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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
My favorite fruits
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Papaya-banana smoothie in Kathy's backyard
Today I prepared a smoothie with ripe papayas and bananas. Of course, I added some honey, mint and vanilla to make it extra special and oh, how yummie it was. I got the fruit at the Placita Reyes market. This open air market can be found Tuesdays and Wednesdays near the intersection of Routes 200 and 201.
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
Award-winning documentary about Vieques
Posted by: | CommentsThis award-winning documentary film demonstrates part of the peaceful resistance movement against the bombing practices of the U.S. Navy in Vieques, a sister island of Puerto Rico, after two bombs negligently killed David Sanes, a Viequense civilian employee, on the 19th of April 1999. This work documents the story of a people’s struggle against the world’s most powerful armed forces. DVD is for sale at Casa de Kathy for $20.00.
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.
Getting Engaged in the Bio-Bay
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Penny with her diamond
The bioluminescence wasn’t the only thing making the bio-bay sparkle on the night of April 12th. Dave made his surprise proposal for marriage to Penny while they were on a tour to the bio-bay. It’s hard to get down on one knee when you are treading water and just as hard to get a ring out of a Tiffany’s box to present to your beloved.
The couple kayaked out to the middle of the bay and threw themselves into the luxurious glowing water.
Dave & Penny after engagement
Then Dave proceeded to ask Penny to marry him and pulled out the box with the diamond ring from his bathing suit pocket. But Penny wasn’t satisfied with that. She wanted the ring on her finger then and there. So, with much trepidation, Dave opened the box while treading water, slipped the ring on her finger and then planted a long kiss.
When they arrived back to Casa de Kathy, I was ready to hear the joyful story (Dave had already consulted with me on how to safely transport the ring to the bay). I gave a big hug to Penny and took several photos of the happy couple. May this engagement day
Dave proud of his proposal
be one of many happy memories that they create together.
Hike to Black Sand Beach
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Kathy and Luvy
Today I went for a hike to Black Sand Beach with my dog Luvy. I left Casa de Kathy at 7:30 AM and walked to Coco Beach (Playa Cocal) and west along the south coast. There are about four headlands of rocks that you have to pass so it is good to wear shoes that can get wet. The walk is peaceful and you will pass many beaches good for beach combing (finding shells and sea glass). The coast is rocky and wavy.
As I stood on the 4th headland and looked west, I saw the very long sandy beach with orange cliffs. That is Black Sand Beach. In a very short distance I stopped where the river bed joins the coast because that is my favorite spot to swim because there is a sandy bottom. I swam for about 10 minutes while my faithful dog Luvy watched.
There are patches of black sand all along this beach. How much depends on the the movements of the sea.
Dry river bed that leads to black sand beach
Then I walked north up the dry river bed under a wonderful tree canopy. The total silence except for the birds is what I love about this walk. In about ten minutes I arrived at the public road (201) where I took a right and headed back home. This walk is nice in the morning because the road is shaded by all the trees. Thanks for these photos of life along the river bed taken by my guests Theresa and Slava.
Lizard (anole)
Hermit crab
I got home at 9 AM – one hour and a half after I left. What a great way to begin the day!
Vieques For Climate Control
Posted by: | CommentsThe Conservation Trust had its Christmas Party tonight and also held a vigil in support of a strong agreement from Copenhagen to control global warming. We were part of 3000 activities in 150 countries sending our sentiments to our world leaders. 
Lighting of Christmas Tree
Posted by: | CommentsSaturday night, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held at the Plaza. The artificial tree is a 20 foot high piece of art. It is lime green – very pretty. The City Hall (Alcaldia) and other government buildings on the Plaza are decorated with huge red poinsettias. Amazing. There was a parade with children in costumes arriving at the Plaza earlier in the day. We were treated to a concert from Son de Almendro – we were moving our bodies to salsa and plena and signaling in the true start of the Christmas holiday in Vieques. More musival events to come: Sat, Dec 19 – Trova Music at the Plaza, Thursday, Dec 31, New Year’s Eve party at the Plaza.
Swimming with a Manta Ray
Posted by: | CommentsToday I swam with a small manta ray (about 2 feet wide) in Esperanza beach. I usually see turtles and manta rays if I swim between about 8 Am and 10 AM between the small and big pier in Esperanza. This is a nice time to snorkel there because there usually are very few people around. The water is such a pretty turquoise and the whole area is so pretty.
Kathy
