Archive for February 2018
Fly Eagles Fly! And They Did, Here In Northeastern Pennsylvania And Minnesota.
As some of you may know, from my past blog posts, I am a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles football fan. It was an exciting weekend for Eagles Fans. The Eagles won their first Super Bowl on Sunday!!!! On Saturday, before the game, I decided to drive to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and see if I…
Read MorePuerto Rico: Day One: Travel To, And Arrival, In Old San Juan
I began writing this post somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. I was on my way to historic and hurricane devastated Puerto Rico. I was thinking of a place to visit closer to home than my usual more exotic adventures. I love to travel but have not traveled since the tragic loss of my sister and…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day One: Getting To Know Old San Juan
After my arrival in Puerto Rico at the Luis Munoz Marin airport I took a taxi to old town San Juan . As soon as walked up to my hotel, the Gallery Inn, and entered the gates I fell in love with the place. It was like walking into an art gallery. I was greeted…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Two: Up Early In San Juan But No Sunrise For Me.
Despite the night long celebrations on San Sabastian Street I slept well my first night in San Juan. I was up before my alarm went off, hoping to see a sunrise. I thought I could see it near Castillo San Cristobol, the large fort to the east of my hotel. Sunrise was around 7 a.m.…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Two: San Juan: Castillo San Cristobal
After a light breakfast at my hotel, I began my second day in San Juan by heading to the massive fort that prevented me from observing the sunrise earlier in the morning. Construction of Castillo San Cristobal was started by the Spanish in 1634 and took over 150 years to complete. It was the largest…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Two: So Much To See In Enchanting Old San Juan
After my tour of the historic Castillo San Cristobal, I again wandered off to explore the streets of old San Juan. I first made my way through the now familiar Plaza Colon and it’s towering statue of Christopher Columbus. I decided to walk up one of the most famous streets in old town San Juan,…
Read MoreCedar Waxwings And A Sign Of Spring At The PPl Wetlands
It was nice to return to Northeastern Pennsylvania after my visit to Puerto Rico. I have always said you don’t have to travel far to find the beauty of nature. I did see many wonderful things in Puerto Rico. There was beautiful scenery and I saw many exotic birds on my trip. But there is…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Three: A Rainy Drive Through The Mountains To The Sunshine In The South
I awoke a little earlier my final day in San Juan, Puerto Rico . I always try and watch the sunrise and sunset on my travels. I knew I would have to walk to the other side of the massive walls of Castillo San Cristobal to see it. I was soon walking along the old city…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Three: Copamarina Resort And The Guanica World Biosphere Reserve.
I continued my drive on Route 333 beyond the small town of Guanica in southwestern Puerto Rico. The road was winding and narrow. Soon, beautiful, but distracting, views of the ocean could be seen far below the road. There was barely enough room for two cars on the narrow road. There was no place to…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Four: A Morning Walk Along My Own Private Ocean And Beach
I awoke early my first full day at the Copamarina resort. Located on the southwestern side of the island, the resort and the surrounding Guanica Dry Forest Reserve was spared the brunt of hurricane Maria. The area is noted for it’s rare dry forest and I was ready to explore. After finding some coffee, I…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Four: A Short Stay On Gilligan’s Island.
I returned to my hotel after my morning walk and enjoyed a nice late breakfast. After eating I was soon on my next adventure. A boat ride to Gilligan’s Island. Yes, Gilligan’s Island. The small island is about a mile from the resort. It was named after the famous 1960’s television show. As soon as…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Four: A Short Stay On Gilligan's Island.
Puerto Rico Day Four: An Unplanned Hike Into The Guanica Dry Forest
After returning from my visit to Gilligan’s Island, I was soon driving on the narrow and winding route 333 toward the town of Guanica. I was headed to the unique dry forest that is located in this area. I made my way to route 334 and followed as it meandered upwards through a small village. …
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Five: Finally Some Birds On the Ballena Trail In The Dry Forest
I awoke early Monday morning at the Copamarina resort and was off to find the sunrise. I had done some research and now knew the trail I hiked on Sunday afternoon was called the Ballena trail. It led from beautiful Ballena Beach up into the dry forest. I decided to watch the sunrise from the…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Six: I Finally Found The Birds On My last Hike In The Guanica Dry Forest
I was up early again on Tuesday. You can’t visit a sub tropical island and stay in bed. I wanted to watch the sunrise on my last day at the Copamarina Resort in the Guanica Dry Forest. I drove back to Ballena Beach hoping to see some more of the birds I saw the previous…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Seven: Farewell To the Rain Forest And Back To San Juan
I awoke with the first light of dawn from a heavenly sleep at the Rain Forest Inn. The chorus of the frogs was ending. I stepped outside as a warm tropical rain fell on the forest. I crawled into a hammock and listened to the gentle falling rain, the songs of the birds awakening in…
Read MorePuerto Rico Day Six: El Yunque And The Rain Forest Inn
After breakfast I left the splendid seclusion of the Copamarina resort and the unique beauty of Puerto Rico’s dry forest. I was on my way to the other side of the island to visit El Yunque, the famous rain forest. It is the only sub-tropical rain forest on United States territory. I decided to drive…
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