PUERTO RICO - Vieques - 2015 - House Sitting - Chapter 5 - A little about Vieques

Realizing this is my second trip here and I haven't really told you about Vieques.  In this posting, along with my current stay, you'll get some of the islands stats, not much though.

Isla de Vieques, or commonly referred to simply as Vieques, is an island–municipality of Puerto Rico.  Located about 8 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, it measures about 21 miles (34 km) long by 4 miles (6 km) wide.  The main town of Isabel Segunda (or "Isabel II"), is the administrative center on the northern side of the island, with the smaller village of Esperanza on the south side.  Most of the approximately 10,000 inhabitants reside in the numerous barrios (neighborhoods) scattered throughout the island.

The island's name is a Spanish spelling of an American Indian word (likely Taíno) said to mean "Small Island". It also has the nickname "Isla Nena", translated from the Spanish as "Little Girl Island", alluding to its perception as Puerto Rico's little sister.
 

  Vieques is best known internationally for a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, which led to the navy's departure in 2003. Today the former navy land which encompasses about 50 percent of the island is a national wildlife refuge.  

Within the refuge are numerous beaches, commonly listed among the top beaches in the Caribbean for their azure-colored waters and white sands.  While many of these beaches still retain their “Navy” names, they are also known by their local names as well. 

A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION:  Under Naval control until 2003, the refuge was used as a bombing range.  Currently much of the refuge, especially the east end, remains closed as the search and removal of unexploded ordinance continues.  Stay on the marked roads and trails, be observant, and become familiar with these signs. 

   

  Enough describing Vieques, let's see it.  The source of much of the above information can be found at Wikipedia's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieques,_Puerto_Rico.

Okay, now for what's been going on in my little part of the world.

With decent weather, I spent a few days wandering around the island.  Thus far, in my two visits here, I've been to almost all the beaches, some of the 'tourist' attractions, and quite a few restaurants and bars.  The bars mainly for conversing with the locals of course.

We'll start with the 2nd Annual Festival de la Arepa (flat bread) in Isabel II.  I was at the festival on Saturday, from about 1500 to 1700 hours.  There really wasn't much to see or do, but as with all Latino events I've been to, there was music and dancing. As you will notice, not everybody wants to participate in a festival celebrating flat bread.

Stage for the Festival de la Arepa

While hanging around the house, it became evident this is a very peaceful place, where everybody, including animals all get along.

'Fat cat' sharing breakfast with some juvenile chickens

Mamma with her ten chicks

An iguana getting afternoon sun

But there were many times, I left the comfort of my hammock to venture out and discover more parts of Vieques I had not seen.

As mentioned before a large part of the island is a National Wildlife Refuge controlled by the U.S. Government.  Since four wheel drive vehicles are recommended on the east end, and it's mostly closed for unexploded ordnance removal, I stayed away.  Who knows, I may rent a Jeep and head west, but until that time, I returned to the west end.

Boardwalk leading to Laguna Kiani

Don't let the shot of this boardwalk fool you, it's less than 200 yards from start to finish.  It has two lagoon viewing points, but the rest of the walk is mangrove swamp.  It's still a nice walk, but with the drought, the swamp was dry.

Mangrove swamp

Molting lizard, getting some sun and eating it's own skin

Being on an island, surrounded by beautiful beaches is the kind of place I could hang out for a while.  Yes, my home in Florida is within an hour of one of the top 10 beaches in the US, the combination of sand and trade wind breezes can't be beat.

Same beach, (Punta Arenas), just farther from the point

Yep, that's the main island of Puerto Rico in the background

This is the road to follow to Punta Boca Quebrada

This is Punta Boca Quebrada, another secluded beach

And of course, it wouldn't be Latin America without horses wandering freely.

Horses wandering the Mosquito Pier road

Here's the updated map of places I've been on Vieques.  It includes attractions, lodging, bars, and restaurants.

Okay, that's it for now, until next time
mike