for herself!! I've gotta say, I had my doubts, but she made her tent stay look so inviting... we're thinking that WE will camp here next time!</p><p>But... as usual, I am getting ahead of myself. Of course we can not just drive straight to a place... I have to make "getting there" as much fun as the destination. Today, we got there... after a relaxing ride in the mountains on horseback! In typical Puerto Rican style, getting the details straight was a little bit of a challenge, but Pedro and his staff at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/E6ww1pnQtR3eQgR67" target="_blank">Hacienda 8A</a> took very good care of us once we arrived!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SIKBchqUKg/YLDL_xGUPTI/AAAAAAABnZA/SBWkZ4F-54Il1AWZizviY86e2Y1FxXOaACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8642.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SIKBchqUKg/YLDL_xGUPTI/AAAAAAABnZA/SBWkZ4F-54Il1AWZizviY86e2Y1FxXOaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8642.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NVpA5ChQiY/YLDMF711X2I/AAAAAAABnZI/MiQ9v2dpOSYBDY6YJ7JDbwcPLKDMeQGTACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8651.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NVpA5ChQiY/YLDMF711X2I/AAAAAAABnZI/MiQ9v2dpOSYBDY6YJ7JDbwcPLKDMeQGTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h352/IMG_8651.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our appointment was at 10:00, and we arrived at 9:30 to find another small group waiting for their ride to begin. They were scheduled for 8am! Pedro seemed a bit surprised at our arrival, and only missed one beat when we told him we were there for a two hour ride! Guess the scheduler was sleeping on the job... But regardless of the fact that the stables are CLOSED on Mondays, they saddled up three more horses, and we proceeded with the process! <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLpt2mNIRRs/YLDM3OuFthI/AAAAAAABnZY/FgtcsWhanJYK_OPC641yhqMRHc3p9sGCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8658.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLpt2mNIRRs/YLDM3OuFthI/AAAAAAABnZY/FgtcsWhanJYK_OPC641yhqMRHc3p9sGCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8658.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue, blissfully unaware that she was on a DEVIL horse!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imHi-7etacs/YLDM3lnTciI/AAAAAAABnZc/axIqxTKwPvgzJ5TaIkTF-XoMzxhXdFs2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8660.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1792" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imHi-7etacs/YLDM3lnTciI/AAAAAAABnZc/axIqxTKwPvgzJ5TaIkTF-XoMzxhXdFs2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w560-h640/IMG_8660.jpeg" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the driver's seat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxZ9UTU4nU8/YLDM2lXItsI/AAAAAAABnZU/A6t2Cve5CTQ7JHpm06alyetF_mpUMVrVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8665.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxZ9UTU4nU8/YLDM2lXItsI/AAAAAAABnZU/A6t2Cve5CTQ7JHpm06alyetF_mpUMVrVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8665.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mynQNBkbTQo/YLDM43RpmFI/AAAAAAABnZg/DEoLb7xAzQol2l3xx2A3JiSflSvJMBlggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1448/IMG_8667.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1442" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mynQNBkbTQo/YLDM43RpmFI/AAAAAAABnZg/DEoLb7xAzQol2l3xx2A3JiSflSvJMBlggCLcBGAsYHQ/w638-h640/IMG_8667.jpeg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedro charges ahead to shoo away some curious cows, while Sue's horse follows close behind!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvj05UzLml8/YLDM5jfNVGI/AAAAAAABnZk/BwWRjRYm99gBK-Uj8igHkKjOf57Dx7UEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8675.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvj05UzLml8/YLDM5jfNVGI/AAAAAAABnZk/BwWRjRYm99gBK-Uj8igHkKjOf57Dx7UEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h382/IMG_8675.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rode through the serene foothills with El Yunque standing off in the distance!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZMx4T6sTB8/YLDM50WtVUI/AAAAAAABnZo/77QHnluobCMBVlRLHcs8chkIUHo-vSG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8679.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZMx4T6sTB8/YLDM50WtVUI/AAAAAAABnZo/77QHnluobCMBVlRLHcs8chkIUHo-vSG7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_8679.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is the third horseback ride we've taken in Puerto Rico. It is by far, the most laid back! We did wear helmets, but that seemed to be the only safety precaution taken! There were no instruction, not that we needed any... but still! Sue's horse, Principesa, was very boisterous. Bruce's horse, Bolón, liked to kick! My horse, Pinto, was juuuust right!</p><p>Along the route, we encountered a whole bunch of cows. They were very curious about our activity. So much so, that Pedro had to ride ahead and scatter them off of the pathway! A little dog wove in and out among our horse's feet all along the way. Pedro told us that the little dog had simply appeared here a couple of weeks ago, and it seems that he has found his home! He accompanies all of the guests, and the horses don't seem to mind him at all as he ranges here and there!</p><p>Unfortunately, Principesa was not content to hang back when Pedro hurried ahead. She followed fast and Sue was rattled a bit. Turns out, she had already been caught in the scuffle when another horse decided to kick a bit... So Pedro ended up switching horses with her, and things got better for Sue after that. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ-oe5spvEM/YLDQWzcZdKI/AAAAAAABnZ8/w8IWulpUt4c6x2FOgqq9QtiJHzXf6YgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8693.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ-oe5spvEM/YLDQWzcZdKI/AAAAAAABnZ8/w8IWulpUt4c6x2FOgqq9QtiJHzXf6YgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8693.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>After the first hour, Pedro called his staff to come and get the other half of the group, as their ride was over. We waited for a bit while they were led away, then we continued on up to a serene mountain lake where we watched cows drink, a horse graze, and iguana dive into the lake for a swim! <p></p><p><br /></p><p>The view is just stunning! We chatted with Pedro and got to know one another better! He was VERY curious about our life on the boat!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PcHtQMEqNV0" width="320" youtube-src-id="PcHtQMEqNV0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlPLL1w3ORM/YLDQiJTC7II/AAAAAAABnaA/gRFjmg75Toku6KR_A4CQA8tRyq2NaisYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8696.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlPLL1w3ORM/YLDQiJTC7II/AAAAAAABnaA/gRFjmg75Toku6KR_A4CQA8tRyq2NaisYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8696.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our ride continued, and I think we did a little housekeeping, as our next destination was to close a gate that had been left open. Still, it was really nice just being up there in the hills, with the looming shadow of El Yunque in the not-so-distance! Eventually it was time to turn back...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yD26ZchZKDM/YLDRBbH-yiI/AAAAAAABnaQ/UJRm9MGgHQsZffr6WJVKDDGEbN8qUeNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yD26ZchZKDM/YLDRBbH-yiI/AAAAAAABnaQ/UJRm9MGgHQsZffr6WJVKDDGEbN8qUeNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/IMG_8698.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyhPdfcH98Y/YLDRBTHi82I/AAAAAAABnaM/-YzzYIEK6cA28JyUfwTyCQMrjDCZYV55QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8703.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyhPdfcH98Y/YLDRBTHi82I/AAAAAAABnaM/-YzzYIEK6cA28JyUfwTyCQMrjDCZYV55QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8703.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Unlike all of the previous horseback rides I've been on, we were not restricted to staying in line according to pre-ordained order. We were able to come up and hang back as we wished. Sometimes I was out in front, while Pedro hung back and chatted with Bruce or Sue, and other times, I was in the line. Being able to take photos along the way was, of course, the biggest perk of all! Everything was just so <i>CHILL</i>!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWm2nTVTdeI/YLDR9vZcQvI/AAAAAAABnac/zUmmY2mt9rYJjfX4YRLvULG24hqnmbm2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1866" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWm2nTVTdeI/YLDR9vZcQvI/AAAAAAABnac/zUmmY2mt9rYJjfX4YRLvULG24hqnmbm2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8707.jpeg" /></a></div>Back at the hacienda, we found a mamma and baby hanging out in the path! This little guy couldn't have been more than a few days old, because he was very unsteady on those long legs! He moved out of the way, and pretended to chomp on the flowers like his mamma, but he clearly didn't get the point of it! SO. STINKIN'. CUTE!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYJ1lO3VHSk/YLDTXSBecSI/AAAAAAABnas/_Qkq2H7ChUI4Eu_qt0cT1lW4B5qcDRl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8709.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYJ1lO3VHSk/YLDTXSBecSI/AAAAAAABnas/_Qkq2H7ChUI4Eu_qt0cT1lW4B5qcDRl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8709.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUvc1-TEeE0/YLDTWtzC85I/AAAAAAABnao/5fya01-14_cS556RBRS7wq53pJP_Ee6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUvc1-TEeE0/YLDTWtzC85I/AAAAAAABnao/5fya01-14_cS556RBRS7wq53pJP_Ee6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8714.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with my beautiful Pinto! Random photobomb by some other horse!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOGRRug-UQI/YLDTWjRebtI/AAAAAAABnak/Ep-WWdnpV8Eg8IZ19-1lhqdmN7Kyfe3fwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOGRRug-UQI/YLDTWjRebtI/AAAAAAABnak/Ep-WWdnpV8Eg8IZ19-1lhqdmN7Kyfe3fwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8715.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce being a Cowboy!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQjT5gl5NoQ/YLDTYHew8rI/AAAAAAABnaw/5vmFmH766b4yHQCjH8CImyhIITB5i9CAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQjT5gl5NoQ/YLDTYHew8rI/AAAAAAABnaw/5vmFmH766b4yHQCjH8CImyhIITB5i9CAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h458/IMG_8721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to your mamma little guy. Yes, pretend to eat that plant!</td></tr></tbody></table>Our two hour ride that was to start at 10:00, wasn't over until almost 2pm! By that time we were ravenous! I had a place picked out! A Mexican food place that I have been dying to try... but when we pulled up outside, it was CLOSED! We could see them inside and it looked like they were shooting a commercial. How RUDE! <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XzC-4PabzA/YLDU6Ra-r5I/AAAAAAABnbE/WL8n9Ks4WHQo7gQS_kDNfNkIHtasdOPMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8726.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XzC-4PabzA/YLDU6Ra-r5I/AAAAAAABnbE/WL8n9Ks4WHQo7gQS_kDNfNkIHtasdOPMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8726.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So... we pivoted, and headed for the Malecon to find sustenance. We chose a place on the water called <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/EY3fnYc8HZ1AWX9X7" target="_blank">El Coral</a>, with upstairs patio seating, and had a delicious fish meal. It wasn't Mexican, but it was still very good!<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypx85Bi2SGc/YLDWkA_iN3I/AAAAAAABnbU/DckvsBXKiHYrW0c3B-mKyLi0ThbyTXebwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypx85Bi2SGc/YLDWkA_iN3I/AAAAAAABnbU/DckvsBXKiHYrW0c3B-mKyLi0ThbyTXebwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8729.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>All of this has been timed perfectly for our checkin at 3pm... but I can't take credit for the Universe's plan... We finished up our meal just in time to arrive at Casa Parcha at precisely our check-in time. <p></p><p>When we drove up that final steep hill and entered the property, it felt like we had arrived to the Garden of Eden! Everything was so perfectly manicured, with tropical flowers growing everywhere!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xp9-iIGGzU/YLDWy3ZTokI/AAAAAAABnbg/8hbtntrrFoc82zSx2qZ463B3WQ7fmKnpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8731.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xp9-iIGGzU/YLDWy3ZTokI/AAAAAAABnbg/8hbtntrrFoc82zSx2qZ463B3WQ7fmKnpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8731.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed the little camper, not available for rental now because it's being renovated...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjV-Vk2-iPE/YLDWxiNYgwI/AAAAAAABnbc/D3Z6fSUhcrIovtvrGC9Pn3LutXXIowR5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8732.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjV-Vk2-iPE/YLDWxiNYgwI/AAAAAAABnbc/D3Z6fSUhcrIovtvrGC9Pn3LutXXIowR5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8732.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFl4k6F461k/YLDWz4EugAI/AAAAAAABnbo/RKuzS6OIhRc9I_QDwoWeiImZhH73DHwZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8735.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFl4k6F461k/YLDWz4EugAI/AAAAAAABnbo/RKuzS6OIhRc9I_QDwoWeiImZhH73DHwZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/IMG_8735.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got Sue all settled into her cute little tent!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq5sd9Kic9E/YLDW03KqeEI/AAAAAAABnbs/pXz7WbOz5Us05keEZVipu2WAaRnvDhbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq5sd9Kic9E/YLDW03KqeEI/AAAAAAABnbs/pXz7WbOz5Us05keEZVipu2WAaRnvDhbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8750.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then we retired to one of the riverside lounge areas to check out our place!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slOnKkYvrCQ/YLDYFAAyZSI/AAAAAAABncI/7h6z8M41O6EMykCuYRCaP3_BdCWezf_IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8769.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slOnKkYvrCQ/YLDYFAAyZSI/AAAAAAABncI/7h6z8M41O6EMykCuYRCaP3_BdCWezf_IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8769.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>They were still finishing up with the cleaning of our little apartment, so we grabbed a beverage and waited patiently. Wow! What an amazing place! I had no idea that it would be this magnificent when I chose this property... Sometimes you just get lucky!</div><div><br /></div><div>Soon, we were beckoned to come move in...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k64bvC0PeTQ/YLDYS9xpWoI/AAAAAAABncM/thdyYQIwbk4L3LamaIwTpLrwroPXGxNiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k64bvC0PeTQ/YLDYS9xpWoI/AAAAAAABncM/thdyYQIwbk4L3LamaIwTpLrwroPXGxNiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8757.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZAgQw_rfYM/YLDYTK7y4vI/AAAAAAABncQ/axDTZEJKqgMk40rAx2PRTU_xYXt88w0WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZAgQw_rfYM/YLDYTK7y4vI/AAAAAAABncQ/axDTZEJKqgMk40rAx2PRTU_xYXt88w0WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8758.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The little apartment was cute as a button! We had a small kitchen, and we moved our things into the fridge, put our clothes away and rejoined Sue on the patio to sit, and just watch the changing light on the river in awe...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkLrREvxAyA/YLDY83HG0uI/AAAAAAABncc/p7o8C82MDTEcBxSN99i7MpE4vg1MUTwwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkLrREvxAyA/YLDY83HG0uI/AAAAAAABncc/p7o8C82MDTEcBxSN99i7MpE4vg1MUTwwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8756.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The pathway is surrounded by lush tropical flowers, and I just had to take some photos! It's been a while since I've seen so many of these beautiful flowers... must remember to get back to the mountains again soon! This area reminds me a lot of our time in St. Lucia, and that brings a very good feeling...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A61rnPWFpyY/YLDZIzFMPNI/AAAAAAABnck/msZhxQnwIRQssC9OXy32MLUArw5eNdkQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A61rnPWFpyY/YLDZIzFMPNI/AAAAAAABnck/msZhxQnwIRQssC9OXy32MLUArw5eNdkQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w494-h640/IMG_8760.jpeg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torch Ginger</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl21H4VG6kE/YLDZJNTtnTI/AAAAAAABnco/sE1IGh7xi5w_k_8G8fqChJlpslc55dzUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8761.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl21H4VG6kE/YLDZJNTtnTI/AAAAAAABnco/sE1IGh7xi5w_k_8G8fqChJlpslc55dzUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8761.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRa2c6GwiNo/YLDZIMKeAWI/AAAAAAABncg/GJapE84rHLg088cmyzoGaWCrFytzm5rYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRa2c6GwiNo/YLDZIMKeAWI/AAAAAAABncg/GJapE84rHLg088cmyzoGaWCrFytzm5rYACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8762.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell Ginger</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDV_KtWY0fg/YLDZJ6GqR4I/AAAAAAABncs/HHujgVo2UIYyWHm8yJb8_kyTjvYN_L-TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8767.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDV_KtWY0fg/YLDZJ6GqR4I/AAAAAAABncs/HHujgVo2UIYyWHm8yJb8_kyTjvYN_L-TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8767.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammock Ginger!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9QxlxM2OdE" width="320" youtube-src-id="y9QxlxM2OdE"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCjsrT3b5Kc/YLDZwlWK_uI/AAAAAAABndA/n79yVr6hLKQ7SzvecXBeDVMF73IGYeoGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCjsrT3b5Kc/YLDZwlWK_uI/AAAAAAABndA/n79yVr6hLKQ7SzvecXBeDVMF73IGYeoGACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8772.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>That was pretty much it for our day. We sat and enjoyed the setting sun, the rising moon, and the crescendo of coqui song that rose up all around us!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say that our staycation is off to a great start, and we are totally happy with our choice. Casa Parcha is perfectly situated in this magical place... and we have only begun to realize how lucky we are to have found it!</div><div><br /></div><div>With the setting of the sun, the coquis grew increasingly loud! The string lights came on, making the magic even better! We didn't stay up long, but soon, made our way through the Coqui pathway to our rooms for a good night's sleep!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD2DL3BusRE/YLDZ2104k9I/AAAAAAABndE/IsRrZuuLCTEMJMYtCg4XVwRsnA9m--oAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD2DL3BusRE/YLDZ2104k9I/AAAAAAABndE/IsRrZuuLCTEMJMYtCg4XVwRsnA9m--oAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8775.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ju8UqWbrW6Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="ju8UqWbrW6Y"></iframe></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-91415180885047753092021-05-18T08:09:00.003-04:002021-05-18T08:09:43.867-04:0018 Days ~ A Book Review<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyantravels/e/25328?fbclid=IwAR0sNAhJ0ngAqDFNhBDsEunxlhPq_vEYQjxzX63BpoMUCsbz24fCxXNpAuc" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1194" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmzTC-mp-YY/YKOt706f56I/AAAAAAABnYk/TJ3A_5kCGCY5veIvIWewPtHU-7ffWgfTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h316/18%2BDays.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><p><br /></p></span>Alexandra and I have been star-crossed from the beginning of our relationship, and by relationship, I mean that I began following her blog in preparation for my own cruising adventures, until we caught up enough to be followed in return. So what does that make us? Blog Buddies? Whatever…<br /><br />We have many similarities, not the least of which is our “Powers”, ( Her husband, Dave called it being “Witchy”) that sometimes tell us what is going to happen… Some time ago, I went to Alexandra’s website and took a look at her book, but before I could figure out how to purchase it, I got sidetracked and then completely forgot about it. Fastforward to yesterday, when Alex sent me a message asking if I would read and critique her book… YES PLEASE! This is not the first time this has happened to me. The first time, I was asked to review a book by one of my blog followers, and I had already done a blog post on that very same book!?! (Powers) So, he asked me to review another… But that’s a different story.<br /><br />I have ALWAYS enjoyed Alex’s witty way with words, and so, with the anticipation of being thoroughly entertained… I began reading 18 Days. There are things that always impress me when reading Alex’s blogs. She is funny, she is articulate and she is unfailingly clever. It is her clever way with words, combined with the sailing/land life comparisons sprinkled throughout, that sing to my soul the most. But then, there is the element of the unknown to be revealed. That extra distance that Banyan went, beyond what we did in our own travels, that lures me even more!<br /><br />Alex writes “to you”. It is a most endearing quality, and it makes reading her thoughts seem like they are your own as well. It’s almost as if your consciousness is joined with hers as she takes you along, step by step, worry by worry, triumph by triumph! You will suffer angst, but smile knowingly throughout this tale, woven so artfully, with foreshadowing and an ample serving of satisfying “reveals”!<br /><br />The story unfolds, full of “fun fact” inserts, and candid glimpses into the hearts of this couple I thought I knew. Only now, after experiencing this adventure, do I feel like we could have been separated at birth! I love how Alex zooms us high into the air so that we can see the developing plan, and then, in a flash, we are sitting next to her in a frigid car, sipping hot coffee and peering through icy windows at oncoming night traffic… If the purpose of reading a book is to be whisked away from where you are, to be plunked down in a place you’ve never been, but now feel that you have… 18 Days serves that purpose admirably. I guess all of that blogging has prepared Alex for her role as writer of books!<br /><br />Even more enthralling, are her descriptions. Traversing the Gorge, and then the morning after once they’ve reached the relative safety of Guatemala’s Gringo Bay, and so many more. Some may say that tales full of wordy descriptions can be off-putting… au contraire! Just sit a while with Alex as she has her morning coffee, and you’ll know exactly what I mean!<br /><br />I could go on and on… with every experience Alex shares, some are new to me, while yet others are as familiar as the sound of the three breaths a huge sea turtle takes before disappearing once more into the murky depths. The sound heard loud at such close range, as we live among them. As I read along, the tale becomes a compelling ride to the finish. I wonder as I read, “Will this be interesting to all audiences?” I think so. It is certainly easily understandable, even to readers who have never experienced travel by boat. BUT, to those of us who have, it takes us back to those travels, and I can totally relate. But more than that, it takes me to places I have never been, but could have. And now, just as her words made it possible for me to proceed with our life of cruising, they have made it possible for me to experience with Alex and David… these 18 Days. On-On!<br /><br />You can get your copy of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">18 Days </a>as an eBook, for the very reasonable price of $6. All proceeds to go help the people of Guatemala recover from Hurricane Iota. <p></p><p>Thank you, Alexandra, for allowing me the honor of reading your book!</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-83511264231971681342021-04-27T22:00:00.155-04:002021-05-07T06:26:58.073-04:00Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Going Home<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvPr7yS7kk/YJPf_n6sLZI/AAAAAAABnVo/yPTmZ_5bu2EqZx61TSnZRemuyEIwi5AXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8220.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvPr7yS7kk/YJPf_n6sLZI/AAAAAAABnVo/yPTmZ_5bu2EqZx61TSnZRemuyEIwi5AXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8220.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping out onto the porch, I saw THIS!</td></tr></tbody></table>Staying in a B&B with friends in other parts of the island is something we thoroughly enjoy. But, we also love having guests in our own home! There are so many things within day-trip distance of our place, and it's fun to just share our resort condo! So... it's time for us to pack up and head across the island to our neck of the woods!<p></p><p>But first, Coffee!! And with coffee, comes this stunning moonlit walk on the beach all by myself! Staying up to see the Supermoon last night wasn't an option due to cloud cover. But since we get up early, we got a pleasant surprise! I didn't miss it at all! In fact, seeing it reflecting on the waves with nothing but sand, palm trees and the distant looming shadow of Isla Desecheo was the preferred view for sure! </p><p>You have no idea how difficult it was to pare my photo choices down to just these... </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ZtsI39Dq4/YJPiQDTZvhI/AAAAAAABnV4/Y3x_Wy5K9kcMN3PazorD0-Cg4sTPaqPywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8234.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ZtsI39Dq4/YJPiQDTZvhI/AAAAAAABnV4/Y3x_Wy5K9kcMN3PazorD0-Cg4sTPaqPywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8234.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First we'll ease into it with a pre-dawn sunrise view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd8QNAP4RU0/YJPifnzf4tI/AAAAAAABnWI/yEBUqfBqYDsohd__7B_bvnuzq8SgHEBIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8248.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd8QNAP4RU0/YJPifnzf4tI/AAAAAAABnWI/yEBUqfBqYDsohd__7B_bvnuzq8SgHEBIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/IMG_8248.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rEmfaTPPWHo" width="320" youtube-src-id="rEmfaTPPWHo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9ix_9bbeYc/YJULMZhqI0I/AAAAAAABnWs/GJPmZijBc5EYyZDZafE2qHnI31kDpSufwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8253.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b9ix_9bbeYc/YJULMZhqI0I/AAAAAAABnWs/GJPmZijBc5EYyZDZafE2qHnI31kDpSufwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8253.jpeg" /></a></div>I've gotta tell you... being out there in the gentle breeze, alternating warm and cool from the land and the sea, touching my cheeks... The powerful Atlantic ocean bowing at my feet with gentle bubbles sinking into the warm sand. I can close my eyes and feel how close I am to the waves with my bare feet by the difference in temperature. Warm where the water has been, and cool where only the night air touches the sand. Being out there was like pushing a reset button on my soul! We really must get out and see the moon more often. It is one of the things we miss about living on the boat. It was so much easier to be one with the universe when you float around on the water... but I digress! The moon eventually slipped below the horizon, and the sun ushered in the new day!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdtqkrzVU3w" width="320" youtube-src-id="FdtqkrzVU3w"></iframe></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzguMOSxqCU/YJULHnTQIpI/AAAAAAABnWo/pbBAd-HETvU8yxGssGYkwYVJFN_-OWZZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8254.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzguMOSxqCU/YJULHnTQIpI/AAAAAAABnWo/pbBAd-HETvU8yxGssGYkwYVJFN_-OWZZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8254.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PX2NLA80Vmo/YJULHKsZC8I/AAAAAAABnWk/owvFtrKlHxMYcf1NvIVIXM_oRL7UtpWjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8268.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PX2NLA80Vmo/YJULHKsZC8I/AAAAAAABnWk/owvFtrKlHxMYcf1NvIVIXM_oRL7UtpWjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/IMG_8268.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more, then I'm done!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our host arrived with pastries from a favorite panaderia, and we had a nice chat with him. We did our pre-departure chores, and packed up and off we went to see another of my favorite places on the island... <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ci6VKWBEEcHi1b5d6" target="_blank">La Soplaera Falls</a>. We have been to this place maybe a dozen times, and it's always a little different, yet very much the same magical place we love. Today, it was just about perfect! The water was flowing nicely, but not too much so that getting to the pool was relatively easy. You still have to walk across the narrow walls, and slog through some rushing water and duck between some big boulders... But it's all good and the reward is having this serene little bit of paradise all to yourself!! (well, most of the time)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQadXIx_-lw/YJUMVNUmWrI/AAAAAAABnXE/0ykHds4nHtkdK-UxZdckzuRQD0Jof7dmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8280.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQadXIx_-lw/YJUMVNUmWrI/AAAAAAABnXE/0ykHds4nHtkdK-UxZdckzuRQD0Jof7dmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8280.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walkway leads to the rocky river bed. Walk along the narrow cement wall on the right...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5tdljIVPNA/YJUMVF-jy2I/AAAAAAABnXA/EBrVjRnoEp0FKtwsoemlXrc5MQ5qkmV6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8281.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5tdljIVPNA/YJUMVF-jy2I/AAAAAAABnXA/EBrVjRnoEp0FKtwsoemlXrc5MQ5qkmV6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8281.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downriver, the boulders continue!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfbZRFL9dis/YJUMU7oUvyI/AAAAAAABnW8/LKfebIuVPEQmGOb-OZ9SD9Hw5JsVK4eDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8283.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfbZRFL9dis/YJUMU7oUvyI/AAAAAAABnW8/LKfebIuVPEQmGOb-OZ9SD9Hw5JsVK4eDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8283.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N64cWj7g56A/YJUMcwOMjBI/AAAAAAABnXI/Bz4Y-8l1GGoei4zEYQr1lS5tGPfg42k1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8289.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N64cWj7g56A/YJUMcwOMjBI/AAAAAAABnXI/Bz4Y-8l1GGoei4zEYQr1lS5tGPfg42k1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8289.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zATKKc2djcw/YJUMdDvb5kI/AAAAAAABnXM/g8gYSvUhB_8sElUM_OeIpUxaMie5N0_zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8291.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zATKKc2djcw/YJUMdDvb5kI/AAAAAAABnXM/g8gYSvUhB_8sElUM_OeIpUxaMie5N0_zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8291.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Getting here provides you with just enough eminent danger to make you feel like you've really accomplished something, but not enough to warrant a trip to the ER! Who doesn't need that kind of boost in their lives??? Then the pool lies at your feet, with the falls rushing relentlessly on, causing the air to stir in the most delightful way... La Soplaera!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fghIBA0E69Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="fghIBA0E69Q"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The water was cold, so we didn't swim, but we enjoyed the fresh breeze and the view! Making our way back downriver toward the car, the sound of the falls receded, but it was replaced by the birdsong as we passed below the tree canopy. These birds had no fear, so our presence didn't stop the loud chirping one bit...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-gne9ioWZI/YJUQGLQ9b4I/AAAAAAABnXc/xfHPNZXFjZM9qMx0dgiye4Qyr2dvRtfpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8294.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-gne9ioWZI/YJUQGLQ9b4I/AAAAAAABnXc/xfHPNZXFjZM9qMx0dgiye4Qyr2dvRtfpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8294.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74KCZB8E1cc/YJUQGT1WH9I/AAAAAAABnXg/IuQ7uPIil-Y6MekgUMjV8aUcT0iTKjUPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8296.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74KCZB8E1cc/YJUQGT1WH9I/AAAAAAABnXg/IuQ7uPIil-Y6MekgUMjV8aUcT0iTKjUPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8296.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last bit of treachery is stepping across the rushing water to get to the wall...</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSyTOThu3JY/YJUQbTLyVyI/AAAAAAABnXs/aPSF7ylyb4s9GIagmbWg2SbI-UucuuZdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1989/IMG_8309.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="1989" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSyTOThu3JY/YJUQbTLyVyI/AAAAAAABnXs/aPSF7ylyb4s9GIagmbWg2SbI-UucuuZdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8309.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed pod from the Cupey or Wild-Mamee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3bWq41BSSeU" width="320" youtube-src-id="3bWq41BSSeU"></iframe></div><p>We stopped in a little bakery for sandwiches on the way to our final destination before home... then on to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Q946qHvu7PtzAcbH8" target="_blank">Aguas Termales de Coamo</a> to soak our tired and battered bodies in the healing mineral springs. Ahhh... I would say this is about the most perfect ending to any adventure!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R39DXaPatoI/YJUSbRd2jyI/AAAAAAABnX0/hSB8b11nHnEDsjroI5zXMamPhvK-4zrrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8314.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R39DXaPatoI/YJUSbRd2jyI/AAAAAAABnX0/hSB8b11nHnEDsjroI5zXMamPhvK-4zrrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8314.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soak those tired dogies!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK0ULv_-etU/YJUSdWIfgSI/AAAAAAABnX4/X-Yw7CNRhpg_vxf8wRRJbQ9h8kNHFh2uACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8312.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK0ULv_-etU/YJUSdWIfgSI/AAAAAAABnX4/X-Yw7CNRhpg_vxf8wRRJbQ9h8kNHFh2uACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h436/IMG_8312.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Chillin' in the hot springs!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOvCLm2ipks/YJUUUPccPlI/AAAAAAABnYM/sWIna_ZszWgEmI6goGgd_jK1YBPLklxiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8315.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1667" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOvCLm2ipks/YJUUUPccPlI/AAAAAAABnYM/sWIna_ZszWgEmI6goGgd_jK1YBPLklxiACLcBGAsYHQ/w520-h640/IMG_8315.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><i><b>We have come to fly like birds to swim like fish ... Now we must learn to ... live together as brothers.</b></i><p></p><p>I love this island! And I love showing my friends the wonderful life we've made here. We made the short drive to our house, where we all relaxed and settled in for a few more days of whatever our guests wanted... It is nice to travel, but it's nice to be home too!<br /><br /></p></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-54577163258297323472021-04-26T22:00:00.022-04:002021-05-05T07:36:46.171-04:00Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Gozlandia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGfuoqpz964/YJF8hAQcrvI/AAAAAAABnQA/bYaknxdbRQo89wTS5soHigRbwQAj4Gw8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7949.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGfuoqpz964/YJF8hAQcrvI/AAAAAAABnQA/bYaknxdbRQo89wTS5soHigRbwQAj4Gw8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7949.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Today my agenda had only one item. Gozlandia waterfall has been on my bucket list for ages... I've looked for information about it, and let's just say that it falls under the rule: If you can't find much information about getting there, it's probably obvious! It was only about 45 minutes from our B&B, so we spent the morning relaxing over coffee, and enjoying the beach right in front of us! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gGNNRZf3Oo/YJF8rnvh9YI/AAAAAAABnQE/KDRkN2dSdj8FMdtzoRkwZmhHtEUgzHBIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7959.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gGNNRZf3Oo/YJF8rnvh9YI/AAAAAAABnQE/KDRkN2dSdj8FMdtzoRkwZmhHtEUgzHBIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7959.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HllqQ-CgmAo/YJF8ryzIgjI/AAAAAAABnQM/e_fgJS9NL98FoeplEjzpdoJdFeNG59RXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7970.