By this point in my trip I am looking a little haggard. I was thinking you might like to feel what I am feeling so I created a list of things to do to get you in the right mindset.
- Click on this link to have some PR music playing in the background. Make sure to play it as loud and annoying as possible CLICK HERE
- Go outside roll around in the dirt for a little while. Turn the garden hose on and take some soap and partially wash your body
- Eat about 10 CLIF bars, and 10 Propel Gatorade water. Eat some oranges like an Ape by just tearing through them
- Lay in the backseat of the car for 10 minutes, then try to climb into the front seat.
- When members of your family ask you what you are doing, speak in non-conjugated verbs and lots of hand gestures like, “I pretend live like houseless person” drawing the shape of house with fingers.
- Now return to blog.
I woke up on the beach of Trujillo and noticed a tent to my left. A twenty-something gentleman came by and offered coffee. I refused as it would keep me up all day and I am partial to naps. He then offered weed, which I also politely refused. At a nearby Gazebo I found a spout coming out of the brick and engaged in a shower. At this point I really felt homeless as I was washing on the beach and shaving at 7am, with all my possessions strewn around me. I thought to myself that if the world did go into anarchy and we reverted back to nomadic tribes, I would have a leg up.
I finished up and was on my way. Consulting the itinerary I noticed I was at least a day ahead of schedule based on my miscalculation on the size of the island and the fact that I am always a day ahead of schedule.
I knew that there was a ferry in Trujillo that takes people over to the small island of Vieques. It is supposed to be this untouched natural paradise. Even though I avoid small islands like I do cruise ships due to their claustrophobic nature, I decided to give it a try for a day. The ferry station was a mob of locals and tourists. Before I knew it I was scrambling to grab some stuff out of my bag, hand my keys off to a local parking lot attendant (another painful decision) and was boarding a ferry for an overnight on the island.
I did catch a shot of the below gentleman peeling oranges. Now I have seen these intricate devices as I review the latest Pampered Chef catalogue with my coworkers, but this guy seemed to be only keeping the orange and not the peel. I then realized that maybe this was how they got the peel off these damn things. He seemed to only take half off before moving onto a new orange, so maybe you still have to dig into it a bit with your face. Such in intricate process for peeling an orange. What stories he must have to tell. If only I had more time.
I did a quick read on the island during the 1 hour trip and found that the city on the opposite side of island was the spot to be and a local shop near the ferry rented bikes to get over there. I deboated and walked the mile into town tracking down the bike shop. These were very nice Specialized bikes and was excited to get on my way after a $250 deposit and $25/day fee. I got the bike outside and headed in the direction the shop owner indicated and suddenly realized what I had in store.
I failed to realize that the island had a mountain spine running lengthwise across it and I had to bisect it to get to my destination. I took a deep breath, pulled my 40lb pack on and started off in the lowest gear possible. I passed school children that were yelling at me, I can only assume it was words of encouragement for the gringo trying to summit the peak. I smiled and drew strength from their encouragement. I finally made it to the top without resting and coasted down to the beach on the other side at a rapid clip.
I found an Inn by the water and rather then ask for a room I simply asked if they would watch my backpack while I went exploring. I locked my bike to a tree and went to the beach. I saw an island off the coast that seemed like a decent swim. There was a guy renting kayaks to take over to the island, but I was an adventurer, I don’t need no stinkin’ kayak.
I put on my snorkel and goggles and headed out. I was excited to truly test the waterproof camera. In the harbor I saw lots of old crab traps. Below, in this cage is what I believe to be a type of Puffer Fish. If you can’t see it you are just gunna have to trust me, it is there.
There was not too much to see underwater, here is the only other interesting thing I saw
I came upon the shore at the island beach and saw a bunch of college kids land their kayaks…mere mortals.
I had to fight the current a bit on the way back, but it was an enjoyable swim with very few fears of getting clipped like a Manatee by an errant propeller. I emerged from the water and walked the small strip of bars and lodges. I settled down at Duffy’s and locked my bike up on the walkway
I had all afternoon to kill until dark and I could sleep. I figured I could use some R & R so I sat there and conversed with everyone who sat down, whether they liked it or not. I met these 2 guys from WV who were down there with their families. They actually lived right next to the trailhead I used for my ATV adventure tours in that area. It is a remote little town outside of Charleston. They were true to WV form, being friendly and welcoming in nature. We shared stories and drinks before the wives and kids returned from a day at the beach. I next met a lady from Toronto that was living down here as a waitress. She had an interesting story to tell. We traded information if I decided to stay on the island to explore some of the nontouristy parts. I had not sooner retrieved her number on a slip of paper, then I lost it. Par for the course.
Once darkness settled and the place started getting hopping, I was too tired to continue and crawled back to retrieve my backpack and search out a shady shot along the beach. Here is the spot I found for the night and was not disturbed much until morning.
Tomorrow brings the craziest day of the trip
Until Tomorrow
Darren
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