Awaiting our flight
Friday, April 9—I, Vergy, Rosa, Jeff, and Melvin (behind the camera) snuck a quickie breakfast stop at the Orlando Sanford Airport before we board.
They stole my iPod during the flight!
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I wonder whose fingers those are…
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…the suspects
Maybe you can figure out who it was.
Still enjoying my stolen iPod
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Islands between Florida and Puerto Rico
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Possibly the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos—not sure
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STILL enjoying my stolen iPod
I had even brought a splitter and a pair of earbuds so I could share listening time. A lot of good that did!
Funny groove
Then again, watching the girls groove to whatever they were listening to provided a certain amount of entertainment.
Music swap
Rosa briefly checks out what Jeff is listening to on his Rio.
Luis A. Ferré Science Park
After arriving in San Juan, we first drove to visit Rosa's grandmother. We passed this structure—part of the science park in Bayamón.
Rosa's family
Rosa's grandmother and aunt are on the left.
Rosa's family
Rosa's grandmother and aunt are on the left.
Overlooking Bayamón
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Apartment neighbor
A neighbor/friend of Rosa's grandmother joins us for a group photo.
Home of Rosa's aunt
Rosa's aunt was insanely sweet and gracious to let us use her home for four of the nights during our trip. She stayed with her mother (Rosa's grandmother) on these nights. This house is actually home to several families. The owner occupies the bottom floor, and the upper portion is a duplex. Rosa's aunt lives in the left half.
The yard
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Settling in
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The driveway
No, we were not driving a stretch minivan! Somewhat often during this trip, I took panorama-mode photos. I must remember that distant subjects (uh, panoramic views, of course!) turn out better. Closer foreground objects will have a tendency to distort.
Street in front of house
Here's a wider one of the street in front of the house. I've never really bothered with these in the past because, as much as I like my Olympus C-5050 camera, the Olympus Camedia software sucks. Jeff has had some success with using it to stitch together the shots on a PC. I applaud Olympus that they even bothered to make a Mac OS X version, but I crashed the software if I ever stitched an image wider than 2-3 shots or did several stitches in a row. It reported not enough memory to complete the operation, even though I've got a full gigabyte. Grateful for Photoshop!
Street along side of house
This one shows the street on the perpendicular side of the house. The reason I'm able to do the panorama shots now is because I now can use the new photomerge function built into Photoshop 8. It rocks, as you can see. No, they're not perfect, but it's still cool. It does even better with images that are comprised entirely of more distant objects.
Wild horse
There are wild (and/or escaped) horses all over Puerto Rico. One morning, we found this one across the street!
Luggage
The inside of the small dwelling—after the ambush of five thirtysomethings with all their luggage.
Foodstuffs
Before long, we straightened up the main room and set out our spread of consumables.
First bedroom
Rosa and Vergy stayed in Rosa's aunt's bedroom, decorated with lots of wild cat patterns. Melvin was out in the main room. Jeff and I were in the back room.
Karaoke!
Rosa's aunt had a karaoke machine, and yes, we put it to use the first night.
Melvin gets the party started…
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…but is not sure the party should've gotten started!
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Still singin'
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Next up, random percussion
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Homemade shakers
Who knew instant oatmeal packets can double as percussion shakers?
More random percussion
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Even Jeff got into the spirit
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Dance moves
It was only a matter of time before the girls would abandon the noisemakers and start grooving again.
Dance moves
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Dance moves
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Dance moves
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Dance moves
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Dance moves
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Vergy the nun
I didn't even try to ask or understand why Rosa's aunt had this costume, but Vergy wears it well.
Rosa the…something
Another unexplainable costume.
Blending in?
We guys, on the other hand, decide to try blending into the local culture. The jury is still out as to how well we succeeded!
Yours truly
Enjoy this shot. You don't find me trying to play a part for a photo very often.
Rosa's aunt
Saturday, April 10—Adelina, what do you have there?
Powerful coffee?
Ironic that Adelina happened to have a Viagra-emblazoned refrigerator magnet clip, since there are direct parallels to how this particular brand of coffee made Melvin feel.
Easter bunny is watching you
It was Easter weekend, and we were amused by the window sticker in this clunker as we drove to the El Yunque rainforest.