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HllqQ-CgmAo/YJF8ryzIgjI/AAAAAAABnQM/e_fgJS9NL98FoeplEjzpdoJdFeNG59RXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7970.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2joVa4f9L6o/YJF8r0iLYgI/AAAAAAABnQI/PHzcYGaumzI6w72PRhjWjoqy2W7xVSLtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7973.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2joVa4f9L6o/YJF8r0iLYgI/AAAAAAABnQI/PHzcYGaumzI6w72PRhjWjoqy2W7xVSLtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7973.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-HL-rlIzFg/YJF8sCCpw4I/AAAAAAABnQQ/L54_1pNP5AI7LmNgOISobYHpwGjOQ4eJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-HL-rlIzFg/YJF8sCCpw4I/AAAAAAABnQQ/L54_1pNP5AI7LmNgOISobYHpwGjOQ4eJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7975.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Seriously, what a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean we've got! I just can't get enough of it! I took my coffee to the deck over the beach cliff in the neighbor's yard, and just sat and let my senses drink it in. The colors of the Atlantic in the sunrise were exquisite as the waves advanced in rows, breaking on the rocky bank. Wonder if there's any sea glass down there now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4vMt8xl9XU" width="320" youtube-src-id="p4vMt8xl9XU"></iframe></div><br /><p>When the others were up and coffee time was over, we had our breakfast and then we all went down for a beach walk. We walked all the way down past the small river mouth to the west before turning back. We were in no hurry, but it was still noon by the time we got back to the house! Where does the time go when you're wandering the beach???</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV9-bWn9llM/YJF91sqzmhI/AAAAAAABnQs/KQ8ZWIY4jLAMdwK0eXOcnl6_xeFGRgeEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV9-bWn9llM/YJF91sqzmhI/AAAAAAABnQs/KQ8ZWIY4jLAMdwK0eXOcnl6_xeFGRgeEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7976.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaweed floating in the tide pools</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETJTMk8nnF0/YJF917KBevI/AAAAAAABnQw/z1tIkG7q0JIBLyA35-RWIJPlw4gTUr61wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7981.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETJTMk8nnF0/YJF917KBevI/AAAAAAABnQw/z1tIkG7q0JIBLyA35-RWIJPlw4gTUr61wCLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h640/IMG_7981.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5hnTRcfwxM/YJF91nj57ZI/AAAAAAABnQo/MrgkQcOip0EGkRi_cWWBkghieWBmOK4MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7984.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5hnTRcfwxM/YJF91nj57ZI/AAAAAAABnQo/MrgkQcOip0EGkRi_cWWBkghieWBmOK4MQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7984.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce waiting patiently for me to catch up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPpF7r5ASRA/YJF92NUlQGI/AAAAAAABnQ0/J7HmkR11-1AYFvQ2uSDwAC1YUZ_yxFs-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7986.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPpF7r5ASRA/YJF92NUlQGI/AAAAAAABnQ0/J7HmkR11-1AYFvQ2uSDwAC1YUZ_yxFs-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h462/IMG_7986.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheri and Alan WAY ahead, looking for treasures!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfeK0hBcN54/YJF92QOrDwI/AAAAAAABnQ8/DkAs102ppSUj17U3CS-FuozLTlhwzjtLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfeK0hBcN54/YJF92QOrDwI/AAAAAAABnQ8/DkAs102ppSUj17U3CS-FuozLTlhwzjtLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river mouth</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFeGuip7cac/YJF92f6kDRI/AAAAAAABnRA/23fAMnwB-aYZFFHA0l5oW_g1Td6XGea1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8005.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFeGuip7cac/YJF92f6kDRI/AAAAAAABnRA/23fAMnwB-aYZFFHA0l5oW_g1Td6XGea1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8005.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB14R-zPaF4/YJF920mnYeI/AAAAAAABnRE/8V4NqRv83PIdMAyhfshhg46UYs8j5RJAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB14R-zPaF4/YJF920mnYeI/AAAAAAABnRE/8V4NqRv83PIdMAyhfshhg46UYs8j5RJAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8006.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were patches of black sand. </td></tr></tbody></table>Back at the B&B, we loaded up and took off into the mountains to find these infamous falls I've heard so much about. We stopped for some fried chicken on the way, and wouldn't you know it... a steady rain began to fall! We just can not get a break with these afternoon rains. I really think it's a daily thing on this part of the island!<div><br /></div><div>When we arrived at the parking area for <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/E2a9c71QAjYPEdSU7" target="_blank">Cascada Gozlandia</a>, it was indeed obvious. The drive in was a little steep, but it wasn't a problem for our AWD Honda! The parking area is huge, and there is an attendant that takes the $10 per car fee. While most attractions in Puerto Rico are free, this one is not. But after seeing all the infrastructure that has been built to give easy access to the river, we would have happily paid more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZp7_0Yx0og/YJF_zcYF1OI/AAAAAAABnRY/t0zjQgwT-_Q7kVtqFvApY3Dg44aRLGbvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZp7_0Yx0og/YJF_zcYF1OI/AAAAAAABnRY/t0zjQgwT-_Q7kVtqFvApY3Dg44aRLGbvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8007.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was still raining when we arrived, so we sat in the car and had our picnic while watching other patrons jump into their cars and speed away. This turned out to be a great thing for us, because by the time we were done eating, the sun was beginning to shine again, AND most of the people had left! </div><div><br /></div><div>We set off through then entrance and took the first stairway downward that we came to. <br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jGjAonpHxKs/YJF_7mrAWJI/AAAAAAABnRc/GHstwVU6iAQ5oqUqAHELA8NibCZoiqbhgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8010.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jGjAonpHxKs/YJF_7mrAWJI/AAAAAAABnRc/GHstwVU6iAQ5oqUqAHELA8NibCZoiqbhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8010.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are very nice walkways through the forest and alongside the river. </td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SrwxGOeo-5Y/YJGADfADjVI/AAAAAAABnRk/qXT4gk8oEScVwWXLGwMGnKh5JET_s-mPgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8017.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SrwxGOeo-5Y/YJGADfADjVI/AAAAAAABnRk/qXT4gk8oEScVwWXLGwMGnKh5JET_s-mPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8017.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough cement pathways and stairs with wooden handrails take you all the way down.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fuGhkvHqaI/YJGALWvSgMI/AAAAAAABnRs/H80ItUa01f0FshSJNm8eKCJGim-UYfOIACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8017.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fuGhkvHqaI/YJGALWvSgMI/AAAAAAABnRs/H80ItUa01f0FshSJNm8eKCJGim-UYfOIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8017.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it is a LONG way down!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uay-Jqz2EQo/YJGAQWk-rNI/AAAAAAABnRw/JtuloK0h5Rk8PvcbwA-E1bkPtRaCNKXSwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uay-Jqz2EQo/YJGAQWk-rNI/AAAAAAABnRw/JtuloK0h5Rk8PvcbwA-E1bkPtRaCNKXSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8020.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUuEiXeQyH4/YJGAU6V5MmI/AAAAAAABnR4/52c08kSbDegwjwl0RUxVKrbtL2EticBPwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8022.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUuEiXeQyH4/YJGAU6V5MmI/AAAAAAABnR4/52c08kSbDegwjwl0RUxVKrbtL2EticBPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8022.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cArzsmWNXGE/YJGAj0amilI/AAAAAAABnSE/4p9IFVE9C70U_l738x1QDfxgZTUTYv5HACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8025.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cArzsmWNXGE/YJGAj0amilI/AAAAAAABnSE/4p9IFVE9C70U_l738x1QDfxgZTUTYv5HACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_8025.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We could hear the falls from the beginning of the path. Just about the time we began to worry if we would be able to make the climb back up, we reached the viewing platform just above the largest falls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StthgbVTnkQ/YJGAo1NrJQI/AAAAAAABnSM/9zKBK1ZrGC8rACInfSbX5LZdgeiJb2e3wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8029.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StthgbVTnkQ/YJGAo1NrJQI/AAAAAAABnSM/9zKBK1ZrGC8rACInfSbX5LZdgeiJb2e3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_8029.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRzJU8DOIR0/YJGApzyInQI/AAAAAAABnSQ/Th8wt_D1Vd0ExEPre7u2NTzGTykwi56RwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8034.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRzJU8DOIR0/YJGApzyInQI/AAAAAAABnSQ/Th8wt_D1Vd0ExEPre7u2NTzGTykwi56RwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8034.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We made the last descent to the river bed and found ourselves on a vast rocky shelf between the pool below the falls, and the next little drop as the river continues on its way.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfeAO2BBET4" width="320" youtube-src-id="PfeAO2BBET4"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LABNhVk4YGA/YJGBQLdGblI/AAAAAAABnSg/DU8FIcgggHATO3YOuYAmMYk_zPZ-v9gawCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8071.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LABNhVk4YGA/YJGBQLdGblI/AAAAAAABnSg/DU8FIcgggHATO3YOuYAmMYk_zPZ-v9gawCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_8071.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>There were only a few people left here and we found ourselves a rocky ledge to the right of the wall where we could sit with out feet in the water. Kids were having a blast playing in the cold water! Bruce did a bit of swimming, and while I did get in the water, I didn't make it past my boobs! It was enough just saying I did!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqIoM0lxnOo/YJGBc3XUkLI/AAAAAAABnSo/HhhoYYxARIcr4ATUIbu_Iokp3QC_CgNrgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8083.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqIoM0lxnOo/YJGBc3XUkLI/AAAAAAABnSo/HhhoYYxARIcr4ATUIbu_Iokp3QC_CgNrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8083.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNLXp2Sp5VM/YJGBbwIoW_I/AAAAAAABnSk/eP3MSzVHS3QDdFsZySg_zNiti8zH3zULACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8077.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNLXp2Sp5VM/YJGBbwIoW_I/AAAAAAABnSk/eP3MSzVHS3QDdFsZySg_zNiti8zH3zULACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_8077.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLk-vUJc8lc/YJGB7poRSJI/AAAAAAABnS0/Wn4eoFwlaY0QdTmAd0DDPPeEywHlDqEjACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8086.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLk-vUJc8lc/YJGB7poRSJI/AAAAAAABnS0/Wn4eoFwlaY0QdTmAd0DDPPeEywHlDqEjACLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h640/IMG_8086.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><br />We chilled there for a while, watching the happy families and just gazing in wonder at these amazing falls, then we decided to move on. Not really knowing what else there was, we took the other stairway up from the rocky part of the river. The climb seemed much less steep, and it was a new view... We stopped along the way to enjoy the natural surroundings and forest creatures.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipwNzUtK4sY/YJGB_mNUq1I/AAAAAAABnS4/Im1CoTrClqMhv8pTjlWLBOkgFCM-_yffQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipwNzUtK4sY/YJGB_mNUq1I/AAAAAAABnS4/Im1CoTrClqMhv8pTjlWLBOkgFCM-_yffQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/IMG_8091.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JwUjf1QgFPU/YJGCCJlN-MI/AAAAAAABnS8/Sv2znmVBtNAZWNI2tt0HUCZCh0_-9VJYgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8095.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1712" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JwUjf1QgFPU/YJGCCJlN-MI/AAAAAAABnS8/Sv2znmVBtNAZWNI2tt0HUCZCh0_-9VJYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w335-h400/IMG_8095.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-utO3uSJE0iY/YJGCFRTRRhI/AAAAAAABnTA/SVyjwKBOrnUi5mZvlRPCVs0oJHQEScEAACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8098.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1498" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-utO3uSJE0iY/YJGCFRTRRhI/AAAAAAABnTA/SVyjwKBOrnUi5mZvlRPCVs0oJHQEScEAACLcBGAsYHQ/w469-h640/IMG_8098.jpeg" width="469" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kv3yf8Zwwk4/YJGCL706veI/AAAAAAABnTE/O8u8TTdrddYLJreIiDGDJgUYLtHZKjtdwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8104.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kv3yf8Zwwk4/YJGCL706veI/AAAAAAABnTE/O8u8TTdrddYLJreIiDGDJgUYLtHZKjtdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_8104.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomarrosa</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orieXW-MtK4/YJGCWOkr1JI/AAAAAAABnTU/yhdqoFkEh_QdJ_16poL_Ru7FEtfC6TtjACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8106.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orieXW-MtK4/YJGCWOkr1JI/AAAAAAABnTU/yhdqoFkEh_QdJ_16poL_Ru7FEtfC6TtjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_8106.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When we reached the top of the stairway, we had come full loop. But the trail continued on. Let's just go see where this leads! We followed the cement trail alongside the river as it went up and up, punctuated by small falls and picturesque pools.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Pe1LBVc9i4/YJJ68yq1NII/AAAAAAABnTg/IYLdicC9dNQJUoD6K8McVgIPLy8rHbqyQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8114.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Pe1LBVc9i4/YJJ68yq1NII/AAAAAAABnTg/IYLdicC9dNQJUoD6K8McVgIPLy8rHbqyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8114.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qa1znaOjnO8/YJJ7AtpJ4uI/AAAAAAABnTk/WxDzGuduRYE3Qyvsy4FJVwJIYKNv4IHMQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8115.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qa1znaOjnO8/YJJ7AtpJ4uI/AAAAAAABnTk/WxDzGuduRYE3Qyvsy4FJVwJIYKNv4IHMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8115.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HxMlBMdOtzE/YJJ7Ne4GfII/AAAAAAABnT0/hidNJ9dUg58i-D0a66gautamdOyXTElpQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HxMlBMdOtzE/YJJ7Ne4GfII/AAAAAAABnT0/hidNJ9dUg58i-D0a66gautamdOyXTElpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8118.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fP16K_9hnJU/YJJ7EqFLXfI/AAAAAAABnTo/18naHV7252UwR-dQrf6srD0PG5e-2b7YACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fP16K_9hnJU/YJJ7EqFLXfI/AAAAAAABnTo/18naHV7252UwR-dQrf6srD0PG5e-2b7YACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NI7L2Fr7g8M/YJJ7H424Q5I/AAAAAAABnTs/MtmCGZ75zA4P3cZIea603yfyfwsdRMy0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8119.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NI7L2Fr7g8M/YJJ7H424Q5I/AAAAAAABnTs/MtmCGZ75zA4P3cZIea603yfyfwsdRMy0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGft1fIKbEE/YJJ7TgtZBzI/AAAAAAABnT8/6l7BWxjlPY05VP2g0-JDBYNgCMQBKiaSQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8132.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGft1fIKbEE/YJJ7TgtZBzI/AAAAAAABnT8/6l7BWxjlPY05VP2g0-JDBYNgCMQBKiaSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_8132.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/anqbqY8AFx0" width="320" youtube-src-id="anqbqY8AFx0"></iframe></div><br /><p>It seems like there's always a rock cairn... But it is still a peaceful moment of zen! We just could not believe how beautiful this place is! And there were very few people here on a Monday! We could have spent hours just sitting in the water in the various pools... but we were on a mission to see what else there was just around the bend! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-51Dqlo_OzIQ/YJJ73QMR4aI/AAAAAAABnUI/XowJNv-q7VQiviATkfKPrVXMo8QF9zfvQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8149.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-51Dqlo_OzIQ/YJJ73QMR4aI/AAAAAAABnUI/XowJNv-q7VQiviATkfKPrVXMo8QF9zfvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuXDRIMWdkk/YJJ78wyrYDI/AAAAAAABnUM/w_LJ9FAm-LYxo-GddSVQE-09itgEuGMcACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8154.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1623" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuXDRIMWdkk/YJJ78wyrYDI/AAAAAAABnUM/w_LJ9FAm-LYxo-GddSVQE-09itgEuGMcACLcBGAsYHQ/w507-h640/IMG_8154.jpeg" width="507" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly fallen African Tulips</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nsHUVN0OFk/YJJ8GV9XUbI/AAAAAAABnUQ/qCAfBalTXMQ8w9A_Pn_SvqGBfZ_60TlsACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8156.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nsHUVN0OFk/YJJ8GV9XUbI/AAAAAAABnUQ/qCAfBalTXMQ8w9A_Pn_SvqGBfZ_60TlsACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_8156.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-5X0uJ2Znw/YJJ8L56uqZI/AAAAAAABnUY/xHDQ-3DYMPwRg3n2uUZ_7qHokxXFWSKjQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8157.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-5X0uJ2Znw/YJJ8L56uqZI/AAAAAAABnUY/xHDQ-3DYMPwRg3n2uUZ_7qHokxXFWSKjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8157.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VhwQiV4ZVTw/YJJ8SHBiSBI/AAAAAAABnUc/UiAKJdpqP_0glbogcEa22l0oo3WJEBHhwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8158.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VhwQiV4ZVTw/YJJ8SHBiSBI/AAAAAAABnUc/UiAKJdpqP_0glbogcEa22l0oo3WJEBHhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8158.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As we climbed almost imperceptibly higher, we came to a point where the trail led more sharply up, and away from the river. Off we went, hearing rushing water and voices in the distance... We were rewarded for our perseverance with yet another idyllic scene!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fXEfnyyXVb8/YJJ8z7gjjaI/AAAAAAABnUo/A2Sm0tf6B7ArXKtCwwSS6wrFTRJ8HPJGACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8178.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fXEfnyyXVb8/YJJ8z7gjjaI/AAAAAAABnUo/A2Sm0tf6B7ArXKtCwwSS6wrFTRJ8HPJGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8178.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_ssbFooM6Q/YJJ83hqQyBI/AAAAAAABnUs/qcHNBH6TMTc_AYe6AXfJksqNNvCDRlFvACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8176.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_ssbFooM6Q/YJJ83hqQyBI/AAAAAAABnUs/qcHNBH6TMTc_AYe6AXfJksqNNvCDRlFvACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another beautiful waterfall cascaded down from the top of what looks like a caved-in cavern. The pool below was contained on the far side by a deeply carved wall with an overhang, topped by roots trailing downward. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XptpK5XM89c" width="320" youtube-src-id="XptpK5XM89c"></iframe></div><br /><p>It was just gorgeous! I don't know if it's possible to go further upstream, but we turned back from this point. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lx05UfaDB9g/YJJ9onH8XTI/AAAAAAABnU4/QWC4ajGiXlEaG1LFgP7kn5djxKS9FpeJQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8171.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lx05UfaDB9g/YJJ9onH8XTI/AAAAAAABnU4/QWC4ajGiXlEaG1LFgP7kn5djxKS9FpeJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8171.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots growing aboveground.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QKWIbJqW6J4/YJJ9vjUdYWI/AAAAAAABnU8/a8g1lEPELnohjeNVlL4Q2f4Y8bRaSgrbwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8184.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QKWIbJqW6J4/YJJ9vjUdYWI/AAAAAAABnU8/a8g1lEPELnohjeNVlL4Q2f4Y8bRaSgrbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8184.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovOeFqHYVgY/YJJ9y0rt7GI/AAAAAAABnVA/qQp5aKILPmssmtYUDPx1MiXWwZBBk6RUQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8189.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovOeFqHYVgY/YJJ9y0rt7GI/AAAAAAABnVA/qQp5aKILPmssmtYUDPx1MiXWwZBBk6RUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/IMG_8189.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_JneSWQeluw/YJJ912KmeBI/AAAAAAABnVE/l6-mryCVqysziaLTcQhq-ETQ8gaUympUQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8200.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_JneSWQeluw/YJJ912KmeBI/AAAAAAABnVE/l6-mryCVqysziaLTcQhq-ETQ8gaUympUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h388/IMG_8200.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDjPdYjDFP8/YJJ95vh-2SI/AAAAAAABnVI/4VAlmCFr8g0x5eTh7i6dDI2aq3L0FsskACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2024" data-original-width="2048" height="632" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDjPdYjDFP8/YJJ95vh-2SI/AAAAAAABnVI/4VAlmCFr8g0x5eTh7i6dDI2aq3L0FsskACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h632/IMG_8206.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just WOW! I'm kicking myself for not having made more of an effort to come here before now. This place is simply amazing, and it has moved to the top of my list of things to do here in Puerto Rico! The walk in the forest is an opportunity to connect with nature, and to see marvelous flora and fauna up close and personal.<p></p><p>We followed the trail back to the car and set off for our B&B. Of course it began to rain again, and when we arrived back at our beach, the setting sun behind a veil of rain provided yet another photo opportunity! The ever-changing faces of our Puerto Rican beaches never cease to thrill! </p><p>This concludes the last day of our time here in Aguada. Bryan's B&B is the perfect place to get away to this side of the island. It is close to SO many things, and we barely scratched the surface because of the rainy afternoons. Tomorrow, we head for our place, so stay tuned for one more day of fun stuff!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDcoguznBZk/YJKAW2hXTmI/AAAAAAABnVY/XueisYeFalo7HTP0OVdBSXaP2qw84qN4wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_8215.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDcoguznBZk/YJKAW2hXTmI/AAAAAAABnVY/XueisYeFalo7HTP0OVdBSXaP2qw84qN4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/IMG_8215.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset through a veil of light rain.</td></tr></tbody></table></p></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-61039792287648959772021-04-25T22:00:00.004-04:002021-05-02T14:02:09.207-04:00Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Trail Ride Isabela<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxJY8zjklEw/YI7dRZuX1MI/AAAAAAABnOA/xgTYahSwucUkHL0GDpggn2RMN5yD5FRggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="2048" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxJY8zjklEw/YI7dRZuX1MI/AAAAAAABnOA/xgTYahSwucUkHL0GDpggn2RMN5yD5FRggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h264/IMG_7817.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neighbor chickens waiting for breakfast!</td></tr></tbody></table>Some people must complain about the noise from the roosters next door, because our B&B came with white noise machines in both bedrooms. We turned those off immediately... because we've got all the sweet sounds we need coming in through the open windows. </p><p>These chickens next door have become accustomed to the scraps we bring them each day. Our B&B even comes with a food scrap bucket for just that purpose. AND because we shared with them, they made us a gift of a dozen eggs!</p><p>This Sunday morning, we've got big plans. But we don't have to be on the road too early. There's just enough time for a leisurely cup of coffee and breakfast. I took my coffee to the beach patio! Grab a cup for yourself, and come sit with me. We can watch the waves roll in with the rising sun together!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xA2tlT3BsVs" width="320" youtube-src-id="xA2tlT3BsVs"></iframe></div><br /><p>But all good things must come to an end... so that you can have MORE good things! Today's big plan is to go horseback riding with <a href="https://tropicaltrailrides.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwm7mEBhBsEiwA_of-TEbu2Vw81Dd2VHdi9ZFQ68NzXII6qI3hvjbVZ0oltu8XBhUKw5zQ_xoCByoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Tropical Trail Rides</a> in nearby Isabela. It's very near Shack's beach, another of the places I am eager to check out. Double points!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GTLBJSlRbI/YI7e5qoSvjI/AAAAAAABnOI/xvNeQROntcgzjUEuEubV_-GMJ16X1aR-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1427/Image%2B5-2-21%2Bat%2B12.27%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="1427" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GTLBJSlRbI/YI7e5qoSvjI/AAAAAAABnOI/xvNeQROntcgzjUEuEubV_-GMJ16X1aR-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h214/Image%2B5-2-21%2Bat%2B12.27%2BPM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://g.page/tropicaltrailrides?share" target="_blank">Tropical Trail Rides on the Right</a>. This was our riding area today!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQF6jxpUFCE/YI7gM1cKIOI/AAAAAAABnOQ/C_rlGo9VcPIN8AwSDEmWV9lE8wWPMoQSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7845.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQF6jxpUFCE/YI7gM1cKIOI/AAAAAAABnOQ/C_rlGo9VcPIN8AwSDEmWV9lE8wWPMoQSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7845.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We arrived early and met our group. Nice folks from... TEXAS! Must be Texan week in Puerto Rico! Very soon, we were finished with the paperwork and weighted before being issued a horse. Mine's name was Taina and she was very pretty. Bruce had Ginger, Cheri had Calypso, and Alan was on Whiskey... very appropriate, although maybe it should have been "RUM"!</div><div><br /></div><div>We all set out on the road through Villa Montana Beach resort. It looks very nice, and definitely upscale! It worried me a little, because the horses weren't shod, and it was a paved road... But overall, these horses were sleek and looked very much cared for. Gold stars for Tropical Trail rides!</div><div><br /></div><div>If I had to come up with a complaint... it would be that, for safety reasons, we were not allowed to take photos along the trail. We had to keep our hands free to work the reins and hang on. And indeed we did need to hang on, because throughout the ride, we did a LOT of trotting! Mostly it was a very even ride, but sometimes bouncy. And we were on tree lined trail, rocky and root strewn trail, and with some uneven spots thrown in there, just to keep us on our toes. Ok, toes in the stirrups, heels down! See, I was listening! Overall, the trail was very well maintained, but there were a few opportunities for steering the horse to keep from being slapped in the face by a low-hanging limb. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ride along Shacks beach came first. This dashed our plans for returning there later for snorkeling. The waves were wild! No snorkeling today!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we ducked back into the brushy areas and enjoyed the sun-dappled shade! It was getting warm, but in the forest area, it was very nice. Oh, and we were allowed to lower our masks while riding, so that we could take advantage of the sweet smells of this wild, natural area. So awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>Soon we popped back out onto a beach. Survival Beach! This was another of my beach goals... but it is difficult to get to. Unless you're on horseback, that is! We rode along the water and I saw once again, that we would not be coming here to snorkel! This beach was even more wild than the first one! </div><div><br /></div><div>We dismounted and let the horses have a break in the shade, while I explored the tide pools, and another bank of rocky shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3szuGK4pYII" width="320" youtube-src-id="3szuGK4pYII"></iframe></div><br /><div>Not much sea glass here... so when the call to mount up came, I was ready!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktdWHOIxyM4/YI7jJISPZYI/AAAAAAABnOY/4GoW19H_OGIap-85sd9WFMppas-h_A1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktdWHOIxyM4/YI7jJISPZYI/AAAAAAABnOY/4GoW19H_OGIap-85sd9WFMppas-h_A1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/IMG_7853.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIadl5OCCww/YI7jRvDa5vI/AAAAAAABnOg/VAmmfGq9ONYtqH86dFkfJUoujqJ9CcRogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7855.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="2048" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIadl5OCCww/YI7jRvDa5vI/AAAAAAABnOg/VAmmfGq9ONYtqH86dFkfJUoujqJ9CcRogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h450/IMG_7855.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break time is over!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE4ktWEMYx8/YI7jRh7vJsI/AAAAAAABnOc/PI8WpuUVRoQ42SmptQ1KZyQOXmZbWgYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7917.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE4ktWEMYx8/YI7jRh7vJsI/AAAAAAABnOc/PI8WpuUVRoQ42SmptQ1KZyQOXmZbWgYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_7917.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Taina was a little camera shy.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6b_iYtLooY/YI7jfYgbyiI/AAAAAAABnOo/fHaVbBqy6rg591n7Rn8Mr4x2BkzEbmqqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6b_iYtLooY/YI7jfYgbyiI/AAAAAAABnOo/fHaVbBqy6rg591n7Rn8Mr4x2BkzEbmqqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_7849.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf7o5MKpblc/YI7jfYsFAnI/AAAAAAABnOw/QIbh5I4yPuUgOgC1TDtyXR_1oKBwGeVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf7o5MKpblc/YI7jfYsFAnI/AAAAAAABnOw/QIbh5I4yPuUgOgC1TDtyXR_1oKBwGeVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7916.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a couple pics of Bruce before we moved out.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8eZQdRA7Tk/YI7jfdIQT5I/AAAAAAABnOs/HFS7HqHgR3sGGiEvGNjvO9fR4JK5WIMQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="2048" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8eZQdRA7Tk/YI7jfdIQT5I/AAAAAAABnOs/HFS7HqHgR3sGGiEvGNjvO9fR4JK5WIMQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h394/IMG_7920.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69QyQw8FbU4/YI7jfnUm6nI/AAAAAAABnO0/yoAvRP7gRrogq9v2VTeemfUSfMP85PVVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7929.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69QyQw8FbU4/YI7jfnUm6nI/AAAAAAABnO0/yoAvRP7gRrogq9v2VTeemfUSfMP85PVVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_7929.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super fun day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We took the scenic route back to the barn, and got to trot a whole lot more. Yes, the horses were happy to be headed home! It was a two hour ride, and our bodies were already feeling the muscles we seldom use... This is gonna hurt! But it was totally worth it! I've been on several trail rides in my life, and this is second only to the one in Jamaica where we actually rode the horses IN the water. And I don't need to do that again! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, skipping the Shack's beach snorkeling experience, we moved on to looking for a picnic spot. I took the beach road, and we ended up at the Blow hole in Isabela. It was blowing mostly air, with a little bit of salt spray today. I'm not sure it ever blows water, judging from the fact that there is no seaweed in the area around the hole. But it's still fun to hear the air rush out, and to witness the magnificent power of the Atlantic ocean from the relative safety of the rocky coast. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krcPJOBMi9Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="krcPJOBMi9Q"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iw69PJji5s/YI7mZra14-I/AAAAAAABnPI/mRBg_MXktDQGl16oA9lpocjTSlAjAI-UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7938.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iw69PJji5s/YI7mZra14-I/AAAAAAABnPI/mRBg_MXktDQGl16oA9lpocjTSlAjAI-UACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7938.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SF6BTuFmEvc" width="320" youtube-src-id="SF6BTuFmEvc"></iframe></div><br /><div>Well, it was getting pretty warm, and finding no shady place to picnic, we just pointed our bow to the B&B. Of course, on our drive home, the daily afternoon showers began to pour once again! So we had our late lunch and then everyone voted on nap time! Guess we were all getting a little overstimulated, regardless of how much we did NOT do, because of the rain. </div><div><br /></div><div>After naps, we got cleaned up and went out for dinner with another Texas girl. We met her at The Beach House. Just in time for happy hour, we enjoyed good food and conversation, even if the sunset was a little damp! The view was still good! What a way to end another full day of fun!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGMKgaj8YIk/YI7nbLfDFBI/AAAAAAABnPQ/5R3LIBNX9iQG6ANoQQbOcbtSHAMfxPpUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7946.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGMKgaj8YIk/YI7nbLfDFBI/AAAAAAABnPQ/5R3LIBNX9iQG6ANoQQbOcbtSHAMfxPpUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7946.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse was lit, guiding ships along the rocky coast of the Mona Channel. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-26478342859266857092021-04-24T22:30:00.179-04:002021-05-02T10:19:50.290-04:00Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Settling In and Setting Out!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJGO3zSTEi0/YI6Wy7BRCWI/AAAAAAABnKM/vZ0Z8MbvLOseQxhTWIHWJNkLfBLw66EMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7653.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJGO3zSTEi0/YI6Wy7BRCWI/AAAAAAABnKM/vZ0Z8MbvLOseQxhTWIHWJNkLfBLw66EMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7653.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our coffee drinking view!</td></tr></tbody></table>Of course I have a dozen things I want to show our friends today, but weather sometimes dictates our agenda, even while living ashore! Our host advised us that today would be the best day for a spearfishing event, so we spent the morning enjoying our beach in various ways. Anyway... it makes no sense having this fabulous B&Beach, and not spending time enjoying it... right?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-iX__tFpNcg" width="320" youtube-src-id="-iX__tFpNcg"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R4ApdkAh-k/YI6XnwVSRHI/AAAAAAABnKU/i24xbTiiwjYgREASML5CpzMxlZmnh4QdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7656.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_R4ApdkAh-k/YI6XnwVSRHI/AAAAAAABnKU/i24xbTiiwjYgREASML5CpzMxlZmnh4QdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7656.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I watched while everyone prepared their gear, suited up and headed out into the waves. <p></p><p>Bryan gives an orientation before he takes anyone out for water sports. He wants to make sure everyone is safe, AND he is very zen and one with the environment. Emphasis on relaxation ensures that they catch the fish off guard!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlsF4iUMOnE/YI6X38wCdeI/AAAAAAABnKk/J3q21V55-Gwl3zHKcn_6hzUAthr5B3eIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7668.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlsF4iUMOnE/YI6X38wCdeI/AAAAAAABnKk/J3q21V55-Gwl3zHKcn_6hzUAthr5B3eIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/IMG_7668.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan and Bryan certainly look the part!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed7FnjGhON0/YI6X3nGhMFI/AAAAAAABnKg/jcZOM41LO3oA3zLBlTZ7eUWCQ2Br4BkMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7669.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed7FnjGhON0/YI6X3nGhMFI/AAAAAAABnKg/jcZOM41LO3oA3zLBlTZ7eUWCQ2Br4BkMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7669.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a little fun with an intentional "Power Pose" to ensure success!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikzqqxOE-jw/YI6X3pO4MwI/AAAAAAABnKc/j-0na7ZD8zc2B0NnnlLPcQjtN7dmz37qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikzqqxOE-jw/YI6X3pO4MwI/AAAAAAABnKc/j-0na7ZD8zc2B0NnnlLPcQjtN7dmz37qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7670.