Ponce, Puerto Rico

Thursday we went to Ponce a local smallish town named after Leon de Ponce a Spaniard and full of history. We took a coach tour around the highlights and then walked the old streets for more delights. Amongst which were a row of Fireman's cottages donated to the brave firemen who saved the town in some horrendous fire. The tradition is that each year more are built and given to the force who then choose by lottery who is to have them.  They then have a lease for life and are passed down through the generations. Incidentally the main Fire Station is also a landmark since a new one has been built out of town.
   Those of you who remember the Cornish Painted Cows will recognise the idea with these Lions. The town was hosting an Island wide student competition (Art, Sport, Fashion et al.) and instant marquees were being erected for food and drink which would be available in the evening together with a BIG party.

 Serralles Castle

 We managed to escape before the town center was closed to traffic and visited the Serralles Castle and grounds, the Japanese Gardens and the new lighthouse, finally we stopped at the waterfront to watch the sunset. Along the ‘La Guanchia board walk’ there was a small bay with huge Tarpon in the water. As we watched them flocks of Pelicans flew in—totally oblivious to us viewing.
  The rest of the week was mostly boat/house work but we did get along to the Friday evening BBQ again and made a few more friends in the process.  Sunday we had sundowners aboard ‘Flawless ‘D’ with Kat & Jim whom we had last seen in Trinidad.
  Monday we were up early had a brilliant sail to Monkey Island where we anchored in 3m of water.  First sight was of a mammoth Turtle and two Dolphins.  This shortly followed by Rhesus monkeys which have their home on the island.  The signs say no feeding the Monkeys and no landing on the Island either.  Sundowners time was spent watching closely for any monkey business and the sea birds roosting.  Bliss.

Puerto Rico

A Baby Pelican!

Monday we waved goodbye & Fair Winds to Melvin and her crew.
Wednesday we hired a car from Sydney again and drove up into the mountains.  The roads were hairpin bends with large lorries coming from the other direction on our side of the road.  Our first stop was at a food stand for brunch then onto the Caguana Indian Ceremonial grounds.

Ancient Petroglyphs

  We were told about the ancient ball or ‘Batey’ parks by the on site historian. Around the ballparks there were many stones with petroglyphs painted on them This really ought to be a WH Site !

 Next stop some equally—if even older – Rio Camay limestone cave Park at the top of a mountain range.  These felt far older than any which we have visited in South Africa (Cango) or New Zealand (Waitimo).

On the trip home we detoured to visit ’Cascada Les Gerzas’ some waterfalls and pools.  Finally back to the anchorage for a welcome meal at the marina restaurant.