Landscape
Some Puerto Rican landscape on the way to El Yunque.
Banana tree photo op
Just before we reached the gate to the national park, a short stop had to include this pose by the bananas growing near the road.
Banana tree photo op
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Entry to the El Yunque visitor center
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View from visitor center parking area
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Beautiful foliage
If the parking area was this beautiful, we couldn't wait to see what the rest of the forest had to offer.
Vergy took a lot of interest in this tree trunk
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Flora
You may as well know, if you haven't figured it out—there's going to be a lot of flora shots throughout this album.
Where the ginormous fern grows
My photo simply cannot do justice to this fern. It was enormous! The walkway was easily 20 feet or more off the ground and I took this photo at full wide angle.
Fauna
There'll be a few fauna shots throughout the album, as well.
Vergy, Jeff, and Rosa
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Beautiful orchids
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Beautiful orchids
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Much-needed air conditioning
We sat in for the video not so much for the video itself, but for the A/C!
Natives
Traveling further into the park, we came across an obligatory photo spot.
Natives
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Natives
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Natives
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Not-so native
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Cocos Frios vendor
So what, exactly are cocos frios, you ask?
Step one, decapitate a chilled coconut
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Step two, insert a straw and enjoy
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The view from a food/souvenir stand…
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…beautiful enough for Rosa to get contemplative
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Through Vergy's eyes
Also throughout this album, there'll be shots taken by Vergy as she borrowed my camera. She definitely has an eye for photo composition. A little more experience, and she could probably do photography for a living. She came up with some great shots.
Through Vergy's eyes
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La Coca
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La Coca
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La Coca
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La Coca
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La Coca
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Photo spot
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La Coca
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La Coca
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Hike to La Mina
The last forest excursion we had time for was a 3/4-mile hike to La Mina waterfall along the rock-strewn river that fed it.
Hike to La Mina
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Rock growth
Vergy was interested in this flora growing along the path…
Snail
…and even more interested in the snails we found.
Snail
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Hike to La Mina
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Hike to La Mina
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Hike to La Mina
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Hike to La Mina
Vergy and Rosa still seem pretty dry as they navigated the rocks in the river. That didn't last long.
Hike to La Mina
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Hike to La Mina
Thus, the women-in-wet-clothes shots begin. Hated that my camera was not ready to shoot when Rosa, followed by Vergy, slipped into the river. It was hilarious.
Hike to La Mina
Thus, the women-in-wet-clothes shots begin.
Hike to La Mina
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Hike, er, swim to La Mina
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Hike, er, swim to La Mina
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La Mina waterfall
When we reached the La Mina waterfall and found it full of people swimming, Rosa and Vergy—already drenched—didn't let their lack of swimsuits stop them from from having more fun.
Joined by Melvin
I guess Melvin couldn't just watch any more!
La Mina waterfall
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La Mina waterfall
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La Mina waterfall
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La Torre Yokahú
There's an observation tower, La Torre Yokahú, that closed by the time we reached it, but even the view from the bottom of the tower was gorgeous.
Beautiful flower
A few more flora shots before we left at the end of the day.
Rolled up flower
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Rolled up flowers
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Turquoise waters
Sunday, April 11—Nearing downtown San Juan, we stopped to enjoy our first close-up beach view.
Turquoise waters
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Turquoise waters
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Turquoise waters
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Puerto Rico Coat of Arms
Entering Old San Juan, you'll find a construct adorned with the Puerto Rico Coat of Arms. From the National Park Service site, I read, "the Puerto Rican coat of arms dates from 1511 and is one of the oldest coats of arms still in use in the hemisphere today."
San Cristóbal fort
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Entrance to San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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Old San Juan
A panorama shot looking south from San Cristóbal over Old San Juan. On the right side, above the curved road and below the red building, you can see a light-green-colored building where we later chose to have lunch.
Looking toward El Morro
Looking west, you can see the El Morro fort that we didn't have time to visit.
Looking toward El Morro
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
Arguably the best smile I've seen while photographing Vergy.
Tiny chapel
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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San Cristóbal
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Water leaks
Not surprising that there are water leaks in the fort's walls, resulting in deposits of what I assume is calcium.
Stalactites!