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan has all the gear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JI411FOTTXY" width="320" youtube-src-id="JI411FOTTXY"></iframe></div><br /><div>Bruce went off on his own, for a little exercise! I love that he takes his health seriously, and is always looking for a way to get in a swim!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcYQZFmDVrU/YI6Y6TuufnI/AAAAAAABnK0/6O-nF_YxxvUxwXf7DlyPQueWkNj5hX76QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7675.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcYQZFmDVrU/YI6Y6TuufnI/AAAAAAABnK0/6O-nF_YxxvUxwXf7DlyPQueWkNj5hX76QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7675.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsdxfb2mdHo/YI6Y6YP5jHI/AAAAAAABnK4/IdJ3u-nOBPsAmBdcbneDDi1guMafVdmAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7681.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsdxfb2mdHo/YI6Y6YP5jHI/AAAAAAABnK4/IdJ3u-nOBPsAmBdcbneDDi1guMafVdmAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7681.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I'm always relieved when he returns unscathed!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcZAGraLZEM" width="320" youtube-src-id="pcZAGraLZEM"></iframe></div><br /><div>When Bruce was done swimming, he joined me for a short beachwalk. We explored our beach and the many tide pools. We found a multitude of tiny Sargent Majors trapped in the sandstone pools. What a beautiful beach!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlYU_GFvosM/YI6Zr0gswUI/AAAAAAABnLE/DBc4vYVaY2E4TTAS2Bq_dPeDK3Ff2sjJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlYU_GFvosM/YI6Zr0gswUI/AAAAAAABnLE/DBc4vYVaY2E4TTAS2Bq_dPeDK3Ff2sjJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h430/IMG_7684.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkhp_6fRwOw/YI6ZryUt56I/AAAAAAABnLI/RWX796ENqjAgawBrDdFx3KwOy7gpfcZkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkhp_6fRwOw/YI6ZryUt56I/AAAAAAABnLI/RWX796ENqjAgawBrDdFx3KwOy7gpfcZkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/IMG_7690.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have access to this platform on the neighboring property!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUN189Kb2kM/YI6ZspdKjII/AAAAAAABnLM/BmFXLcTNuO8pu5N31CThzFvw4T9JgdUOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUN189Kb2kM/YI6ZspdKjII/AAAAAAABnLM/BmFXLcTNuO8pu5N31CThzFvw4T9JgdUOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_7705.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone has made art from driftwood!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMB74SlmQgk/YI6ZtnH9E_I/AAAAAAABnLU/xCFj_PpMPs0EGZafQWk_BhDWxPYmkTzhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMB74SlmQgk/YI6ZtnH9E_I/AAAAAAABnLU/xCFj_PpMPs0EGZafQWk_BhDWxPYmkTzhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_7710.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lta7iObjIk/YI6ZtCMBssI/AAAAAAABnLQ/PtHgfPPyy8Ye2nmjEYbNJjpm6DwXKwcAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7713.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lta7iObjIk/YI6ZtCMBssI/AAAAAAABnLQ/PtHgfPPyy8Ye2nmjEYbNJjpm6DwXKwcAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7713.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, I had to play in it...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCZG1O3fxSM/YI6Zu0CqR-I/AAAAAAABnLY/wkQohzwZFEgluUAqep99NL071ruGEqF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7721.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCZG1O3fxSM/YI6Zu0CqR-I/AAAAAAABnLY/wkQohzwZFEgluUAqep99NL071ruGEqF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7721.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Bruce rested in the shade!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHjWbjkEim0/YI6ZwgXmI8I/AAAAAAABnLg/ywYC49K6n8g81YdOmMb9ps-sYMID53bAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7724.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHjWbjkEim0/YI6ZwgXmI8I/AAAAAAABnLg/ywYC49K6n8g81YdOmMb9ps-sYMID53bAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_7724.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad stranded starfish... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kea_rKth_0/YI6ZwZVJsXI/AAAAAAABnLc/OTkJ9Wuk6pQDTqR0NKUgt86eTw6i7KK2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kea_rKth_0/YI6ZwZVJsXI/AAAAAAABnLc/OTkJ9Wuk6pQDTqR0NKUgt86eTw6i7KK2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7729.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqWmMsT_VY4/YI6Zy1dYlcI/AAAAAAABnLo/OvxQuNQpKbMoCsJ637eks9cf_jQ2ugSNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7734.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqWmMsT_VY4/YI6Zy1dYlcI/AAAAAAABnLo/OvxQuNQpKbMoCsJ637eks9cf_jQ2ugSNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_7734.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black sand patch makes a great background for my heart!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqw4Oc3d8tQ/YI6Zyd-xk0I/AAAAAAABnLk/4DKGHgOjnYAe_fjqS7SWmjGJD3gXOAWkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqw4Oc3d8tQ/YI6Zyd-xk0I/AAAAAAABnLk/4DKGHgOjnYAe_fjqS7SWmjGJD3gXOAWkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7736.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JG6h-To50kY" width="320" youtube-src-id="JG6h-To50kY"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OGwm9q63MLA" width="320" youtube-src-id="OGwm9q63MLA"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJPdnzGUdlM/YI6a1JP7v-I/AAAAAAABnMA/wQyJgDasiaIT5DXgtX9eI34YZ_Bxep84gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7743.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJPdnzGUdlM/YI6a1JP7v-I/AAAAAAABnMA/wQyJgDasiaIT5DXgtX9eI34YZ_Bxep84gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7743.jpeg" /></a></div>No beach walk is complete without resulting in a hand full of sea glass! One frustration was that SO many pieces of glass were wedged solidly in the sandstone. I wanted them bad! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSJ3v1BZBs/YI6a-Xd5-DI/AAAAAAABnMM/fwLXS6QEKRIbl6VhnmaJDu6I8pnOuI_vACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="2048" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSJ3v1BZBs/YI6a-Xd5-DI/AAAAAAABnMM/fwLXS6QEKRIbl6VhnmaJDu6I8pnOuI_vACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h281/IMG_7749.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaglass embedded in the sandstone!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa6XrK2Uj5o/YI6a93dTjGI/AAAAAAABnME/JrRqYpUkSnw5vh3FZf6B-USIjUGSUtJ4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7764.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pa6XrK2Uj5o/YI6a93dTjGI/AAAAAAABnME/JrRqYpUkSnw5vh3FZf6B-USIjUGSUtJ4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7764.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoxg49YTyWg/YI6a9zrK6rI/AAAAAAABnMI/S3DoNDRSzAsSfnx-TQ89hwhoNiaQdsaeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7766.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoxg49YTyWg/YI6a9zrK6rI/AAAAAAABnMI/S3DoNDRSzAsSfnx-TQ89hwhoNiaQdsaeACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7766.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunshine really pops those colors!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>When everyone was done enjoying our beach, we met back up at the B&B and had some lunch. Alan grilled the fish, and we threw together a snack lunch before loading up the SUV for a look at some of my favorite places in Aguada and Aguadilla. <div><br /></div><div>We began our tour at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RUi1tfYxStRpLy9q6" target="_blank">Las Ruinas del Faro Borinquen</a> in Aguadilla!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7-3fGPmyw4/YI6wmkm1G4I/AAAAAAABnMk/gjzGhBEM5WkVhHiq-AIQOZHTHtAiZZppACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7767.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7-3fGPmyw4/YI6wmkm1G4I/AAAAAAABnMk/gjzGhBEM5WkVhHiq-AIQOZHTHtAiZZppACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h460/IMG_7767.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agWc_rNZaQU/YI6wmflixdI/AAAAAAABnMc/BO3pK6-axmErfrJ60vJ-HQ3M_HSNswcJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agWc_rNZaQU/YI6wmflixdI/AAAAAAABnMc/BO3pK6-axmErfrJ60vJ-HQ3M_HSNswcJACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h436/IMG_7768.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05VX05Qhd_Y/YI6wmXY9spI/AAAAAAABnMg/vsdOslaUdSQfxKLwWxG0jrwxuker8HnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05VX05Qhd_Y/YI6wmXY9spI/AAAAAAABnMg/vsdOslaUdSQfxKLwWxG0jrwxuker8HnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/IMG_7771.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5x1D-AdQ7w/YI6wnSfb1GI/AAAAAAABnMo/6sg7TUMw8SQeUbIL9OcqhW4d74yfourKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5x1D-AdQ7w/YI6wnSfb1GI/AAAAAAABnMo/6sg7TUMw8SQeUbIL9OcqhW4d74yfourKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/IMG_7772.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGuWQbqVLAI/YI6wqMb_IPI/AAAAAAABnMw/P-2DO_0xXzsvXKXerjMVgocdgVRr2w5BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGuWQbqVLAI/YI6wqMb_IPI/AAAAAAABnMw/P-2DO_0xXzsvXKXerjMVgocdgVRr2w5BwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h390/IMG_7774.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TD_uYphpyY/YI6wqd6aqyI/AAAAAAABnM0/q0gNLfEMMyoPf38Mv7ZFLXOfmD-HTN4KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7776.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TD_uYphpyY/YI6wqd6aqyI/AAAAAAABnM0/q0gNLfEMMyoPf38Mv7ZFLXOfmD-HTN4KwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_7776.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO-f00ianEs/YI6wqNhXzWI/AAAAAAABnMs/eRjWCa8aHGAMsco8xxR-j3RjvV4xNoKiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO-f00ianEs/YI6wqNhXzWI/AAAAAAABnMs/eRjWCa8aHGAMsco8xxR-j3RjvV4xNoKiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7779.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iguana king sunning himself on the top!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aip1s-dC8UA/YI6wsrXNV6I/AAAAAAABnM8/w3E9H8ruckYAChJk9m7DOcY0up3x-fm4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7785.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aip1s-dC8UA/YI6wsrXNV6I/AAAAAAABnM8/w3E9H8ruckYAChJk9m7DOcY0up3x-fm4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_7785.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful friend, Cheri</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACYjIszWcaU/YI6xk6lsMJI/AAAAAAABnNo/iAHD_MWMNvAebHzHtydrqtVmAFvOes4mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7787.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACYjIszWcaU/YI6xk6lsMJI/AAAAAAABnNo/iAHD_MWMNvAebHzHtydrqtVmAFvOes4mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_7787.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div>I love these old ruins! The architecture is exposed by the ravages of time, and it always amazes me that they are still standing. There has been a bit more damage here since our last visit, probably due to recent earthquakes. <div><br /></div><div>There is a newer lighthouse minutes away, that replaced this one in service. But it wasn't open, so we didn't get a good look at it. This one was far more interesting anyway!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKpHGSFQLKM/YI6wtHQQYAI/AAAAAAABnNA/mKcDgSWTM0kCDtIBMiq9YxtCgmNVm_DYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7792.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKpHGSFQLKM/YI6wtHQQYAI/AAAAAAABnNA/mKcDgSWTM0kCDtIBMiq9YxtCgmNVm_DYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h422/IMG_7792.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLhLfnbetAg/YI6wtuUP2kI/AAAAAAABnNE/K5Qwgg6ltaA3JZrVsTmc1GmpTgOb1sTdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1695/IMG_7803.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1695" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLhLfnbetAg/YI6wtuUP2kI/AAAAAAABnNE/K5Qwgg6ltaA3JZrVsTmc1GmpTgOb1sTdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h370/IMG_7803.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J27rt8ZVNxw/YI6wuUCf1bI/AAAAAAABnNI/gFWfIaSERxozzTu42AhzLuow0YEOFeFowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7806.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J27rt8ZVNxw/YI6wuUCf1bI/AAAAAAABnNI/gFWfIaSERxozzTu42AhzLuow0YEOFeFowCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h476/IMG_7806.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Remember that weather I spoke of earlier? Well, when we drove to some of my other special spots after leaving here, it was raining hard! Forever optimistic, I drove to one after another, and we just sat in the car watching it rain! Giving up, we drove all the way home in the pouring rain! It only stopped raining as we arrived back at our B&B!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I have to say that while I felt so bad about not showing these treasures to our friends... they were super chill about the whole thing! No complaints here! They just rolled with whatever, and it made me feel much better. We will just have to add these things to the agenda for their next visit!</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent another relaxed evening, with Cheri and Alan cooking us up a delicious dinner in our B&B! I can't believe how lucky we are that she loves to cook... and is SO good at it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, we turned off the AC and opened the windows to let the sound of crashing waves lull us to sleep! No trouble sleeping here, even with the birdsong and crazy roosters next door!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-8SmwJIcWw/YI6zFtLSgDI/AAAAAAABnNw/wxcrXG2ns3EbNZgjdJD_505pB1eIATtmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7812.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-8SmwJIcWw/YI6zFtLSgDI/AAAAAAABnNw/wxcrXG2ns3EbNZgjdJD_505pB1eIATtmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7812.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundowner view!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-36832378285456194372021-04-23T21:30:00.225-04:002021-05-01T18:06:36.865-04:00Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Friends From Texas Arrive!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g75pP0gJJuc/YIlL91GjbfI/AAAAAAABnE4/cC0AmcH-ux4mjR09lwmUYYWCctniqKQLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g75pP0gJJuc/YIlL91GjbfI/AAAAAAABnE4/cC0AmcH-ux4mjR09lwmUYYWCctniqKQLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7407.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We always thought we would have people come visit us in faraway places when we were cruising... and while some did... most did not. Seems like the beautiful and alluring Isla del Encanto is a MUCH bigger draw, and my "Other People's Vacation Pics" posts are growing once again as we welcome our friends from Texas! We met Cheri and Alan while cruising, and it seems like the people we met "out there" hold an extra special place in our hearts. These two are right up there, so we are beyond excited to show them OUR island!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfVnJlTaeys/YIlMGOpRYNI/AAAAAAABnE8/p63ySQrr740Z2FwPRE2X6gcXOFVv1GFVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7410.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfVnJlTaeys/YIlMGOpRYNI/AAAAAAABnE8/p63ySQrr740Z2FwPRE2X6gcXOFVv1GFVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7410.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castillo San Filipe del Morro</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVpa5pmeiY8/YIlMGFZqeWI/AAAAAAABnFA/lLz1pLpm-NA40OFUCGqduuuFzoHWyefsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7417.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVpa5pmeiY8/YIlMGFZqeWI/AAAAAAABnFA/lLz1pLpm-NA40OFUCGqduuuFzoHWyefsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h398/IMG_7417.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37ZDIAbewYs/YIlMeCtcjVI/AAAAAAABnFQ/jws_CCBF3ZgRJsoUrpNtBpKXSvYl8gS3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7416.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1581" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37ZDIAbewYs/YIlMeCtcjVI/AAAAAAABnFQ/jws_CCBF3ZgRJsoUrpNtBpKXSvYl8gS3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w494-h640/IMG_7416.jpeg" width="494" /></a></div>After spending a couple of days on their own in El Viejo San Juan, we picked them up and started our own Staycation with a quick stop at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/xPjDuGBHAS3LVWXg7">Fortin San Juan de la Cruz</a>, locally known as El Cañuelo. This small fort is part of San Juan's protection from seagoing threats. It stands on a rocky islet at the far side of the entrance to the harbor. It was originally a stand-alone islet, until some time after 1986 when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isla_de_Cabras" target="_blank">Isla de Cabras</a> was expanded to incorporate Isla Cañuela, and it is now easily accessible by car via a causeway. We've stopped here before, but it was not open to visitors at the time. Today, we were able to walk around and take a look! We didn't see all of the sites here today, because some are still closed, so we will have to come back when things are completely open, post Pandemic!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VcYeq1zqjA/YIlMlSqvNmI/AAAAAAABnFU/3zzh-OONUO03YkvgjfSxbs7916sHSLR5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VcYeq1zqjA/YIlMlSqvNmI/AAAAAAABnFU/3zzh-OONUO03YkvgjfSxbs7916sHSLR5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7418.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Our next stop was a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QhuVXPonPj5ffHocA" target="_blank">small bakery</a> where we picked up some sandwiches to take down the road to one of the most beautiful and unusual spots on the island. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fMvM7hsLLUJLxCSm8" target="_blank">Mar Chiquita</a> is a small "bowl" of crystal waters, lined by a rim of sandstone, followed by a crescent of white sand, and topped off by a row of shady palms and sea grape trees. The two sandstone walls that keep the Atlantic at bay have been honed to sharp spikes by the ocean. A small opening between the walls allows you to catch a glimpse of the waves as they are broken by the walls, and only a much more tame version is granted entry to this serene little slice of sunny heaven!</p><p>We sat beneath a seagrape canopy and ate our lunch, sharing with one large <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Puerto_Rican_ameiva" target="_blank">Puerto Rican Ameiva</a> that scavenged for bread crumbs at Alan's feet. Then it was time for a short <strike>sea glass hunt</strike> walk around the rocky shore where we could get a better look at the keyhole entrance and those big waves!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paakdZ2_1iA/YIqN0j0gosI/AAAAAAABnFs/tihxfFwgBm43ZhBMOUhZyoUDIvvH7w-KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7419.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paakdZ2_1iA/YIqN0j0gosI/AAAAAAABnFs/tihxfFwgBm43ZhBMOUhZyoUDIvvH7w-KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7419.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8UHqUTcEV8/YIqN08c7jNI/AAAAAAABnFw/wB5Nicz4dWEzbsds_D4GKYBlg2nh0BGiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7421.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8UHqUTcEV8/YIqN08c7jNI/AAAAAAABnFw/wB5Nicz4dWEzbsds_D4GKYBlg2nh0BGiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7421.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waves fan out after coming through that small opening!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oaPvy4EZ4Q/YIqN07ThcFI/AAAAAAABnFo/aOFYVjY45FcJd8TxV6Mkeeh_Didc-7nAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7426.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oaPvy4EZ4Q/YIqN07ThcFI/AAAAAAABnFo/aOFYVjY45FcJd8TxV6Mkeeh_Didc-7nAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7426.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Selfie~in~awesome~places!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gR-AsvTtsXw" width="320" youtube-src-id="gR-AsvTtsXw"></iframe></div><br /><div>Well, of course I've got a full agenda, and time was pressing us onward. We headed off to our appointment with the fine young people over at <a href="https://www.cuevaventanapr.com/" target="_blank">Cueva Ventana</a>. We put on our hard hats, and waited for the rest of our group to form, then began the climb along a slightly muddy pathway to the cave entrance. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've visited this cave before, but Cheri and Alan haven't, so it was fun to see it again. I'm happy to say that it hasn't changed! But, there is a new exhibit due to open in the summer, and it looks like it might be a reason to return soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aventuracuevaventana/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Cn1Gx2CHE/YI28-YAbHwI/AAAAAAABnGY/O1mujV0mgFsJAFB5OXXtX4idaujQG2GvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cueva%2BVentana%2Bnew%2Battraction.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enZoAeyMB0/YI2-TUf4BHI/AAAAAAABnGo/HMZCSnVTZk41mlFFl8d_IvskVpijbwQwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7436.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enZoAeyMB0/YI2-TUf4BHI/AAAAAAABnGo/HMZCSnVTZk41mlFFl8d_IvskVpijbwQwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7436.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a nice pathway that leads down to the cave entrance. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkcQvDCLXo8/YI2-S2kCb9I/AAAAAAABnGk/PYotZH7SP6Q4kxPoa_iDgJRMBHoMgkhJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkcQvDCLXo8/YI2-S2kCb9I/AAAAAAABnGk/PYotZH7SP6Q4kxPoa_iDgJRMBHoMgkhJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7446.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then up again as we climb into the mouth of the cave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R80fIaX8h5k/YI2-SOTOnXI/AAAAAAABnGg/QlStolbDPN40B8Ty6TNNBy7IEBVx6P6CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7454.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R80fIaX8h5k/YI2-SOTOnXI/AAAAAAABnGg/QlStolbDPN40B8Ty6TNNBy7IEBVx6P6CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/IMG_7454.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance is very big and a dry contrast to the lush green outside.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4myabWVlIQk/YI2-TecF-UI/AAAAAAABnGs/6kIJANTzQjIoZ8jNJt1g9DvGm2n5lnMNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7455.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4myabWVlIQk/YI2-TecF-UI/AAAAAAABnGs/6kIJANTzQjIoZ8jNJt1g9DvGm2n5lnMNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7455.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_ldD8mY3CA/YI2-UOhT7hI/AAAAAAABnGw/gap2ENTdIAAzc03-6qRa4Ww0HdeYFhttwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_ldD8mY3CA/YI2-UOhT7hI/AAAAAAABnGw/gap2ENTdIAAzc03-6qRa4Ww0HdeYFhttwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7460.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from inside the cave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1rhTex-qhY/YI3AknycsjI/AAAAAAABnHE/kin6ZobBhiUdA2krLSKgGT4rEJXuHn6VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7462.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1rhTex-qhY/YI3AknycsjI/AAAAAAABnHE/kin6ZobBhiUdA2krLSKgGT4rEJXuHn6VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7462.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We all congregated in the cavernous entrance of the cave, and learned a little bit about the history of the place. There are Golondrinas (barn swallows) flying in from outside, bringing nesting materials and food to their babies. The nests are built in recesses in the ceiling of the cave, and look like mud balls mushed together to form a cup. The birds just stared at us from above...</div><div><br /></div><div>We could see pretty well as we followed the trail into the cave. It was a little treacherous, with uneven terrain, and lots of huge roots criss-crossing the walkway. We stopped to see one of the petroglyphs carved into the walls of the cave. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2zJt0RQudc/YI3CnlaN9RI/AAAAAAABnHM/ug91QeCvBKk7S3SEJRjRR54dk3GBeThDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7472.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2zJt0RQudc/YI3CnlaN9RI/AAAAAAABnHM/ug91QeCvBKk7S3SEJRjRR54dk3GBeThDACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7472.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first chamber is huge, with the exit at the far end.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIUyStnzpKc/YI3Cn9LJcuI/AAAAAAABnHQ/sUC0x4FhgBs_zBHROBLGjO4uxaXgRBdyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7475.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIUyStnzpKc/YI3Cn9LJcuI/AAAAAAABnHQ/sUC0x4FhgBs_zBHROBLGjO4uxaXgRBdyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7475.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an enormous root that grows down through the cave ceiling.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rM86NdeNg/YI3CokFHJsI/AAAAAAABnHU/w_ZXA0ATf8k07t8k0I6C2jsSNIWHPmkBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7482.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rM86NdeNg/YI3CokFHJsI/AAAAAAABnHU/w_ZXA0ATf8k07t8k0I6C2jsSNIWHPmkBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7482.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X53jSLsXFVM/YI3CqXX2EdI/AAAAAAABnHc/ET5zwjqsdggP0IpaiO8o8Kb0xKfY5hDLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7487.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1432" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X53jSLsXFVM/YI3CqXX2EdI/AAAAAAABnHc/ET5zwjqsdggP0IpaiO8o8Kb0xKfY5hDLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w448-h640/IMG_7487.jpeg" width="448" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eipxN1gSt-s/YI3Cp3vInII/AAAAAAABnHY/u742EMpLp68uN2zJTJi8XIJadcwq6DXQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7493.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eipxN1gSt-s/YI3Cp3vInII/AAAAAAABnHY/u742EMpLp68uN2zJTJi8XIJadcwq6DXQACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7493.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Sebastian, points out the petroglyphs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5E_ynXx4lg/YI3CqrRaU7I/AAAAAAABnHg/dy5V4Plxwisj7zcokHPkHYQVZ4bQ9Dz7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5E_ynXx4lg/YI3CqrRaU7I/AAAAAAABnHg/dy5V4Plxwisj7zcokHPkHYQVZ4bQ9Dz7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7499.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ26wPMoXFY/YI3CrJY4KgI/AAAAAAABnHo/kZafuKi9bpIQgeLJjWVzUxmkJ0wHfe9egCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ26wPMoXFY/YI3CrJY4KgI/AAAAAAABnHo/kZafuKi9bpIQgeLJjWVzUxmkJ0wHfe9egCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7501.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSH5jYinCG4/YI3CrMvhsiI/AAAAAAABnHk/-bPsS0FajbkS2iF-AtPgt5InjwzrxNbFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7504.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSH5jYinCG4/YI3CrMvhsiI/AAAAAAABnHk/-bPsS0FajbkS2iF-AtPgt5InjwzrxNbFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7504.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another little carving</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKey-cNTYbk/YI3EJPoxafI/AAAAAAABnH8/1ep5dNJ7TTYh1SDo0xAtin-F3q-uOqNSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7516.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1426" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKey-cNTYbk/YI3EJPoxafI/AAAAAAABnH8/1ep5dNJ7TTYh1SDo0xAtin-F3q-uOqNSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w446-h640/IMG_7516.jpeg" width="446" /></a></div>We made our way slowly to the opposite end of the cave, and climbed the stairway to emerge into a light rain. There seemed to be no notice given to the fact that we were all getting rained on... and it was kind of refreshing!</div><div><br /></div><div>The pathway led us down into a second enormous cave opening, where it was very dark. Flashlights were handed out to couples, and Bruce took charge of lighting our way. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were instructed to keep the lights pointed downward, and to keep our voices low as well so as not to disturb the bats sleeping in the ceiling. </div><div><br /></div><div>We could hear their little sounds if we were quiet, and the smell of their guano permeated the air, making the masks we were wearing very beneficial! Honestly, it wouldn't be a bad smell... if I didn't know what it was!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar3zSXL3oqY/YI3Jm4RQZ6I/AAAAAAABnJc/C5Xp6h7Gi3AgiFqADy9mPuTbtppNxDDMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar3zSXL3oqY/YI3Jm4RQZ6I/AAAAAAABnJc/C5Xp6h7Gi3AgiFqADy9mPuTbtppNxDDMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7532.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian briefly lit the ceiling with red lights so we could (sort of) see the bats. CREEPY!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI1fRdyLvy8/YI3EJwBGPpI/AAAAAAABnIE/I7ZWxco8Jb4giICYGWXNcPfc-QVoCjFTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7533.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI1fRdyLvy8/YI3EJwBGPpI/AAAAAAABnIE/I7ZWxco8Jb4giICYGWXNcPfc-QVoCjFTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h468/IMG_7533.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvuu2Bhdz-E/YI3EJejYVuI/AAAAAAABnIA/wiE6tdt_JgE0jhAF39V-KAECrGmOjuN9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1395" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvuu2Bhdz-E/YI3EJejYVuI/AAAAAAABnIA/wiE6tdt_JgE0jhAF39V-KAECrGmOjuN9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w436-h640/IMG_7534.jpeg" width="436" /></a></div>We had to duck through a narrow spot on our way to the window chamber, where we saw the opening that gives this cave its name.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfmZsn_ykjc/YI3EKHsQTBI/AAAAAAABnII/1YIMpjb-nUgvgrsIzPUqnWVO_95ZtbN_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7538.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfmZsn_ykjc/YI3EKHsQTBI/AAAAAAABnII/1YIMpjb-nUgvgrsIzPUqnWVO_95ZtbN_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7538.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdXX5qjW0og/YI3EKfp5JaI/AAAAAAABnIM/bA38OCnHwfQscvhsnqimrMwwKoC8E6pxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7540.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdXX5qjW0og/YI3EKfp5JaI/AAAAAAABnIM/bA38OCnHwfQscvhsnqimrMwwKoC8E6pxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7540.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one more little carving!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLwCPnRcLoI/YI3GWxaOSzI/AAAAAAABnIk/KEOlKarkJCUhVFX22P5tMLcxXA1vKN-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7570.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLwCPnRcLoI/YI3GWxaOSzI/AAAAAAABnIk/KEOlKarkJCUhVFX22P5tMLcxXA1vKN-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7570.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the snake skin inside the hole!</td></tr></tbody></table>We spent some ten minutes taking photos and looking around. Sebastian pointed out a small hole in the ceiling where you could just barely see the skin of a boa constrictor! He said she is often seen here, and I couldn't believe he found her... but I guess he knows where to look!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zuHO20pvxwI" width="320" youtube-src-id="zuHO20pvxwI"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfc0NXKDU4c/YI3GrfxcT6I/AAAAAAABnIs/15262qss6MkalNFTKhjEVe_7nWv78BnOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7582.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfc0NXKDU4c/YI3GrfxcT6I/AAAAAAABnIs/15262qss6MkalNFTKhjEVe_7nWv78BnOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h474/IMG_7582.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33jP1wTDeHs/YI3Ik1vdTvI/AAAAAAABnI0/msD8UBmfO_QoP8fqogzlJFiMrypD0WmRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1651" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33jP1wTDeHs/YI3Ik1vdTvI/AAAAAAABnI0/msD8UBmfO_QoP8fqogzlJFiMrypD0WmRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w516-h640/IMG_7566.jpeg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9d_e39_sXM/YI3Ili_iDsI/AAAAAAABnI4/SKH25WLgBwkjxaju-mKHoj17nxdTmI0QACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7567.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1398" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9d_e39_sXM/YI3Ili_iDsI/AAAAAAABnI4/SKH25WLgBwkjxaju-mKHoj17nxdTmI0QACLcBGAsYHQ/w436-h640/IMG_7567.jpeg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2VO0He5ck6M" width="320" youtube-src-id="2VO0He5ck6M"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Oy6qGasPCE/YI3JANuqerI/AAAAAAABnJE/l0NJEj1wqLouYGNT7OXn3ln3GsON3IuEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7590.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Oy6qGasPCE/YI3JANuqerI/AAAAAAABnJE/l0NJEj1wqLouYGNT7OXn3ln3GsON3IuEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7590.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Once we had all seen the view and had our photo ops, we retraced our steps into the bat cave, and up the exit stairs. It was still raining, and a little slick, but we all made it out with no mishaps... <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GufAZ7L790/YI3I_g0w1cI/AAAAAAABnJA/PhA1NWSANpg0e7CazmIUmUsDQiO1R787QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1737/IMG_7598.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1737" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GufAZ7L790/YI3I_g0w1cI/AAAAAAABnJA/PhA1NWSANpg0e7CazmIUmUsDQiO1R787QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h534/IMG_7598.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light at the end of the tunnel!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNFidI-GWOA/YI3JB4MI0FI/AAAAAAABnJI/l5rRvzF-0EA_vr9P_Wb2CzsLxr65sN8xACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNFidI-GWOA/YI3JB4MI0FI/AAAAAAABnJI/l5rRvzF-0EA_vr9P_Wb2CzsLxr65sN8xACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7606.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CdLhaanrIA/YI3JCTVRihI/AAAAAAABnJM/cTWz-Xbm1lEpO85tKqk5IoWM_dbgmtODgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1511" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CdLhaanrIA/YI3JCTVRihI/AAAAAAABnJM/cTWz-Xbm1lEpO85tKqk5IoWM_dbgmtODgCLcBGAsYHQ/w472-h640/IMG_7609.jpeg" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheri and Alan bringing up the rear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soq77b9BS3E/YI3KvY_1c3I/AAAAAAABnJk/qLXQzoPXXfYL7iowUNejZot26zEdfXSXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7612.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1611" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soq77b9BS3E/YI3KvY_1c3I/AAAAAAABnJk/qLXQzoPXXfYL7iowUNejZot26zEdfXSXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7612.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New snails in the making?</td></tr></tbody></table>We tromped back to the car in the rain, with drops dripping off the brim of my hardhat! It was kind of fun, and the rain brought out some amazing forest scents!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8XlSGP1ZOk/YI3LTKC-DDI/AAAAAAABnJ0/1IyRGLFh46I8_XT_n7S5jV0Dw7APFAhYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8XlSGP1ZOk/YI3LTKC-DDI/AAAAAAABnJ0/1IyRGLFh46I8_XT_n7S5jV0Dw7APFAhYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7616.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tromping single file through the rain!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qN5M0WwX4OM/YI3LSi3EVPI/AAAAAAABnJw/Ub4PmpPJN0gmZt2wWAGsqq-ri4JiLtAZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qN5M0WwX4OM/YI3LSi3EVPI/AAAAAAABnJw/Ub4PmpPJN0gmZt2wWAGsqq-ri4JiLtAZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7622.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember that giant root in the cave? Well it comes from this Cupey tree!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glw5UePkQvo/YI3LNn0siuI/AAAAAAABnJs/JoMVQIT6z880hQxvx6K11jzu405MQQ42gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7636.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1530" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glw5UePkQvo/YI3LNn0siuI/AAAAAAABnJs/JoMVQIT6z880hQxvx6K11jzu405MQQ42gCLcBGAsYHQ/w478-h640/IMG_7636.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div>Leaving the cave, we made the final leg of our journey for today, ending with a very pleasant welcome cocktail on our very own veranda overlooking the Atlantic ocean. We rented this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/47727654?source_impression_id=p3_1619906216_u87xW7OUIk8cftOh&guests=1&adults=1" target="_blank">great B&B</a> from Bryan, with whom we've stayed before, only at a different location. We like this place WAY better than the previous place, and it is right on the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div>We settled in and relaxed to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and birdsong. Ahhh... Welcome to my Island!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofh9O5HKe4w/YI3PLtx37iI/AAAAAAABnKE/1pWC9kzugDIdkFTIxtMRej1oMusvMRQ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7647.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofh9O5HKe4w/YI3PLtx37iI/AAAAAAABnKE/1pWC9kzugDIdkFTIxtMRej1oMusvMRQ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7647.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-35817797946255628482021-04-10T21:30:00.292-04:002021-04-18T08:33:52.966-04:00A Tour of Museo Casa Cautiño en Guayama<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ4WGqe2k74/YHlz9zLop3I/AAAAAAABnAE/ZvlFaunlOrs_uyFFXwK3bvyhzveLXHGdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7219.