7/3/23
We are flying out of Jacksonville, Fl airport so we spent the night at a hotel in Jacksonville near the airport that office free extended parking and a shuttle to and from the airport!
7/4/23
Up bright and early before the sun is even up to catch a shuttle to the airport:
We made it to the airport and through check in and now just chillin’ waiting for the flight:
We made it too our first AirBNB in Arecibo, Puerto Rico:
Inside was small but nice:
Each of the rooms has an ocean view:
We are so excited to explore Puerto Rico!
7/5/23
We planned a fun-filled day of exploring!
Dad and Lizzy decided to go down the storm run-off :
Mom and Rachel explored the upper level and ran into some friends:
They were enjoying the view as much as we were:
We could see Dad and Lizzy down on the beach so we looked for a gentler way down:
We found a way down and found some coconuts that had fallen from the trees:
Dad went to the rocks to see if he could crack one open:
Lizzy was enjoying the warm ocean water:
Rachel was determined to crack open a coconut:
There was ocean life attached to the rocks near the water:
It’s a beautiful day!!
We explored the beach for a couple of hours:
The rocks were impressive!
The waves were awesome too:
Relaxing in Puerto Rico is a great vacation!
More marine life:
Rachel was the first one to go into the water:
After this beach we decided to go explore another beach about 20 minutes away:
Another beautiful beach!!
There were creatures here too:
We hiked along some small trails to go down to the beach:
We made our way down:
The beach areas were small and we hiked into the jungle a little to get to each new section of the beach:
Dad found some more marine life:
The rocks were impressive!
Another awesome rocky beach section:
Lizzy waded out to this big rock bowl:
The rock was super sharp so she decided not to climb further into the bowl:
The water temperature was warm and also refreshing:
We decided to go under and around the front this time instead of on the back trail:
We made it through and tried to make it past the next one:
We ended up having to go back up and onto the trail to go past that last section:
We came to a beautiful sandy beach!
The waves and were awesome and the color of the water was amazing!
Dad was sitting down relaxing in front of the big rock until a big wave game in and shewed him out!:
Lizzy got tumbled in a wave like she was in a washing machine but she sure didn’t get clean:
Dad found a crustacean:
We left this beach and drove to yet another beach:
This was a very rocky beach as well:
Rachel found the tiniest shellfish ever!
Lizzy and Rachel went for a swim:
Dad climbed a coconut tree:
We came upon some ruins:
And a head:
We had a fun-filled day of exploring and it was time to head back to the airbnb. This cat was the grumpy welcoming committee:
Later that evening we decided to explore the area near our aibnb. The sunset was nice:
The buildings in the area were pretty cool:
This square looks like it used to be a center of action:
7/6/23
This morning we drove about an hour to Canon Blanco. The drive was an adventure of it’s own! The roads were windy and rugged.
We saw some wild horses along the way:
We made it safely to a point where we could park. On all the roads there are animals running free (dogs, cats, chickens, horses, goats, etc.,):
We hiked upstream to the canon:
Somehow this basketball made it’s way to this remote location. His name is Spalding:
There were pretty wild flowers along the way:
The scenery inspired a Zen moment:
The current got a little strong for swimming but she struggled through it:
The views were picturesque:
We made it to the canon:
Dad, Rachel and Lizzy swam through the cannon and back to the main pool:
After some swimming around the cannon the girls and Sullivan decided to do some cliff jumping/diving into the water!
Rachel was brave too:
Dad jumped again and dove in this time:
Rachel went again!
Lizzy decided to start from a closer ledge first:
No problem:
Lizzy went up to the top!
She did it too!
We spent quite some time swimming at the canon and then hiking back to the car and we worked up an appetite. We ate delicious sandwiches and pastries at the best bakery ever!!
If you are ever in Puerto Rico go here:
We then went to a swimming beach not far from the house. Dad rested on the beach while we swam and played around:
Mom and Dad went for a walk on the dock while we swam and they got to pet a pelican:
The sun was setting and we were loving Puerto Rico!
We had a super fun filled day!
7/7/23
This morning we walked from our airbnb to the farmers market. There were of course chickens loose along the way:
I guess we will try a passion fruit:
After the market we drove about an hour to Cave of The Winds. The drive was another adventure with narrow windy roads. They were so narrow and windy that you have to honk your horn going around curves to warn anyone coming from the other direction.
We were required to stop at the ranger station before we went on the trail and they explained to us the areas of the trail that were closed:
We made it to the trail head:
This trail took us into the jungle and the jungle leaves were gigantic:
Our first (not advised by the rangers) stop along the trail was the observation tower:
We attempted to stay on the advised trail:
Along the trail we found a unmarked cave not listed on the map or mentioned by the rangers:
It was a bit of a squeeze but we all made it inside:
It was a big cave with a lot of formations!
We used our cell phone lights to see:
There was another opening at the back of the cave:
There were plenty of “Bacon Rind” formations:
Lizzy took a look out the backdoor:
We squeezed our way out of this first awesome cave:
Now on to the second cave (the one we were actually advised to avoid). Notice the stairs..
This cave was Huge!
This is the view of the stairs from inside the cave. The ropes hanging down are actually roots from the trees above!
This stalagmite went from floor to ceiling:
Beautiful!!
This is the entrance to the third cave (recommended by the rangers):
Ready to explore:
Filled with stalactites and a very large room:
Beautiful white formations:
The next cave was Amazing!!! Notice the tree root hanging from the hole in the ceiling:
The sun shown through the hole in the ceiling. There were bats flying around. It was beautiful!!
This tree root outside the cave was impressive:
We were all very tired and hot but wow that was so awesome!
After that hike we saw another tower along the road so Lizzy, Mom and Dad decided to glimb it:
Not an impressive view, but we did wave at Rachel sitting in the air conditioned car:
Man down, she’s a goner…too many steps:
After the tower we went to a super crowded waterfall and only stayed a short while.
Gozalandia waterfall. There were a lot of people at this waterfall and a lot of jumping off the cliffs:
We refrained from these activities and enjoyed a more relaxing experience. We cooled off in the river below the waterfall and all the people:
After the waterfall area we stopped at a cute strawberry store.This place is not far from the Airbnb and we have passed by it several times. We are leaving this area tomorrow so we decided to stop:
After all that we went to best beach ever and stayed until sunset. Our last stop today was La Poza Del Obispo beach. This place was awesome! The rocks made a break in the waves and undertows creating a pool of calmed water for wading/swimming:
Dad and Rachel decided to climb up to the lighthouse:
Lizzy and mom swam in the calm area for a little while:
That calm area was a little too calm for Lizzy so we went to the other side of the break a few feet away to the rougher surf. She finds this “so much fun” getting pummeled by the waves:
Dad and Rachel cam back and Rachel joined Lizzy in the rough waters:
Dad found these sea anemones while exploring near the lighthouse with Rachel:
After sufficient wave beatings:
They decided to go back to the calmer waters and mom joined us:
We relaxed in the water as the sun was setting:
Mom and Dad were enjoying the sunset too:
This is our last night at this Airbnb. We will be heading east to the other side of the island tomorrow.
7/8/23
This morning we checked out of our first Airbnb on the North side of Puerto Rico and drove to the Northeast corner of Puerto Rico. It was a rainy day today with off and on thunder storms. Our Airbnb host met us at a local bakery (we actually didn’t go in but it may make it to one of our to do list items) and he led us to the Airbnb. It was a little tricky to get there and GPS won’t get you there so it was nice to have the escort. He gave us a tour of his beautiful home:
The bottom patio:
Upper level wrap around porch:
Wonderful views:
Lizzy’s room:
Rachel ‘s room:
The rain and storms continued off and on so we went and got groceries then came back to the house.
Lizzy and Dad went looking for fruit trees on the property:
They found a mango tree and Lizzy got one down on her first attempt. Apparently Sullivan wasn’t optimistic that she could do it so she celebrated her victory all the way to the house:
They also found a breadfruit and Rachel got to work preparing it for us to try (we have never had one before):
She cooked it three ways: pan fried, air fryer and oven. They were delicious!
A random cat came by for a visit so we shared some tuna with her:
Lizzy found a coconut with the liquid still swashing around inside. She was determined to get inside. She enlisted some help from Dad:
They did it (after an hour!):
The sunset here is amazing!
The wrap around porch is perfect for the views:
Although we didn’t go on any big adventures we created our own and had a very good day.
7/9/23
This morning when we went downstairs for breakfast we had a visitor in the kitchen:
On our street there are animals running loose everywhere! Today we saw ducks swimming in the rainwater:
We went to 9am church in Rio Grande in a Spanish speaking branch:
The people were very friendly and many spoke some English with us. We have a very limited Spanish vocabulary but between the three of us we were able to patch together some take away spiritual messages.