The deposits even leave stalactites!
Pitch black tunnel
This tunnel was nearly pitch black before my flash lit it up briefly.
Holding cell
A holding cell where, presumably, a captive was awaiting execution. To pass the time, he drew on the walls.
Prisoner graffiti
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Prisoner graffiti
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San Cristóbal bathed in late-day sun
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San Cristóbal bathed in late-day sun
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More fauna
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Old San Juan
Viewing San Cristóbal and a statue of Christopher Columbus from the restaurant where we had lunch.
Lunch spot
Here's that same green-faced building you could see in the panorama shot.
Lunch spot
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Sorullos are VERY tasty!
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Lunch is served
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Wannabe Picasso
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
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Old San Juan
No, my camera's color balance wasn't off. The bricks in the street actually have a blueish hue.
Antiguo Edificio del Correo Postal
In English: Old Post Office
Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel)
The Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel) was built in 1753. The stories surrounding the history of this small chapel conflict wildly except on one point: someone on horseback took a terrible spill off the cliffs at the end of Calle Cristo. Whether he lived, and whether the chapel was built to commemorate the miracle of his survival; or whether he died, and the chapel was to block off the street and prevent such an accident from happening again; is the part of the story that is in dispute. (Information found from a Google Earth placemark.)
Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel)
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Parque de las Palomas was one that Rosa remembered coming to on occasion when she was a little girl. She was born in Puerto Rico but has lived in Orlando since she was 2.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
A panorama shot looking south from the park.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Scads of pigeons make their home in this park.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Through Vergy's eyes
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
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Mask shop
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Decorative plates
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Customization
Melvin made sure the shop properly greeted Rosa.
Outdoor vendors
We also browsed plenty of outdoor street vendors' wares.
Posing in Old San Juan
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Evening kites
At the end of the day, near the El Morro fort, we were amazed to see so many kites filling the sky. The 
Evening kites
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Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
A cemetery adjacent to the fort. We were told that many deceased Puerto Rican actors and other celebrities are buried here.
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
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El Morro lit up at night
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Plaza del V Centenario near El Morro
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Iglesia de San José
More shots throughout Old San Juan as we continued walking around in the evening. This is the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and the original resting place of Juan Ponce de León until his remains were moved to the San Juan Bautista Cathedral just down the street (next photo).
San Juan Bautista Cathedral
This church holds the resting place of Juan Ponce de León.
Galería el Convento
A former convent turned into a hotel.
Galería el Convento
Artsy shot inside the swanky hotel.
Galería el Convento pen air central plaza
The hotel is enclosed all the way around, but the central plaza is open air. This tree in the middle is either home to a lot of bats, or they simply visit the tree for its fruit on a regular basis.
Hotel bats
I made maybe 10-20 attempts to capture a shot of the bats flying around. I simply set my flash to its brightest setting, pointed my camera to an area they seemed to be flying frequently, and snapped a shot when I saw one go by. I was successful three times.
Hotel bats
Second attempt.
Hotel bats
This one has the best visibility of a bat.
Old San Juan capitol building
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Old San Juan capitol building
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Old San Juan capitol building
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Statue of Saint Juan Bautista
Across the street from the Old San Juan capitol building.
Arecibo beach
Monday, April 12—The first stop of our week-long driving tour around most all of Puerto Rico was the north central town of Arecibo.
Arecibo beach
One more quick photo op.
Arecibo historical park
The "historical park" was cute, but not what I was hoping for. Obviously a kids' park, at least I was able to find several nice photo spots.
Arecibo Light
www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/arecibo.htm
Arecibo Light
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Arecibo Light
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Arecibo Light
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Arecibo Light
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Arecibo Light
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Arecibo Light
Obligatory group shot.
Arecibo Light
Attempt at being artsy.
Ship model inside Arecibo Light
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Chillin' on the stairs
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Girls' photo op
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More girls' photo op
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Eargum
What surprises me is not that Rosa stuck her gum on Jeff's ear, rather that Jeff ignored it for a while—long enough even for me to get this shot—followed by Rosa putting it back in her mouth.
Yeah, they're both stars
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Stretch dolphin
Okay, I know it's just a plastic model sitting in the ground, but couldn't the perceived length of this dolphin been a little more realistic?
