PUERTO RICO - Vieques - 2015 - House Sitting - Chap 3 - Changing Locations

House and pet sitting assignment 1 of 3 is now in the books; thank you Carrie and Barry.  This was a truly enjoyable experience, the birds kept the sounds of nature alive, the dogs were great companions, and the cats, well they were cats and only came around when it was time to eat.

Now I'm off the my favorite guesthouse on Isla de Vieques, The Esperanza Inn.  Even though it's not right on the beach (only three doors up), its close enough.  That and absolutely everything you need, bars, restaurants, convenient stores, and did I mention rum, is within a couple minute walk.

Esperanza Inn; my guesthouse of choice on Vieques

I'll only be here for a few days as Carol, the owner of house two prepares for her departure.  With any luck tropical storm Danny will pass without leaving any major cleanup.  The new tropical depression seems to be moving slow enough, that airports will be running on schedule.

But while I'm here, let's take a look around Esperanza and 'update' you on changes from last year.  Keep in mind, this is a small place so while many things will remain the same, there is always newness and excitement.

The first thing I saw that was unusual was an ultralight seaplane taking off from Esperanza bay.

As I walked along beach of Esperanza bay and Sun Bay I saw a couple of beach 'homes' that reminded me of a journey I'll be taking with a friend I worked with in Iraq.  Basically, we're going to find us an undeveloped island and live in something like these 'homes' below.

Could be the dining room, fishing hut, or bar

More like sleeping quarters

 After walking the beaches and malecon (boardwalk) nothing really has changed.  I did stop at the "Cafe del Mar" which is a new bar, restaurant, and bakery.  Later that evening a few of us went there for dinner.  Between the four of us, we basically tried the majority of the menu.  We had the meat and cheese tray, a sausage dish, and a yucca dish.  Add to that a few bottles of wine, and some pastries at the end.  All was great, the ambiance is good, and as with most places along the malecon, you can see and be seen.

Not going to do much exploring today, 'Danny' has arrived on Vieques, thankfully as a tropical depression.  The wind and rain started about 2000hrs last night, albeit sporadic, he's here.  About 0630hrs this morning, stronger winds and rain arrived, but nothing major.
 

Taken from my casita during a slow part of the rain

The rain did let up enough this afternoon to get a few shots.

After the storm shot of the 'bar' beach hut from above

Seaweed piled up after the storm

A shot from the back of the above hut

After the storm shot of the other beach hut from above

And they eat whatever they want, especially after this drought

As with my last trip here, horses still roam the streets (this is the malecon)

With one storm passed, we how have TS Erika growing in intensity and it looks like we may have another visitor later this week. 

Gotta love hurricane season; if not you gotta adjust to it

As I mentioned in an earlier posting (Vieques, Puerto Rico, Chapter 1 – Carrie & Barry) the island is currently in a drought so the rain is much needed and appreciated.  We just don't need any severe lighting to spark this tinderbox or damaging winds.  Rain is good.

Okay, that's it for now.  My next posting will be from the second of three houses.  Until next time,
mike