Today I did so much. This is my 5th day of 14 in Puerto Rico. I spent a lot of time driving today. After my morning routine around my house/beach I then set off. First to the airport in San Juan to exchange my rental car for something less sporty. A muscle car just was not what I needed on these roads here. My new car is actually cheaper, so it worked out great.
After settling that, I went into downtown San Juan. It was very hectic. Streets were narrow, traffic everywhere, and most of the stop lights were still dysfunctional. me being the driver I am, I had no issues. I even found a spot to park no problem, next to a ruined apartment complex. I walked a block over to the restaurant I planned to eat at. I will write a detailed post about that tomorrow. Just know it was the best one so far, and they treated me like family.
After that I drove through old San Juan. It is so colorful, and the view of the ocean was absolutely stunning. Some roads were closed, and it was very busy. I did not have the chance to park off somewhere and walk around, it was already past 5pm when I got there anyway. So I may head back over to get a closer look next week.
The drive back towards Rio Grande/Luquillo was twice as long as the drive to San Juan. The traffic was horrendous. I could not deal with that daily.
Once I was back in my area, I decided to make my first ascension up El Yunque. I had seen it off in the distance and just kept saying WOW. The mountains are so massive, clouds were resting on the peaks. The drive towards the main entrance was filled with beautiful houses that looked like they had been there for quite some time. The most amazing part was just how lush the vegetation was. As if some ancient race of people in the sky water it with their tears daily. The road was open to drive through, but the park itself was closed by the time I got up there. Still, my drive was very enjoyable. Huge hills, curvy roads, and green everywhere. I will be back for sure, next time I’ll stop and visit many trails.
Steepshot |
Spot any free range Vegan restaurants?
Actually yes! I just posted about one.
Hola daltono,
Sounds like a quiet a day you had. The greens looks of lushes similar looking as Hawaii.
Enjoy.
It was busy but packed with great times.
I’m sure Hawaii is equally as beautiful and green
Especially on the north side of Oahu where the Koolau mountains are....some back packing trail up there.
The massive exspance that are mountains have always been near and dear.
I love hearing your adventures in Puerto Rico! I would love to go to Central and South America. I have only ever been to Vegas, and that was not out of personal destination choice, it was for an IBM conference years ago! I would love to experience the beautiful nature side of America :) I am planning to one day!
Well I would love to visit Asia! So it looks like we are in opposite positions right now.
I will say it is pretty amazing here.
I am in England at the moment but still very far! I am hoping to go to the Caribbean area in September :) let's see! :D
I am in England at the moment but still very far! I am hoping to go to the Caribbean area in September :) let's see! :D
Ooh, I for some reason assumed you were in Asia. I guess you just visited and trained there? My vision is to live in Thailand. Due to beauty, cost of living, and their environment fitting my lifestyle much more.
England sounds cold to me, I’m sure they have their warm times too.
Yes this is why I left England and planning to leave again when it comes to the winter time this year!! :) I was in Asia for 2 years though (India, Thailand and Hong Kong) :D
I want to connect to your memories via some sort of spiritual usb. I bet you have so many amazing experiences stashed away in there.
There are so many more experiences to create though! But I love reflecting on some good times too! A spiritual USB! Love it!
I did see on Twitter from the Nat'l Parks that they did open the trails linking to the top of El Yunque. "Happy Hiking"
I really cannot wait to see that view from the top. Even from below I am already impressed.
If you are in the Rio Grande area, try to go on a clear day. It is worth the hike up there. If it is cloudy you won't see anything however it will be windy but the wind and clouds will come from below. It's an awesome experience. You'll also pass some giant Diesel powered cell phone towers on the way there. It's pretty awesome.
I am actually in between Rio Grande and Luquillo. The road to El Yunque is right across the street from my beachside road. I am in a wonderful location for adventure.
Thanks for the advice.
Do you by chance know what that trail is called?
I actually only passed one trail while I was driving along the route. Or must I actually go inside the entrance of the park service center to find this trail you speak of?
It is called the Mount Britton Trail. There is plenty of parking there. You'll take the road PR-191 to PR-9938. You'll hike for about 35 minutes until you see the Mt. Britton Tower. Then when you're done with the tower return to this Map and follow the paved road that will lead you to the cell phone towers and keep yourself on the paved road until you reach another small tower and that is the peak.
Awesome! Thank you so much my friend. I greatly appreciate this.
Haha, those weekday traffic off the only highway that cuts across San Juan LOL I feel yea.
You know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s madness. 20 miles away, but takes an hour haha