Vieques Paddleboarding

"It's opener there
in the wide open air."

I was invited to go along on a paddleboarding tour and it was one of the best experiences I've had in Vieques.

We practiced in the bay along the mangroves.  It was much easier than I thought! Normally I struggle with activities involving a lot of balance, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly.  And I actually never fell off!

We learned a bit about the mangroves during a discussion. 

The weather could not have been more beautiful.

We took a swimming break to cool off.  Then we swam to a reef for some snorkeling.  We saw spotted eagle rays, a 2-foot lion fish, and so many beautifully colored fish.  

Back on the boards... 

We left the bay and made it out to the Sea.  The water was rougher and made it a little more difficult but it was so much fun! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Vieques.  

http://viequespaddleboarding.com/

A Day at the Governor's House...

My friend Sandra is house sitting for New York's Governor Pataki so Sarah-Rose and I joined her to swim and hang out by the pool.

The beautiful pool.

The incredible view. 

Delicious snacks.

Wonderful company, Sandra and Sarah-Rose.

"The secret of happiness lies in the mind's release from worldly ties."

-Buddha

"Look within. Be Still.

Free from fear and attachment.

Know the sweet joy of living in the way."

-Buddha

Halloween at Al's Mar Azul

Better late than never! I was an Indian, although I didn't get too carried away with my costume.

David Crosby and I.

Snookie from the Jersey Shore.

Bio bay shark, my favorite cosume!

Gathering for the judges.

Doc (the manager of Al's) as a sumo wrestler, me, and Allie.  The back of Allie's shirt says 'Go Ceilings!' Can anybody guess what she is??

The Black Swan and the Bio Bay Shark.

An Adventura to the Restricted Area

"You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights."


Yesterday was an amazing one...
I spent the day at the VCHT painting and getting the museum ready to be open to the public.
Next, I met Sarah and Allie at Garcia Gate to make the illegal hike to the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse.

After a three mile walk, we finally made it.

My favorite view on the island...

The Puerto Ferro lighthouse was first lit in 1896 and was deactivated in 1926 when it was abandoned.  

The lighthouse is now part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. 

Allie inspired us to climb to the top. 

I was hesitant when I saw the condition of the stairway...

But the view was so worth it.

We walked back as the sun was setting.

This incredible day ended at my favorite restaurant on the island, Next Course.

This is the way life should be!

"With banner flip-flapping,
Once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky."

October is breast cancer prevention month, so Sarah and I participated in "The March."

We left from the Jardines de Vieques and walked our way through town...

ending in The Plaza. It was amazing to experience the women coming together to spread awareness and support those who are battling this disease. 

VCHT Volunteering

I've been having a lot of good experiences with my volunteer job at the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust.
On Friday, I got a private hiking tour of Cayo de Tierra with a Puerto Rican Senator.
I ate wild plants, smelled amazing floral scents, and learned so much about the tropical ecosystem.
Unfortunately, this trip was not planned so I didn't have my camera.
The only evidence I have are these almonds we picked from a tree.

On Saturday, I helped out with a MANTA trip.
MANTA is an educational program that teaches students about the history, conservation, and protection of the natural, environmental resources of Vieques. 

The day began with a lecture...

We hiked to a creek, which can only be reached by private property...

We collected water samples...

Explored unknown waters...

Attempted to catch sea creatures....

Performed experiments to collect data...

Interacted with living species...

And we made it to the waterfall. 

In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.

"All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot."

Yesterday I shared the beach only with those of another species...

This baby could hardly walk on her wobbly legs.

"It's an interesting combination: Having a great fear of being alone, and having a desperate need for solitude and the solitary experience."

"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment."

-Henry David Thoreau 

PEACE.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

"When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator."  

~Mohandas Ghandi 

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."

~Henry David Thoreau

"I want to realize brotherhood or identity not merely with the beings called human; But I want to realize identity with all life; Even with such beings as crawl on earth."

~Mahatma Gandhi 

"We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts."

~William Hazlitt