Even when it rains in Puerto Rico...

Even when it rains here in Puerto Rico, the days are beautiful! Today it rained in the afternoon, most unusual for us in the wintertime. And we were given an incredible reward, the rain cooled down the afternoon heat and...we saw this spectacular rainbow. This rainbow stretched across the mountain tops that reach high above us down here on the beach. We see many rainbows here at the Lemontree as we are able to see out across the beach in both directions as well as above us to the mountains. For this rainbow, it seemed as if we might be able to find the pot of gold the rainbow was so clear and distinct!

Dia de los Reyes - Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico

Today is Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico... and throughout the Latin American world. In the non- Latin Christian tradition, the sixth of January marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and the day is known and is celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany. The day marks the arrival of the wise men, traveling from the east, to worship the infant Jesus.

In Puerto Rico the arrival of the Three Kings is the real deal. This is the big day. The U.S. Post Office, banks, supermarkets and most shops and restaurants and all government offices are closed. The night before... we heard the parade caravans, complete with lights and sirens... featuring Kings who throw small bags of candy to those on the roadside. And, "yes," we caught ours!

Traditionally, children will cut some grass on Three Kinds Eve leave it (the hay) under their beds along with some water and maybe a carrot. These offerings are for the camels who are ridden by the Kings. In the morning, the hay and water have gone and (if you have been good) are replaced by presents. For the adults, the real action is the night before... amazing parties lasting into the wee hours of the sixth are typical... along with musical parrandas going house to house.

Today, the seas were calm and the temperature was very moderate. We took a swim in the ocean...after all, what is Dia de los Reyes in Puerto Rico without a swim in the calm waters surrounding the island?!

In Memorium

Sometimes in a symphony you have higher notes and a swell of music that brings joy and lifts the spirit, and at other periods the music grows quieter, perhaps striking a sober and reflective theme. For our community here on the shore of western Puerto Rico, we memorialized the loss of one of our own this morning. Caren passed shortly before Christmas and today the varied and overlapping communities in Rincon gathered at her home and that of her husband to celebrate her life, to share memories and to provide a presence for her survivors. It was a moving gathering under the bright tropical sun, within sight of the garden she nurtured. Caren and her husband were some of the first people with whom we developed a friendship when we came down here almost five years ago. Caren will be missed.

Stingray Bay - Desecheo Island

I made this photograph in Stingray Bay on the way out to Ladder Reef at Desecheo Island. The depth was about 50 feet and the temperature in the water close to 85F. The Southern Stingray is not an unusual sight at Desecheo, although it is not an everyday occurrence that you get to see one quite so up close and personal. The larger creatures are what most hope to see... the Stingray, Turtle, Octopus, Crab and Lobster but really the wonder of Desecheo is the visibility and the shear diversity of life... soft and hard coral, micro creatures, schools of tropicals and yes... the occasional encounter with a creature as big as you are. Desecheo is one of the must do dives in the Caribbean.

El Faro

This image of the lighthouse (El Faro) in Rincon, reminds us that the newly tropically replanted and refurbished lighthouse park and overlook affords magnificent views of the stretch of water out to Desecheo Island and north to the surfing beach at Domes. This lighthouse is an iconic image of Rincon and a perfect place to get a sense of the sea and its power as it smashes up on the rocks.

Today a "swell" is in and the waves hitting the rocks around the lighthouse are spectacular with their loud breaking and huge sprays of water. Standing there today, one gets a sense of the real purpose of this lighthouse years ago as ships came along the coast and needed its shining beacon to avoid the rocks in the pounding surf. While today the lighthouse is the centerpiece of a lovely community park, when standing next to it, one feels small and can get a sense of its importance to sailors of the past.

Along with the lighthouse, Rincon offers much to see and do.

Snorkeling at Steps Beach

One of the fun things we like to do here at the Lemontree is take guests out on snorkeling safaris. Our favorite beach for snorkeling has some of the best off-shore sites in all of Puerto Rico-Steps Beach. It is located off Carr 413 and is marked by a blue whale sign (Playa Escalera). Park anywhere along the little road leading up to the beach from 413.

From the small dirt lane emerging out onto the beach turn left and walk down the beach about 30-50 yards or so. Although tempting, don't try to enter the water over the beach rocks... find a sand channel. Once in the water, swim to the right and you will see the reef. It curves and you can either follow the curve into about 15 feet of water or swim directly over the top of the reef in about 4 feet. In addition to healthy coral, like the elk horn pictured above, there are schools of tropical fish, turtles, and gently swaying sea fans. Take it nice and slowly so you will see everything...snorkeling is for dawdling! Go with a buddy and stay close enough to each other you you can share the experience.

Stay out until you think you might become tired (remember you have to kick back to shore) and then come back in via your entry point-again, not over the rocks. If you bring a towel and some drinks and find shade on the beach which is fringed by palms, its a nice place to set up for your "unwinding after the snorkeling" time. You can also take a break and then head back out.

Our favorite time to go is in the morning... about 9:30 or 10:00 a.m.. The morning has the least wind... which means the calmest water. The morning time means that the sun will be up enough to give good penetrating light to reef but not so blazing that you will be uncomfortable. Don't forget to sunscreen the backs of your legs and back!

For more on a Rincon holiday, Rincon Puerto Rico.

First Morning

Slept in a bit, till 7:45, and then got up some coffee and tea and then a walk down the beach. This morning the sea was flat calm, almost glassy in places. The walk along the beach was serene and tranquil. Not many people were up and the only sounds were those of the gentle waves lapping the shore.

Truly... if I had a New Year's wish it would be that more people could have had the comfort and tranquility of a morning walk by the sea on this the first day of the new year.