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ4WGqe2k74/YHlz9zLop3I/AAAAAAABnAE/ZvlFaunlOrs_uyFFXwK3bvyhzveLXHGdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_7219.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We were dressed in our hiking clothes, complete with walking sticks... waiting in the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/anc6sKDFAGrkLcoWA" target="_blank">Plaza de Recreo Cristobal Colón</a>... but the guy we were supposed to meet up with for our hike didn't show up! So NOW WHAT??<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-ijbYEcGSg/YHgnEkgTYsI/AAAAAAABm_s/H1AXLWlXp4cNIgevPnjRXGPaVvfgrO0WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-ijbYEcGSg/YHgnEkgTYsI/AAAAAAABm_s/H1AXLWlXp4cNIgevPnjRXGPaVvfgrO0WACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/IMG_7286.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zygFPbXuTqA/YHwHm5iiBsI/AAAAAAABnEQ/oKUHeqkc32EM04ScE4OUnyk-Y-KLR3WHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7284.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zygFPbXuTqA/YHwHm5iiBsI/AAAAAAABnEQ/oKUHeqkc32EM04ScE4OUnyk-Y-KLR3WHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/IMG_7284.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I looked around the Plaza, and noticed that this beautiful house that has been converted into a museum looked like it might be open today! Finally, we get to take a look inside of this impressive piece of history that we've been curious about for so long.<p></p><p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/DdkVv1vTCri7shXC8" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9hWsyVCiEg/YHgnkpKiV7I/AAAAAAABm_0/5ZlvMX08GqIPMi1-Jxhl1-B3imVDBK2YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7287.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9hWsyVCiEg/YHgnkpKiV7I/AAAAAAABm_0/5ZlvMX08GqIPMi1-Jxhl1-B3imVDBK2YQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h326/IMG_7287.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Cauti%C3%B1o" target="_blank">Museo Casa Cautiño</a> was finished in 1887. It has been maintained for all to enjoy, free of charge, by the Municipal Government of Guayama. This is another of the amazing things to see and do in Puerto Rico for FREE!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Frb4xrCeTZc/YHl0H9gHJlI/AAAAAAABnAI/xDEMYIU0hRwqWss13r3uo8xp8N5HVsVaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7218.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Frb4xrCeTZc/YHl0H9gHJlI/AAAAAAABnAI/xDEMYIU0hRwqWss13r3uo8xp8N5HVsVaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h236/IMG_7218.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>But first, outside in the center of the Plaza, there is a beautiful fountain that was brought from France, and gifted to the people of Guayama by a Cautiño<p></p><p>I have enjoyed it many times, but never knew its origin!</p><p><br /></p><p>So... come on in!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XuJKqSKFqM/YHlwq7jWQWI/AAAAAAABm_8/HXCczTcqtdMn6ZYBbKJBFU013SOgrrOzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7221.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XuJKqSKFqM/YHlwq7jWQWI/AAAAAAABm_8/HXCczTcqtdMn6ZYBbKJBFU013SOgrrOzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h460/IMG_7221.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Area</td></tr></tbody></table>When we first started our tour, our guide couldn't hide her surprise when we told her that we live in Arroyo. I was in full on Spanish mode, trying my best to communicate in Spanish, and doing well enough. She began the tour in Spanish, and listened while I translated what <strike>I thought</strike> she said, to Bruce. I apologized that my Spanish wasn't so great, but that I was learning... and after a brief lecture on the importance of learning the language of my adopted home, she warmed up and pretty much switched to English for the duration of the tour. It pays to give it a try! And, it was still a learning experience for both of us, because she didn't know all of the words in English, and I knew a lot of the words in Spanish!<div><br /></div><div>So, this house was commissioned to be built by a wealthy Colonel and businessman, <a href="https://www.myheritage.es/names/genaro_cauti%C3%B1o%20vazquez" target="_blank">Genaro Cautiño Vasquez</a>, for his wife. Born in Spain, Cataño came to Puerto Rico to build his fortune in the sugar trade after leaving the Spanish Army. He became a leader of the town of Guayama, and his descendants have now donated the house for all to enjoy.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4EMbHgABfI/YHl5S3SwHyI/AAAAAAABnAU/NYT4vvDTl4stTOXaWGVhv6FpC5YHjusSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7222.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1261" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4EMbHgABfI/YHl5S3SwHyI/AAAAAAABnAU/NYT4vvDTl4stTOXaWGVhv6FpC5YHjusSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w394-h640/IMG_7222.jpeg" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two matching cloisonné vases are the largest of their kind on the island! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up8Cvh1ka88/YHl5S3CWwNI/AAAAAAABnAY/qOTh1lpVJd08C5Giq_tIgvhtypne3dVKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7223.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up8Cvh1ka88/YHl5S3CWwNI/AAAAAAABnAY/qOTh1lpVJd08C5Giq_tIgvhtypne3dVKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7223.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see how large it is. The other is in the corner to the left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Roc39B-SvPM/YHl52D64YxI/AAAAAAABnA0/4YIFMWDgFYgAWNpn1Diaa3HdEu9U4COmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7226.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Roc39B-SvPM/YHl52D64YxI/AAAAAAABnA0/4YIFMWDgFYgAWNpn1Diaa3HdEu9U4COmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h429/IMG_7226.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved from Mahogany grown in Puerto Rico, adorned with the initials of the family.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjaj8V6e0v8/YHl51ubTh0I/AAAAAAABnAw/ucBLraiRsfMuJURDJIlrSOHzXaZNti-AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7227.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="2048" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjaj8V6e0v8/YHl51ubTh0I/AAAAAAABnAw/ucBLraiRsfMuJURDJIlrSOHzXaZNti-AgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h544/IMG_7227.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sitting room between Genoveva's room and the front foyer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7gi7CkiABs/YHl8Nb3AvyI/AAAAAAABnBE/_ohyFgFvM9gjFwXj8VQjP2ud6wccrvdWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7229.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7gi7CkiABs/YHl8Nb3AvyI/AAAAAAABnBE/_ohyFgFvM9gjFwXj8VQjP2ud6wccrvdWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/IMG_7229.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genoveva's room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GA2_i0kIo8U/YHl8NglzeiI/AAAAAAABnBI/QswrjjM5PH4w6-T33SUUWJ8eXzu-IxVZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7230.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GA2_i0kIo8U/YHl8NglzeiI/AAAAAAABnBI/QswrjjM5PH4w6-T33SUUWJ8eXzu-IxVZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/IMG_7230.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved Mahogany bed with a rose, signifying that it is for a woman.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXAnOErR4qk/YHl8tuEnd6I/AAAAAAABnBU/ic7zW6X0qAoGdpOa3Ec9OotYvU3rtZZUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7233.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXAnOErR4qk/YHl8tuEnd6I/AAAAAAABnBU/ic7zW6X0qAoGdpOa3Ec9OotYvU3rtZZUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7233.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging in the foyer between the Master's and Mistress' adjoining suites, you find the family portraits</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1BMEg84aUY/YHl9R9qkh2I/AAAAAAABnBc/AGhgiVMpjcAtBd2rHOUaBoutb6B3cf53QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7242.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1BMEg84aUY/YHl9R9qkh2I/AAAAAAABnBc/AGhgiVMpjcAtBd2rHOUaBoutb6B3cf53QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7242.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjoining suites. The Master's bed has carved initials, signifying it is for the man.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUqVgKfitfc/YHl-Av9yOkI/AAAAAAABnBk/dHrS3rs4WmEP5kGbJbjatze_BVxx3gj-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7236.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUqVgKfitfc/YHl-Av9yOkI/AAAAAAABnBk/dHrS3rs4WmEP5kGbJbjatze_BVxx3gj-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7236.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX1DX6a5hw0/YHl_Be_Bp9I/AAAAAAABnBw/PE8y6fueMy0Lrw4YTvVPETiyyTca47YOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7235.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX1DX6a5hw0/YHl_Be_Bp9I/AAAAAAABnBw/PE8y6fueMy0Lrw4YTvVPETiyyTca47YOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7235.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Outside of the Master's suite, there is a hallway that opens onto the internal courtyard, that contains the family portraits. There are portraits of Cautiño and his wife Genoveva, on one wall, and a larger painting of Cautiño's mother, Juana Montserrat Cautiño Castaños. She has the place of honor in the home, and her memory is further honored by the two items hanging on the wall across from her portrait. <p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUQFqJvWOeI/YHl_BUs1pEI/AAAAAAABnBs/OmzzJA_xmB4NevuMQCm3tEu-lxB7UK4lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7237.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUQFqJvWOeI/YHl_BUs1pEI/AAAAAAABnBs/OmzzJA_xmB4NevuMQCm3tEu-lxB7UK4lgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7237.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vocTkO1x9gg/YHv8G9shBwI/AAAAAAABnDI/KU4o2eBkkBotrjPo-BNUQFoKj2nTVk4dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1690/IMG_7239.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1690" data-original-width="1268" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vocTkO1x9gg/YHv8G9shBwI/AAAAAAABnDI/KU4o2eBkkBotrjPo-BNUQFoKj2nTVk4dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7239.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>The piece on the left is a delicate work of art, created in very fine pieces of wood, that depicts the burial site of La Montserrat. The item on the right is the woman's braid, and some decorative pieces that were also made of her own hair. Yeah. I know!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXESKcD0qOI/YHv8UFAvoJI/AAAAAAABnDM/NPS6wTzP-PIBkWuyIjFW9Q5IHBbTZcUiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1521" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXESKcD0qOI/YHv8UFAvoJI/AAAAAAABnDM/NPS6wTzP-PIBkWuyIjFW9Q5IHBbTZcUiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w476-h640/IMG_7238.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOKdIZsIhCQ/YHmAMHm_09I/AAAAAAABnCM/L_Wzl7xFqeIEWRJHMZ-3wF0hqIdbIjVmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7248.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOKdIZsIhCQ/YHmAMHm_09I/AAAAAAABnCM/L_Wzl7xFqeIEWRJHMZ-3wF0hqIdbIjVmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7248.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Across the hall from the master's quarters, there is the formal dining room. There is a delicate decanter set that looks as if a breath could shatter the thin crystal.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sVgyX6u7MI/YHmAVHsk8wI/AAAAAAABnCQ/gQzilPDkskYTwtt660Z-hijL8IWgX_NDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7246.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sVgyX6u7MI/YHmAVHsk8wI/AAAAAAABnCQ/gQzilPDkskYTwtt660Z-hijL8IWgX_NDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7246.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Notice that there are tall doors and windows on every external side of these rooms, as well as between the rooms. The entire house can be opened to let in whatever breeze finds its way to the plaza in the center of town. I'm sure it isn't much!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcL5ti64HhE/YHmBHnMXQWI/AAAAAAABnCc/pUq5BrGCYmUwNzmB6-8LgREbbjgkjJxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7250.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcL5ti64HhE/YHmBHnMXQWI/AAAAAAABnCc/pUq5BrGCYmUwNzmB6-8LgREbbjgkjJxqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7250.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>The most breathtaking piece, in my opinion, is the chandelier that hangs above the dining table. At first glance, it's just another chandelier that has been converted to electric light. But on closer inspection, you will see that it is made of hand blown glass. My photos do not do it justice, as it is a truly magnificent and priceless piece of art, that I'm sure is unequalled in today's world. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WFQirnxk3M/YHmBICrlG8I/AAAAAAABnCg/GHXMpM1hcKooZm_OrqT_8kUyfzxmlVJagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7253.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WFQirnxk3M/YHmBICrlG8I/AAAAAAABnCg/GHXMpM1hcKooZm_OrqT_8kUyfzxmlVJagCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7253.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUh8_1Wclhc/YHv-ALT6sVI/AAAAAAABnDY/kUwBDC7PiN4bn4FfyVjDfRiMjyJjLjDsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUh8_1Wclhc/YHv-ALT6sVI/AAAAAAABnDY/kUwBDC7PiN4bn4FfyVjDfRiMjyJjLjDsACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7245.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Tearing myself away from the chandelier, we moved on out onto the terrazzo that surrounds the internal courtyard, where a small water fountain bubbles away merrily, much to the enjoyment of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Antillean_grackle" target="_blank">Changos</a>.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5i0RoOSY5Gk" width="320" youtube-src-id="5i0RoOSY5Gk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>More tall double doors lead to the "lesser" rooms of the house. Here we found the guest rooms, the kitchen and baños!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PipoI95X15g/YHv-SyAKK3I/AAAAAAABnDg/oNj2vKuDoTQaoDOthcx2AdlWf46pmT_bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7256.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PipoI95X15g/YHv-SyAKK3I/AAAAAAABnDg/oNj2vKuDoTQaoDOthcx2AdlWf46pmT_bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7256.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guest Room isn't nearly as nice as the main quarters, but still spacious.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-jIjez7Sug/YHv-TAk3OpI/AAAAAAABnDk/lDRsVRtFN5cCVqHIrvnyx0DiSVnWrjI6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7261.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-jIjez7Sug/YHv-TAk3OpI/AAAAAAABnDk/lDRsVRtFN5cCVqHIrvnyx0DiSVnWrjI6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7261.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Cocina</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6XBb1-EeMg/YHv-TAbqiUI/AAAAAAABnDo/a28i6yDCsEcdTXxtqzmw9Sdpm7x68Iv9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7266.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6XBb1-EeMg/YHv-TAbqiUI/AAAAAAABnDo/a28i6yDCsEcdTXxtqzmw9Sdpm7x68Iv9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7266.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/T9wmVY97RGyjSbD2ttkHVg#:~:text=The%20Sitz%20bath%20was%20one,the%20bath%20to%20waist%20height.&text=Many%20patients%20had%20four%20or,some%20of%20the%20other%20treatments." target="_blank">sitz bath</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIjQgruhuRo/YHv-TXN1MZI/AAAAAAABnDs/kK8lxTK3VdUf_H5o1cfQwbnlzqRNswnOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7269.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIjQgruhuRo/YHv-TXN1MZI/AAAAAAABnDs/kK8lxTK3VdUf_H5o1cfQwbnlzqRNswnOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_7269.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vivaciousvictorian.com/2016/12/27/victorian-bathrooms-a-history-lesson/" target="_blank">Random blog about Victorian bathing click here.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TM9aSqJzG6U/YHwGtZzWRnI/AAAAAAABnD8/lNtzNeqZY6AhqS5Wg7c23iNMqf0_PyWAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7262.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TM9aSqJzG6U/YHwGtZzWRnI/AAAAAAABnD8/lNtzNeqZY6AhqS5Wg7c23iNMqf0_PyWAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7262.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rztv1QXp5VE/YHwG4fASLRI/AAAAAAABnEA/8muqCQubMTkmBwRjEbl_F0epzgcaGWI_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7281.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1259" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rztv1QXp5VE/YHwG4fASLRI/AAAAAAABnEA/8muqCQubMTkmBwRjEbl_F0epzgcaGWI_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w394-h640/IMG_7281.jpeg" width="394" /></a></div>Standing on that terraza, looking around the inner courtyard, we could almost conjure up a vision of what life must have been like in the 1800s and early 1900s when this house was in use. A stray dog ducked in through the half opened gate, and after a glance in our direction, proceeded to the fountain for a cool drink of water. Life must have been very slow back then. To tell you the truth, life isn't that much less slow for us now, here in our little town in Puerto Rico!</div><div><br /></div><div>We waited while our hostess went into a room along the back wing of the house. Those rooms are now used for offices and storage, so we didn't tour them. She returned with a bag of goodies for us! SWEET! Not only is this tour free... but they give us treats as well!</div><div><br /></div><div>That concludes the tour of this beautiful bit of history that lies right under our noses here in Guayama. If you come here, it's worth a look if you've got a bit of extra time. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-968uPz4LE-8/YHwIBcEPcVI/AAAAAAABnEc/vpY2tbtAJigdQXpx6AUhS-vk7nO5yLLRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7290.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-968uPz4LE-8/YHwIBcEPcVI/AAAAAAABnEc/vpY2tbtAJigdQXpx6AUhS-vk7nO5yLLRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7290.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's what was in the goodie bag! I can totally use the keychains!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p>This is a translation of what's in the pamphlet they gave us:</p><p><i>There are houses that have lived a long time, that their presence speaks to us ... they tell us stories, experiences, and lifestyles of their occupants and the people. Would you like to know one of them? Well, today he is at Casa Cautiño in Guayama.</i></p><p><i>In the Plaza de Guayama, one of the most beautiful on the island, you can see the fountain brought from France, a gift from a Cautiño to the town and in front of it, majestic and stately, the residence of the Cautiño family. This was ordered to be built for Mrs. Genoveva Insúa Villar by her husband, the colonel of the Spanish Army, Mr. Genaro Cautiño Vásquez, was a Municipal Judge, Mayor and landowner of the time, based in the Guamaní Valley.</i></p><p><i>The house impresses with its highly ornate architecture, it was designed by the Guayamés architect Manuel Texidor, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. Completed in 1887, in its design certain features of neoclassicism were combined, with details, of the best taste of the Creole architecture of the southern area of Puerto Rico, predominant at the time.</i></p><p><i>On the tour of this house you will notice belongings of the 3 Cautiño generations that enabled this residence. The House consists of an entrance hall, living room, dining room, master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, dressing room and interior balcony in the shape of an elongated "U". On the central side of the patio, there is the guest room, kitchen, toilet, warehouse and public toilets (formerly laundry room and warehouse).</i></p><p><i>This is attested by the marble floors, the latticework, the metallic monograms, and other exquisite wrought iron work. The most noble woods of the country were used in the details of the construction of the house and, in addition, the exquisite wrought iron work stands out, a fact that is attested by the beams and balusters of the terrace made in ausubo and the roof of the house in white mahogany.</i></p><p><i>In the regal mansion, as the Gran Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico (1976) cites, in its volume IX on architecture, we are told about the furniture, specially designed for Monserrate Bruno Domínguez by the Ledée family of cabinetmakers, a renowned strain of Guayamese artisans, They used the best woods to build wardrobes, beds, dressers, tables and many other precious pieces. Since its first owner, each generation of the Cautiño family has contributed the best to the house, which over the years has been enriching its content with works of art and valuable pieces, such as Sevres ceramics, rock crystal prism lamps. , marble tables, "cloisonne" vases (the largest in the country), gilt bronze clocks, Victorian mirrors, gilt bronze wall sconces, antique and contemporary paintings, marble amphoras, and above all, the oil paintings of the family founders.</i></p><p><i>Today, more than a century after it was built, we can enjoy everything that this house contains, thanks to I.C.P. he turned it into a museum administered by the Municipal Government of Guayama.</i></p></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-72995134235462815002021-04-09T21:30:00.116-04:002021-04-11T11:55:34.554-04:00Kayaking Around Bahia de Patillas<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIeHo_XMxfg/YHMHTGTIfvI/AAAAAAABm-M/pgUyA68CKvImU30vemWxyHE5jE0dD4GVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7181.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIeHo_XMxfg/YHMHTGTIfvI/AAAAAAABm-M/pgUyA68CKvImU30vemWxyHE5jE0dD4GVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h414/IMG_7181.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some mornings I look out my bedroom window and just feel energized! A plan percolates in my head, and most of the time Bruce is willing. Today was one of those days! Why not take the kayak out to the calm end of our bay and paddle around? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8IwRFnSU_o/YHMHp3qFviI/AAAAAAABm-U/RBRiWK1PAz0ytg0pyAIPbfINrsQcVVpdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7187.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8IwRFnSU_o/YHMHp3qFviI/AAAAAAABm-U/RBRiWK1PAz0ytg0pyAIPbfINrsQcVVpdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7187.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We took it out a while ago, but it was super windy and we just couldn't make headway. We've had a couple of light wind days, and well... we DO have a bay of our own! So we drove over to our friend's place and put in there. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CNp67YKyMeg" width="320" youtube-src-id="CNp67YKyMeg"></iframe></div><br /><div>Bruce has some torn ligaments in his shoulder that we've decided to just leave alone. His doctor basically says that he has compensated with other muscles, and as long as he is able to function relatively normally, he doesn't advise surgical repair. We are good with that, and Bruce does a lot to try to improve his strength and mobility in his shoulders. Kayaking today has shown him that his work is paying off. He did way better than last time, and with little discomfort. He took a couple of breaks, but I was proud of how well he did!</div><div><br /></div><div>We paddled out toward the reef, but once we got out of the island's wind shadow, it got sketchy... We ducked back into the shadow, and continued our exploration of the shallow grassy seabed for a while before turning back. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrch-abybRQ/YHMTUi96LwI/AAAAAAABm-g/6R7NrfPR-bkElFpn8zRf-AbSNSN91a1UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7190.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrch-abybRQ/YHMTUi96LwI/AAAAAAABm-g/6R7NrfPR-bkElFpn8zRf-AbSNSN91a1UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h418/IMG_7190.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ivPYM1Pkvg/YHMTUhC6yVI/AAAAAAABm-c/NcdCfFwzvEwbJ12kyO57aC1UjAHyMYdkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7194.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ivPYM1Pkvg/YHMTUhC6yVI/AAAAAAABm-c/NcdCfFwzvEwbJ12kyO57aC1UjAHyMYdkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7194.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Once we were back out into the deeper water, I asked if Bruce wanted to try getting back into the kayak from the water. He suggested that we get a bit closer to our entry point before he bailed out, just in case he could NOT manage to climb back in and he had to swim back! He never lets me have any fun!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So when we were close enough that we could pretty much stand up and walk back to shore... I found a sandy patch and threw out our anchor. Once set, it was time. OUT!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YogqpRcBrT4" width="320" youtube-src-id="YogqpRcBrT4"></iframe></div><br /><div>Yay! He can get back in! Then I tried it, and wow, the water was a little cold, but it felt marvelous! Why don't we do this more often? Oh yeah, the wind blows like stink much of the time!! I was able to easily get into the kayak, even without flippers. So now we know... we can take the kayak snorkeling! Once we were settled back in the boat, we stretched out to enjoy the warm sun! Our wet clothes kept us nice and cool, and we just enjoyed the motion of swinging on anchor, which brought memories of our former life flooding back. </div><div><br /></div><div>The view is good from out there, even if it's just a few hundred yards from shore. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svW64mFcZb4/YHMWFUYi1JI/AAAAAAABm-w/G6BwFbBbPR81WT2Azy3yg1IET7zCjBxTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svW64mFcZb4/YHMWFUYi1JI/AAAAAAABm-w/G6BwFbBbPR81WT2Azy3yg1IET7zCjBxTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmgRs-hlc9M/YHMWFX_kCQI/AAAAAAABm-s/6rjVBmyZtKgm4PE9BuBRcCBVOrThMToiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmgRs-hlc9M/YHMWFX_kCQI/AAAAAAABm-s/6rjVBmyZtKgm4PE9BuBRcCBVOrThMToiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7204.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>A friend remarked: "You guys are so good at staying active". Well, as some of you may know, but maybe not.... Bruce has been diagnosed with dementia. My way of dealing with it is to keep us doing as much as we can, to keep him in good physical shape, mentally engaged, and simply enjoying life for as long as we have it to enjoy. I know that the day will come, when we will be forced to stop playing, but hopefully I can keep that at bay for a good, long time. Until then, I will be looking for more things to do, so that we never stop enjoying our lives. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cm2Afcf6wo/YHMWFc3sJoI/AAAAAAABm-0/CpO-YLJHf7gAE7tAZyA4Uk1nrpTNm4tHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Cm2Afcf6wo/YHMWFc3sJoI/AAAAAAABm-0/CpO-YLJHf7gAE7tAZyA4Uk1nrpTNm4tHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/IMG_7205.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veCdH5i6grA/YHMb5vJP0jI/AAAAAAABm_E/vh8EU4difSEyHiBGldJrpHsxopI0rOMawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7208.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veCdH5i6grA/YHMb5vJP0jI/AAAAAAABm_E/vh8EU4difSEyHiBGldJrpHsxopI0rOMawCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7208.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Soon we began to get warm again, and hungry too! We cleaned ourselves and our gear, and walked up to the Frappe place for some delicious Pinchos de Mero. That's Grouper on a stick! Yum! Life is good here in Puerto Rico...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-75456472323535156022021-04-06T20:00:00.006-04:002021-04-07T15:59:14.329-04:00Macromural Pintalto Las Piedras<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1hZNMRDreg/YG4A4mXJMSI/AAAAAAABm7U/DZNEKvTF5x4QQLF6RjuSIaHEqVLmIdrDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Google%2BMap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1hZNMRDreg/YG4A4mXJMSI/AAAAAAABm7U/DZNEKvTF5x4QQLF6RjuSIaHEqVLmIdrDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h236/Google%2BMap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Say what? Yeah, I know!! So, we were running some errands, working on another thing that I'll post about soon... when we found ourselves with some time to kill in the little town of Las Piedras. A quick consult with the Google Maps and I added yet another bubble on my overcrowded map of awesomeness!<p></p><p>One of the things I love most about this island, is that there are SO. MANY. talented artists working all over the island. Many of them are giving their time and talents freely, to improve many of the marginalized areas of the island. Using only paint, and their boundless imagination, they are transforming places that were once eyesores, into assets for the people in these small towns. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Osdgt_xK4Rs/YG4EZR_2bCI/AAAAAAABm8Y/zYvMePJmo0wehUx6t8cHS2K_GLoxtMiKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7161.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1577" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Osdgt_xK4Rs/YG4EZR_2bCI/AAAAAAABm8Y/zYvMePJmo0wehUx6t8cHS2K_GLoxtMiKACLcBGAsYHQ/w308-h400/IMG_7161.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div>Hang out with me for a bit, and walk through <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zSB3DcKL6aYzeaTL9" target="_blank">Macromural Pintalto Las Piedras</a> ! We parked across from a small plaza, where we found a few benches and some Indian Laurel trees that are struggling to come back after the hurricanes of 2017. There's an old building called Casa Alcalde, Mayor's house, right on the square, and a pretty little church next door. If these had been the only attractions to see here, I would have gone away happy. But there was MUCH more!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXr7yRZSKb0/YG4D1RpalkI/AAAAAAABm8Q/hYhLl0wQesEIfPGN_qTrb_RleRdWG6KewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7163.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXr7yRZSKb0/YG4D1RpalkI/AAAAAAABm8Q/hYhLl0wQesEIfPGN_qTrb_RleRdWG6KewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7163.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbUbU4E1dkI/YG4Cr5y2rXI/AAAAAAABm7k/vPT2kLI3EuYZ9W5i7Iy4n6SBLkeZ_I8hACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7092.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="2048" height="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbUbU4E1dkI/YG4Cr5y2rXI/AAAAAAABm7k/vPT2kLI3EuYZ9W5i7Iy4n6SBLkeZ_I8hACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h504/IMG_7092.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlWATOvQ86o/YG4Cr8CJ-ZI/AAAAAAABm7g/zKBgZw5hh4oBcR2_XNsBQE2u-sEvEY7ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7094.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlWATOvQ86o/YG4Cr8CJ-ZI/AAAAAAABm7g/zKBgZw5hh4oBcR2_XNsBQE2u-sEvEY7ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/IMG_7094.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We walked up the narrow street between houses so quaint and brightly colored, you might think you're in an amusement park. While some people might not appreciate this, I think it must be hard to be down about things if you live in this joyous place!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QCKhI_LGqA/YG4CruDgs-I/AAAAAAABm7c/GU_oP9cU6EMfF6KlXd0PaC6_G0IfWb5twCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7100.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QCKhI_LGqA/YG4CruDgs-I/AAAAAAABm7c/GU_oP9cU6EMfF6KlXd0PaC6_G0IfWb5twCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7100.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdgO2s4RSg/YG4CvvidRpI/AAAAAAABm7o/KZ8tZfuHM8c8BiueCjLgE0zqTdDgNHYVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7102.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fdgO2s4RSg/YG4CvvidRpI/AAAAAAABm7o/KZ8tZfuHM8c8BiueCjLgE0zqTdDgNHYVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7102.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs4L3xV71Nw/YG4CyKyKZ1I/AAAAAAABm7w/J2A_lpXQ5tI6Gt4BeVXrj1Q0HiGZ0f25QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7106.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs4L3xV71Nw/YG4CyKyKZ1I/AAAAAAABm7w/J2A_lpXQ5tI6Gt4BeVXrj1Q0HiGZ0f25QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7106.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what this represents, but it's just beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz8-OTRqjoU/YG4CyL-KtzI/AAAAAAABm7s/ilitElcI7bQ0o6upz9GU1tGbf2UebxSGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7107.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz8-OTRqjoU/YG4CyL-KtzI/AAAAAAABm7s/ilitElcI7bQ0o6upz9GU1tGbf2UebxSGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7107.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a couple of little girls playing in the quiet street... Imagine growing up here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6m0NWU3ldY/YG4CzMnZONI/AAAAAAABm70/CD-fVfqx-X4DAI6GcCOVNPCUQg3leV_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7108.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="2048" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6m0NWU3ldY/YG4CzMnZONI/AAAAAAABm70/CD-fVfqx-X4DAI6GcCOVNPCUQg3leV_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h350/IMG_7108.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We walked along, marveling and snapping photo after photo. I spoke to a woman who was sitting on a doorstep, asking her if that was her home. She shook her head and pointed across the street, saying THAT one was hers. When I turned my head and my mind had enough time to make sense of what I was seeing... I was stopped in my tracks. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1AlWH8I3oY/YG4JgxBJF_I/AAAAAAABm8g/RziIkrRY7VwT0vB16-C8JGaTk0wFEcDmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7119.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1AlWH8I3oY/YG4JgxBJF_I/AAAAAAABm8g/RziIkrRY7VwT0vB16-C8JGaTk0wFEcDmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The woman in the painting is sewing a Puerto Rican flag. The flag flows off of her lap and billows into a pile at her feet, but it's three dimensional! A huge boulder that rises from the concrete, is painted to depict the fluffy pile of flag material at the woman's feet! </div><div><br /></div><div>I used every word of praise that I know in Spanish, but I'm sure my face spoke for me as the woman crossed her arms over her heart and bowed her head in humble appreciation of my effusive Spanglish babbling.</div><div><br /></div><div>When she saw us taking photos, she invited me to climb up, and even showed me the easy way around the back. @kevinthecreator, you ROCK! I'm just speechless! My respect for these talented artists knows no bounds. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t93RTwW7n9o/YG4KwKYSWyI/AAAAAAABm8s/qkDftZzmvqgUGxdThNQ-ivatFA5YRTM4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7121.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t93RTwW7n9o/YG4KwKYSWyI/AAAAAAABm8s/qkDftZzmvqgUGxdThNQ-ivatFA5YRTM4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7121.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF7EXWWLnXg/YG4KwBjAQiI/AAAAAAABm8o/YfNoeCeRZH8GWamMLNrV4GtZV5PVC8frwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7126.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF7EXWWLnXg/YG4KwBjAQiI/AAAAAAABm8o/YfNoeCeRZH8GWamMLNrV4GtZV5PVC8frwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7126.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We eventually took enough pictures of that one, and continued on. The nice woman made sure we knew that it was perfectly OK to go up (sube) the steep and crumbling stairway that led to the roof of one of the houses, so that we could get a closer look at the mural up there... and also of the sweeping panorama of the town from above. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz97erpYGKs/YG4KwLdUPKI/AAAAAAABm80/e1v5sri9Vx8Ge4PA3oWoEbCxfkvfY0wxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7128.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz97erpYGKs/YG4KwLdUPKI/AAAAAAABm80/e1v5sri9Vx8Ge4PA3oWoEbCxfkvfY0wxACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7128.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI0VQXnQr5o/YG4KwuhlEmI/AAAAAAABm8w/Le6knYG3OxkE98jOZkfG-zIg-4gZ6P7CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7134.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI0VQXnQr5o/YG4KwuhlEmI/AAAAAAABm8w/Le6knYG3OxkE98jOZkfG-zIg-4gZ6P7CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/IMG_7134.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKzWEsY0BJA/YG4KxKSYsoI/AAAAAAABm84/jks63MurkKcySwMWRKa28MdG_Qx649ZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7135.