Puerto Rico has been a pleasure. When we made it to the main island we visited Old San Juan, a walled city built by the Spanish. In downtown Frances is really happy that she is not being thrown in this old Spanish prison cell! The wall around the city is immense. You can see how small the people look walking around the wall on the path. The fort the Spanish built to defend the city is huge too. The fort has a chapel and cemetery on the grounds, right on the ocean. The painted chapel and elaborate tombstones are such a contrast to the brown and gray fort. It was a very moving scene. 
After spending some time in Fajardo to shop in some big stores we picked up our friend Mary and headed back to Culebra. Mary spent twelve days with us teaching us Spanish and having fun, too. Culebra is one of our favorite places. It's so small we kept running into people that we knew after being there only a few days. We got to know three other boats there too, North Star, Palaola and The Dove. We snorkeled, hiked, went to the gorgeous beaches and hung out at our favorite place the Dinghy Dock Restaurant. 
From Culebra we went to a small island next door called Culebrita. The water was so nice we could swim from the boat to shore. There were deserted beaches and interesting rock formations filled with water. The island had an old Spanish light house. We found a Geo Cache near it with information and a photo of the light house in better days. We spent every day hiking around the island, snorkeling and swimming. There are a lot of times that cruising is like being a child again, discovering new places with friends and spending a lot of time essentially playing outdoors.
We now are back in St Thomas, USVI to meet up with family for a few weeks and then we will head south again. Thanks for continuing to follow our trip.
It's not going to last forever, we'll be home in January!
With our best regards,
Frances and Al Lima
Excellent! Spent so much time when we were living aboar in PDR in Fajardo. Those bubbly pools in Culebrita were delightful, as was Flamingo Beach. Don't miss Carlos Rosario reef on the west side from there. Love the dinghy dock. We were there, snacking, when we heard about the silly "hanging chads". LOL...we said Hanging what??? Miss you! Margo
ReplyDeleteI am sad I won't get to see you there in late April. Continue enjoying the lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteUn fuerte abrazo.
Julio
I must say, you guys really know how to cruise. It's obvious that this adventure has exceeded your expectations, and I'm so glad for you that things have gone well. You will no doubt have a different slant on your lives, and life in the U.S. when you return. I have decided to live a good part of the year back in Illinois to be near my kids and grandkids. So my Albin 27 is up for sale, and I will keep the Greenhouse houseboat here on Dock 4. I have a feeling the first 1/4" layer of ice on my windshield will send me scampering back to St. Pete. for a while. My wish for you is that this cruise will bring you closer together as soulmates and lead you to a new wisdom about how you wish to spend the rest of your days. At 65, I have discovered the importance of family in my life and I can't wait to be living near them for most of the year. I guess I'll see you some time this winter. It's been a great winter and Spring here in the marina. Have a safe and enjoyable return. Warm Regards. Brion
ReplyDeleteI haven't written sooner but I have bene following your Blog for a year now - Wow it has been a long time. Your adventures sound amazing! Wishing you clear skies, calm seas and wind in your sails. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCate