After the Virgin Islands, Altona returned to Culebra to snorkel and wait at anchor until winds abated for a crossing to Fajardo. We made SunBay Marina our home base in Puerto Rico and welcomed aboard Christa and Mac, our crew-for-a-week. While Christa unwound from school and Ralph did some necessary boat chores, Mac and I toured El Yunque Rain Forest and tried ziplining, which was on my 'bucket list'. It was so much fun that it made conquering my fear of heights well worth it. (The scariest part was going up the stairs of the tall tower, which was really freaky.) I'd definitely try it again, but on a more challenging course next time. The rain forest was fascinating and the interpretive center informative. Our 'hike' from Big Tree Trailhead turned out to be on a paved path, something that was probably necessary with the volume of tourists and the danger of a lesser path being washed away in the rainy season. There were lots of tourists, and La Mina Falls was crowded with people in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Not exactly an unspoiled wilderness, but fascinating people watching. I have to admit it's the first time I've seen a grandmother with tattoos.

Our first night out on a mooring was at Las Palominos, and then it was on to Culebra, where we snorkelled and spent 2 rolly nights at anchor. Christa and Mac were great sports, but motoring around to Ensanada Honda was a unanimous decision. It was a rough upwind slog, Mac proved himself a worthy crew member, and Christa was a trooper as Altona bounced her way eastward. It was certainly worth the rough ride to have some peaceful nights at anchor. We'd really hoped to have the mouthwatering ribs at Mamacitas in Dewey, but it was closed and we had to settle for lobster at The Dinghy Dock. Such a tough life! Living with 4 aboard was much easier than we anticipated, and thanks to our easy-going friends, we had a great week. Come back any time! Then it was back to Fajardo and a 4 a.m. departure for the San Juan Airport. Christa and Mac flew back to Guelph, while I flew to Chicago to spend some time with my Mom and step-father. Poor Captain Ralph is aboard all by himself, a solo live-aboard.