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKzWEsY0BJA/YG4KxKSYsoI/AAAAAAABm84/jks63MurkKcySwMWRKa28MdG_Qx649ZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7135.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These houses are painted all the way around... like easter eggs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTZr0XNbr5c/YG4KxaWsxtI/AAAAAAABm88/J0wYl3SklXoDlsMD0rWJtwGnTj2RKGj3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7142.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTZr0XNbr5c/YG4KxaWsxtI/AAAAAAABm88/J0wYl3SklXoDlsMD0rWJtwGnTj2RKGj3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h386/IMG_7142.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning light in these colors just amazes me. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrI6F4BQQkU/YG4Kxc-uaJI/AAAAAAABm9A/RRQUtxi7JKIsv-Ue--X9c2jFihC6ciPVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7144.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1523" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrI6F4BQQkU/YG4Kxc-uaJI/AAAAAAABm9A/RRQUtxi7JKIsv-Ue--X9c2jFihC6ciPVACLcBGAsYHQ/w476-h640/IMG_7144.jpeg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some are a little more "dark"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvqfmGP7nQ/YG4LsH4kW6I/AAAAAAABm9U/FOpDUltaVCoIccggcpXQKgxzY6V8VACKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7146.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYvqfmGP7nQ/YG4LsH4kW6I/AAAAAAABm9U/FOpDUltaVCoIccggcpXQKgxzY6V8VACKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_7146.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more look at this one...</td></tr></tbody></table>Thinking we had reached the end, I peered down the side streets to see if the awesomeness had spilled out into the rest of the neighborhood... </div><div><br /></div><div>Turns out, walking down the way, there were several murals we missed, that going the other way... we have found!</div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZguuTyw9as/YG4LsKjxk1I/AAAAAAABm9Y/0OsT_Nk9j48c0yg6sV8lK4_8hhcrLaavACLcBGAsYHQ/s1865/IMG_7148.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1865" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZguuTyw9as/YG4LsKjxk1I/AAAAAAABm9Y/0OsT_Nk9j48c0yg6sV8lK4_8hhcrLaavACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h548/IMG_7148.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfucLTL0UFs/YG4LsG8kafI/AAAAAAABm9Q/cJxiVhmkkbACiECBW1ciaVptC-eJzphYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7152.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfucLTL0UFs/YG4LsG8kafI/AAAAAAABm9Q/cJxiVhmkkbACiECBW1ciaVptC-eJzphYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7152.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Hello!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtLpB5ejVXc/YG4LsmcBvtI/AAAAAAABm9c/sRGtwdmQ5IYBwq0j5cx-1Wt88E275FcjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7153.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtLpB5ejVXc/YG4LsmcBvtI/AAAAAAABm9c/sRGtwdmQ5IYBwq0j5cx-1Wt88E275FcjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_7153.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetness...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nw0puwzuWQk/YG4NJmkfyEI/AAAAAAABm9s/j2dFZXdzsB0zXUkjtJRLKAYKDk-sKc-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7159.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nw0puwzuWQk/YG4NJmkfyEI/AAAAAAABm9s/j2dFZXdzsB0zXUkjtJRLKAYKDk-sKc-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_7159.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is worth a second look as well. </td></tr></tbody></table><div>Turns out that the reason I never knew this was here, is because it was inaugurated in December, 2019, so it hasn't been like this for very long. There are 35 houses in all painted, and 14 murals. I'm not sure we saw them all... so maybe we'll have to buzz back through soon!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>There are four of these sites here in Puerto Rico. We have now seen three of them. This one is smaller than the other two we've seen, and a much easier walk. So if you find yourself in the eastern side of the island, pop over for a look!</div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-65489479907696620002021-04-02T16:21:00.000-04:002021-04-02T16:21:45.460-04:00Beach Walk ~ It's Been A While<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61Flm_kSBEE/YGd6L9sqYHI/AAAAAAABm34/aCzGeftcceEHtICwMouWecY_6gwkH3rVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6918.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61Flm_kSBEE/YGd6L9sqYHI/AAAAAAABm34/aCzGeftcceEHtICwMouWecY_6gwkH3rVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6918.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Each Beachwalk is unique...</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>We may walk this beach a thousand times...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>But no two will be the same!</i></b></span></div></div><p>We've been so busy with painting and home maintenance, and running all over the island. This week, we've finally slowed down a bit. Time to get back to normal life enjoying our OWN beautiful beach! There weren't many pieces of sea glass today. Only 4 or 5... It seems like when there's a lot of sand on the beach, as opposed to numerous rocky patches, I just don't see much glass. But that's OK, it keeps me from lallygagging! We definitely get more distance in when there's no distractions! But then... there are ALWAYS distractions!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSD5-Y-Mdo/YGd7CiQWvgI/AAAAAAABm4E/jAQ4hJStYqA-VgFozyFS6XUX67vUQOCqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6921.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdSD5-Y-Mdo/YGd7CiQWvgI/AAAAAAABm4E/jAQ4hJStYqA-VgFozyFS6XUX67vUQOCqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_6921.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelicans coast high overhead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw5DCsuChpU/YGd7C5d_77I/AAAAAAABm4I/X9r5zu02JvMPPvZqLSzLFU-WKXxttjXMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw5DCsuChpU/YGd7C5d_77I/AAAAAAABm4I/X9r5zu02JvMPPvZqLSzLFU-WKXxttjXMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/IMG_6924.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a BEACHBALL!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8aryz5wLCaY" width="320" youtube-src-id="8aryz5wLCaY"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bop18twNNg/YGd7dfZMT8I/AAAAAAABm4U/qJ-JUO5VGbAL-0TC0uS_Yq_f5M-eK8PmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6951.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bop18twNNg/YGd7dfZMT8I/AAAAAAABm4U/qJ-JUO5VGbAL-0TC0uS_Yq_f5M-eK8PmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/IMG_6951.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found lots of stuff today... The ball, a little shovel, and a black visor!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_RNCeU0Tkw/YGd7dT-guPI/AAAAAAABm4Y/WN9Lir8x8Gcp0QRbSLFfwcnC6hBtdUyZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6953.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_RNCeU0Tkw/YGd7dT-guPI/AAAAAAABm4Y/WN9Lir8x8Gcp0QRbSLFfwcnC6hBtdUyZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h412/IMG_6953.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sure hope all of these trees don't end up falling!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rgvc4re6Io/YGd7dRV5SEI/AAAAAAABm4c/2uFic24gdoIe-HZImwFXtdpBfsLvJncYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6954.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rgvc4re6Io/YGd7dRV5SEI/AAAAAAABm4c/2uFic24gdoIe-HZImwFXtdpBfsLvJncYACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6954.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SMEP3aADxY/YGd7d4oXTXI/AAAAAAABm4g/ir5SOuIwjQUJje5m8tlp7HGY8sv4pXK2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6960.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SMEP3aADxY/YGd7d4oXTXI/AAAAAAABm4g/ir5SOuIwjQUJje5m8tlp7HGY8sv4pXK2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6960.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a little break at the far end.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U92unME3Q9w/YGd7eaXsl7I/AAAAAAABm4k/-8bYDe4awiAJpGUNJCy-nRYczOl8bMHAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6962.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="2048" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U92unME3Q9w/YGd7eaXsl7I/AAAAAAABm4k/-8bYDe4awiAJpGUNJCy-nRYczOl8bMHAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h396/IMG_6962.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what these are. Maybe part of an old dock?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNwaVxTwMN4/YGd7eXyFLnI/AAAAAAABm4s/aXkoAv7N6PQ3UCw7bKIxbmk2Ev1H4RpagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNwaVxTwMN4/YGd7eXyFLnI/AAAAAAABm4s/aXkoAv7N6PQ3UCw7bKIxbmk2Ev1H4RpagCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h245/IMG_6969.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abtgyIPobcE/YGd7ebpYy6I/AAAAAAABm4o/n1L6FX0K_I8joocihTRSU_er9XAn-rUAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6974.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abtgyIPobcE/YGd7ebpYy6I/AAAAAAABm4o/n1L6FX0K_I8joocihTRSU_er9XAn-rUAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6974.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee6q5PFkxdo/YGd7egGcAVI/AAAAAAABm4w/RkET-P_RCogUnm7QW6g1xSl9qwYrS0I5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee6q5PFkxdo/YGd7egGcAVI/AAAAAAABm4w/RkET-P_RCogUnm7QW6g1xSl9qwYrS0I5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6976.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We walked about three miles today, out and back. I think my foot is really on the mend now. I've kind of taken it easy during this time we haven't been doing the long walks, and it feels much more like normal now. Finding "stuff" on the beach is fun, but I would like to get the sea glass back! Now that we've got our "winter" projects done, here's to more beach walks!</p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-70730618708245262532021-03-30T21:00:00.009-04:002021-03-31T18:37:20.721-04:00Little Surprises Everywhere<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKKZi9lpG68/YGTWo57boCI/AAAAAAABmzs/l3P39NcmRTIiGg7Pck5NzN80cIIlrElngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6770.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKKZi9lpG68/YGTWo57boCI/AAAAAAABmzs/l3P39NcmRTIiGg7Pck5NzN80cIIlrElngCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6770.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't really look like much...</td></tr></tbody></table>We've been running the roads for weeks. Before that, we were painting and doing house projects. I swear I'm determined to settle down and just chill for a while. You wouldn't think a mundane thing like a trip to Sam's Club would be an occasion for continued exploration... unless you live in Puerto Rico!<div><br /></div><div>I found this place because someone has put the stations on the app I used for the trip to Las Cabezas. It is right behind the Costco, only about 5 minutes away from Sam's Club, where we were headed for shopping. Why not go and take a look?</div><div><br /></div><div>My first impression was... unimpressed. After winding through neighborhood streets, we weren't even sure this was the place. At first glance, the river looks a little overgrown, and not a lot of water running today. So we adjusted our expectations to just having a nice stroll alongside a river for a bit of exercise, and the place far exceeded those! Come with me through a concrete art walk in the heart of Caguas, called <a href="https://www.visitacaguas.com/honor-al-rio-walk" target="_blank">Honor al Rio</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll just tell you about them in the order we found them. We parked the car where <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/snQQtHRBU8xCCpZQA" target="_blank">Google Maps</a> indicated, although I'm sure it doesn't matter and you can park anywhere along the way. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Corrientes Encontrada"</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Artist: Diana Dávila</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>2003</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKV5lyBbOsg/YGTYcRi7YkI/AAAAAAABmz8/Y6Ib-G2kmKExslK8dqkhPPdGb8w5CHL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKV5lyBbOsg/YGTYcRi7YkI/AAAAAAABmz8/Y6Ib-G2kmKExslK8dqkhPPdGb8w5CHL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6772.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Corrientes-Encontradas.pdf" target="_blank">Currents Encountered</a>: The three pieces represent like us, with different experiences and coming from different paths, we meet to to form a common experience, a flow through the river of life.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting. Like most objects of art, it can be understood, or not. It's a bit of an adjustment to consider huge chunks of concrete as being art, but as we walked along, I realized... it kind of grows on you!</div><div><br /></div><div>The wide sidewalk was replaced by a dilapidated boardwalk. Some boards were missing, and others looked as if they could go missing with the step of a misplaced foot... The place just looks a little tired. But with a mind full of appreciation for what once was, you can imagine that this place was truly very upscale at one time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwu5cGRwMsk/YGTbK3BMFRI/AAAAAAABm0I/78qq2_Y16FwSYcQB3ml3J8kKsHNt48zRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwu5cGRwMsk/YGTbK3BMFRI/AAAAAAABm0I/78qq2_Y16FwSYcQB3ml3J8kKsHNt48zRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6774.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I get the feeling that I'm walking in the shadows of ghosts that once lived in this thriving, vibrant community. Somebody paid for all of this to be here. Buying art for public spaces means that there was once MONEY here. I can't help but feel that there is still a river of pride running beneath the surface of places like this, and that some day, perhaps in the not too distant future, these places will thrive once more. And I will be right here enjoying it all and feeling all the more connected to our adopted island home, because I knew it now, and can remember when it wasn't so great... for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Poesia"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Carlos Guzman</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2003</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyK0ua3A4io/YGTdo2a9cbI/AAAAAAABm0U/l24nMI5Pmc8dMMkdt3CB0B6sHhst7ABfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyK0ua3A4io/YGTdo2a9cbI/AAAAAAABm0U/l24nMI5Pmc8dMMkdt3CB0B6sHhst7ABfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6779.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Poesia-concreto-2003.pdf" target="_blank">Poetry</a>: The nine elements represent the flow of river waters symbolically. It's poetry inspired day by day by those who contemplate this wealth that gives us the nature.</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YlYZ9KZAwjs" width="320" youtube-src-id="YlYZ9KZAwjs"></iframe></div><br /><div>We backtracked to the boardwalk and walked across this <a href="http://www.rivera-alejandro.com/index.php/projects/transportation-parking-buildings-urban-infraestructure/item/boardwalk-pedestrian-bridge-over-caguitas-river-rio-caguitas-greenway-phase-3-4" target="_blank">pedestrian bridge</a> over Rio Caguitas. It was built in 2006, and looks to be in pretty good shape. It was fun passing beneath this bright-red painted structure!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ts9MqbnMnc/YGThBLqrnGI/AAAAAAABm0g/Rwea7hw3iYkCJF6tzokdR5sI4DBOrG0LACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6797.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ts9MqbnMnc/YGThBLqrnGI/AAAAAAABm0g/Rwea7hw3iYkCJF6tzokdR5sI4DBOrG0LACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h460/IMG_6797.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0JcrwGB4II/YGThB6QvuKI/AAAAAAABm0s/IXVzUUzq6eIwu1C0lMaiPmgCmpLv6FkmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6801.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0JcrwGB4II/YGThB6QvuKI/AAAAAAABm0s/IXVzUUzq6eIwu1C0lMaiPmgCmpLv6FkmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG_6801.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdKPXi7j0XE/YGThBvzT8UI/AAAAAAABm0k/P4lzhJXEvzI53177akBr0LffgVLRrcI9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdKPXi7j0XE/YGThBvzT8UI/AAAAAAABm0k/P4lzhJXEvzI53177akBr0LffgVLRrcI9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/IMG_6802.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sRn6bVv9XtY" width="320" youtube-src-id="sRn6bVv9XtY"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qhOunPhagU/YGThB4HlM2I/AAAAAAABm0o/AP9Tq1O9HQk_RdOHbH9SYSlgdbo9_YcSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6803.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qhOunPhagU/YGThB4HlM2I/AAAAAAABm0o/AP9Tq1O9HQk_RdOHbH9SYSlgdbo9_YcSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6803.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZivVE8YHnGA/YGThCDqq7aI/AAAAAAABm0w/dtvPxP_Sb6AognCHDaTZNE7lbwBgrESCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6804.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZivVE8YHnGA/YGThCDqq7aI/AAAAAAABm0w/dtvPxP_Sb6AognCHDaTZNE7lbwBgrESCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6804.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reaching the opposite side of the river, we found a very nice ramp that gradually lowers you to ground level as you continue the walk along the riverside. We found more concrete are along the way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>“Reflejos de Luna en el Río”</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Carmen Inés Blondet</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2007</span></b></i></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11-y5VBCWKc/YGTiPSVLK7I/AAAAAAABm1E/LpKJRkAnLmQbvTDFi8bBcRAOo_2RHew8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6805.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11-y5VBCWKc/YGTiPSVLK7I/AAAAAAABm1E/LpKJRkAnLmQbvTDFi8bBcRAOo_2RHew8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6805.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Reflejos-de-luna-en-el-rio.pdf" target="_blank">Reflections of the Moon in the River</a>: The river and the moon, important elements that, along with others,</i></div><div><i>make up mother nature. The moon with its cycles and its light, the river as a facilitator of life. Icons revered since ancient times that create a contrast between the ephemerality of human life and eternity</i></div><div><i>vulnerable of nature. The moon and the river through the reflections come together to make it clear that, in life, we are all an important part. Human frailty finds comfort in thinking that we belong to that great living nature</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Custodia"</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Jeanette Betancourt</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2003</span></b></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-l6G-fujLw/YGTmQvBpHtI/AAAAAAABm1M/sqRYmfnmIxM2BVqpW-G-oXSorDsgk_bXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-l6G-fujLw/YGTmQvBpHtI/AAAAAAABm1M/sqRYmfnmIxM2BVqpW-G-oXSorDsgk_bXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h392/IMG_6807.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Custodia.pdf" target="_blank">Custody</a>: The function of this sculpture beyond the aesthetic - is take care, together with the inhabitants of the area, this new space of recreation and leisure for your enjoyment.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SQBDhLepM/YGTmQm7b3RI/AAAAAAABm1Q/eJj5ntDj3-83OFVgskjhRNm89A4zNI4xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SQBDhLepM/YGTmQm7b3RI/AAAAAAABm1Q/eJj5ntDj3-83OFVgskjhRNm89A4zNI4xwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6811.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Next, I was distracted by a breadfruit tree! It's been a while since I was up close and personal to one, and walking under the canopy, I looked up and it was really very beautiful and peaceful under there! I also took a step backward, not paying attention and stepped right in the middle of a rotting fallen breadfruit! They really don't last very long once they're picked, and thank goodness, this one was only soft and squishy, and not yet stinky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOWdrrS2CjI/YGTozPqcGJI/AAAAAAABm1c/4rIaZ7sNhGs2IzxxUU7pk2S4UD1o6x5XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6814.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOWdrrS2CjI/YGTozPqcGJI/AAAAAAABm1c/4rIaZ7sNhGs2IzxxUU7pk2S4UD1o6x5XQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6814.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJeSVm5vmmk/YGToy7eBuDI/AAAAAAABm1Y/BABVJ0a7EQsRi3eB7hZPsA01PPvizPxTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6818.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJeSVm5vmmk/YGToy7eBuDI/AAAAAAABm1Y/BABVJ0a7EQsRi3eB7hZPsA01PPvizPxTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6818.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo2-mR2zoOI/YGTozcyVyEI/AAAAAAABm1g/LROxZVpFQRY-lnRvc3RCKoqeTv4CDpNMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="2048" height="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo2-mR2zoOI/YGTozcyVyEI/AAAAAAABm1g/LROxZVpFQRY-lnRvc3RCKoqeTv4CDpNMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h329/IMG_6823.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It could have been worse...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>“Cosmogonías”</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Heriberto Nieves</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2005</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKzui-YL3ew/YGTpAVVeCxI/AAAAAAABm1k/pVVmHCO3W2w76qHtQSpBavFdIIpyxYvdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6822.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKzui-YL3ew/YGTpAVVeCxI/AAAAAAABm1k/pVVmHCO3W2w76qHtQSpBavFdIIpyxYvdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6822.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><i><br /></i><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Cosmogonias.pdf" target="_blank">Cosmogony</a>: Spheres that symbolize life and the beginning, perched on an environment of museum impact of light and color, creating a new universal space in the city of Caguas. In "Cosmogony" they merge</i></div><div><i>the experimental and the industrial, the urban and the ecological, in an attempt to humanize and poeticize industrial materials. A new aesthetic and utopian horizon.</i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw2FpcbygZM/YGTr4nelw6I/AAAAAAABm14/d4HYlBNnUj4A1EJk4Rhdv9k_2TgFTnM8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw2FpcbygZM/YGTr4nelw6I/AAAAAAABm14/d4HYlBNnUj4A1EJk4Rhdv9k_2TgFTnM8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6828.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walked beneath some low hanging mangos.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>“El salto del Río Caguitas”</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Artist: Tomas Lara Franquis</div><div> (Cuban guest artist)</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgB-5dA7nOk/YGTsCjFJrAI/AAAAAAABm18/SeQoBuuf6donPq_R5UxoEwxjaM1iTHDEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgB-5dA7nOk/YGTsCjFJrAI/AAAAAAABm18/SeQoBuuf6donPq_R5UxoEwxjaM1iTHDEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6832.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Salto-del-Rio-Caguitas.pdf" target="_blank">The Waterfall of the River Caguitas</a>: Sculpture of a playful nature, denotes ease and freshness</i></div><div><i>with a marked sense of humor. The work is structured from four geometrizing elements, three of them symbolize the impetuous river current and the fourth is a supposed containment element, which</i></div><div><i>it is finally overtaken by the waters of the river.</i></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iLmVEEdLu7E" width="320" youtube-src-id="iLmVEEdLu7E"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Osario"</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Jessica Torres Lavado</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Chilean guest artist)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2007</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6etgfmI4nc/YGTtzpFxogI/AAAAAAABm2I/bdG8s22s8XAzWfcaQL8C33qS4ry2hvLSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6etgfmI4nc/YGTtzpFxogI/AAAAAAABm2I/bdG8s22s8XAzWfcaQL8C33qS4ry2hvLSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6843.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Osario.pdf" target="_blank">Osario</a>: The present and the future is only possible by proudly looking at the past. The rivers have memory, in their waters they carry the history of the lands that cross and contain it. Osario is a fragment of a primitive and ancestral inhabitant of Cagüitas; tribute and testimony that man has always been here.</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thcosxQjx1I/YGTuC4rnJVI/AAAAAAABm2M/QLJjhZuopbcYfnLMDltnltE_2nmGYrzwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6845.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thcosxQjx1I/YGTuC4rnJVI/AAAAAAABm2M/QLJjhZuopbcYfnLMDltnltE_2nmGYrzwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_6845.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk9xSrl52pk/YGTuC4qPdVI/AAAAAAABm2Q/SmrdLgWLey8yrBFzMr7F7u2xMt-zyQZNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6848.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk9xSrl52pk/YGTuC4qPdVI/AAAAAAABm2Q/SmrdLgWLey8yrBFzMr7F7u2xMt-zyQZNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6848.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes he gets into it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Lunar VII"</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Zilia Sanchez</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2007</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7nesbMCTLY/YGTzDy2vrQI/AAAAAAABm2c/xDqM2-abuyoVHIb6zCyApE0e5A0_ynwuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1824/IMG_6852.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1824" height="509" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7nesbMCTLY/YGTzDy2vrQI/AAAAAAABm2c/xDqM2-abuyoVHIb6zCyApE0e5A0_ynwuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h509/IMG_6852.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i><a href="http://kalathos.metro.inter.edu/kalathos_mag/publications/archivo13_vol2_no1.pdf" target="_blank">Moon 7</a>: Lunar responds to knowledge that we have balance and concordance which regulates nature among planets, earth and moon. ′′ Lunar VII ′′ as expression artistic also tries to harmonize and seek match between these elements.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wciSjKE62U/YGTz7_t_dnI/AAAAAAABm2k/jgxU6ShGE5ofGg0zxDUgUHiaj1kZ3Wj2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6855.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1558" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wciSjKE62U/YGTz7_t_dnI/AAAAAAABm2k/jgxU6ShGE5ofGg0zxDUgUHiaj1kZ3Wj2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w486-h640/IMG_6855.jpeg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">“De los muros derruidos: jardín de vestigios”</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artista: Jorge Suárez</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2007</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW7wVQe3xUI/YGT1D8LqkgI/AAAAAAABm2s/08dJSSDvjJA5EdoE-uGoCDRIE0nuLFmLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW7wVQe3xUI/YGT1D8LqkgI/AAAAAAABm2s/08dJSSDvjJA5EdoE-uGoCDRIE0nuLFmLACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h370/IMG_6868.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-De-los-muros-derruidos-jardin-de-vestigios.pdf" target="_blank">Of the demolished walls: garden of vestiges</a>: Multiple archaeological layers make us up, architectures hidden under the earth, those already discovered, some in ruins, those built or under construction and others thought or dreamed of. Of the demolished walls: vestiges garden, consists of four modules in</i></div><div><i>reinforced and pigmented concrete that appear in the landscape as archaeological fragments. </i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5ijD_wUdbk/YGT1nXQ-N-I/AAAAAAABm24/NtiJiW7NzxYkuz4UNL6ErMj4zWaTNEAHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1823" data-original-width="2048" height="570" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5ijD_wUdbk/YGT1nXQ-N-I/AAAAAAABm24/NtiJiW7NzxYkuz4UNL6ErMj4zWaTNEAHACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h570/IMG_6862.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8rUM8Z0bsU/YGT1nQQvDjI/AAAAAAABm20/Y5_VIHMkyekXmE5u4SLHULYDpN6o_CdwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1753/IMG_6866.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="1753" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8rUM8Z0bsU/YGT1nQQvDjI/AAAAAAABm20/Y5_VIHMkyekXmE5u4SLHULYDpN6o_CdwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_6866.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYJcJJsPdhg/YGT3Y94aXmI/AAAAAAABm3Q/M3ozkp4ndqYtruPwGppAHqtaU5XkLRYdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYJcJJsPdhg/YGT3Y94aXmI/AAAAAAABm3Q/M3ozkp4ndqYtruPwGppAHqtaU5XkLRYdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Puc-X7W-y3Q/YGT3Y88tzEI/AAAAAAABm3M/6FWalWUaO249FENBh5LMCXrrAAC1_396gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6870.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Puc-X7W-y3Q/YGT3Y88tzEI/AAAAAAABm3M/6FWalWUaO249FENBh5LMCXrrAAC1_396gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6870.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYJcJJsPdhg/YGT3Y94aXmI/AAAAAAABm3Q/M3ozkp4ndqYtruPwGppAHqtaU5XkLRYdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYJcJJsPdhg/YGT3Y94aXmI/AAAAAAABm3Q/M3ozkp4ndqYtruPwGppAHqtaU5XkLRYdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/IMG_6874.jpeg" width="640" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlP09agLhac/YGT3Yh9STXI/AAAAAAABm3I/_2LjtYiMFWc_2pPu65uB26F7FFJa7q0ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlP09agLhac/YGT3Yh9STXI/AAAAAAABm3I/_2LjtYiMFWc_2pPu65uB26F7FFJa7q0ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h226/IMG_6873.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>That was the last sculpture we saw here. We backtracked to the car, and I set the Google Map to take me the five minute drive to Sam's Club. Just as we began to leave the neighborhood, I saw one more! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">“Tributo al Rio”</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Artist: Dolores Ortiz</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Mexican guest artist)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2003</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxHucis7gwo/YGT3OOLC3HI/AAAAAAABm3E/E6li10KdXdMXpdDIIz15R06g75qmRCuaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxHucis7gwo/YGT3OOLC3HI/AAAAAAABm3E/E6li10KdXdMXpdDIIz15R06g75qmRCuaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6880.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><i><a href="http://caguas.gov.pr/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Escultura-Tributo-al-Rio-concreto-2003.pdf" target="_blank">Tribute to the River</a>: This sculpture is a tribute and a tribute to the Cagüitas River and nature, the sculptural project suggests with its forms undulating a continuous flow like the flow of the river, reflected in its forms a rhythmic cycle.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fekwxR8cFKw/YGT4DLq3xQI/AAAAAAABm3g/S4qYXm6ASVkWHM0jmoLoJkt2HKfSOJ3rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6886.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fekwxR8cFKw/YGT4DLq3xQI/AAAAAAABm3g/S4qYXm6ASVkWHM0jmoLoJkt2HKfSOJ3rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6886.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>During the writing of this post, I discovered that there are several we did not find. Maybe next visit we will come back with a new appreciation of what these pieces mean. What an unexpected interlude this turned into. You just never know when you'll find something magical in Puerto Rico!</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-68026824106550780452021-03-27T20:00:00.613-04:002021-03-31T15:49:50.479-04:00The Waiting Is Over ~ Las Cabezas de San Juan<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2VmrIz95zs/YGMJ2smXh5I/AAAAAAABmr8/yyugxh18RtQ7NrczlRsxXuLPc8ss9mlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6550.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2VmrIz95zs/YGMJ2smXh5I/AAAAAAABmr8/yyugxh18RtQ7NrczlRsxXuLPc8ss9mlRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h248/IMG_6550.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very organized parking and checkin area</td></tr></tbody></table>I have been watching and waiting for an opportunity to visit Las Cabezas de San Juan for more than two years! Of course when the emailed invitation appeared in my inbox, I signed up immediately!!! Bruce and I help support Island education and conservation through the <a href="https://reservaciones.paralanaturaleza.org/membership.jsf" target="_blank">Amigo</a> program at <a href="https://www.paralanaturaleza.org/en/" target="_blank">Para la Naturaleza</a>. We have attended several tours, a couple of beach cleanups, and had been signed up for one of their Dia del Amigos when the world ground to a halt due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Since then, all of the events offered by the group have been cancelled... until now!<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLFnOrtodNw/YGMKBtDC1MI/AAAAAAABmsA/5-pS9SZrDiIMB5GmRMAJbM99EhlUtEe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6552.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uLFnOrtodNw/YGMKBtDC1MI/AAAAAAABmsA/5-pS9SZrDiIMB5GmRMAJbM99EhlUtEe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_6552.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this a baby Ceiba???</td></tr></tbody></table>This is a new beginning! Things seem to be getting better here in Puerto Rico, and what better way to kick off the new normal, than to offer a "members only" event here at one of the most amazing and beautiful places in Puerto Rico... Las Cabezas de San Juan!? I can think of no other. So without further ado, let's take a look!<p></p><p>Things are different now in a post-Covid world. Instead of offering guided educational tours, the organization has had to come up with a more safe way to allow people to visit the site. The number of people allowed in was limited, and staggered by arrival time. And to take the place of a tour guide, they set up a self-guided tour using an app that has GPS tracking, and marked areas of interest, complete with an educational description of each site, and an interactive test! Fun stuff! Today's hike consisted of 10 stops, and I learned a lot through the app, because I can now go back and view the information again for a more in-depth study. While I did miss the personal interaction with the group's awesome people, we did get to chat with some of them along the way. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-53sfk1_P7Mc/YGMLfv0eztI/AAAAAAABmsM/J0WFfE6CNtwLrWAK_C3YmuX0Gi337_P0wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6555.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-53sfk1_P7Mc/YGMLfv0eztI/AAAAAAABmsM/J0WFfE6CNtwLrWAK_C3YmuX0Gi337_P0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_6555.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely a Ceiba!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79Yhp5tge9I/YGMLs9vv1YI/AAAAAAABmsQ/iGWsGqUKqzcAyyNB-iziogNieREwSn8YACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6558.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79Yhp5tge9I/YGMLs9vv1YI/AAAAAAABmsQ/iGWsGqUKqzcAyyNB-iziogNieREwSn8YACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h354/IMG_6558.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pavilion</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8j6qcqxUxMI/YGMLy2LeJQI/AAAAAAABmsY/kuE4Qic3YUUx06rtv6WckMYpKx0Zfk9qACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6559.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8j6qcqxUxMI/YGMLy2LeJQI/AAAAAAABmsY/kuE4Qic3YUUx06rtv6WckMYpKx0Zfk9qACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6559.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Let me begin by saying that this whole event was organized flawlessly. There were people at every stage to answer questions and to provide hydration and assistance to keep us safe and happy. We checked in and continued on the trail that led to the Pavilion, where we found a nice offering of local juices and fruits. I even used my Amigo's discount to purchase a <a href="https://books.google.com.pr/books?id=7B-lDQEACAAJ&source=gbs_book_other_versions" target="_blank">guide book</a> to help me identify the many species of flora and fauna we encounter on our walks. <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXBTJtTyAw4/YGML7xPDK_I/AAAAAAABmsc/0KUsj-wpD0kRvgmwL7_2ffg-Oj-CZxRSgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6561.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXBTJtTyAw4/YGML7xPDK_I/AAAAAAABmsc/0KUsj-wpD0kRvgmwL7_2ffg-Oj-CZxRSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6561.