Tag Archives: Isabela

Wild Guajataca Adventure: Trip to Two Tunnels, Indian Head, Ermita and More


Tunel Negro…is so dark and quietly spooky!

We have been trying to get out at least once a week for an island exploration. And while we don’t mind going to some of our favorites, we LOVE finding new ones. We had been to the Guajataca Tunnel a long while ago, but we heard about another more challenging tunnel nearby called the Tunel Negro which means Black Tunnel. It is called this because it is long enough to become completely pitch black in the middle unlike the shorter and lighter Guajataca tunnel near the beach.


As we approached Tunel Negro

The trailhead was surprisingly easy to find (coming from Rincon it is just off the 2 on the right side before the lookout point which would be on the left). We were the only ones parked by an abandoned little kiosk and headed off down the trail. It was somewhat challenging mostly because of all the fallen trees that still were down since Maria I am guessing. Otherwise, it was flat and nice although we did need to watch for carrasco and other stinging plants a little. There were also some offshoot trails going up the mountain and down to the lake. We scrambled up a bit to see a lookout, but didn’t go too far. Maybe someday we can go all the way into the river. It looked beautiful from on high.


The lake down below

After that we also went to the other “easy” tunnel for a few pictures and also stopped by the Taino Indian Head. As we were headed back I saw a sign for Ermita San Antonio Historic Site so we took a quick detour there as well. Overall, it was a really fun and fulfilling day. Check out the video for the full adventure!


Taino Indian Head Monument on Highway 2 off Isabela

Monument to Cacicato de Mabodamaca

Mabodamaca was a chief (Cacique) of the Taino Indians (a subgroup of Caribbean Arawaks) that lived on the island of Boriken (the ancient name for the island of Puerto Rico). Chiefs had the privilege of wearing a golden pendant called a guani, which immediately distinguished him as the leader among the people. Local legend has it that during an ongoing battle with the Spanish invaders, Cacique Mabodamaca led his people up the Guajataca River and they disappeared into Puerto Rico’s central mountain range but along the way he lost his golden pendant and it remains embedded in the island forever as does the memory of his bravery.


On the path of the Guajataca Tunnel


On the drive in- What beauty peeking through these walls!


Some of the murals and artwork at Guajataca Tunnel have been updated


At the overlook stop where down below you can see the Guajataca Tunnel


Ermita San Antonio of the Antiguo Pueblo “Tuna”

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Birthday Fun and other Updates

We have been enjoying the island even more since we returned from our trip to Colorado. Nothing like a trip off the rock to help you appreciate our tropical island home even more.

For my birthday this year we stopped by one of my favorite resorts: Villa Montana in Isabela/Aguadilla. I like how it is tucked away and not too “posh” that we can drive in with our truck or old Mustang and not feel like a hillbilly as we did at Royal Isabela. There was hardly anyone there and so we had one of the pools to ourselves and Aeden just loved it. We ordered a pizza and walked along the beach. It was a very chill time, especially considering how hot it’s been!


With Aeden down the beach


On the drive to Isabela we stopped at this windy coconut farm


And at a coconut tree!


The beach is so interesting to a baby!


We have been enjoying our trips to the Pulgueros around the island -these are delicious mangosteens


Our friend John Grady died recently and we went to his memorial at the Rincon Marina


Orchids in bloom -I am starting to get into orchids more around the property!


And we continue to expand the trails to the gardens


Fun at Steps Beach (Aeden got sand EVERYWHERE!)


Our little sidekick won’t be in our arms for long- he is raring to go walk!


Quick stop at Hacienda La Fe in San Sebastian and old coffee/sugar plantation turned museum/park


At La Fe’s kids’ park Aeden got a ride in a swing


Fun scenes around the island and with friend Daisy


With my friend Jessika and her little boy who is close to Aeden’s age


At Indicator’s in Rincon


Lots and lots of mowing this time of year!


And bugs! Yes, this greeted me in the shower! haha Life in the jungle!


Our little monkey with silly faces


Even loves bananas and swinging!

Here’s Aeden’s update video. He has really grown a lot!

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Around the Finca, Moca, Festival de Chinas, Isabela and More


Aeden is too cool for photos

Whew. Lots to update. We have been doing a variety of projects around the farm including finding new plants and building a new staircase into the jungle. When we’re not working on the farm or cleaning or repairing the cabana or cabin, we go out into the world and try to find new adventures. We like to stay around the west side because we can make a day trip out of it and still get back by dark to keep to Aeden’s sleep schedule. Here are a few moments caught on camera recently.


Another beachy day in Rincon – Playa Lala is now a favorite here


Fun at Villa Cofresi with the babe

From eggs we came to eggs we sit


Isabela, PR with the moon and all


We filled one of our largest single orders of flowers!


I love making the bouquets

Aeden has many adoptive aunts and uncles like Carlos and Maribel from the market


Photo bombed by a cow and a bird 🙂


Cool church in Moca


Just chillin’, kickin’ back on Mom’s lap


Aeden’s making his mark! In the new cement stairs!


Lots of hard work!


Silly boys at the beach


First time in a swing! He’s getting so big!


He has even gone swimming, underwater!

And had his first real bath -in the kitchen sink!


Cool leaves on a plant. I think this is a rattlesnake flower


Our monstera plant fruited!


Immature and mature monstera fruit! Tasted like pineapple and banana with a slight bite. You have to be careful not to eat them immature or it will burn your mouth.

 


Our prettiest ginger yet!

 
The Festival de la China was a bit of a bust! Super rainy!


I thought it was funny they were selling oranges in onion bags though!


And I was amazed at the variety of oranges (and bananas) one can grow


Aloha! A fun day in Isabela


Britton and Aeden in Isabela


Family fun


Two cuties


“Still round the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate”


This little guy melts my heart!


We walked this LOOONG boardwalk in Isabela -windy, hot and dry but very beautiful. Would be a great bike ride


Fun with friends from Colo. It’s weird to “remember when.” It seems so long ago now


This just happened. I always call him my little monster and then I saw this onesie at the flea market and I was wearing basically the same thing and then we ate at an El Meson that had this colored wall. Serendipity-do-dah!

Latest update from the farm about baby Aeden (on the new stairs!)

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