More artsy attempts
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Ocean views from Arecibo Light
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Ocean views from Arecibo Light
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Ocean views from Arecibo Light
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Ocean views from Arecibo Light
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Ocean views from Arecibo Light
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On board the blue pirate ship
Yo ho, yo ho…
Argg, mateys!
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Posing in the indian cultural exhibit
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A painting within the exhibit
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Rosa plays with the toy turtle
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Puerto Rico scenery
Upon leaving the Arecibo historical park, we headed down highway 10 to visit a Taíno Indian ceremonial park. This is a sample of the beautiful scenery along the highway.
Entering the Taíno Indian ceremonial park
welcome.topuertorico.org/reference/taino.shtml
Stone and petroglyph exhibit
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Approaching the ceremonial fields
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
Visiting the park was of special interest to Vergy whose family has ties to the Taínos.
Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno ceremonial field
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Taíno park staff
Rosa and Melvin pose with the informative park worker who told us about the ceremonial fields.
Triple mountain peaks
Melvin suggested that the triple peaks seen in the distance were of great significance to the polytheistic Indians.
Free sugar apples
The park worker had a sugar apple he was saving to eat later. Rosa had asked him about it. Later on, a coworker was able to get more from a nearby tree which were given to us.
Overlooking Utuado
Some scenery shots looking over Utuado as we made our way back to highway 10 and south to Ponce.
Overlooking Utuado
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Overlooking Utuado
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Overlooking Utuado
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Near Utuado
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The Melvinator's domain
Melvin was pretty much at home in the back of the van for all our drive time.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
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Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Highway 10, somewhere between Utuado and Ponce
These river shots were taken both by Vergy and myself. I'm at a loss as to who took which ones.
Plaza de las Delicias
We arrived in Ponce Monday evening. This is the fountain in the middle of the Plaza de las Delicias.
Parque de Bombas
The Parque de Bombas, built in 1882 for an agricultural fair, was converted a year later into Puerto Rico's first permanent firehouse.
Parque de Bombas
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Parque de Bombas
While essentially only used for exhibition, this award-winning fire truck (more on that, later) is actually still on active duty and would be put into service if a catastrophic fire demanded all available vehicles.
View from our Meliá Hotel room
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Bacardi truck
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Unlicensed
While walking around Ponce, I saw this lunchbox in a store window. Father & Nemo?? Look at Nemo's eyes. Oh yeah—this product is Disney-approved!!
The next day in Ponce
Tuesday, April 13—Looking again from our hotel room the next morning.
Downtown Ponce
Same shot as previous, but pulled out wider. The Parque de Bombas is in the foreground and the Catedral de la Guadalupe is behind.
Front of our hotel—the oldest hotel in Ponce
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Meliá Hotel
Rosa posing for an artsy shot prior to eating breakfast on the rooftop patio, seen in the upper background.
Rooftop breakfast
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Rooftop breakfast
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Touring Parque de Bombas
Back at the Parque de Bombas, a worker dispenses some helpful information.
Touring Parque de Bombas
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Touring Parque de Bombas
As I previously mentioned, the fire truck is an award winner. This badge is affixed to the front, below the windshield—National First Prize Winner in the Antique Automobile Club of America, 1978.
Touring Parque de Bombas
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Touring Parque de Bombas
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Touring Parque de Bombas
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Plaza de las Delicias
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Plaza de las Delicias
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Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
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Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
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Melvin poses with one of Ponce's finest
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Very old tree
A very old tree near downtown Ponce—500 years, if I remember correctly.
Very old tree
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Very old tree
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Very old tree
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Very old tree
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Very old tree
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Very old tree
The tree was one of the sights from the trolley tour. Vergy probably would've hugged the tree if she were allowed to do so!
Calling family
Another stop was to a marketplace area. Vergy took a moment to call some relatives living in Mayagüez she planned to see. I acted to snag what I think is a great photo of Vergy.
Iced coconut treat
Before leaving the plaza, we scored some delicious iced coconut treats.
More walking around downtown Ponce
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Student celebration
As we were on our way to the Ponce Museum of Art, we were passed by countless cars filled with college students in a highly unorganized parade. Apparently, there's a huge annual track and field competition in Ponce and the local students celebrate its arrival.
