Other People's Vacation Pics ~ Gozlandia

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! 

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...

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???

Seaweed floating in the tide pools

Bruce waiting patiently for me to catch up

Cheri and Alan WAY ahead, looking for treasures!

The river mouth

There were patches of black sand.  

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!

When we arrived at the parking area for Cascada Gozlandia, 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!

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! 

We set off through then entrance and took the first stairway downward that we came to. 

There are very nice walkways through the forest and alongside the river. 

Rough cement pathways and stairs with wooden handrails take you all the way down.

And it is a LONG way down!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Pomarrosa

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.

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!  

Newly fallen African Tulips

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!

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. 

It was just gorgeous!  I don't know if it's possible to go further upstream, but we turned back from this point.  

Roots growing aboveground.

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.

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! 

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!

Sunset through a veil of light rain.