Puerto Rico - Day 2 - El Yunque Rainforest

Having consumed a few Medalla's and cocktails at the casino the night before, this morning started off a bit slugish. After a quick breakfast, we made our way down to the main pool at El Conquistador. The sun was beaming, yet the heat was broken up frequently by the ocean breeze. If I haven't mentioned it before, the view from the resort is amazing. Here's a photo Ashleigh took of the main pool. If you look to the far left you can see the edge of Palomino.

We spent a little over three hours around the pool. If you look near the center of the picture above, just underneath the far right folded umbrella, you can see our four chairs. However comfortable we were, when the breeze seized to exist the heat was unbearable. As lunchtime neared, we decided to load up into the car once again and make our way over to El Yunque National Forest (covered by clouds in the distance below).

El Yunque National Forest (formerly the Caribbean National Forest) is an active rainforest. The clouds you see covering the peaks of the forest are almost always in place. From El Conquistador it took us about 20 minutes to reach the entry of the rainforest. Our drive through the hills of El Yunque took us up 11 kilometers of winding road through small hillside towns and a number of roadside creeks and waterfalls. The first stop for most visitors is El Portal Visitor's Center (seen here with Ashleigh at the entrance).

We were eagerly anticipating hitting the sites, so we didn't spend any time at El Portal. Before long, we reached the first major waterfall, La Coca Falls, which is located just off the main road. Ash took this photo of Tim in front of La Coca.

La Coca is always the first nature stop on the way to some of the walking and hiking trails further up the road. Up until this point, the sky was still somewhat sunny with a light sprinkle. However, as we progressed further up into the forest, the sprinkle became a drizzile, and eventually full-fledged rainshowers. Our next stop brought us to Yokahu Observation Tower. From this 60-foot tower we got an amazing view back down to the sun-drenched coast and even a distant view of El Conquistador (the structure to the far right on the coast).

To help conceptualize where we're going and where we've been in El Yunque, I thought you might like to view a map of the main sights located within the forest.

From Yokahu Tower, we headed deeper into the forest until we reached La Mina Trail. This trail (surprise, surprise) leads to La Mina Falls, the biggest and best of the falls in El Yunque. By the time we reached the head of the trail it was absolutely pouring. I guess you could say we got the authentic rainforest experience. The entire La Mina Trail follows the heavy stream of water that ultimately becomes La Mina Falls. Here is a picture of the creek that was taken along the walk to the falls.

After about 30 minutes of walkways, stairs and small climbs we reached La Mina Falls. In previous conversations I had convinced Tim that he and I should climb into the pool beneath the falls and try to swim around the main fall (I had done this once about 6 years ago). However, once we got there I was surprised to find about 3x the volume of water from last time.

La Mina was way too powerful for us to challenge. After spending about 10 minutes appreciating the falls, we began our trek back to the car. On our original drive up to the falls we had passed an ice cream place, and we thought we'd hit in on the way out. At Steph's recommendation, we all got a local type of ice cream (the name of which has slipped my mind). Here's Tim and Steph enjoying theirs.

By now is was nearly 6pm, closing time for the national park. Time for some food and relaxation. We made it back to Abuela's and walked into a feast fit for a king. So, I'll end this blog entry with a before and after of Tim and Ashleigh's dinner. Enjoy.

Now you see it.

Now you don't.

Puerto Rico - Day 1 - El Conquistador

Ever since our days is Japan I have been anticipating a return to Puerto Rico. This trip marks the third time that Steph and I have travelled to PR together, and I guarantee we'll return many more times in the coming years. Each time we go we have the privilege of staying at her grandmother's (abuela's) house in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Abuela is an amazing host and outstanding cook who enjoys nothing more than knowing she has added at least 10 lbs. to each person who's stayed with her. On this occasion she hosted not only Steph and I but also our best friends, Ashleigh and Tim. We rarely see them anymore since Steph and I are still in Central Florida and Ash and Tim are living in Manhattan and Brooklyn respectively. So the plan was for Steph and I to fly in midday Wednesday, pick up the rental car and drive to Abuela's house to get situated. Then that night we were to return to the airport to pick up Tim and Ashleigh who were getting in near midnight, and head back to the house for a good night's sleep. In case you haven't met some of the group, and need a visual of who's who, here's a picture taken on our last day of the trip.

