The Rainforest, Fajardo, Puerto Rico (February 15-17, 2015)

Part of Nannie's care package

Part of Nannie’s care package

[We’ve been anchored out so no Wi-Fi connection recently]. Our time in Fajardo (east side of PR) could best be described as sopping wet (although a very bright spot was getting a Valentine’s Day care package from Matt’s mom). Due to the boat drenching, we stay at the Fajardo Inn on Saturday and Sunday. We dislike paying for the hotel and a marina so we move back on the boat Monday night. So far, every day has been pouring rain so it’s taking forever for the boat cushions to dry. My side of the berth is still wet so I’m sleeping on a piece of plywood and a sleeping bag out in the cabin (I do not recommend this. It’s not until morning that I think, Wait, … why was I sleeping on the plywood?). The next week’s

They eye each other, each unsure of what the other is doing there on his own.

They eye each other, each unsure of what the other is doing there on his own.

forecast is all rain, with Tuesday as the only dry day (a 15% chance of rain). Someone tells me it’s because of the nearby rainforest so I ask Matt to check weather at Salinas, our next stop on the south side of PR. Nothin’ but sun. That makes the decision to go easy. We decide to tour the rainforest on Tuesday and then leave for Salinas the following morning.

Captain Matt on the trail, El Yunque

Captain Matt on the trail, El Yunque

On Tuesday, we drive a half hour to the Yunque National Forest. We go to the Visitor’s Center and see a movie, get a map, and find out more about the forest. After that, we drive up the winding road past various stopping places (e.g., waterfalls, ponds) and park a few miles up. From there, we find the trail and hike through the woods. There are all different kinds of plants, palm trees, giant ferns and massive stands of bamboo. The forest is known IMG_8584for the coqui frog which makes a loud chirping noise but is difficult to spot. We keep looking but don’t see any on the way up. After stopping for a snack, we hike up to a tower from which we have a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. We are at eye level with the clouds as they blow past us. There is a chance of rain in the afternoon and, since we put all the cushions on the deck, it’s time to head back. I keep hoping we’ll see a frog on the way

The coqui ...

The coqui …

down and keep asking the Universe to deliver one so the boys can see it. We get down to the very bottom of the trail but, so far, no frog. As we exit, a tour guide is showing his tour group the coqui frog he caught on the trail. Request granted. Love it when that stuff happens.