Archive for Nature
Vieques Paddleboarding
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Vieques Paddleboarding invited about a dozen people who work in tourism to experience this new sport they are offering in Vieques. On December 6th, we paddled through the mangroves of Puerto Ferro Bay and then paddled to the mouth of the bay to snorkel. The mangroves were so beautiful and peaceful and the snorkeling was definitely some of the best I have done in Vieques. Thanks so much to Jorge and Aura, our guides.
Tofer who participated in the tour described his experience: “I am continuously amazed by the beauty of Vieques. I am most excited to learn that Vieques Paddleboarding’ s three-hour tour includes an intimate experience in the mangroves. Not enough of our VQS visitors make it to this magical place. This uniquely Vieques adventure made for a day to remember.”
They offer two tours to Puerto Ferro each day: 9:00 am to 12 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Phone. (787) 366-5202
Email. info@viequespaddleboarding.com
Senor Suerte (lucky cat)
Posted by: | CommentsToday I found a home for the kitten that has been living for about 2 months in my driveway and more recently on my balcony. I did not want to keep another cat because I already have two cats and a dog.
This kitten was special (aren’t they all). He must have been domesticated before he came to my property because he was very affectionate and calm (despite the fact that Luvy chased him all over the yard). One day he was missing and I thought Luvy (my dog) must have done him in. But he survived and came back the next day.
I also must confess that I took him to the Humane Society yesterday to surrender him. But when I found out that they would have had to put him to sleep, I decided to take him back to my house. (There was absolutely no room for any more cats.) I appreciate very much the assistance I received from Aleda and Sheila at the Humane Society. They helped me work through the dilemma I faced trying to decide whether to leave him or not.
On the way there and back to my house, I stopped in stores and people passing by on the street trying to find him a home. No luck… so I brought him to my home again. No luck… until today when Mamen Ventura came to do some repairs at my house. I casually mentioned the kitten that was sitting watching us work. And he said, “yes, I’ll take him home, we need a cat at my house.”
When he put the cat in his car, he jumped out. But Mamen scooped him up again. As he was driving away, I yelled you should name that cat, Senor Suerte (Mr. Luck). Now I am missing that cat but so very happy that he will be cared for.
Hope your day as nice as mine.
Kathy
Great underwater pics
Posted by: | CommentsThanks to recent guest Andy, from Maine, for these underwater photos. He and his two sons, Harry and Gregory, took the photos.
Engaged at Black Sand Beach
Posted by: | CommentsThanks to future bride Christina for this post:
“Scott and I both wanted to go to the black sand beach because we had never seen anything like that before! It was quite easy to find thanks to your map, with the exception of one wrong turn at the bridge. Scott had been swimming for the last 24 hours with the ring in a small pocket in his swim trunks. I think when he realized that we were all alone on the beach that he had found the right moment. I was completely surprised to see him pull out a ring, and couldn’t believe he had been snorkeling with it in the ocean! I had thought that it might be nice to get engaged in Puerto Rico, but I had totally talked myself out of it because I couldn’t fathom how he would figure it all out logistically!”
P.S. from Kathy: Scott mailed the ring to me so it would arrive one day before they arrived. What a super organized guy.
Hurricane Earl Skims by Vieques
Posted by: | CommentsOn Monday night and Tuesday during the day (August 30 & 31), Hurricane Earl passed about 100 miles to the north of Vieques. While it was blowing about 135 miles per hour in its center, it brought only tropical storm force winds ( about 40-50 mph) and some rain to Vieques. Not much damage was done, although a few trees and lots of branches came down. One problem was the loss of water and electricity for a while. One sailboat (“Asante” – about 45 feet long) was pushed up on the shore of the beach in Esperanza. It took the rescue company two days to get it out because it was sitting in less than 3 feet of water. I went beach combing today on Sun Bay and saw lots of shells, sea sponges and sea fans, a crab, a baby conch (which I through back in the water), and the normal trash that gets brought in with a storm. Tonight Tropical Storm Fiona will pass us by far to the north and we are hoping for sunnier days this labor day weekend.
My first mango of the season
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I was walking home from snorkeling in Esperanza today and picked up three mangoes from the road. When I took the first delicious bite from my first mango of this season, I was swept with joy and anticipation of what is to come. I look forward to the dozens of mangoes I will eat this summer. Vieques has many varieties. I prefer the ones that are not stringy. When they are so plentiful, we can afford to be picky! Hope you have some mangoes while you are visiting.
Vieques on horseback
Posted by: | CommentsMany of my guests had been giving rave reviews of the horseback riding tours by Esperanza Riding Company. So when two of my guests suggested I go with them on this tour, I finally decided, after 10 years of procrastinating, to go riding.
It was a wonderful experience – made possible by my very gentle horse, “Rescate” (Rescue in English), and the skill and confidence of Elizabeth, the owner and tour guide.
Elizabeth has about 20 horses that live on a beautiful pasture overlooking the south coast just outside of Esperanza. We met Elizabeth at 8 AM at her horse farm at the corner of Routes #201 & #996 and were given very clear instructions about how to manage the horse using the reins and our heels. It was a thrill to trot through the hills and the beaches of Vieques.
Between Sun Bay and Esperanza with westerm mountains in the background
If I can do it, you can too!
Check out Esperanza Riding Company tours.