I'm not sure if it's the temperate, tropical climate or the sounds of the coqui (a small tree frog native to the island), but I always sleep well in Puerto Rico. As the sun came up, we all had the opportunity to wake up to a crowing rooster. No, Abuela does not own livestock. However, her house sits on a small bluff and across the gully is another hilltop house with a variety of wildlife including a rooster and another chicken. By the time we were all up and reaching the kitchen, Abuela had already begun preparing scrambled eggs and hot ham & cheese sandwiches. I'm not a fan of eggs, so she always has plenty of other options for me when we visit. However, before eating anything I am required to both learn and recite the food's spanish name for Abuela. These idiosyncracies are what I enjoy most about staying with Abuela. After chatting a bit and finishing breakfast, we loaded into the car and headed out for our first excursion: to the El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

El Conquistador is a cliffside resort that lies on a small peninsula on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico. The resort faces the Caribbean Sea to the east and the El Yunque rainforest and Luquillo Beach to the west (pictured here from our balcony).

Perhaps the most amazing thing about El Conquistador is that all guests have access to Palomino, a private island located a few miles off the coast, and it's tiny counterpart, Palominito. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the Spanish language, the suffixes -ita or -ito mean 'small'. Therefore Palominito is a small version of Palomino. Upon arriving, we quickly parked the car, checked in, and made our way to the catamaran launch to Palomino. Following the 8 minute boat trip, we found a spot on the beach and set up camp. Steph and Ashleigh decided to stay on the beach and sun while Tim and I took off by foot to explore the island. This picture from the El Conquistador website shows the main beach of the island, and if you look to the upper left of the, you'll see the trail where Tim and I began our hike.

After about 90 minutes of hiking, we returned to the beach to find Steph and Ash intermitently laying out and cooling off in the ocean. Our chairs on the coast of Palomino were directly across from it's tiny counterpart, Palominito (pictured here).

We discussed the possibility of renting a kayak and paddling over to Palominito. My brother Aaron and I did this a couple of years ago and had a great time walking around the desolate little strip of land. With it's tightly knit group of palms, shrubs and a nearly footprint-free sandy beach, it's the kind of small island you imagine being shipwrecked on. After deciding not to rent a kayak, Tim stated he was going to swim over to the island. Steph and I, having both kayaked there ourselves, laughed and thought him foolish to even consider it. Oh, perhaps you will better understand why we didn't take him serious if I should show you a photo of Palominito in which we weren't using the 'zoom' on our camera.

Yes, it is a long swim. Steph and I, thinking that Tim was joking, didn't give his idea another thought. However, a few minutes later we glanced out at the sea, only to find Tim a good 100 meters from the coast. Ashleigh and Steph were yelling at him to stop attempting the impossible and return to the beach. However, he slowly, yet continually began to swin further and further away from us. I guess we never should've second-guessed his ability to swim or his determination, because he eventually made it to Palominito. After touring the speck of land for about 30 minutes, he returned to us only to be screamed at for worrying everyone. Once we calmed down though, I have to admit I was damn impressed. I would've drowned for sure! After another hour or so of sunning, the sky began to cloud and rain could be seen in the distance. We headed to a small cafe on the island and, following lunch and a few Medalla Lights, boarded the catamaran back to the mainland. Back in the room, we took turns cleaning up and preparing to hit the casino and go out in search of dinner. We settled in a small cafe near the main pool overlooking the ocean. Here's a picture of Steph and I at dinner.

And a shot of Ashleigh and Tim at dinner as well.

Of course, being in a casino means only one thing for Steph: roulette. She and Ashleigh parked themselves at a roulette table for a couple of hours and enjoyed a few beers while winning a decent sum of money. Tim and I, reluctant to gamble, went out in search of a Pac-Man machine. As Tim says, "Every time you put a quarter into a Pac-Man machine, you're a winner!!" Inspiring words, indeed! Unfortunately, we couldn't find Pac-Man, so after a couple rounds of Dance, Dance Revolution and Crazy Taxi, we settled in on a couple of 5-cent slot machines. We took a $5 bill that Steph gave me for games and turned it into $20. What can I say. . . I'm just happy I didn't lose money. Finally we decided to grab a drink in the martini bar upstairs prior to returning to the room.