After church we went back to the Airbnb, had lunch, then headed to Balneario Luquillo. We swam and explored the beach in between thunderstorms:
We decided to explore the less populated parts of the beach. We had this place all to ourselves!:
Lizzy found a cool coral:
This area was so cool because you could walk out super far and the water never got over Sullivan ‘s knees. He walked out about 100 yards and by the looks of it he could have gone another 200-300 yards out!
The thunderstorm passed and the girls wanted to go back to the other beach area:
There were a lot less people on the beach now since the thunderstorm. Rachel found two sand dollars today. This one was still living:
Back at the Airbnb Sullivan made yummy baked ziti. After dinner we played a card game named Trash. Then we played Pachisi, which is much like the game Sorry! Actually the game Sorry! is a board game that is based on the ancient Indian cross and circle game Pachisi.
It was an enjoyable and relaxing vacation sabbath day.
7/10/23
This morning we drove drove 30 minutes to the Los Pilones waterfall trail-head:
We followed a muddy trail into the jungle:
We found bananas along the trail:
The jungle was taking over some of the trail:
We climbed boulders and cooled off in the water along the way.
Rachel found some foam (yuck):
Lizzy found a pretty flower for her hair:
And stayed clear of the foam:
We had trouble finding the waterfall and took a few detours, but we didn’t give up!
We were quite happy we didn’t give up because the waterfall was beautiful!
Rachel found a good spot to enjoy the view of the waterfall:
Mom climbed out on the rocks in front of the waterfall:
While Lizzy , Rachel and Dad climbed up on the waterfall and explored the top:
One last look before we head back to the trail:
After the hike we decided to drive to Playa las Picuas in Rio Grande.
We had the beach almost to ourselves and no one else was swimming on this part of the beach.
Mom and dad enjoyed relaxing on the beach:
Mom doesn’t relax long so she explored the beach:
Then mom game in swimming with us:
It was a beautiful day and a beautiful beach:
On the way home we decided to try another yummy bakery:
Display case number one:
Display case number two:
Time to head back to the airbnb. Our driveway is a bit rugged and steep, but the driving here is crazy:
7/11/23
Yesterday at precisely 8am we were able to obtain the coveted reservation for admittance into the El Yunque National Rainforest for today (they are limited!). This morning we drove 30 minutes to our first hiking location in El Yunque:
There was a waterfall not far from the parking area:
It was a very foggy and overcast morning but the temperature was not too bad for hiking. Our hiking plan for this morning is hike to Mt. Britton and then to El Yunque Peak:
We headed into the rain forest:
There were a couple of shelters with fireplaces along the way:
We did get a little rained on and Mom was the only one who actually brought rain gear on the hike.
Dad said the forecast had no rain but it is the rain forest!
We hiked up to Mt. Britton Tower. The people in Puerto Rico are so very nice! A nice lady took our pic at the top of Britton Peak:
Heading up to the top of the tower:
Rachel on the cool stairwell in Britton Peak Tower:
On top of the tower. Only fog for a view but we made it!
After the tower we went up to El Yunque Peak. The actual trail to El Yunque is closed due to damage from a recent hurricane. So, we had to take the steep service road all the way up. As if it wasn’t hard enough, Dad challenged Lizzy to a race up a section of the climb to El Yunque!
A rest break:
Rachel had a plan to zigzag up the steep climb. It took more steps but she said it made it easier:
Almost to the top!
It was wrapped in fog!
We did it! They made it up to the top of El Yunque Mountain!
It was a bit damp and even a little cooler in the tower.
We made to the top with absolutely nothing to see but fog:
We did have a clear view of Rachel resting at the bottom:
The sunlight reflecting off the fog was bright so squinting was a must:
Lizzy and Rachel were playing with the long grass-like foliage along the path. If you pinch the blade and run your fingers up the blade it makes popping sounds. It was fun until Lizzy got a tiny cut on her finger similar to a tiny paper cut. She went into a full theatrical performance that could have earned her a Tony Award:
We actually spotted a mongoose! There was a warning sign at the start of the trail stating that they carry rabies so we kept our distance.
Rachel made friends with a very large snail!
