Yesterday we hit the road again. After a few days stuck in the house because of Earl, we decided it to take a breather. This time we took the central part of the island and visited the new suspension bridge in Naranjito

Then, we went north to Guajataca in Quebradillas, which is a rest stop and mirador toward the Atlantic Ocean. The below were taken @ the beach below the mirador

We then visited the famous Guajataca Tunnel, which was built inside the rock. You can see the tunnel from the mirador

On the other side of the tunnel is this magnificent view of the ocean. Down that path you come right at the beach (no swimming though, just sharp rocks)

Coming on the west coast, we encountered a massive traffic jam and this ” little” storm in Mayaguez. Impressive cloud, but just light rain

We then hit the south coast and stopped in Ponce, the southern “capital” to buy ” quenepas”. Went home through the central mountain range. The trip took us 12 1/2 hours and 188.5 miles. I was doing all the driving. Got home, bathed and went to bed without even eating supper. I was dead!

More pictures @ the album

I just took these pictures as the sun was setting behind the mountain. Once again, nature as it’s best

Today, we took a trip through the island toward the south. We took the scenic (panoramic) route from east to west, going through small towns and villages, going way up the mountain and coming back down to the ocean. It’s like living in two worlds. One, breezy, cool and silent. The other, loud, hot and crowded. Different people, different attitudes. Humble up the mountain, arrogant down in the city. Amusing! I guess stress changes people and living a simple live is more rewarding. Anyway, that was my take on people today as we traveled this 100×35 speck of an island

First, we stopped at the Mirador in Orocovis which is an overlook 2000 feet above sea level with a magnificent view of  the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. I took the picture below. It was a little hazy but beautiful still

Then we went to the “Charco de Doña Juana“, an irresistible waterfall by route 149, right there by the road. There is no parking but it doesn’t matter. It is worth it! Look at that picture! The water is freezing but is a good shock to the system. It revives the soul!!

Last in our journey was the city of Peñuelas, a little town up the coast to buy their famous crackers which are sold all over the world. It’s a small town, but beautiful and clean

Coming home, we took the southern route, this time cheating by taking the highway through the central mountain range. Long drive but wonderful. We will do it again soon

More pictures @ the album

Took these pictures today while the fog was coming in from the south due to the tropical wave. Nice!

Today we went to the Flower Festival in Aibonito. A very popular and worldly known yearly festival that showcases local growers. Thousands of flowers, tress and shrubs plus a huge flea market. There were so many beautiful flowers but I ended up buying 2 rose plants (one pink, one orange) and a few others

I found it a little lame this year. Maybe due to the economic crisis we all live, there were not as many growers as years past. On the other hand, the place was packed and we enjoyed the food, the music and the ambiance

Here’s a sample of the pictures I took. I will post more @ the album later this week

It stopped raining so I took these pictures of the sun setting behind the mountain. Amazing! Half an hour later, it started to rain again