They had a nice pool table and all the peanuts you can eat. No, seriously. . . all the peanuts you can eat. Just look at how intently Tim is observing the goblet of peanuts laid out before him.

Shortly thereafter, we returned to the room for a full night of sleep. The following morning we planned on setting up camp at the main pool and then, following lunch, we would take a hike through El Yunque rainforest.

Back from Vacation

Nick and I returned from Puerto Rico on Wednesday. The stories along with pictures will come later this week. Nick will be writing them since he hasn't been writing any postings since the beginning of the year. Plus, he's a better story teller than I am. It is unfortunate that we don't have many good pictures from the trip because our camera was on its last days. Some pictures came out very "psychedelic"...something is wrong with the colors and focus on the camera. We were considering buying another camera prior to the trip and this just confirms that we NEED one.

In other news, on friday I "graduated" from my leadership class. It was held at a Disney hotel and we were honored with the presence of "graduate" Mickey Mouse himself.

Prior to the graduation (and Mickey showing up) there was a cocktail hour. We all had drinks in hand when the announcement was made that we needed to head to the ceremony room. As we were lining up (drinks in hand, still) by last name, Mickey Mouse comes to lead the line into the room. That's when we were told that no alcoholic drinks are allowed in the same room as Mickey Mouse. So, we all had to chug our drinks before going into the ceremony room. Mind you, I had not had dinner yet so I was very worried that the wine would hit me right as I walked up the steps to the mini stage. I contemplated walking barefoot (the 2 classmates next to me highly suggested it) but I decided against it and managed to keep my 4" heels on and walk straight.

Yesterday, I attended the Mid-Florida Muscle Classic- a bodybuilding competition. My trainer/friend was competing so the "Saturday poker" gang all went to cheer him on. Although usually I think the competitors look gross (some actually were), it was quite inspirational to see the over 50/over 60 age categories for men and women. We all sat there wishing that we would have the discipline these people have at that age. There was a Ms. Fitness competition (beauty pageant like) and there was a 41 year old woman who had just given birth 8 months ago competiting. We were all awed by her....how does she do it?

Below is a picture from my crappy camera of my friend...he looks like the "Oscar" award!

May-June Updates

Alright, so I haven't updated the blog in a while because honestly I forgot I had a blog.

Nick and I have been busy with work and stuff. We are both looking forward to going on vacation this week. We leave on Wednesday to Puerto Rico for a week. Our friends, Tim and Ashleigh will be joining us there. It will be their first time visit to the island. I'll be sure to post pictures and stories when I come back. I'm not taking my laptop, it'll be a true vacation!

I'll be pretty busy through the summer. I'll be helping coordinate a leadership class, like the one I'm doing, for teens. The class will meet every Monday until August when they graduate. I get to experience everything I did with my adult leadership class but through the eyes of teens. We had retreat last Wednesday and Thursday and it was great. I got to do a high ropes course. I only did one element because really the anticipation of it was almost too much for me to handle and I couldn't go through it again.

(Not me in the picture)

This exercise required us to climb up a 35 foot pole where we would stand on an attached pole that we would have to walk on to get to the next pole. Once we touched the end pole then we had to walk back to the middle, face the group and then lean back and fall. Of course, there's a belay team below that's controlling the ropes so that you fall gradually. The hardest part was letting go of the first pole to start walking. Once I started walking I was fine, it's mind over matter! I did say "oh, sh*t" a lot while I was up there. I forgot that I was with the teen class and I should be setting the example. Steve, the ropes guy, had to tell me to watch my mouth...oops! Here I am high fiving Steve after it was all over.
The week after we come back from vacation, I start teaching Sociology at the community college here in town. I'm looking forward to that but I am very nervous too. So far there are 15 students registered for my class and hopefully they're a talkative bunch. It's a 3 1/2 hour class and I just can't imagine lecturing for that long. I'm pretty sure I won't keep them that long.

Also, marathon training officially started yesterday...although I didn't go because it was raining. I joined a running group to train for the Disney Marathon in January. Usually training is only 4-5 months but since there are more fall marathons they have the January people start with the October-November people to save money and time I think. So it will be a long 7 months and I'm hoping my mind is as strong as my body and able to handle the long training season.

I'll have tons of stuff to share over the summer so I should have more frequent updates on the blog.