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2cwCqfYpKo/YGMMIhzvyoI/AAAAAAABmsk/NM6XLf2ENaMsbaifNIFHr5zn0IoRT2CzACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6563.jpeg"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S2cwCqfYpKo/YGMMIhzvyoI/AAAAAAABmsk/NM6XLf2ENaMsbaifNIFHr5zn0IoRT2CzACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6563.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jct-vBYrKkY/YGMMju_HpoI/AAAAAAABms8/XDDfYcH_uBkXG06R4hn0Etr7nsgSk-qVQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6566.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jct-vBYrKkY/YGMMju_HpoI/AAAAAAABms8/XDDfYcH_uBkXG06R4hn0Etr7nsgSk-qVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6566.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the pavilion, we followed the paved walkway to the first station, which led off the trail, through the brush and onto the beach. Bahia las Cabezas stretched out before us in all her glory. The waters were characteristically calm, with families beginning to arrive for a day of bliss in the tropical sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1RAtBqckmM/YGMMa6Tbn2I/AAAAAAABms0/6GVK6310ydURI_77VZ7wxJUj_4HPQVLmwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6568.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1RAtBqckmM/YGMMa6Tbn2I/AAAAAAABms0/6GVK6310ydURI_77VZ7wxJUj_4HPQVLmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6568.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the paved trail, there were several sandy paths leading to the bay.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfafaZ25Rmw/YGMMx65ZtRI/AAAAAAABmtE/hhgJHrUzeMIDNgs6SOnujL6qE6jCIJt1ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6569.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfafaZ25Rmw/YGMMx65ZtRI/AAAAAAABmtE/hhgJHrUzeMIDNgs6SOnujL6qE6jCIJt1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6569.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Cabezas - the heads, are in reference to the headlands seen in this photo at the horizon line.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Note: The italicized inserts were taken from the App created by Para La Naturaleza</b></p><p><i>Station 1: The Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve has several chapters in its history from the geological origin of its most notable features around 90 million years ago. The 'heads', or rocky headlands visible in the distance, have welcomed numerous storms and hurricanes, but have also been an important navigation icon since ancient times.The "Cabezas de San Juan" their name is due to the headlands or headlands that can be seen from the sea towards the coast. Today, from the highest point of the reserve, the oldest lighthouse in Puerto Rico continues to give light to boaters.In this space, Nature has built one of the most diverse resources in our archipelago. The 11 coastal ecosystems represented in the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve allow us to learn about biodiversity, interdependence, ecological services, resilience and the need to conserve these spaces for the well-being of our society.</i></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLQiATl6c0o/YGMVLx2tv1I/AAAAAAABmtU/V5uHqhPTpQ0sDLXOUxKTgxvqJsLn7_7qgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6570.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLQiATl6c0o/YGMVLx2tv1I/AAAAAAABmtU/V5uHqhPTpQ0sDLXOUxKTgxvqJsLn7_7qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6570.jpeg" width="480" /></a></i></span></div><p></p><p>Just beyond the first station, we had the choice to divert off the pavement to see more of the app stops, or to continue walking on the paved road. It seems like there were more people NOT using the educational app, and I can truly say that they were not maximizing this experience! </p><p>We happily took off through the brushy forest, where the effects of the hurricanes could still be seen. So many fallen trees! But, the workers and volunteers who have been cleaning so diligently these past two years, have done a wonderful job in clearing the pathways for us to enjoy. </p><p>Walking through the wild area, we were far enough away from others that we lowered our masks so that we could breathe in the changing scents that enveloped us as we walked along. Soon we came to station #2.</p><p><i>La Vereda de los Almácigos runs through an old coconut palm plantation that has been recovering its structure as a sub-tropical coastal forest. Among the plant species, the tamarindillo (Leucaena leucocephala) stands out, an invasive species that negatively affects the growth of native species. Its accelerated spread began when cattle were removed from the land when it was acquired by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust in 1975. The green pod was used to feed cattle, its wood to build fences and make charcoal; it is considered very useful in nitrogen fixation.During the journey, you can also see the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) native to the Asian tropics, and the almácigo (Bursera simaruba) species native to the Caribbean. Common birds such as the common warbler (Coereba flaveola) and the white-winged turtle dove (Zenaida asiatica) can be heard. So the Coconut Palm is not native to the Caribbean or Puerto Rico; was introduced.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBzJ48B3KSg/YGRfD_jrhkI/AAAAAAABmtc/qRFA_DkTN4EqP0oaUH7-Xi5uHvRVeWxfwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6571.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBzJ48B3KSg/YGRfD_jrhkI/AAAAAAABmtc/qRFA_DkTN4EqP0oaUH7-Xi5uHvRVeWxfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6571.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJoDXS5ivP0/YGRfJWeFBqI/AAAAAAABmtg/Q0BzxqDKBzc8Y1dGd7TAz9bg7Fm1KbAQQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6573.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1499" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJoDXS5ivP0/YGRfJWeFBqI/AAAAAAABmtg/Q0BzxqDKBzc8Y1dGd7TAz9bg7Fm1KbAQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w469-h640/IMG_6573.jpeg" width="469" /></a></div>Many times during recent hikes, I have wondered about this tree. It is so easily recognizable with the reddish bark sloughing off in sheets... Today I found out more about it at Station #3.<p></p><p><i>In the landscape of the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, a tall, upright tree whose reddish or silver bark falls in sheets like paper is striking, that is the almácigo (Bursera simaruba), a native tree of the Caribbean. It is a very versatile species, although it is considered a dry climate, it grows very well in humid climates. It thrives on sandy, salty, clayey, flat or sloping soils. It is resistant to hurricane winds so it has been recommended as an alternative to reforest.In Puerto Rico many people know it as the soup tree because when there was no food to eat, its bark was scraped and boiled to make broth, it was used as a home remedy for stomach ailments and a substitute for breast milk.</i></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VV41L5j9wvw/YGRftYiEZVI/AAAAAAABmts/_dGbi88VRW40HpyChiUEHPm1GC5Js6UhACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6574.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VV41L5j9wvw/YGRftYiEZVI/AAAAAAABmts/_dGbi88VRW40HpyChiUEHPm1GC5Js6UhACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/IMG_6574.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is very tall...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RRj75r4lnqk/YGRfy88lKpI/AAAAAAABmtw/D78h-0_6j-owwm0Fe9Vf0IWPcqvY4FUEgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6575.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RRj75r4lnqk/YGRfy88lKpI/AAAAAAABmtw/D78h-0_6j-owwm0Fe9Vf0IWPcqvY4FUEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6575.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random: Just thought this looked like a chicken foot!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zzTYTtk0Jg/YGRgUFuLnxI/AAAAAAABmt8/n2J79vL1jFQFRfen2YWpfg1eQy8EATEkgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6577.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1522" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zzTYTtk0Jg/YGRgUFuLnxI/AAAAAAABmt8/n2J79vL1jFQFRfen2YWpfg1eQy8EATEkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w475-h640/IMG_6577.jpeg" width="475" /></a></div>Station 4 was the coconut palm and for whatever reason, I only got a photo of this little guy, posing on the coconut palm!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), although native to the Indo-Pacific area, was introduced to Puerto Rico from the western coasts of Africa in 1549. This species has a wide variety of uses, but the best known is water coconut. In ancient times its leaves were used to roof the huts and from the trunk they took out the “palm board”. Curiously, the most extensive coconut trees were planted in the eastern and southeastern areas of Puerto Rico.At the beginning of the 1930s the Veve family, owners of the lands that today are the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, had coconut palm crops which were destroyed by Hurricane San Ciprián in 1932. Since then, until it was acquired by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust in 1975, the land was used for cattle ranching.</i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mbHtTT8n5iI/YGRgvTdUTiI/AAAAAAABmuE/ZcMksJ29zskZuiVRVFQY7Kn3V062Q3ySQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6578.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mbHtTT8n5iI/YGRgvTdUTiI/AAAAAAABmuE/ZcMksJ29zskZuiVRVFQY7Kn3V062Q3ySQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_6578.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>As we walked along the trail, Bruce though something buzzed past his head! Two minutes later, he let out a YELP! (Bruce doesn't yelp...) I turned around to find him swatting at his neck, and then this huge bug scrambled to upright himself on the ground. He scuttled away, but not before I got this! Bruce and I BOTH were glad this happened to him, instead of to me! There would have been a whole lot of screaming!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WF7MU3Uw2zo/YGRhVIhdW7I/AAAAAAABmuM/LJFXdvetev8S1GV62sqnKmtX5Zpvnu2eACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6581.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1894" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WF7MU3Uw2zo/YGRhVIhdW7I/AAAAAAABmuM/LJFXdvetev8S1GV62sqnKmtX5Zpvnu2eACLcBGAsYHQ/w592-h640/IMG_6581.jpeg" width="592" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bird's nest, low enough for us to peer inside.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sIVVW2iNAwg/YGRhd-yThQI/AAAAAAABmuQ/GTLAgJGyECQkNXWABsxtfcfHt5UTVJpSACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6583.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sIVVW2iNAwg/YGRhd-yThQI/AAAAAAABmuQ/GTLAgJGyECQkNXWABsxtfcfHt5UTVJpSACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/IMG_6583.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The butterflies were LOVING these, and I stopped to try to get a good photo of them...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gc2IdaBVftg/YGRhoJLzycI/AAAAAAABmuY/f08FfJ3onAg1w7d2pCSAEC1lnWqsSBXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6602.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1517" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gc2IdaBVftg/YGRhoJLzycI/AAAAAAABmuY/f08FfJ3onAg1w7d2pCSAEC1lnWqsSBXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w475-h640/IMG_6602.jpeg" width="475" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But they moved so quickly, this is the only in focus pic I got... with BRUCE!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OIwgZ_eO_hE/YGRiXUSU-EI/AAAAAAABmuk/GzTWUSHy0BU9V8JKFlOf6GwIH3Ytx1DRQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6604.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OIwgZ_eO_hE/YGRiXUSU-EI/AAAAAAABmuk/GzTWUSHy0BU9V8JKFlOf6GwIH3Ytx1DRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6604.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The next stop was pretty cool. Back in early 2020, Bruce and I stayed in a B&B here in Las Croabas, and we took the night tour of the Bioluminescent bay. Now here we stand on the shores of that very same bay! Station #5 is the most narrow bit of land between the BioBay and Bahia Las Cabezas. Lots of history here!<p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>This place arose a little more than 500 years ago and, from this side of the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, this strip of sediment is the closest point between Laguna Grande and Ensenada Yegua.To avoid the inclemencies of the Atlantic Ocean, and shorten the trip from Las Croabas to the reefs of Ensenada Yeguas, many local fishermen and sailors crossed the lagoon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Once they reached the so-called Fisherman's Walk, they passed their yola rolling it on logs until they reached the other side and continued their journey.Even with a maximum depth of 5m (15 ') and a mud bottom, the Laguna Grande is the most transparent in Puerto Rico.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is famous for being one of the bioluminescent bodies of water that we have on our islands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The channel that connects it to the sea is what gives life to this natural wonder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Dozens of fish and invertebrates, many of commercial interest, live there permanently, others only come to visit during specific stages of their life cycle</i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqmSnNIoKfk/YGRidvppQoI/AAAAAAABmuo/9UiGcm_yPZUdJbP85gc1m6B_2jchrh7bQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6605.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqmSnNIoKfk/YGRidvppQoI/AAAAAAABmuo/9UiGcm_yPZUdJbP85gc1m6B_2jchrh7bQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/IMG_6605.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bioluminescent Bay, up close and personal, and the lighthouse beyond!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nH3t1WCDAS0/YGRioAnjkbI/AAAAAAABmuw/P7ic0-CtXDYfRT2ACGjeYDr_XJk4T2txQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6607.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nH3t1WCDAS0/YGRioAnjkbI/AAAAAAABmuw/P7ic0-CtXDYfRT2ACGjeYDr_XJk4T2txQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6607.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOYO1YVbF6s/YGRi64thIiI/AAAAAAABmu8/sZOzwzavUMsslocKeM3-MvXXdzLEC3uawCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6614.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOYO1YVbF6s/YGRi64thIiI/AAAAAAABmu8/sZOzwzavUMsslocKeM3-MvXXdzLEC3uawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_6614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Station #6<p></p><p><i>It is said that in the lands surrounding this cove there were many horses, hence its name Ensenada Yeguas. A bit of sand from its extensive beach tells us about the diversity of soils present in the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve; from sediments of marine origin such as pieces of coral and algae to gray and tiny rocks that remind us of the volcanic origin of our islands 100 million years ago. Submerged in its waters we find a great metropolis, called a coral reef, where dozens of fish species such as damsels, doctors and butterflies and invertebrates such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sponges, among others, live.The coral reef is the most diverse marine ecosystem on the planet and they only develop in tropical areas. Among its incalculable functions, it deals with calming the waves that come from open waters, creating ideal conditions for the development of seagrasses, which are flowering plants that have adapted to the marine environment.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTe0VSXsLa8/YGRnwtS4b1I/AAAAAAABmvc/wWHDOjUf2ME0X9x4RxJ6INZXr3nCgQkIwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6630.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTe0VSXsLa8/YGRnwtS4b1I/AAAAAAABmvc/wWHDOjUf2ME0X9x4RxJ6INZXr3nCgQkIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6630.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h1cAqz6mFNg/YGRmNr_WioI/AAAAAAABmvI/_5I2pfcT9-khfQ-vQC0DYXlzZH0sIzc6wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6619.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h1cAqz6mFNg/YGRmNr_WioI/AAAAAAABmvI/_5I2pfcT9-khfQ-vQC0DYXlzZH0sIzc6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6619.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid tent up ahead, but we're good!</td></tr></tbody></table>Rounding a curve, we could see the next station up ahead. Also there, was water and a medical attendant, just in case the heat was becoming too much for anyone. But we had our camelbacks on, and still had the benefit of ice inside, which cooled our backs. We also had long sleeved sun shirts, and wide brimmed hats. We came well prepared for anything!<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kGSAHvsHWJA/YGRnYE6RPPI/AAAAAAABmvQ/IY-rLetkf9M31ePJFqrvlOIBVCdWwYHeACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6620.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1490" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kGSAHvsHWJA/YGRnYE6RPPI/AAAAAAABmvQ/IY-rLetkf9M31ePJFqrvlOIBVCdWwYHeACLcBGAsYHQ/w467-h640/IMG_6620.jpeg" width="467" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Termite trails everywhere!</td></tr></tbody></table>Just off to the left of the comfort station we found the next item on our educational tour: #7 TERMITES! I have wondered if the termites had as much work to do before the hurricanes of 2017. Now, we see so much dead wood, but the termites are busy doing their job!<p></p><p><i>Termites are social insects that live in colonies and are organized in a caste system, they are different social classes according to their roles and responsibilities; similar to bees and other insects.Did you know that termite nests are the largest than those of any other insect in Puerto Rico. This refuge, also known as termites, are consoles with a warm, controlled temperature and a relatively high interior humidity to avoid the desiccation of termites.This structure provides its inhabitants with a type of micro-climate appropriate for them. Termites have the appearance of a large, round ball, appear to have a rough texture, and are dark brown in color.Termites are made of soil, wood and their own feces that stick with their saliva. Termites are a fundamental part of our forests since they are one of the insects responsible for the decomposition of organic matter such as the bark of trees, trunks and branches.</i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EX-MPSUIAA0/YGRnrtilIpI/AAAAAAABmvY/jbDi6VbByjsw8y1ODey7925Q6RRkq8DxACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6621.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EX-MPSUIAA0/YGRnrtilIpI/AAAAAAABmvY/jbDi6VbByjsw8y1ODey7925Q6RRkq8DxACLcBGAsYHQ/w453-h640/IMG_6621.jpeg" width="453" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Termite nest</td></tr></tbody></table><br />By this time, it was beginning to get warm. The sun was higher overhead and there was less shade to be had on the paved trail. We walked along the edge, so that we could take advantage of the scanty shade from the brush. The distance between the termite station and the next seemed long, as we turned away from the coast. Somewhere along this way, I missed app station #8, but we would go back through it. Bruce was beginning to make noises like he might be done with this activity... But we hadn't reached the boardwalk!<p></p><p>Station #8 <i>Ecology designates an ecotone to a transition zone between one ecosystem to another, this definition also applies to ecological communities. This imaginary line between two ecosystems or communities facilitates the exchange of diversity and provides a route or highway for the movements of organisms from one place to another. These zones tend to be extremely active and dynamic.You can take a photo in this place to show the world that you can be in two ecosystems at the same time. If they do it with the states, why not do it with nature? At the moment you are walking a dividing line, a transition zone between a dry forest and a mangrove forest; two different ecological elements.But what is a subtropical dry forest? It is a type of forest that is established in places where the amount of rain that is received in the year generally does not exceed 44 inches (20-40 cm) and occurs in very limited periods. The predominant vegetation in the place is adapted to living here.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-trOlA_6vUiE/YGRo0GkCEfI/AAAAAAABmvo/WdCkC2qUpXAptR73Os7PGig9hTqdzf_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6632.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-trOlA_6vUiE/YGRo0GkCEfI/AAAAAAABmvo/WdCkC2qUpXAptR73Os7PGig9hTqdzf_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6632.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I pressed on, and Bruce followed, if somewhat reluctantly. Soon we saw the next comfort station up ahead. The welcome shade, and seating lured us in, and we even had a nice chat with the young woman who created the educational material in the app we were following. Para La Naturaleza has done a wonderful job of hiring people who are knowledgeable, and better yet, CARE deeply about this island. And they are all very happy to share their knowledge with those of us who show a genuine interest!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tX8JY4DvE1c/YGRzmj7-5bI/AAAAAAABmzM/R6Su0cONMv46YT3EtAnOmyMJkcVzyJvgACLcBGAsYHQ/Waving%2Btaken%2Bby%2BPara%2Bla%2BNaturaleza.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tX8JY4DvE1c/YGRzmj7-5bI/AAAAAAABmzM/R6Su0cONMv46YT3EtAnOmyMJkcVzyJvgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Waving%2Btaken%2Bby%2BPara%2Bla%2BNaturaleza.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Para La Naturaleza</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaalGuxHMrw/YGRo4nC1RQI/AAAAAAABmvs/TlKxgQNz_7YNrLofUnJaKDl5B8S_EvBUACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6635.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaalGuxHMrw/YGRo4nC1RQI/AAAAAAABmvs/TlKxgQNz_7YNrLofUnJaKDl5B8S_EvBUACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6635.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ildamaris, the woman who created the educational app material. Sweet girl!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VmEa_pTe6Rc/YGRpRcVgCOI/AAAAAAABmv4/8lNT04w_hps8sjBFVvbGNRblpGxwe5W5QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6637.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VmEa_pTe6Rc/YGRpRcVgCOI/AAAAAAABmv4/8lNT04w_hps8sjBFVvbGNRblpGxwe5W5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6637.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>After a short break in the shade, Bruce seemed more willing to continue on, so we headed out into the marshy mangroves on the lovely boardwalk!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GuNp3itKujs" width="320" youtube-src-id="GuNp3itKujs"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOZtiuV07ng/YGRpaw3TXeI/AAAAAAABmv8/WHszl7WxUL450mmgNWxcZeLo3xW5wG-cACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOZtiuV07ng/YGRpaw3TXeI/AAAAAAABmv8/WHszl7WxUL450mmgNWxcZeLo3xW5wG-cACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6655.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHYXMVPN0QA/YGRpdeGs8nI/AAAAAAABmwA/qurKNaPELwcaob_rvohL_GMFETMAqoM9ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6660.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1494" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHYXMVPN0QA/YGRpdeGs8nI/AAAAAAABmwA/qurKNaPELwcaob_rvohL_GMFETMAqoM9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_6660.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny cluster of flowers on the mangrove tree!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Station #9, somewhere in the mangroves!<p></p><p><i>Suddenly, surrounded by strange trees with extensive roots in reddish water, you smell a rotten egg smell. That is the sign that the forest is working. The tree that produces this effect is the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), its name is for a dye that it has just under its bark, the same tannin that grapes have. To live in an unstable soil, and without oxygen, it has developed an anchoring system so strong that it is able to withstand strong hurricanes, those roots also allow it to do its gas exchange. It is also the habitat for countless species that find in their roots a space to rest, feed and, for some, a place to live. We cannot forget that we are in a salty water environment, sometimes more salty than the sea. Many times we see something swimming that looks like tadpoles, they are actually larval or juvenile stages of fish. More than 70% of the marine species that end up on our plate spend some stage of their life in the mangrove.</i></p><p>Station #10 is in the movie: <i>This platform presents the mangrove forest from a different dimension than the one our ancestors knew.In Puerto Rico there is only a quarter of the mangroves that existed almost 100 years ago. In those days it was a source of firewood and charcoal, wood to build fishing gear and repair boats, and a refuge for boats in times of storms and hurricanes.Their most precious value is not seen with the naked eye, these tropical trees, adapted to living submerged in salt water, are one of the best carbon dioxide traps on the planet, which is one of the gases that accelerates climate change. In the mangrove forest of the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve there are the four species of mangroves present on our islands, the red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove and button mangrove.</i></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKGipJz1yFM/YGRq0EBHTzI/AAAAAAABmwM/uq1oJoFD5-I9-yoeQCNhdE94OEyDyuKwgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6662.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKGipJz1yFM/YGRq0EBHTzI/AAAAAAABmwM/uq1oJoFD5-I9-yoeQCNhdE94OEyDyuKwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6662.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>At the end of the boardwalk, I could tell that Bruce was becoming less interested in seeing the lighthouse. We could see the steep walkway leading up to it, and I wasn't even sure that we would be able to go inside. But I just couldn't come all this way and NOT get as close to it as possible... I had waited far too long to let this opportunity slip away. Bruce agreed to sit in the shade at the mangrove station while I made the steep climb on my own. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yhw-27pzyvE/YGRrG4ZcmWI/AAAAAAABmwU/ti5kJUL2oJYF9-8QQ3H1WYhrFqmepUu9wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6664.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yhw-27pzyvE/YGRrG4ZcmWI/AAAAAAABmwU/ti5kJUL2oJYF9-8QQ3H1WYhrFqmepUu9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6664.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the top of the lighthouse over the trees. Getting closer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5dOcAFzDpz8/YGRrTArfjeI/AAAAAAABmwY/UXiV-NeDqEklTYCiaY2vSY0aDAM7_OnHACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6665.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5dOcAFzDpz8/YGRrTArfjeI/AAAAAAABmwY/UXiV-NeDqEklTYCiaY2vSY0aDAM7_OnHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6665.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>So, off I went! It took me about 15 minutes to get to the top, with a couple of short breathers when I found shade. This part of the path was very sunny! But as I stopped, I turned around and could see the improving view!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aoCNNO99ocY/YGRrZ364-TI/AAAAAAABmwg/yN-aXtK_MlUGX1LAymjSltU7MatXqjFbACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6666.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aoCNNO99ocY/YGRrZ364-TI/AAAAAAABmwg/yN-aXtK_MlUGX1LAymjSltU7MatXqjFbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6666.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZaA9tcy-uw/YGRrewWHqII/AAAAAAABmwk/dbLooLNRc7Q65Ai6k8ziWXMxUsygYJk-gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6668.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZaA9tcy-uw/YGRrewWHqII/AAAAAAABmwk/dbLooLNRc7Q65Ai6k8ziWXMxUsygYJk-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/IMG_6668.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And up...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52gMnHFaamU/YGRrlKIfTkI/AAAAAAABmwo/qTMoyAdkwJ0w70QmF-6oudXgL2BZJdZKACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6671.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52gMnHFaamU/YGRrlKIfTkI/AAAAAAABmwo/qTMoyAdkwJ0w70QmF-6oudXgL2BZJdZKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6671.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And up... ! Almost there!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXKqR-ucz_M/YGRrr4ipkYI/AAAAAAABmws/nrE0Qrr55MMKaGHzs7wcJKGfGpztBizOACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6673.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXKqR-ucz_M/YGRrr4ipkYI/AAAAAAABmws/nrE0Qrr55MMKaGHzs7wcJKGfGpztBizOACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6673.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And THERE it is!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csnF-vtpPJg/YGRsMcGcFkI/AAAAAAABmw8/Y0LQUk12ZWww6kQZj22izYFTKjiYpk10ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6678.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2048" height="243" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csnF-vtpPJg/YGRsMcGcFkI/AAAAAAABmw8/Y0LQUk12ZWww6kQZj22izYFTKjiYpk10ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h243/IMG_6678.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>To be honest, I thought that this would be about as close as we were allowed to get. I swear, somewhere on the invitation, I read that the lighthouse was still closed for reconstruction, and we would not be able to go inside. Imagine my delight as I approached, and realized that I WOULD be able to go inside. Prolonging the pleasure, I first went over to take in the amazing view of Cayo Icacos and Isla Palomino. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07jOB8CR7Og/YGRsVFsvWBI/AAAAAAABmxA/l0YGcCW9F4Qm1Pw7GYDTdO5ot2U6L2VUwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6683.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="944" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07jOB8CR7Og/YGRsVFsvWBI/AAAAAAABmxA/l0YGcCW9F4Qm1Pw7GYDTdO5ot2U6L2VUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h640/IMG_6683.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G8QWFY6Fc4Y/YGRscbpBVOI/AAAAAAABmxI/VKOx3AUOFrIO-AjMTMiygMBoblB1S32_wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6685.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G8QWFY6Fc4Y/YGRscbpBVOI/AAAAAAABmxI/VKOx3AUOFrIO-AjMTMiygMBoblB1S32_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6685.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayo Icacos, where many boats lie at anchor. (sigh...)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4olxa-CHkQ/YGRsj3ClEmI/AAAAAAABmxM/H6ijiBR11uwfXnoovwTXEgou5TAtb_ZGwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6686.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4olxa-CHkQ/YGRsj3ClEmI/AAAAAAABmxM/H6ijiBR11uwfXnoovwTXEgou5TAtb_ZGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6686.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla Palominos. We'll take a tour there some day soon...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OzSlIXN31iQ/YGRssexaCZI/AAAAAAABmxU/PvGKo1K1gZ4AJ-Od6-8vTyCQAE1uDoHyQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6687.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OzSlIXN31iQ/YGRssexaCZI/AAAAAAABmxU/PvGKo1K1gZ4AJ-Od6-8vTyCQAE1uDoHyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6687.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See those boats? That could have been us!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FpIFn1olZv4" width="320" youtube-src-id="FpIFn1olZv4"></iframe></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wsJ5YJU-HUA/YGRszV3dMmI/AAAAAAABmxc/O8qCQR_92nobQSwibUg2NASd8xt2bcQJQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6693.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wsJ5YJU-HUA/YGRszV3dMmI/AAAAAAABmxc/O8qCQR_92nobQSwibUg2NASd8xt2bcQJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6693.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the west, you see the BioBay, Bahia las Cabezas and the mountains of El Yunque!<span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kJRcaERrtJs" width="320" youtube-src-id="kJRcaERrtJs"></iframe></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qg-UdxKRX5I/YGRuasFKABI/AAAAAAABmxo/NYvy7S2npYgpEzqYAexVETEsufv7QxHjwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6694.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1630" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qg-UdxKRX5I/YGRuasFKABI/AAAAAAABmxo/NYvy7S2npYgpEzqYAexVETEsufv7QxHjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w318-h400/IMG_6694.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>I spent some time marveling at the view, savoring the suspense of going INSIDE of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nehhzKJfgqBgo3Mj9" target="_blank">Faro Las Cabezas de San Juan...</a> I paused only a moment while waiting for another couple to come back out of the lighthouse. Then, all by myself, I had the extreme pleasure of taking a long look inside. I have to say that I was very surprised at how GOOD it all looks. I had heard for some time, that it was being restored, but it looks to me like it's just about done! This is going to be an amazing educational facility when they're done!<p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJnTq4a6leQ/YGRvpHdBSBI/AAAAAAABmxw/6RlRuy1sQ-sMvMSKuPlCXZx-OJPWmOWfQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6697.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJnTq4a6leQ/YGRvpHdBSBI/AAAAAAABmxw/6RlRuy1sQ-sMvMSKuPlCXZx-OJPWmOWfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/IMG_6697.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta document this with the selfies!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vb2OsbLhYEo/YGRvwWuHZCI/AAAAAAABmx0/lInd2hnPlX4-zvS146MNxZLjDrC4F0akACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6698.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vb2OsbLhYEo/YGRvwWuHZCI/AAAAAAABmx0/lInd2hnPlX4-zvS146MNxZLjDrC4F0akACLcBGAsYHQ/w483-h640/IMG_6698.jpeg" width="483" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks ready to me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eoA-MEgO6sA/YGRv1rDB10I/AAAAAAABmx4/l5h_EKeoJ4EWsRdzzkyvOjvBnuKODItuACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6704.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eoA-MEgO6sA/YGRv1rDB10I/AAAAAAABmx4/l5h_EKeoJ4EWsRdzzkyvOjvBnuKODItuACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6704.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyM-xun-_UY/YGRv51C85mI/AAAAAAABmyA/GrrvKFvaSvI5D-FX2UOloyCXQL-RH6higCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyM-xun-_UY/YGRv51C85mI/AAAAAAABmyA/GrrvKFvaSvI5D-FX2UOloyCXQL-RH6higCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6706.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6ssmzFJ_yE/YGRv877BpZI/AAAAAAABmyE/yx0eyVivD4I7z7IOERk6QPOe-IgaFFr_gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6707.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6ssmzFJ_yE/YGRv877BpZI/AAAAAAABmyE/yx0eyVivD4I7z7IOERk6QPOe-IgaFFr_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6707.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ubXqbjw7sJM/YGRv_-krfmI/AAAAAAABmyM/ss68SBvQ79Ip36ECPWSFL7_NOOxQwvd-QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6709.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ubXqbjw7sJM/YGRv_-krfmI/AAAAAAABmyM/ss68SBvQ79Ip36ECPWSFL7_NOOxQwvd-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h472/IMG_6709.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oHvZk8dvnQw/YGRwChXGbeI/AAAAAAABmyQ/RDRmsZgytyINAHalNCZnZ6AoOBUW1chQQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6712.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1458" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oHvZk8dvnQw/YGRwChXGbeI/AAAAAAABmyQ/RDRmsZgytyINAHalNCZnZ6AoOBUW1chQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w456-h640/IMG_6712.jpeg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These old floors are amazing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zij8UQNsbKs/YGRwHaGCA0I/AAAAAAABmyY/zDleCBJ64pQBUEtIa0eT55uEBQvO93oUgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6716.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zij8UQNsbKs/YGRwHaGCA0I/AAAAAAABmyY/zDleCBJ64pQBUEtIa0eT55uEBQvO93oUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_6716.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2qG0cft8pSA/YGRwLa7tp2I/AAAAAAABmyg/f_0OrQHl8tYbCqoJHKDr31b50fGZF0ooQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6718.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="2009" height="598" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2qG0cft8pSA/YGRwLa7tp2I/AAAAAAABmyg/f_0OrQHl8tYbCqoJHKDr31b50fGZF0ooQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h598/IMG_6718.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y0-C9G2BAM8" width="320" youtube-src-id="y0-C9G2BAM8"></iframe></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fo8lKYV_Cp8/YGRwgsiZ2AI/AAAAAAABmyw/rKlVc35yqkErYTRT9HppxlZ9TqrLqKGNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6732.