CURRENT LOCATION: Tied to a mooring ball off of Tortuga Beach, Culebrita, Puerto Rico

18 19.141' N, 065 13.721' W

For the first time in a while Sheryl and I had a new island to explore, and we attacked it with gusto. First, a hike to the lighthouse to get a bird's eye view of our surroundings, then a kayak journey to circumnavigate the island.

The hike up to the lighthouse was fairly simple, as with such a small island the distance cannot be too great. Once we arrived at the top, though, we were primed for disappointment when we discovered that the lighthouse was surrounded by a 10-foot fence topped with barbed wire.



Fortunately, though, one side of the fence had been damaged, allowing easy access. We ignored the 'no trespassing signs' and stepped through the gap in the fence. Once inside, we could see why the lighthouse structure had been fenced off. The building was crumbling around us. I took one look at the rusted metal of the spiral staircase and had my doubts about whether we should ascend. With camera in hand, Sheryl displayed no such worries and quickly navigated the corkscrew path upwards. I followed slowly, testing each step as bits of rusty staircase loosened by Sheryl rained down upon me.

Sheryl made it to the top and gingerly danced around the two-foot wide concrete ledge taking photos. I, on the other hand, stopped on the stairs as soon as my head poked up where the light exists. I quickly took in the view and headed back down. It is a shame that such a place is falling into disrepair, but time and nature will reclaim things quickly in the tropics. I'm glad we got the view we did before further disintegration occurs.

Once back to the boat, we decided that it was time to deploy the kayaks and go exploring. We paddled to the west side, tied to a mooring ball and did some snorkeling. We paddled to the east side and combed the beach for sea glass. And then, we paddled to the north side and experienced 'the Jacuzzis,' which some authors call 'the Baths.' (I agree with both monikers)

Gaining entry to the baths by kayak was like a ride in a rapidly filling and emptying jacuzzi tub. We bounced around a bit between the rocks, trying to navigate a path barely wide enough for our kayaks. Once inside, though, it was like a big bath tub, calm as could be. We quickly tied off the kayaks and donned our snorkel gear.



Snorkeling in the Baths was an incredible feeling. It was like being inside an aquarium. You could swim through narrow gaps in the rocks and view all the fish who had been trapped by the tide. There was also the intermittent rush of new water over the edge of the bath, driven by waves from the outside, allowing new fish to join or the occasional fast swimmer to escape.



By the time we made it back to the big boat yesterday evening, there was just time for dinner before the sunset. Departing boats left us alone in the anchorage here off Tortuga Beach. With Heaven all to ourselves, Sheryl declared that she was ready for a DOR (day of rest). Therefore, today, dear Reader, will be a little less intense on the activity scale. We hope that you will be enjoying your day, as well, wherever you are.