Training Log Archive: Ricka

Excellent snorkeling north (and around point) of Playa Tamarindo. Excellent coral formations and good f=variety of fish - mostly against 10-foot+ 'walls' and canyons to explore - bit rough.

One-way bike ride on borrowed too-small' bike to Playa Tamarindo. Ooops, flat (owner filled tube when valve was crooked which sliced it). He picked me up and I showed them how to replace a tube (showed them twice when I first put old tube back on!) :)

Two long hikes on Culebra.

First to Point Soladado - two errors - walked too long in sandals (blisters) and did not carry enough water - oops. Also, tried following minimalist trail from bluff to beach - I enjoyed the attempt but finally turned back by thorny bushes as trail died.

After lots of water, got to famous Playa Flamenco - hiked in rain, waited with a PR family, then briefly jumped in rough surf - fun!

Travel day - dropped F&Z at sailing ship (5 days). I got taxi, publico, and ferry to small Culebra Island.

Rented a car to drive to El Yunque NF, only rain forest in US system. For 12% average grade, trail to peak was very gradual throughout. Impressive vegetation, lots of frog and bird sounds. Rain most of way up, then some clearing with great views.

Then a short swim in Atlantic near Loquillo.

Hiking with Fran and then Zan too around the streets of Old San Juan. We visited old fort and wall El Moro and ate well! :)