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fo8lKYV_Cp8/YGRwgsiZ2AI/AAAAAAABmyw/rKlVc35yqkErYTRT9HppxlZ9TqrLqKGNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h263/IMG_6732.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG!! There it is!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Eventually, I had to go back outside so that the next lucky people had their chance. I continued my circuit of the outside, where I found the best view of the tower.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHdRVDGwp2M/YGRwsSTct-I/AAAAAAABmy0/gaHXaPceQSkIRF7kolFCCl9etPiS93L2wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6728.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHdRVDGwp2M/YGRwsSTct-I/AAAAAAABmy0/gaHXaPceQSkIRF7kolFCCl9etPiS93L2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h472/IMG_6728.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1IeUTQXTVNw/YGRwvygr-UI/AAAAAAABmy4/e4r0jwXtyxUM0DtgfhmF5uoPvyTRCxKygCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6745.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1IeUTQXTVNw/YGRwvygr-UI/AAAAAAABmy4/e4r0jwXtyxUM0DtgfhmF5uoPvyTRCxKygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6745.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yd3OestyyjQ/YGRxLatwNuI/AAAAAAABmzE/NBl7bUmFZvkH1TlgS7l5weOBQP5R6pkSwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6750.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yd3OestyyjQ/YGRxLatwNuI/AAAAAAABmzE/NBl7bUmFZvkH1TlgS7l5weOBQP5R6pkSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h254/IMG_6750.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy face!</td></tr></tbody></table>Remembering that my husband was patiently waiting for me down below... I finally tore myself away from this amazing moment. After more than two years... FINALLY I had my chance to see this treasure. I can't thank the fine folks at Para La Naturaleza enough for making this the first post covid experience for their AMIGOS! </div><div><br /></div><div>The hike up that took me 15 minutes, only took about half that time on the way down. I found Bruce reading something on his phone, perfectly happy to wait in the cool shade. </div><div><br /></div><div>I sat with him and we ate one of our energy bars, and took some deep draws from the cool water in our camelbacks. The cool breeze and the food re-energized us and very soon we were ready for the trek back to the car. On the way down, we met a young couple who we had passed earlier, and they told us that they had not been able to go inside the lighthouse. Evidently, I was one of the last few allowed inside. The day was becoming more warm, and the organization had made the decision to close it so that visitors did not become overheated going up that last bit. I can't express how fortunate I feel having been granted the opportunity to experience this today. Sometimes I wonder if my guardian angle is working overtime! She's certainly up there pulling strings for me, that's for sure!</div><div><br /></div><div>The end of the trail had us diverting to the beach for the last distance to the car. WOW! So many people out here now! For sure, the morning is the best time to come here if you don't want to be in a crowd! We felt a little out of place, tromping through the sand, fully clothed, and in hiking boots! But I had the secret knowledge that we had just had quite a unique experience that many of these others knew nothing about... And that will keep me smiling for some time to come! Thank you AGAIN, Para La Naturaleza! We are looking forward eagerly for many more experiences with you to come! <i><a href="https://www.paralanaturaleza.org/fotogaleria-amigos-3-2021/" target="_blank">Photo Gallery</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIgE9AhsygI/YGR2vLFd6VI/AAAAAAABmzU/v6ugZmCcKrcE-WDqaOm0rKBxTZDv-y1zQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6752.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIgE9AhsygI/YGR2vLFd6VI/AAAAAAABmzU/v6ugZmCcKrcE-WDqaOm0rKBxTZDv-y1zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6752.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Wearing of masks and social distancing is required at all times when you're in public here in Puerto Rico. The photos shown here not wearing masks, or with them down, were solely for the photos. We have honored the requirements of our government so that we can put this pandemic behind us as quickly as possible. Also, Bruce has had his vaccination, and I'm in the middle of mine. </span></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-21799504386959058672021-03-26T15:30:00.026-04:002021-03-29T17:57:11.870-04:00Cruising Life Revisited ~ Old Stomping Grounds <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpe9UtVDxDc/YGIpHIqP1XI/AAAAAAABmm4/Y9Pp9CvTH00B8jIjw1gecdpI8BptchXHACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6366.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpe9UtVDxDc/YGIpHIqP1XI/AAAAAAABmm4/Y9Pp9CvTH00B8jIjw1gecdpI8BptchXHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6366.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning routine</td></tr></tbody></table> We love showing off our island. Having Jodi and Gary here, we've seen some new places, but when we see our favorite places through new eyes, we get the biggest kick! So many times during their time here, I've had to remind myself that while we share the kinship of being Cruisers, they have not experienced much of what Puerto Rico has to offer. With every new exclamation of surprise, or gasp in awe, my heart swells for our beautiful Isla del Encanto. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-97z4oUKs-CE/YGIpOhk7fzI/AAAAAAABmm8/K1Vx7gaqsfMUvw4efIbHv9a9UAGJK6BbgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6365.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-97z4oUKs-CE/YGIpOhk7fzI/AAAAAAABmm8/K1Vx7gaqsfMUvw4efIbHv9a9UAGJK6BbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6365.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare, genuine smile for the camera. Must be boatlife!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWKDBcvwAs0/YGIpYKq9pAI/AAAAAAABmnE/VbmcRK8SbQoNLK07sk3Gr2ufC5tXkrnkgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6367.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWKDBcvwAs0/YGIpYKq9pAI/AAAAAAABmnE/VbmcRK8SbQoNLK07sk3Gr2ufC5tXkrnkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h342/IMG_6367.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the procession of fishermen going to work has become routine as well.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's so easy to slip right back into cruising life. We spent so many years sleeping while rocking gently at anchor, and waking up to the sunrise and watching local fishermen go about their business. It's a life lived close to nature, and with very few luxuries. We have been reminded of the things we lived without, and it renews our appreciation of the amenities we now almost take for granted as CLODS. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f2NK4_GpKCI/YGIqd9A_aUI/AAAAAAABmnQ/oIYMQJZBBGoX0uUVvnrAhlE2HUTqEQ_HQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6379.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f2NK4_GpKCI/YGIqd9A_aUI/AAAAAAABmnQ/oIYMQJZBBGoX0uUVvnrAhlE2HUTqEQ_HQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6379.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This morning, Gary had to spend some time earning a living, so Jodi, Bruce and I took off to entertain ourselves for a few hours. We returned to the black sand beach we found this week, only not so far north this time, and spent some time doing what we girls love best... beach combing!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PTas4gVTuzA/YGIqmhd5HpI/AAAAAAABmnU/uTv6kk_WUEosgFr2oaNhXFAJ6evfMZamwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6380.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PTas4gVTuzA/YGIqmhd5HpI/AAAAAAABmnU/uTv6kk_WUEosgFr2oaNhXFAJ6evfMZamwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6380.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zg3kupZ9lY/YGIqqt3rzmI/AAAAAAABmnY/K3v0bi9iIMwjD5z245iht-C8YHIjPRO0ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6373.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zg3kupZ9lY/YGIqqt3rzmI/AAAAAAABmnY/K3v0bi9iIMwjD5z245iht-C8YHIjPRO0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6373.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwH2lde3qKc/YGIqu7etKpI/AAAAAAABmng/RulbRjuXgfQ2j1Y40R2Hr-f4pZNR1u7ewCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6390.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwH2lde3qKc/YGIqu7etKpI/AAAAAAABmng/RulbRjuXgfQ2j1Y40R2Hr-f4pZNR1u7ewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h310/IMG_6390.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge roots of a fallen tree on <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XMnH3iThQ4xxZcFJ8" target="_blank">Playa Brambadero</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vLgOz_Tmczk/YGI1HSl7d4I/AAAAAAABmns/QXUw_9MLrF09b-zOf5NntQ3LfkrAmuMwgCLcBGAsYHQ/Cabo%2BRojo%2BLighthouse%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bwater.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="948" height="254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vLgOz_Tmczk/YGI1HSl7d4I/AAAAAAABmns/QXUw_9MLrF09b-zOf5NntQ3LfkrAmuMwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h254/Cabo%2BRojo%2BLighthouse%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bwater.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi's photo of Faro Los Morrillos</td></tr></tbody></table>Pretty soon, Gary called to tell us he was done working and we hurried back to the Marina to collect him, and continue on with our day! Jodi had posted a photo of Faro Los Morrillos as they passed by on the water. Today we would show them what these dramatic cliffs, and the beautiful Cabo Rojo Lighthouse look like by land!<br /><br />Driving out on the narrow strip of marshy land between the salt flats and the Caribbean sea, I was once again amazed at how different this place can be, even though I've been here a dozen times or more. There had been some rain, making the drive a little muddy. Thanks again to our AWD Honda! We stopped briefly at the salt museum, which was closed, as was the observation tower. I waited while our friends got out and went over to take a look at the salt mountain, then we moved on over to the salt plans. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, the sections were empty, with the exception of one that was in the process of being refilled with salt water pumped from the sea. We walked out to get a closer look. Gary went over to speak to a worker who was working in some sort of machine. Must have been all in Spanish, because when Gary returned to report, the only thing he caught was "45 days". We figured that was the number of days it takes to evaporate the pans so that the salt can be harvested. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pEBhqgmXoPk/YGI2fX0ThPI/AAAAAAABmn0/s-eqZX8487M20AOzymu-XXFm7MMq3mlvwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6401.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pEBhqgmXoPk/YGI2fX0ThPI/AAAAAAABmn0/s-eqZX8487M20AOzymu-XXFm7MMq3mlvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6401.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi and Gary checking it out!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMSd3GhDau8/YGI2odRERlI/AAAAAAABmn4/FU8oVGMBWUcmUctrFbKbWlM0KRCkPMLCACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6409.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMSd3GhDau8/YGI2odRERlI/AAAAAAABmn4/FU8oVGMBWUcmUctrFbKbWlM0KRCkPMLCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6409.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pump pouring new salt water into the evaporation pan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hObOvthcoIE/YGI2u6K_LlI/AAAAAAABmoA/TmJpb9zTWtEiTdQQRWmlCziANIqJfnduwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6411.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hObOvthcoIE/YGI2u6K_LlI/AAAAAAABmoA/TmJpb9zTWtEiTdQQRWmlCziANIqJfnduwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6411.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pan was about half again as full last time we were here, as were all of the others as well.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gnLcOZ-wO-c" width="320" youtube-src-id="gnLcOZ-wO-c"></iframe></div><br /><div>I absolutely can not resist these jiggling, poofing bubbles! I can't watch that without giggling! The empty pans still had some salt on the bottom in the lower areas, but I am completely amazed that they can get all of the salt off of the structures and most from the ground. Simply amazing! Hopefully some day, we will come when all of that is going on!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbYVSdyAhGI/YGI3fbKr2CI/AAAAAAABmoM/x8dSJBE8Lqwgyldg42sH31-HXjhizF29ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6413.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbYVSdyAhGI/YGI3fbKr2CI/AAAAAAABmoM/x8dSJBE8Lqwgyldg42sH31-HXjhizF29ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6413.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tmlTcHd4BvA/YGI3jOkKx0I/AAAAAAABmoQ/EtFTY7_kn-wr0rb7GdJRoPES8lwg8bfrwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6415.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tmlTcHd4BvA/YGI3jOkKx0I/AAAAAAABmoQ/EtFTY7_kn-wr0rb7GdJRoPES8lwg8bfrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6415.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary talking to the worker.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tw3TwhrR7Gk/YGI3p_RHvYI/AAAAAAABmoU/60UzB3xCcaw4ZPu5iVWiMN2g7auAsV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6419.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tw3TwhrR7Gk/YGI3p_RHvYI/AAAAAAABmoU/60UzB3xCcaw4ZPu5iVWiMN2g7auAsV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/IMG_6419.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some salt remains. Wonder if we could skate on it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Walking back to the car, I noticed that the muddy dirt beneath our feet was sparkling like diamonds with the salt saturation. Simply amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>We made the short drive up to the parking area for Faro Los Morillos, then began the hike up in the mid-day sun. It is already warmer than it was during our last visit, but the stiff breeze kept us cool enough. I'm pretty sure this is the windiest we've ever experienced here. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0c7q4Sa0RSY/YGI4Vcbe62I/AAAAAAABmok/oKFkXIlIDF4fHqvY5fGr5b_oxmnNmpJkwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6424.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0c7q4Sa0RSY/YGI4Vcbe62I/AAAAAAABmok/oKFkXIlIDF4fHqvY5fGr5b_oxmnNmpJkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h420/IMG_6424.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary and Jodi</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8QjrBZF2Uw/YGI4cKxDHPI/AAAAAAABmoo/C6dCeN__zjw1NaaftHILJdzol5BXKCREACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6429.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8QjrBZF2Uw/YGI4cKxDHPI/AAAAAAABmoo/C6dCeN__zjw1NaaftHILJdzol5BXKCREACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6429.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel the tug on my heart when I see boats at sea. You can barely see the two in this photo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Funny how new eyes bring a new perspective. In all of the times we've been here, we have never continued on past the lighthouse to peer over the cliff at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cbAwPK68MHd6HqMFA" target="_blank">Playa Sucia</a>! It's another view from the dramatic cliffs, and the wind drove the sea into the rocks far below with a violent surge! It was completely wild up there, and it made my heart beat a little faster.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVg8vqFNbng/YGI5abxhVTI/AAAAAAABmo0/h2T_Uvzthq46dGsbMHIH8lfzwM_Jx-6bACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6434.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVg8vqFNbng/YGI5abxhVTI/AAAAAAABmo0/h2T_Uvzthq46dGsbMHIH8lfzwM_Jx-6bACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6434.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I follow Jodi's lead through the waving grasses.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OwI9KQxUSSg/YGI5ielj10I/AAAAAAABmo4/vwrA7jMtViUbWMbShDuxYCjsXcrl-7qpwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OwI9KQxUSSg/YGI5ielj10I/AAAAAAABmo4/vwrA7jMtViUbWMbShDuxYCjsXcrl-7qpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h412/IMG_6439.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEs4S5tFXw0/YGI5lM9VjTI/AAAAAAABmo8/oApgEtg52s0_eIi_U4nRKI2flrzkqXmIwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEs4S5tFXw0/YGI5lM9VjTI/AAAAAAABmo8/oApgEtg52s0_eIi_U4nRKI2flrzkqXmIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6445.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OV5O9pU7x1A/YGI5pFCePNI/AAAAAAABmpA/Mzqr1iH5FL4WD0gf3e5a2vOaQGapGk9GQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6451.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OV5O9pU7x1A/YGI5pFCePNI/AAAAAAABmpA/Mzqr1iH5FL4WD0gf3e5a2vOaQGapGk9GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_6451.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind tried to blast us off this sheer cliff path! Hold onto your hat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWTppB5iu3M/YGI6L0yB_aI/AAAAAAABmpQ/wru0tC8TSZUQxB-g4Kj3EU-oRmT_ui2NACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6453.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWTppB5iu3M/YGI6L0yB_aI/AAAAAAABmpQ/wru0tC8TSZUQxB-g4Kj3EU-oRmT_ui2NACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h229/IMG_6453.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These rocks have recently fallen</td></tr></tbody></table>On our way to the more familiar part of the cliff, I noticed that from this perspective, there were several huge pieces of cliff that had once been overhang. I am pretty sure that I even have a photo of our friend Kathy sitting on the one remaining ledge with her feet dangling. You could see the cracks in the ground as you near the cliff... and in one place, it was actually partially leaning. Stay back from the edge! Recent earthquakes are wreaking havoc on our shoreline!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wD_RHx6FciQ/YGI65wDC9AI/AAAAAAABmpc/r4n6ELIPcdEI-_v9rL7kuQRGdmeg3so1QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6462.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="233" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wD_RHx6FciQ/YGI65wDC9AI/AAAAAAABmpc/r4n6ELIPcdEI-_v9rL7kuQRGdmeg3so1QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6462.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We continued on, blown by the wind, and enjoying the fabulously clear, sunny Carribbean day! Next photo op, the stunning Puente de Piedra, one of our remaining natural rock bridges. Now it has been blocked off so that people don't try to walk out on it. That is a thing of the past. Now we must enjoy it from the safety of solid ground. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKiZvP6UQo8/YGI6-jrxY7I/AAAAAAABmpg/ByhtKXWhWe8adYJoIXL7paaHzq2ibgbXgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6464.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKiZvP6UQo8/YGI6-jrxY7I/AAAAAAABmpg/ByhtKXWhWe8adYJoIXL7paaHzq2ibgbXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_6464.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dPDQH3WwgaI/YGI7I4tAJ6I/AAAAAAABmpk/VgUsOMfPZ2sx8I2NqvXohPM2I3g70pexgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6469.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dPDQH3WwgaI/YGI7I4tAJ6I/AAAAAAABmpk/VgUsOMfPZ2sx8I2NqvXohPM2I3g70pexgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h384/IMG_6469.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We continued walking on down the coast path, until we reached the small chain of sandy beaches north of the natural bridge cove. I had hoped we would be able to go down onto the sand and hunt for caves today, but the seas were huge, crashing up onto the sand, making it impossible to attempt further exploration. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmujalOslpE" width="320" youtube-src-id="rmujalOslpE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8pJy3krTUXo/YGI9K3iaXBI/AAAAAAABmqI/_hHY1fsO6aAS3Ccg3toZ9FadU-C-uQXIwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6475.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8pJy3krTUXo/YGI9K3iaXBI/AAAAAAABmqI/_hHY1fsO6aAS3Ccg3toZ9FadU-C-uQXIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6475.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi and Gary went a bit further on the path. It actually goes quite a bit more. Next time.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_oWRRh9l35E/YGI7McHYXPI/AAAAAAABmpo/ccAzyzH0WTEB5kTkOh40kQAELIhDa_NtACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6483.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_oWRRh9l35E/YGI7McHYXPI/AAAAAAABmpo/ccAzyzH0WTEB5kTkOh40kQAELIhDa_NtACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6483.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On the walk back to the car, I took some more flower photos. During our visit here three weeks ago with our neighbor, I told her about how sometimes, this coastal plane has some kind of blooming bush that has flowers so small you can hardly see them, but the scent of them fills the air. Today, those flowers were beginning to bloom. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PodNZlk3KE/YGI7-neYsJI/AAAAAAABmp4/PISp_cp91YoV7LzoKK5BcCdmxm1zUgJSgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6485.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PodNZlk3KE/YGI7-neYsJI/AAAAAAABmp4/PISp_cp91YoV7LzoKK5BcCdmxm1zUgJSgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6485.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>As we walked along, we would pass through a downwind spot, full of the thick, honey scent. Going back, I followed my nose until I found the culprit. It's actually a rather large bush, or small brushy tree. It's covered with few leaves, but so many of these tiny flowers. The bees were busy making themselves useful!</div><div><br /></div><div>Further inquiries have brought me to believe this MIGHT be the "Birdcatcher Tree", or the <i><a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2017/10/two-new-birdcatcher-trees-described-from-puerto-rico/" target="_blank">Pisonia horneae</a>, </i>but it is almost certainly one of the Pisonia trees, and I think the locals call it Corcho!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSCTKcAsyDk/YGI8FA_B_jI/AAAAAAABmp8/6o7cLhViSS0y4mY9MWjEJKLjsI7RujRXACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6493.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="2048" height="519" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSCTKcAsyDk/YGI8FA_B_jI/AAAAAAABmp8/6o7cLhViSS0y4mY9MWjEJKLjsI7RujRXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h519/IMG_6493.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see how small they are, as compared to the bee!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2roDZGOtaCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="2roDZGOtaCA"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTx7ndqJ9eI/YGI9tpH5nCI/AAAAAAABmqQ/ULlMd7UltMQsq7go3UwD1mScZuyvkBusQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6498.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1749" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTx7ndqJ9eI/YGI9tpH5nCI/AAAAAAABmqQ/ULlMd7UltMQsq7go3UwD1mScZuyvkBusQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h342/IMG_6498.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Once more we loaded up and began the drive back, but the fun wasn't over! We stopped for some pictures of the old railroad bridge! I don't know why I've never stopped, maybe just needed the right partners in adventure, or maybe someone to take the photos!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6atrFscY7Rg/YGI98I2IoOI/AAAAAAABmqU/aJhLG-7fcqsMqEsBH-CxyDnjgcmSciCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6501.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6atrFscY7Rg/YGI98I2IoOI/AAAAAAABmqU/aJhLG-7fcqsMqEsBH-CxyDnjgcmSciCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h430/IMG_6501.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9RApFeovuBE/YGI_GGFf3KI/AAAAAAABmqc/dupLDO6LNpERwl5kvcne3OxZfxnaQ2xqACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6502.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9RApFeovuBE/YGI_GGFf3KI/AAAAAAABmqc/dupLDO6LNpERwl5kvcne3OxZfxnaQ2xqACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6502.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EwxAf2tz4MU/YGI_WsfPhCI/AAAAAAABmqk/OnC7jxsBXu8qKxQRXsmAOCeHnDffyWR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6508.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EwxAf2tz4MU/YGI_WsfPhCI/AAAAAAABmqk/OnC7jxsBXu8qKxQRXsmAOCeHnDffyWR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h254/IMG_6508.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Feeling reckless after the bridge climb... I decided that I needed better photos of the salt piles, so we stopped again. </div><div><br /></div><div>They look fluffy, but the salt is very firmly packed. I would imagine that moisture and rain sort of weld the salt together, but at the bottom, you can still scoop up hand-fulls of salt crystals like so much warm and salty snow!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6NlKhiLD2HY/YGI_5ckOtHI/AAAAAAABmqw/o8mRLLCI2883DTAvVTKxEUGvo2NX6lOpgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6506.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6NlKhiLD2HY/YGI_5ckOtHI/AAAAAAABmqw/o8mRLLCI2883DTAvVTKxEUGvo2NX6lOpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6506.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Gi-kvg-WhQ/YGI_60WbE0I/AAAAAAABmq0/kw-5Xlip1_MU8UlMCQCnyt3pjAd-XbZXgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Gi-kvg-WhQ/YGI_60WbE0I/AAAAAAABmq0/kw-5Xlip1_MU8UlMCQCnyt3pjAd-XbZXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_6513.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2-sURAak4Y/YGI_wpSCtNI/AAAAAAABmqs/gXy7BYXY2gAOobiXFI2BzCWChjemAqzAACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6503.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2-sURAak4Y/YGI_wpSCtNI/AAAAAAABmqs/gXy7BYXY2gAOobiXFI2BzCWChjemAqzAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6503.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />What a fun day! Looking at the time, it was getting later in the afternoon, lunchtime really, but today we had not brought lunches! I consulted Google and decided that we could make the nearly hour drive to get some of the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BsoCkoCxspbpXYvF8" target="_blank">BEST Empanadillas</a> on the island! And I would show them one more favorite beach where we could have our little picnic. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCpOLuPBu0M/YGJAYDz5EXI/AAAAAAABmrA/JL1bNXl7ZxMPAalVAVXDI2-SrmejfYSVACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6516.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCpOLuPBu0M/YGJAYDz5EXI/AAAAAAABmrA/JL1bNXl7ZxMPAalVAVXDI2-SrmejfYSVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6516.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere on the way we passed THIS! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-edZNKOE_DW4/YGJBTOswymI/AAAAAAABmrM/IU2QRvpkJ5AmuYPzCWM0f9v0kNDYQtD6gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6520.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-edZNKOE_DW4/YGJBTOswymI/AAAAAAABmrM/IU2QRvpkJ5AmuYPzCWM0f9v0kNDYQtD6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6520.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myUEygn5gOE/YGJBSMPh5zI/AAAAAAABmrI/JhtQ2udDckoxoT8sl8sR0TYR8G0jquHtACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6519.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myUEygn5gOE/YGJBSMPh5zI/AAAAAAABmrI/JhtQ2udDckoxoT8sl8sR0TYR8G0jquHtACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6519.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This little "locals" spot is called El Barbarazo, and we waited patiently while the lady made us all FRESH Emanadillas! We had beef, chicken, and my favorite, CRAB! So full of delicious crab meat! The short drive to the beach was torture as the smells tantalized our noses. </div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed our picnic, took a quick spin on the beach, but no sea glass today. And that, ladies and gents, concludes our island tour!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3BgiOhF4YQ/YGJCJZPfHwI/AAAAAAABmrU/dfRrZGaBKoE1CqbgZ7t4G3HTpN_PZr8FgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3BgiOhF4YQ/YGJCJZPfHwI/AAAAAAABmrU/dfRrZGaBKoE1CqbgZ7t4G3HTpN_PZr8FgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h444/IMG_6521.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07d2e6ZHxNo/YGJCOl_5hcI/AAAAAAABmrY/wC50tvAmi_wP1hUckWTHQxW0I97hZUZUQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07d2e6ZHxNo/YGJCOl_5hcI/AAAAAAABmrY/wC50tvAmi_wP1hUckWTHQxW0I97hZUZUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6527.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrmHa-20z-0/YGJCVLK8s1I/AAAAAAABmrg/sDS5_LQOU2kJ41w58iRk29B26_50XK_GgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6528.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrmHa-20z-0/YGJCVLK8s1I/AAAAAAABmrg/sDS5_LQOU2kJ41w58iRk29B26_50XK_GgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6528.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home away from home awaits!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Back at the boat, we took our showers. I think it's time for me to go home, because judging from my serious lack of organization skills (didn't get to shore with all the shower stuff), my poor brain is on overload! Maybe it's side effects from the covid vaccine, maybe it's just the fact that we've been trying to pack in as much as we possibly could before we go home, but whatever it is, I'm tired and can't seem to form a lucid thought! </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, I didn't have to! Once again, we settled into a quiet evening in the cockpit watching the intermittent rainfall that began at just the right time. Jodi didn't need to make us any dinner after those late-day Empanadillas, but she put out a bunch of snack foods that we all grazed upon. We were all ready for an early night. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykbda4KYxA0/YGJDbGP1i5I/AAAAAAABmr0/BQnsHBB4LLsEXQVvqQQyNUaNY1lIgGbCgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6545.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykbda4KYxA0/YGJDbGP1i5I/AAAAAAABmr0/BQnsHBB4LLsEXQVvqQQyNUaNY1lIgGbCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6545.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next morning, we woke up to greet the sunrise from away. I took Jodi for one more grocery run, and then we said our goodbyes as the anchorage began to fill up. By the time we arrived at home, Jodi said there were six more boats in the anchorage! Well, I guess they'll have plenty of people to fill their days while they wait for a weather window to leave Puerto Rico. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks SO MUCH to you both, for allowing us to stay with you on the beautiful Country Dancer, and to experience again, the cruising lifestyle. We can't wait for you to come back and continue exploring our Island home!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RiIeCnuyxyk" width="320" youtube-src-id="RiIeCnuyxyk"></iframe></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-14622594096529385042021-03-24T22:30:00.327-04:002021-03-29T11:25:25.626-04:00Cruising Life Revisited ~ Running The Roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mto8Q0vq-xM/YGHJqjD748I/AAAAAAABmjI/LahDqinrebMDDL7G0OEvMcoqpoKlUnkowCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6271.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mto8Q0vq-xM/YGHJqjD748I/AAAAAAABmjI/LahDqinrebMDDL7G0OEvMcoqpoKlUnkowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6271.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Ahhh, waking up on the boat in the early morning before sunrise... There's nothing like it. And we have missed it. I had no idea when we concocted this adventure, that we would be treated so well! Jodi made us coffee and breakfast while we lounged in the cockpit every morning. I tried to help, but she said she had a system, and a "one butt galley"! This, I understand, but still I felt totally decadent just sitting there being waited upon, hand and foot! <div><br /></div><div>We hope that, as former boat people, we would be relatively easy guests. But even so, it's a small space and having people onboard is a lot of work, so we thank you again Jodi and Gary for taking such exceptional care of us so that we could simply soak up the ambiance and enjoy being back on a boat again!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFl2hH0zOvc/YGHPJUYpruI/AAAAAAABmjQ/HwL9qL2F1e0kfs4vcOFAz2BjU8EjELVtQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6276.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFl2hH0zOvc/YGHPJUYpruI/AAAAAAABmjQ/HwL9qL2F1e0kfs4vcOFAz2BjU8EjELVtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6276.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random awesomeness along the way!</td></tr></tbody></table>Today, we thought about going for a boat ride. But the weather was not cooperative during our time here, so we made plans to run the roads! I had a couple of places I wanted to try to find, so we packed a lunch and took off for the mountains! I put <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5umee7ANp2Q85bVe7" target="_blank">Charco El Pilon</a> into my Google Maps and away we went! This took us first, through nearby Cabo Rojo, where we stopped to visit a little <a href="https://g.page/tetocaatipr?share" target="_blank">thrift store</a> we found on a previous trek. Then we moved on to the little town of San German. Gary and Jodi are the perfect exploration buddies for us, because they like many of the same things, and they're totally fine with side trips! I took us through the narrow and steep streets to show them another of my favorite Ceiba trees! <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YmE6PxfUDBRvM7Gz7" target="_blank">Ceiba de la Libertad</a> is not as big as MY ceiba, but it's quite a wonder, so we got out and took a look!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYU0e7imZ8k/YGHQanbpFlI/AAAAAAABmjY/TsSB6L8Lu00irhhIkS24UA-Ax0wpzUDZgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6278.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYU0e7imZ8k/YGHQanbpFlI/AAAAAAABmjY/TsSB6L8Lu00irhhIkS24UA-Ax0wpzUDZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6278.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AC2j-y9B0c0/YGHQfciNVKI/AAAAAAABmjc/I45bzp085iwYJ15-mKo2UtDS1cntHpvCACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6283.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AC2j-y9B0c0/YGHQfciNVKI/AAAAAAABmjc/I45bzp085iwYJ15-mKo2UtDS1cntHpvCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6283.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's always fun to just wander, and we went from civilization to mountain-goat territory very quickly on PR362. Our car has all wheel drive, but even so, when we wind up and up and up, and the narrow paved road turns to a dirt space-launch... my nerves deserted me. We tried to find a second place, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/dmkoYhtWhFHepZMs8" target="_blank">Bosque Estatal de Maricao</a>, but ended up in a mountain neighborhood where I got out and asked for directions. To get where I wanted to go, we would have to backtrack a long distance, and try again on another possibly-treacherous road (PR119)... so we abandoned that plan. It's about the journey, not the destination, so when we got close to one of the numerous mountain streams, I pulled over and we had a little look-see!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlB6iu7EQsg/YGHScnKSB9I/AAAAAAABmjo/dk278zQ1-GQV839W_FjITRv6map-KDrFACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6290.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlB6iu7EQsg/YGHScnKSB9I/AAAAAAABmjo/dk278zQ1-GQV839W_FjITRv6map-KDrFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6290.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aa7EvYw8ccg/YGHSymTSLlI/AAAAAAABmjw/Y5Vgg5PQdfQiePLA7XoWqFALDVsrMw2EwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6292.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aa7EvYw8ccg/YGHSymTSLlI/AAAAAAABmjw/Y5Vgg5PQdfQiePLA7XoWqFALDVsrMw2EwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6292.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7FLE5WK_Wis/YGHS56ec63I/AAAAAAABmj0/A4gGVJ6xgKISnagJZEAzP_LOGT0a9y7YwCLcBGAsYHQ/Tammy%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bstream.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7FLE5WK_Wis/YGHS56ec63I/AAAAAAABmj0/A4gGVJ6xgKISnagJZEAzP_LOGT0a9y7YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Tammy%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bstream.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the pic Jodi!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNvNZlc_m5g/YGHS_4hy-fI/AAAAAAABmj4/o1kLL5BE-jUerpT8X7e0V8JyZANgvhDhwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6304.