Culebra, Puerto Rico
17 February 2014
We left Penn’s Landing Monday, Feb 10 and headed over to Soper’s Hole to check out of the BVIs. 1st stop was to Waterlemon Bay on St John where Jim snorkeled and then onto a walk (after a visit to a friend’s boat anchored there) to the ruins. Left next morning to Cannel Bay area, picked up a mooring ball and dinghy ride to Cruz Bay for proper check in. We spent the day walking around Cruz Bay window shopping, checking out the grocery store – no, we did not need any provisions, Jim just really likes checking out markets – and the grabbing a hamburger for lunch. I had been craving a good ol’burger for a week. Not a huge fan but after 3.5 months without one it was a desire.
I was checking out a shop when Jim decided he would just sit outside with the husband of another woman in the store. Small world as he is a furniture guy, knows High Point well and has attended Furniture Market for years. Yup, Janet has worked Furniture market the last few years. Also, entered a jewelry store only to find out the owner was not in but that the clerk actually spoke with Jim Calbach just a day or two before.
Onward to Christmas Cove where I went for an exercise snorkel…..when you are a bit of a distance from reef but swim there, around, down the shore line and back only using flippers when around the reef. The rest is arm work. Being we will be in St John area early March and then again most of April we decided to embark on new territory so we sailed to Culebra, Puerto Rico. I would say this island is a well kept secret as no resorts have arrived. We hear from the locals that they have tried to but the islanders work to keep them out. A resort would ruin the feel.
We anchored in Ensenada Honda which is large and very protected. Our first morning walk we headed towards Punta Soldado and ½ half way down the hill to the beach we decided to head back knowing the hills we had on the way back. A fellow walker caught up with us and passing when she noticed the back of my tshirt - “See how much fun it can be doing something you thought was impossible” – and wanted to see the front for an answer/reason. She caught Edenton under the 5K kids and she has been there!! Yup, small world. Her sister Kay Cavney (sp?). Maybe we will see Lori again Christmas 2015 while the family is in Edenton. Valentine’s Day we took a walk to the museum which was located in an old Navy munitions building. The walk was a little further than anticipated hence the Sperry’s left a blister on the bottom of my foot but the museum was a treat. Jim “cooked” dinner that night hence we ate @ the Dinghy Dock. Saturday we went to the Animal Welfare of Culebra Auction. So impressive as they had over 100items for auction form such a small community and the items were great with a great turnout of people. Sunday (after I finished waxing the deck) we walked to Playa Flamenco – a beautiful 2 mile stretch of beach, clear blue water full of beach goers. It is a state park with concessions, picnic tables, bathrooms, showers, camping,….all they ask is no bottles and be respectful. Everything was clean and no janitors walking around. Why can that not happen everywhere? We took local transportation back to the dinghy. Monday I dinghied myself to shore for yoga! So glad to have found a class and have wondered why I don’t see more offerings. Just like home this yoga was taught @ the local library. Although, we were outside on the deck (covered) between the 2 trailers that held the library and craft room and cinema. Coolest thing that cinema I made it back to the boat successfully and this afternoon we will sail around to another anchorage on Culebra in hopes of some snorkeling and then onto Isle de Culebrita.
Check out the pictures in the gallery. If anyone can please verify what kind of tree (growing out of a yucca type plant) it would be great. I am thinking century tree and only because our niece has one in her yard and saw a picture once but as you know my memory is failing as I age. Haha
May spring soon be at your doors. At least to help melt all the snow