Student celebration
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Student celebration
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Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross)
We were just a bit too late to go up into the Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross) for a bird's-eye view of Ponce.
Cruz del Vigía (Virgin's cross)
The observation structure is atop a 300-foot hill, is 100 feet tall, and is 70 feet wide. It replaced an older wooden structure in 1984.
Overlooking Ponce
A climb to the top may not have really been necessary. The hill-top view of Ponce itself was beautiful, as this panorama shot shows.
Back Walk
I'm not sure I'm allowed to fully explain what is going on here. Suffice to describe it as an inside joke from a 2004 trip to Puerto Rico.
El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
www.frommers.com/destinations/ponce/A24739.html
El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
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El Museo Castillo Serralles near the Cruz del Vigía
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Awesome ice cream
Back in downtown Ponce, getting what's supposed to the best ice cream anywhere. Well, yeah, it was pretty darn good!
Meeting Vergy's family
Tuesday evening, we drove to Mayagüez to meet up with some of Vergy's family that she had not seen since she was 7. Here, she greeted one of her late grandmother's nieces.
Meeting Vergy's family
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Vergy meeting her late grandmother's sister
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
Hector (grandnephew to Vergy's grandmother), provided a little entertainment.
Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
Vergy with her grandmother's other niece and her husband (Hector's parents).
Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Meeting Vergy's family
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Horses on the beach
Wednesday, April 14—We got up early this morning to drive up past Aguadilla for our appointment with Tropical Trail Rides.
Aguadilla beach
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Aguadilla beach
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Aguadilla beach
Some small caverns were waiting to be explored during the break from our ride.
Aguadilla beach
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Aguadilla beach
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Aguadilla beach
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Tropical trail ride
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Tropical trail ride
Vergy's horse was named Taino!
Tropical trail ride
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Tropical trail ride
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Tropical trail ride
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Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
After our ride, we skipped down to Rincón. First, we stopped at the Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light.
Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
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Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
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Point Jiguero (Higuero) Light
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Wildlife at lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Oceanside view from the lighthouse park
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Finally some quality beach time
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Finally some quality beach time
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Finally some quality beach time
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Finally some quality beach time
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Finally some quality beach time
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You little skink
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Rincón scenery
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Three, two, one, A**!
(Sorry, inside joke.)
Rincón scenery
No, we're really not that sunburnt. Chalk this one up to less-than-perfect color balance in the reddish, late-day sun. Anyway, we were on our way to the southwest corner of Puerto Rico to see a bioluminescent bay. Not what I expected, but still very cool. I, unfortunately, had no means to photograph our experience. A Vieques Island page has a section about their own luminescent bay with some photographs and text about the difficulties getting photos at all.
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas…
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…only a hippopotamus will do!
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Hotel Parador El Sol
Thursday, April 15—A quick shot of the Hotel Parador El Sol in Mayagüez before moving on. We stayed here two nights.
Local cigar maker
A quick stop at a local cigar maker's shop for some gifts to Vergy's coworkers.
Drying tobacco
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Brazo Gitano
Then, a stop to the neighboring E. Franco & Co. to pick up fresh Brazo Gitanos.
Back to Vergy's family
Later, we traveled back to Vergy's family's house for lunch.
Back to Vergy's family
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Back to Vergy's family
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Back to Vergy's family
We were cracking up over this doll which giggled when you tickled her.
Back to Vergy's family
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Hector had acquired some candy treats for us
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The treats were delicious…
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…and fun to play with!
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Special herbs
Hector then accompanied us to help find some sites in Mayagüez. At the book store, we chuckled over the male performance enhancement and breast health herbs.
Antillean Adventist University
Melvin has a good friend attending this university and intended to visit. Rosa was also acquainted with a faculty here. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach either person and we drove to Quebradillas for the night.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
Friday, April 16—We knew we were getting an ocean-view hotel this night, but since we arrived at night, it wasn't until we woke up that we realized how beautiful the Parador Vistamar actually was. Even more amazing was how inexpensive it was.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
Here's the view that awaited us when we woke up!
Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
If only we could've stayed here more than one night.
Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Hotel Parador Vistamar
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Arecibo Observatory
Originally planning to see the Camuy Caves first, we found that all the tours for the day were full, so we made our way to the Arecibo Observatory.
Arecibo Observatory
A vertical panorama shot showing the radio telescope's overhead gear and 300-meter dish.
Arecibo Observatory
A panorama shot showing nearly the entire dish. Yeah, it really is this dingy-looking. It would seem that pristinely clean panels are not a prerequisite to the telescope's operation. The object in the foreground is a footwear item worn when someone must walk across the dish. It helps distribute a person's weight so as not to dent the panels.
Arecibo Observatory dish detail
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Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
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Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
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Arecibo Observatory overhead platform
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Arecibo Observatory
The official "We Were Here" photo.
Arecibo Observatory
A panel describing the telescope's operation.
Meteorite at Arecibo Observatory visitor's center
Found in Namibia, Africa, in 1838 and is 350 pounds.
Heladería Lares
Rosa had hoped to visit 
Parador El Buen Café
Wishing to arrive early to the caves the next morning to make sure we could get in, we drove to nearby Hatillo and stayed in the brand-new section of the Parador El Buen Café.
Parador El Buen Café
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Camuy Caves
Saturday, April 17—We reached the Camuy Caves in time for the day's first tour. In the gift shop, Rosa prepared for a little spelunking.
Camuy Caves
Some of these shots prior to entering the caves were taken by Vergy. I'm not totally positive which are hers and which are mine—except of course the ones where I'm in the shot.
Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
Once we got deeper inside and I realized there was no way my flash would light up anything to any significant degree, I began with the carefully hand-held long exposures. Unfortunately, most of these shots have a bit of camera shake, but you can still get a sense of the beauty.
Camuy Caves Indian Face
Look in the upper right corner.
Camuy Caves Indian Face
Closer shot of the Indian Face
Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
One of my faves.
Camuy Caves
Another of my faves.
Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Camuy Caves
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Name that fruit
As we left the cave park, Vergy spotted this tree and told me to take a shot of it so she would later be able to figure out what's growing on it. Not sure she ever got around to finding out.
En route to Vieques
We then drove clear across to the northeast side of Puerto Rico—to Fajardo—to catch a ferry to Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast. It was a brief excursion, but a fun one. This thumbnail is a close up from the full shot taken of a sunken boat as our ferry passed by.
Vieques scenery
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Vieques scenery
A look through Vergy's eyes.
Parroquia Immaculada Concepción
This church was just calling out for me to photograph it.
El Fortín Conde de Mirasol
We walked up to El Fortín Conde de Mirasol, but did not enter since it was closed for the day.
View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
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View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
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View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
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View of Vieques from the hilltop museum
In spite of the unique shots Vergy took in this album, this one is actually mine.
Artsy Vergy
Vergy was calling me to take a shot overlooking the wall, but as soon as I walked into the courtyard and looked up at her, I was more interested in taking this shot.
Very wide panorama overlooking Vieques
This is the town of Isabel Segunda on the north central coast of Vieques Island.
Coconut ice cream
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Returning to Fajardo
I thought we were going to enjoy a spectacular sunset for our ride back to Fajardo, but it sort of pooped out on us. This was as good as it got.
El Yunque in the distance
The mountain range covered in clouds is the El Yunque forest.
Punta Mulas Light
Punta Mulas Light, seen as we were returning on the ferry.
Punta Mulas Light
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Punta Mulas Light
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Leaving Vieques
Photo by Vergy.
Leaving Vieques
Photo by Vergy.
The bow
Taking Vergy's cue from the rear of the boat, I went toward the front for this shot.
Twilight boat ride
I squeezed off a couple more images before it got too dark.
Twilight boat ride
I squeezed off a couple more images before it got too dark.
Rosa in the morning
Sunday, April 18—We had driven back to Bayamón to spend our last night at her aunt's home.
Bacardi plant
Before catching our return flight, we quickly swung through the Bacardi plant. Not enough time for the tour.
Bacardi plant
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Saying goodbye to Rosa's aunt
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Final stop before heading home
A short visit with Rosa's uncle and aunt on her father's side.
Rosa's aunt and uncle
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Rosa's aunt and uncle
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Rosa's aunt and uncle
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Rosa's aunt and uncle
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