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNvNZlc_m5g/YGHS_4hy-fI/AAAAAAABmj4/o1kLL5BE-jUerpT8X7e0V8JyZANgvhDhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h288/IMG_6304.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just watching a tiny flower float downstream....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xQZLqbjt8ms" width="320" youtube-src-id="xQZLqbjt8ms"></iframe></div><br /><div>Just the drive in the mountains was fun, and we got to see a new part of the island. Next time, I'll be more prepared!! But wait, this day is not over yet! Just because a plan didn't pan out, doesn't mean we don't have a backup! After inserting a quick trip to Sam's Club so that our friends could walk the aisles in wonder, feeling like they had been on another planet... we headed for a place along the coast to have a little picnic. Jodi picked out some picnic tables on a black sand beach. Yes please! We parked and had our delightful little picnic, complete with Gary remarking on the irony that a group of people who live(ed) on the water, would naturally gravitate back to that water for entertainment. Well of course! What's your point???</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFMDE-Bv0rY/YGHT01Wsu2I/AAAAAAABmkI/DeBAM1nUAwEPfN2pf_xrpsskmU4hDgSzQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6311.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FFMDE-Bv0rY/YGHT01Wsu2I/AAAAAAABmkI/DeBAM1nUAwEPfN2pf_xrpsskmU4hDgSzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6311.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was behind a restaurant, but Jodi got us permission to use the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/wVjEojnVnZ6CHn81A" target="_blank">tables</a>! Go Jodi!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-Fh2aP_L4U/YGHT_pAD2DI/AAAAAAABmkM/vipSz592o-ElqaFQyNA2xHXF7ZrKfaRWgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6312.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-Fh2aP_L4U/YGHT_pAD2DI/AAAAAAABmkM/vipSz592o-ElqaFQyNA2xHXF7ZrKfaRWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h398/IMG_6312.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AykjcyjobMk/YGHUCfPJHZI/AAAAAAABmkQ/veYUoo4R5cEBLlOk5KRZB6oNB5I3Zip1gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6317.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AykjcyjobMk/YGHUCfPJHZI/AAAAAAABmkQ/veYUoo4R5cEBLlOk5KRZB6oNB5I3Zip1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6317.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess I should have taken the mask off...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0jEJf3X2YQ/YGHUFGAlaSI/AAAAAAABmkY/8_0zfjwp840IpExTP-jqyaqc7Rq8ji1OQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6318.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0jEJf3X2YQ/YGHUFGAlaSI/AAAAAAABmkY/8_0zfjwp840IpExTP-jqyaqc7Rq8ji1OQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6318.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing clouds cooled us off!</td></tr></tbody></table>We walked the beach for a bit, finding some bits of sea glass, most of which weren't quite "ready", but there were some shells and interesting driftwood there as well. But we must press on to find more adventure!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOKcoYgueF0/YGHVrE8u3mI/AAAAAAABmkw/pOT_K7jyWFsOQYNdpo4hv3NiyfXGwbWsgCLcBGAsYHQ/162694905_286291046206328_4801646717241059659_n.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOKcoYgueF0/YGHVrE8u3mI/AAAAAAABmkw/pOT_K7jyWFsOQYNdpo4hv3NiyfXGwbWsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/162694905_286291046206328_4801646717241059659_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We've had sustenance, and with energy renewed, we set off to find another new place for us. When we visited this area three weeks ago, we were VERY close to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KabfARKfyxomvwMT6" target="_blank">Túnel del Tren Quaniquilla</a>, but never found the entrance to the trail. Gary had some idea of where to look, so we put that into the Google Map and arrived to find no obvious trailhead. There were a couple of old guys sitting around, so I went over to ask directions. The older gentleman knew what we were looking for, and gave me directions. Turns out, the entrance was just a minute or so away, and we had passed it many times while staying here last month! AND, there was a "for sale" sign with a PICTURE of the tunnel on it! SMH...</div><div><br /></div><div>In minutes, we were slowly motoring THROUGH a mountain, between two sheer blasted rock walls, with barely enough room for the car, and no idea what we would find on the other side. Always hopeful, I saw something at the end of the path that I though was a car... turned out, it was a cow! But, somehow, things always turn out OK, and we found plenty of room at the other end to park, and continue our adventure!<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JHKMlzLIHXg" width="320" youtube-src-id="JHKMlzLIHXg"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After suiting up in our hiking garb, we set off along a fence line on the well-worn path. HUGE Iguana dashed and darted out of our way on the not too distant trail. It was a little creepy, but with safety in numbers, we forged on to discovery!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R9wwms67k6Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="R9wwms67k6Q"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJaAjQQ1ccM/YGHmvS8XgLI/AAAAAAABmk8/fhX5hiKDO2M3Lvsp6TWCf-Ce570j9jGowCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6328.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJaAjQQ1ccM/YGHmvS8XgLI/AAAAAAABmk8/fhX5hiKDO2M3Lvsp6TWCf-Ce570j9jGowCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6328.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCVIcB13pbw/YGHnreb-FTI/AAAAAAABmlM/oKjWf_SwSOIulvA37lRwZcZSqjZytuLugCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6331.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCVIcB13pbw/YGHnreb-FTI/AAAAAAABmlM/oKjWf_SwSOIulvA37lRwZcZSqjZytuLugCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6331.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Soon, we came to a clearing where the trail split in two. I consulted the Google Map and could see that the right side path was the more distinct and worn one, with the path to the left being obscured by trees. I voted to go right, and so the others followed me. The trail made a relatively steep incline, and we could peer through the trees to see the lower trail in places. Eventually, another look at the Google told us that we had passed the tunnel. Never follow me, people. I totally don't know what I'm doing out here!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we backtracked and took the other trail, which led quickly to our destination! This time, Jodi and Gary led the way! Guess I'm FIRED as tour guide!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bKxQkp-9kxQ/YGHn78TbBZI/AAAAAAABmlU/ig-aSV7qsbgXKz-JddDwFis_6Nx5wwRNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6332.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bKxQkp-9kxQ/YGHn78TbBZI/AAAAAAABmlU/ig-aSV7qsbgXKz-JddDwFis_6Nx5wwRNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6332.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lL_qpbqmo44/YGHoCST-EgI/AAAAAAABmlY/k0WsF0XyUbMGJzCoeTaEuT5jrcV7Kz31ACLcBGAsYHQ/Tu%25CC%2581nel%2BGuaniquilla.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1894" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lL_qpbqmo44/YGHoCST-EgI/AAAAAAABmlY/k0WsF0XyUbMGJzCoeTaEuT5jrcV7Kz31ACLcBGAsYHQ/w592-h640/Tu%25CC%2581nel%2BGuaniquilla.jpeg" width="592" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jodi and Gary</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXWmesoE1Dw/YGHoM_fLK6I/AAAAAAABmlg/fwNMVTTJL90rbouxQAxuxIvmQO5iqIw7QCLcBGAsYHQ/Tu%25CC%2581nel%2BGuaniquilla%2BEntrance.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1793" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXWmesoE1Dw/YGHoM_fLK6I/AAAAAAABmlg/fwNMVTTJL90rbouxQAxuxIvmQO5iqIw7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w560-h640/Tu%25CC%2581nel%2BGuaniquilla%2BEntrance.jpeg" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this one was Jodi's as well...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oDXjs-9KHr8" width="320" youtube-src-id="oDXjs-9KHr8"></iframe></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r804jOBgauU/YGHocW6ZtKI/AAAAAAABmlo/8Hw2rRy1L1AVSSZtAv5qoDrgkMJdiSVLgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6336.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r804jOBgauU/YGHocW6ZtKI/AAAAAAABmlo/8Hw2rRy1L1AVSSZtAv5qoDrgkMJdiSVLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6336.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory group selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2aCxvgdQvw/YGHoip-vMsI/AAAAAAABmls/RHOxoAZtHkwXzHf8sISnEmnUzHFwFIY1wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6339.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2aCxvgdQvw/YGHoip-vMsI/AAAAAAABmls/RHOxoAZtHkwXzHf8sISnEmnUzHFwFIY1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6339.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1908</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QsEQa49f58/YGHomvYaOWI/AAAAAAABmlw/6sU_ZCuJNPYPd2jkiZK89O41Rdd1pvENwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QsEQa49f58/YGHomvYaOWI/AAAAAAABmlw/6sU_ZCuJNPYPd2jkiZK89O41Rdd1pvENwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JHKMlzLIHXg" width="320" youtube-src-id="JHKMlzLIHXg"></iframe></div><br /><div>What an awesome island this is!!! If this was in the US proper, it would be a money-making scheme for sure! Here, we can just bumble around and find these treasures and enjoy them at leisure! The hike in was nice, and after we walked through the tunnel, and braved the ferocious BAT!!!, we continued on through the other side for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iv0DPSFS4lw/YGHpDb-m3hI/AAAAAAABmmA/Rd84zaxNupABw9cYJDGFLDq5ogbixGlTACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6346.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iv0DPSFS4lw/YGHpDb-m3hI/AAAAAAABmmA/Rd84zaxNupABw9cYJDGFLDq5ogbixGlTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6346.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back into the tunnel from the far side. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0WyrbQzVckI/YGHpKJXXAwI/AAAAAAABmmE/6xDJdWMVL4sXh2vXieE3HjLcRtUh6QNNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6345.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0WyrbQzVckI/YGHpKJXXAwI/AAAAAAABmmE/6xDJdWMVL4sXh2vXieE3HjLcRtUh6QNNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6345.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exiting the tunnel at the far side. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvBaCdpwVd0/YGHpQDxYi4I/AAAAAAABmmI/G4IC9kVlCeASh76TxSaUKGNtxqXYMANfwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6347.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvBaCdpwVd0/YGHpQDxYi4I/AAAAAAABmmI/G4IC9kVlCeASh76TxSaUKGNtxqXYMANfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6347.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's been a little cave-in across the exit at the far end... Hmmm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTMrsIVT3zE/YGHpbnHrKwI/AAAAAAABmmU/ZUT7EBhbsjcCPilmYzwYS-XSlcHhbOmiQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6350.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTMrsIVT3zE/YGHpbnHrKwI/AAAAAAABmmU/ZUT7EBhbsjcCPilmYzwYS-XSlcHhbOmiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6350.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail leads through more blasted hill.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gcnhTSr99U/YGHplsC5jbI/AAAAAAABmmY/8LTNuL-1WEAdmKd5OCM1Mw_sJ_d_JPS1gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6352.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gcnhTSr99U/YGHplsC5jbI/AAAAAAABmmY/8LTNuL-1WEAdmKd5OCM1Mw_sJ_d_JPS1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6352.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urP46d6xmPA/YGHpqU17vEI/AAAAAAABmmc/_rzaYli025k45n_bouPojN8YQ9e-81m1ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6353.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urP46d6xmPA/YGHpqU17vEI/AAAAAAABmmc/_rzaYli025k45n_bouPojN8YQ9e-81m1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6353.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventure selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9goFVJWBtgY/YGHpwQ9Qh4I/AAAAAAABmmg/M3qjqDe9SnswrfEIIKNyC6gSlPKzuTRegCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6357.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9goFVJWBtgY/YGHpwQ9Qh4I/AAAAAAABmmg/M3qjqDe9SnswrfEIIKNyC6gSlPKzuTRegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6357.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's nice to have someone else take the face-full-of-spider-web for once!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Very soon we crossed the path that we had been on in the first place. This tunnel trail loops around and rejoins the main trail, which continues on. Looking at it on Google maps, it appears that this leads to the Cueva Pirata Cofresi area, which we explored on our last trip here. Jodi and Gary were keen to continue on, but it was already mid afternoon and they will be here for a while, so they can come back and finish this hike with other Cruisers who are beginning to filter into the anchorage. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ono25LynUOw/YGHqds98mAI/AAAAAAABmmw/9QVMdo5EuCIauaGGs-C8-dvoMdVMjfxZwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6360.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ono25LynUOw/YGHqds98mAI/AAAAAAABmmw/9QVMdo5EuCIauaGGs-C8-dvoMdVMjfxZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h272/IMG_6360.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>So, we took the loop and rested on our laurels for today. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the car, the return through the cut was every bit as exciting, but without the element of uncertainty. We made it! The measure of every excursion is how close we came to thinking we were going to die! Once again, we snatched victory from the jaws of death! AND added another exciting spot to my Island-Guide repertoire. </div><div><br /></div><div>We headed back to the boat, a little sweaty and tired, but totally exhilarated by the day's finds. I was still a little miffed that I had been unable to find those first two spots. But I will be back! We opted for skipping the shore shower, and just spruced ourselves up on the boat, then collapsed in the cockpit while Jodi, who seems to possess boundless energy, prepared and served a delicious dinner for us once again! I know we don't deserve such riches, but we thank you again, all the same! Tomorrow, we will be off on yet another adventure, sightseeing and exploring the west side of our island... but tonight, we turned in early, revisiting the joys of boat sleep again! Stay tuned folks! </div><div><br /></div><div>Curious? <a href="https://redescubriendoapuertorico.blogspot.com/2013/08/tunel-de-cabo-rojo.html" target="_blank">Good information here...</a></div>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377250274517734866.post-14938553241146683552021-03-23T22:30:00.027-04:002021-03-28T10:03:50.029-04:00Cruiser Life Revisited ~ And It Continues!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uuv_jNDURtk/YGB2r061LsI/AAAAAAABmfA/djIDYyW1VC87UEN5I6PdWTuoIQK_BBeVgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6129.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uuv_jNDURtk/YGB2r061LsI/AAAAAAABmfA/djIDYyW1VC87UEN5I6PdWTuoIQK_BBeVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6129.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Faces on our first dinghy ride in a long while!</td></tr></tbody></table>When our friends on Country Dancer left our Bay, we said our goodbyes, and pretty much figured it was over. When a weather window opens, shore plans fall to the wayside. But sometimes, that weather window slams back shut without notice. I swear I did no Voodoo that would adversely affect their weather window... but it didn't hurt my feelings any when we got the message saying that Jodi and Gary would be "stuck" in the anchorage at Puerto Real for at least a week!</p><p>After a one day delay (so that I could make sure I suffered no ill effects from my initial Covid vaccine), Bruce and I loaded up our car and made the drive to the far west side of the island once again. It's been less than three weeks since we had our little staycation here, but we were happy to close up the house and do it all again!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lshDgZdXWqc/YGB9JPHe_4I/AAAAAAABmfI/Bw_2_aihECohhXTOTKEprGeEUkTYWt9MACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6130.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="2048" height="450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lshDgZdXWqc/YGB9JPHe_4I/AAAAAAABmfI/Bw_2_aihECohhXTOTKEprGeEUkTYWt9MACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h450/IMG_6130.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B'bye <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1bAmoCqB5L8oih5U9" target="_blank">Marina Pescaderia,</a> we're off on an adventure!</td></tr></tbody></table>We arrived before noon on Tuesday, and dove right back in to the Cruising lifestyle. We changed into swimsuits and set off to explore the beaches within dinghy reach! With our bow pointed out and around the point, then onward toward La Playita Beach, we were lured by a glimpse of white sand on one of the nearby cays. Always up for an adventure, we diverted course and bounded across the crystal blue waters until depth became an issue. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g6zXYjMtGvk/YGB9SmgxZrI/AAAAAAABmfM/1YcDnjWAavw76DYXNZBkaWG_no9NEmCKwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6138.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g6zXYjMtGvk/YGB9SmgxZrI/AAAAAAABmfM/1YcDnjWAavw76DYXNZBkaWG_no9NEmCKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6138.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that little sliver of white? That's where we're headed!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBzZKbBcat8" width="320" youtube-src-id="GBzZKbBcat8"></iframe></div><br /><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWqX9fioTOE/YGB93KlhFII/AAAAAAABmfY/yTsmIGP9ncUWiZ4O4Hs2lK2_pacYduoqwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6144.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWqX9fioTOE/YGB93KlhFII/AAAAAAABmfY/yTsmIGP9ncUWiZ4O4Hs2lK2_pacYduoqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/IMG_6144.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi and Gary are pros at this! </td></tr></tbody></table>As we reached the shallows near the shore, we pulled up the prop and motored more slowly, careful to pick a path across the sandy bottom so as not to damage any of the fragile seagrass bed. We reached the shore and got out of the dinghy to pull it the last few feet to the sand. </p><p>It didn't look like much at first. The sea bottom was very soft and impossible to walk. We looked around and noticed that there were trails leading back into the brush, and all along the shore. Off we went!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5YPZ5TLDgZM/YGB-8m2jjRI/AAAAAAABmfg/MYpA75j3zUQ3jsZH5paZHTH3OTyVycB9QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6148.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5YPZ5TLDgZM/YGB-8m2jjRI/AAAAAAABmfg/MYpA75j3zUQ3jsZH5paZHTH3OTyVycB9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h462/IMG_6148.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEeKZKXULEo/YGB_C4JMdeI/AAAAAAABmfk/Me_i7vyTlTAsBZsph1LI4TzBEIIvIKKZgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6149.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEeKZKXULEo/YGB_C4JMdeI/AAAAAAABmfk/Me_i7vyTlTAsBZsph1LI4TzBEIIvIKKZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/IMG_6149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mangrove roots</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MC1i-GSmgJ0/YGB_I-QDv4I/AAAAAAABmfo/EbKWKD253WIWRp7PVyJ0ZUoLzzVefDw1gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6154.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="2048" height="289" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MC1i-GSmgJ0/YGB_I-QDv4I/AAAAAAABmfo/EbKWKD253WIWRp7PVyJ0ZUoLzzVefDw1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h289/IMG_6154.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen palm "flowers" on the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o1q7A9SVRis/YGB_PaqS0PI/AAAAAAABmfs/3FX0qV2zokQDCp4nsnffTCDIbTarLzjWACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6155.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o1q7A9SVRis/YGB_PaqS0PI/AAAAAAABmfs/3FX0qV2zokQDCp4nsnffTCDIbTarLzjWACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h412/IMG_6155.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aufo8Q6XIOU/YGB_SzGW-rI/AAAAAAABmf0/heHKn983kzUM-ADjrFD96SO9VQi7KKJ6ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6169.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aufo8Q6XIOU/YGB_SzGW-rI/AAAAAAABmf0/heHKn983kzUM-ADjrFD96SO9VQi7KKJ6ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6169.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjJqNS7rhjU/YGB_Y1GygAI/AAAAAAABmf8/4zawxYiO7zQT_zyRz6Z2Z80k21Oi7ajEgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6198.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjJqNS7rhjU/YGB_Y1GygAI/AAAAAAABmf8/4zawxYiO7zQT_zyRz6Z2Z80k21Oi7ajEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6198.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aufo8Q6XIOU/YGB_SzGW-rI/AAAAAAABmf0/heHKn983kzUM-ADjrFD96SO9VQi7KKJ6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h404/IMG_6169.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sliver was a bit larger than the rest, so we tested the waters...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cd9TQxCAJPk" width="320" youtube-src-id="Cd9TQxCAJPk"></iframe></div><p>The trails are very well worn, giving us comfort. We walked the sun-dappled, shaded pathways through the palm, manchineel, sea grape, and mangrove trees. There are a lot of broken trees, with more than a few huge termite nests, with trails showing the important demolition work these little creatures are doing here. </p><p>There are many side-trails leading to the interior as well as to these small sand beaches that punctuate the mangrove-lined coast. We kept going toward the rocky reef until we found a slightly larger beach, with a much better seabed for trekking out onto the tide-exposed reef. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pm7RziAGXXk/YGCAJTCeBdI/AAAAAAABmgM/N-JhWm1wjx4THpF_zjjnZHk5nNUyC1EIwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6170.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pm7RziAGXXk/YGCAJTCeBdI/AAAAAAABmgM/N-JhWm1wjx4THpF_zjjnZHk5nNUyC1EIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h412/IMG_6170.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi leads the way! I love this girl!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1PPQNW0oDY0/YGCCGx2becI/AAAAAAABmhM/utw9cRXP1XAr-ulxJhrW1jodxIZ0U_jVwCLcBGAsYHQ/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2BOstiones.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1PPQNW0oDY0/YGCCGx2becI/AAAAAAABmhM/utw9cRXP1XAr-ulxJhrW1jodxIZ0U_jVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2BOstiones.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi took this one of Bruce and I deciding which way to go!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqoOmcLWixw/YGCAPIun_iI/AAAAAAABmgQ/KTGm75VdOTQMyCeCKWWsFcJ46mydQ_yMwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6174.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqoOmcLWixw/YGCAPIun_iI/AAAAAAABmgQ/KTGm75VdOTQMyCeCKWWsFcJ46mydQ_yMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/IMG_6174.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men are a bit more cautious. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4la3UvOd3dM/YGCAU5iGgxI/AAAAAAABmgU/Vxe8zrcs1Jcp9vlFt23te1tNHVr4IkyZQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6180.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4la3UvOd3dM/YGCAU5iGgxI/AAAAAAABmgU/Vxe8zrcs1Jcp9vlFt23te1tNHVr4IkyZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6180.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tide-swept seaweed streaks across the rocky sea bottom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMDvxmvwgQ4/YGCAewKQYjI/AAAAAAABmgc/3yWr6_HNlDEsnXNzmQ-5qWWTGadshoMMwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6182.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMDvxmvwgQ4/YGCAewKQYjI/AAAAAAABmgc/3yWr6_HNlDEsnXNzmQ-5qWWTGadshoMMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6182.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCb7LQhgDAk/YGCAhuqlQqI/AAAAAAABmgg/kWpIXpvqORcVzyIrnVzGDm8VoODoxWd3wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6183.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCb7LQhgDAk/YGCAhuqlQqI/AAAAAAABmgg/kWpIXpvqORcVzyIrnVzGDm8VoODoxWd3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/IMG_6183.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal clear waters</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGhWdOvxzo4/YGCAymzBMpI/AAAAAAABmgs/WbeaplfKeqoTyRbwwgTljlPsnqLAOT47ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6185.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGhWdOvxzo4/YGCAymzBMpI/AAAAAAABmgs/WbeaplfKeqoTyRbwwgTljlPsnqLAOT47ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h269/IMG_6185.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Jodi and I explored the reef, exposed by low tide. The water was only knee-deep, and there was no current. Walking was a bit precarious, however, and we saw a few urchins that we studiously avoided. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--h8f3v-6BlQ/YGCA3gv542I/AAAAAAABmgw/rz3UkQag5jANQ5SQiNUTB3UdfdyBmAcFwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6190.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--h8f3v-6BlQ/YGCA3gv542I/AAAAAAABmgw/rz3UkQag5jANQ5SQiNUTB3UdfdyBmAcFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h408/IMG_6190.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce finally arrived just in time for the obligatory selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8AHE0B3Sfg/YGCB6TqG7VI/AAAAAAABmhI/qbqZRwLQ9KoFCWH4NHCyM-mOC3vJy8taACLcBGAsYHQ/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bin%2Btide%2Bwaters%2BOstiones.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1855" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8AHE0B3Sfg/YGCB6TqG7VI/AAAAAAABmhI/qbqZRwLQ9KoFCWH4NHCyM-mOC3vJy8taACLcBGAsYHQ/w362-h400/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bin%2Btide%2Bwaters%2BOstiones.jpeg" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Jodi, for the photo!</td></tr></tbody></table>We waded back to shore, and decided to continue on to see where this trail leads. It was pleasant beneath the shade of so many trees, and good to be adventuring in places less accessible by land. Although the trails leading to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/8nZViS3nph5aZFCMA" target="_blank">Punta Ostiones </a>can be reached by car, I'm sure we never would have found it!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H07CZgxA_4U/YGCCd8I7vuI/AAAAAAABmhY/t_PeHU_Pt7c_8tME0G_qgTbaf657EVsngCLcBGAsYHQ/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bon%2BOstiones%2Btrail.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1718" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H07CZgxA_4U/YGCCd8I7vuI/AAAAAAABmhY/t_PeHU_Pt7c_8tME0G_qgTbaf657EVsngCLcBGAsYHQ/w537-h640/Tammy%2Band%2BBruce%2Bon%2BOstiones%2Btrail.jpeg" width="537" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodi snaps a pic of Bruce and I ahead of her on the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jR5fr3HqVUE/YGCA_F_54hI/AAAAAAABmg0/EpxyQT8AK4YiQhfcEzqnm20vyJU4pHiNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6195.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jR5fr3HqVUE/YGCA_F_54hI/AAAAAAABmg0/EpxyQT8AK4YiQhfcEzqnm20vyJU4pHiNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6195.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_FcXOLNhMQ/YGCBhpWKs8I/AAAAAAABmhA/o4j6yTRdNWMFUFTmR_SdjsMszgS6wU-AwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6204.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_FcXOLNhMQ/YGCBhpWKs8I/AAAAAAABmhA/o4j6yTRdNWMFUFTmR_SdjsMszgS6wU-AwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6204.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny palm flower</td></tr></tbody></table>Eventually, patience wore thin, and the men suggested we go back the other way. They would take the dinghy back around and pick us up at the other end of the trail, so that us girls could continue our exploration ashore. <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WRgf6AxsWY/YGCFHgAZTCI/AAAAAAABmh8/flxcjTmdZjgUJWPQ9xlTGZ_w2e-mDTB8gCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6230.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1594" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WRgf6AxsWY/YGCFHgAZTCI/AAAAAAABmh8/flxcjTmdZjgUJWPQ9xlTGZ_w2e-mDTB8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w312-h400/IMG_6230.jpeg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Many. Lizards.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/27Rb-2JxkSM" width="320" youtube-src-id="27Rb-2JxkSM"></iframe></div><br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lf39Pcp4mnI/YGCCp_9ApeI/AAAAAAABmhc/Bvz5tlwrGSg4tDNjDsZmJ0Do_EzRSPSsgCLcBGAsYHQ/Tammy%2Bclimbing%2Bover%2Ba%2Btree%2Bat%2BOstiones%2B4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1629" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lf39Pcp4mnI/YGCCp_9ApeI/AAAAAAABmhc/Bvz5tlwrGSg4tDNjDsZmJ0Do_EzRSPSsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w509-h640/Tammy%2Bclimbing%2Bover%2Ba%2Btree%2Bat%2BOstiones%2B4.jpeg" width="509" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get under without crawling... Jodi caught my climb over!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRN-2dNL_Mk/YGCDANOSSRI/AAAAAAABmho/92NwkUyeny86dsTTAcbsyyqfwGbmxJCfQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6206.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRN-2dNL_Mk/YGCDANOSSRI/AAAAAAABmho/92NwkUyeny86dsTTAcbsyyqfwGbmxJCfQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6206.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being shorter has it's advantages...</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaQ_hmdbX6s/YGCD4sLHuWI/AAAAAAABmhw/L6EWL3eIdv09FsFwzan3pLATjGhi0BrSgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6212.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaQ_hmdbX6s/YGCD4sLHuWI/AAAAAAABmhw/L6EWL3eIdv09FsFwzan3pLATjGhi0BrSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_6212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Very quickly, this trail seemed to become a bit more rugged, and less traveled. We rounded a point and saw that what we thought would be our beach, was yet another indentation in the coastline. Just as we decided to bail out of this excursion, we spotted the men motoring around the point. We waived them over and begged for a ride!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SookjSB3Zpg" width="320" youtube-src-id="SookjSB3Zpg"></iframe></div><br /><p>We scrambled into the dinghy and enjoyed the slow look at the mangrove-lined coastline. I'm sure the mangroves had been severely damaged by the hurricanes in 2017, but it looks like they are recovering nicely! During our dinghy ride out, we opted to go outside of these small cays, hoping for deeper water. Now, the winds were picking up and it made our decision to try the narrow waterways between the cays and the mainland seem the preferred route. We sure are glad we decided to brave it, because it was so much fun navigating to find the deeper water, while getting a prime view of the natural area all around us. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yPKC2HWf3N8/YGCFAEtFJdI/AAAAAAABmh4/k2hjSmf4nIAD-ScOkJifkyYos1YvZFVswCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6224.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yPKC2HWf3N8/YGCFAEtFJdI/AAAAAAABmh4/k2hjSmf4nIAD-ScOkJifkyYos1YvZFVswCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6224.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just around the next point, we found our beach, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7DCM7VRJjCVfpUqf9" target="_blank">La Playita</a>! There were already a few families enjoying this calm little strip of beach, even though it was a Tuesday. The palms waived invitingly as we motored closer, then jumped out to drag the dinghy ashore once again. We took our snacks and found a covered seating area to have our little lunch.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cFFPxf3Sx58/YGCFSfjheSI/AAAAAAABmiE/Kt4xt3Qy3bMI_k-5WJ_qVzhbFsMJn0b5QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cFFPxf3Sx58/YGCFSfjheSI/AAAAAAABmiE/Kt4xt3Qy3bMI_k-5WJ_qVzhbFsMJn0b5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6239.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZyyEl1LPuOE/YGCFiMjcIII/AAAAAAABmiQ/bUIPdUle51Y5fAcfmOYxjmhekyeSaEIgACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6241.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZyyEl1LPuOE/YGCFiMjcIII/AAAAAAABmiQ/bUIPdUle51Y5fAcfmOYxjmhekyeSaEIgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6241.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to search for the channel, and creep to the exit.</td></tr></tbody></table>After eating, we tried out the trails at the end of this beach, but they ended rather abruptly, so we returned to the boat and set off through the remaining route between the cays to our anchorage. <p></p><p>We had a moment of concern where it looked like we would have to backtrack, but we found a deeper channel that led to the open water and back to our boat!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l5h3hUkcPd0/YGCGlTR8srI/AAAAAAABmik/qJ1FlgFxtPc7VSoA9NgggzEzuLyWYzGpQCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6256.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1688" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l5h3hUkcPd0/YGCGlTR8srI/AAAAAAABmik/qJ1FlgFxtPc7VSoA9NgggzEzuLyWYzGpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w330-h400/IMG_6256.jpeg" width="330" /></a></div>Back onboard, we waited out a passing rainshower, then packed up our shower gear and headed ashore for another taste of the Cruising lifestyle... shore showers!<p></p><p>This brought back so many memories for us, and it emphasized how luxurious our lives are since we became CLODS. While both have their perks, this little step back in time is precious to us!</p><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nAKOssSyfk/YGCGMlOfPmI/AAAAAAABmiY/FZvsEg-qM0oINQX-4KM30Y5zQeKTxWKAwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6250.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nAKOssSyfk/YGCGMlOfPmI/AAAAAAABmiY/FZvsEg-qM0oINQX-4KM30Y5zQeKTxWKAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6250.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango is much younger than our cats were, and WAY more daring!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCv5-bJHIes/YGCGff6P9tI/AAAAAAABmig/OwOrDhae9i0bBtMAeZxw9pRwv5ijN1XAwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6249.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCv5-bJHIes/YGCGff6P9tI/AAAAAAABmig/OwOrDhae9i0bBtMAeZxw9pRwv5ijN1XAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6249.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cvG3Bpd4wrA/YGCG3l6WwFI/AAAAAAABmiw/RpniPtlotUg3Gjy7ajbxV8noMWCOA8brwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6264.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cvG3Bpd4wrA/YGCG3l6WwFI/AAAAAAABmiw/RpniPtlotUg3Gjy7ajbxV8noMWCOA8brwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6264.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow marked the way!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8f1gpSrneI/YGCHFeatHnI/AAAAAAABmi0/1XyPDYWW9sAfxuefV6i7CQ0eXmhTyABNwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6266.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8f1gpSrneI/YGCHFeatHnI/AAAAAAABmi0/1XyPDYWW9sAfxuefV6i7CQ0eXmhTyABNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6266.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurrying back just in time for sundown!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Relaxing in the cockpit after a day of exploring, we slipped right back into this lifestyle as if we had never left. While it wasn't our own boat, it was just as enjoyable, as we looked forward to the coming night, when we would rest our weary heads in a gently rocking berth. What a great day it has been, and we're excited for the days to come before we go back to our regular island life... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sz7UBygpP7M/YGCHx90zVhI/AAAAAAABmjA/SV2ArewFpas42b-2kbjCQ847BRCa6kYewCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_6270.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sz7UBygpP7M/YGCHx90zVhI/AAAAAAABmjA/SV2ArewFpas42b-2kbjCQ847BRCa6kYewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_6270.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />One more treat was in store for us this night... visits from the feline crew! Goodnight! See you in the morning for another day of island adventures!<p></p><p></p>Tammy Swarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06779759048984133676noreply@blogger.com0