We saw more snail friends along the way:
Much of the trail had rocks:
The fog was still lingering:
After the hike we visited Bano Grande which was also right near the parking area (Rachel decided to take a nap in the car instead):
The climb up to Bano Grande:
Bano Grande. Lizzy and Rachel have been taking Spanish in school and asked why they would name it after a bathroom (ha, ha):
So peaceful and relaxing:
Mom and dad found it relaxing as well:
We then drove to a small picnic area in the park and we all hiked around a bit:
We then drove to another observation tower. Rachel napped in the car while we climbed up an observation tower and enjoyed the amazing views:
We headed up the tower:
Lizzy enjoying the beautiful view as the fog was finally starting to lift:
At the top. El Yunque Mountain: the one we climbed today!
The ocean is in the distance:
Nice views on all sides:
On our drive out we stopped and checked out a beautiful waterfall right by the road:
We are pretty tired out bur it was another awesome adventureful day!
We went back to the airbnb and had another small adventure. There is a Noni fruit tree in the yard that even the host said the fruit is disgusting. Lizzy couldn’t resist trying it and of course she got Dad to join her in sampling said fruit. The fruit has a strong, vomit-like odor and taste.
Super yucky for them, but it was fun watching them!
7/12/23
Today was our last beach day (we will be going on some small adventures tomorrow, but we fly out tomorrow night). On the way to the beach we ran over a screw in the road and it punctured a tire. It happened near an intersection of a gas station so we pulled in to assess and locate a tire repair shop. Right across from the gas station was a car shop and within view was a Pep Boys. We decided to try the more commercialized Pep Boys. They estimated a 2-3 hour wait. So we turned our attention to the little car shop.
Now that was the right choice! They took care of us super fast and were so friendly! We were grateful for the blessing!
Our plan: Seven Seas to Playa Colora and then Playa Escondida:
We headed to the beach and found the trail head:
We decided to hike from one beach to another. We started at Seven Seas Beach :
We stopped here to swim while Mom and Dad explored a trail near the beach:
Mom and Dad came back for us:
Then we all hiked along a trail to the next beach, Playa Colora:
The storm clouds rolled in and the rain is started
So we took cover:
It quickly stopped raining so we were back on the trail:
We made it to the Colora Beach:
We all swam here:
We had the beach all to ourselves!
We explored the rocky sections of the beach:
We explored the big rocky section with Dad:
There were crabs EVERYWHERE!
Rachel decided to pet the crab!
Back on the trail the jungle was dense:
It opened up a bit and created this cool tunnel:
Almost to the next beach:
We arrived at Gorgeous Playa Escondida:
This was a more popular beach and there were quite a few people here. We made our way down the beach a ways and found a good spot to swim:
The water was so clear you could see the beautiful tropical fish. The lizards were everywhere on this beach:
Rachel and Dad had a sand throwing fight! Lizzy and Mom kept their distance and enjoyed the show:
We spent the rest of the afternoon at this beach:
We hiked back to the first beach and drove back to our Airbnb. We check out tomorrow.
7/13/23
Our last day in Puerto Rico. We had a 7pm flight out so we planned to go shopping, enjoy some more Puertorican food, and visit the Temple.
We started off at the mall in Carolina, Puerto Rico (just east of San Juan). Lizzy was excited to see Taco Bell but we had much better plans for lunch:
After the mall we found this authentic Puertorican restaurant, El Platano Criollo, not far from the mall:
Then we visited the newly built San Juan Temple:
It was surprisingly very small:
The 176th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
We didn’t get to go inside, but it was still great being on the temple grounds:
Time to go to the Airport. We had some challenges: It was difficult to find our way at the airport (poor signage). We had to have all our luggage scanned for an agricultural inspection before we could even check our bags. The lines were super long for TSA. Our flight was delayed out of Atlanta. The good news was all went well, we had great flights, the shuttle to our car was super easy and the drive home starting at 3am was a breeze with no traffic.
We loved Puerto Rico with it’s beautiful beaches, awesome caves, delicious food (especially the bakeries!), super-friendly people, and delicious mangoes and coconuts. We won’t miss the yucky Noni fruit, the narrow rugged windy roads, bafflingly road designs and driving patterns, or the Puerto Rico International Airport. This truly was a wonderful family vacation!
7/14/23
We made it home around 4:30 am and Luna dog was ecstatic to see us!! We missed you too Luna Dog:
We are very grateful for the friends and neighbors who helped us with our pets and home while we were gone.
