Sunday was spent helping Chris and Elisabeth around the
house and in the evening, a few friends gathered to watch the sunset. It's more a less a ritual for some residents,
either watching from the beach or patios and terraces at home; what a great way
to end the day.
Monday morning started early, as Chris and Elisabeth had to
be at the ferry terminal by 0600 for a scheduled 0630 departure. For the ferry, "scheduled" simply means
that's the plan, and plans change; as they often do for the ferry.
Returning to the house, I started my new morning routine of
checking the property, feeding the dogs, refilling the wild bird feeder/water, and
of course having coffee during the entire process.
Note to house/pet sitters; in my view it's extremely
important keep the family pets as close to their routine as possible when their
owner is away. Thus, it's one of the
first things to learn and so arriving early is essential.
Looking at the weather forecast for today called for
"intermittent clouds" and a slight chance of rain; half right. The morning was cloudy and it rained more
than not. By eleven, we started getting
to the actual forecasted weather.
Wanting to get some "comfort" foods, not rum, I
already took care of that, I walked to "Colmado Mambo". Chris and I stopped here Sunday to get wine
for the sunset ritual. It's about a twenty-minute
downhill walk from the house, but about a thirty-minute uphill walk back.
On my way down the hill, I stopped by Carol's, the second
house I would be sitting in my month here on Vieques. We had met on Sunday so since her house was on
the way, I dropped in for a little chat.
Resuming my downhill walk I took in the smells of fresh rain,
flowers, and horse crap. With wild and
semi-domesticated horses roaming freely on the island, the smell of excrement
is as normal as the smell of tropical flowers.
Backpack and one grocery bag full, I started my uphill
trek. As I approached the house of
another continental US transplant I met Sunday, I again made a short stop to
say hello. Besides, it was a good place
to take little rest.
On the road, again I came across a couple of the free
roaming horses lounging in the shade.
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| Wild horse roam freely on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico |
During the entire walk, I was greeted by both English and
Spanish speaking residents. It's not
uncommon to be having a conversation in one language and all of a sudden, it
changes; and "Spanglish" (the random mix of Spanish and English words)
appears to be acceptable here.
With cloudy skies returning, afternoon humidity rose. I noticed a few ominous and dark clouds over
the waters between the "big island" and Vieques. As I watched them, several fingers started
making their way down. Realizing if they
reached the water, they would be considered water spouts, which are basically
tornadoes on the water. Having not seen
this before out came the camera and a few shots were taken. Nothing developed so all ended well.
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| Two of the more than six funnel clouds I saw forming |
Approaching the sacred sunset hour, I went to the third
floor patio to give thanks and reflect on this day, while planning for the
next.
Evening chores done, it was time to watch a movie and get
ready for tomorrow. Another day in a
tropical paradise ends.
Until next time,
Mike
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