¡Vida verde!
El Yunque is the most spectacular mountain I have seen in my life. I have lived in mountains all of my life in West Virginia, yet they do not even compare to the massive expanse that sits in the middle of Puerto Rico. I have been staying on the beach just outside of Rio Grande for the last two weeks. Conveniently located across the street from the end of my road is Portal del Yunque. In less than 20 minutes, I go from a location that receives 1500mm of rain per year to the rainforest which receives 4000 mm yearly.
This forest is commonly known as El Yunque (Joon-Kay), which comes from a Spanish approximation of the aboriginal Taíno word yu-ke which means "white lands". It is obvious why they would call it that, you will almost always see giant white clouds resting on the top of the mountain. The highest mountain peak in the forest rises 3,494 feet (1,065 m) above sea level. As I was on my way to reach the top, I was halted by construction and unable to proceed. Luckily the entire national forest was not closed, but much of it was.
La Coca Falls
Where the road to the peak closed, I was able to park and walk just a few feet to view this magnificent waterfall. I have seen quite a few waterfalls in my time. This one may not be the biggest, but it is still pretty huge. I will say that it is the most beautiful one that I have seen. The vivid greens that surround the dark rocks provide a lovely contrast. Combine that with the sound of the water, the clarity of the high altitude air, and you have the recipe for solitude.
The view from the highest point I was able to reach was insane!
Angelito Hiking Trail
After I left the waterfall, I went towards the only hiking trail that I knew was open. On the way I stopped to see an area full of rocks and flowing water.
A few minutes later I arrived at Angelito. Parked my car, got out, then set off on the short hike.
I noticed that there was a sign that said the trail was partially closed, I went forth anyway due to the fact that I already drove all the way to it.
Almost immediately upon entering, I noticed lots of work in progress projects. Many tools were lying around.
Some work had already been completed, I guess this is why this trail was open unlike many of the others.
Instead of talking about it, I will show you more of what I saw on the trail.
Dead end, I came to the fallen bridge. It looks to be well on its way to being rebuilt.
The hike back was uphill, so it was a bit more strenuous. This was nothing compared to my kayaking experience the other night.
Thankfully I was wearing my favorite shoes, they are the best for hikes. It feels like you are barefoot, but you still get protection.
Beauty Remains
Despite the fact that there was catastrophic damage at El Yunque less than a year ago, it still stands tall. I would love to visit again one day when it is closer to 100%. For now I am happy that I was able to witness what was available. After all of this adventure I was ready to refuel, considering I had been fasting since the evening prior.
Check out what I feasted on afterwards. It was all locally sourced food!
Click the banner to visit my blog about the meal after the adventure.
@daltono
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The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim (עץ החיים) has upvoted you with divine emanations of G-ds creation itself ex nihilo. We reveal Light by transforming our Desire to Receive for Ourselves to a Desire to Receive for Others. I am part of the Curators Guild (Sephiroth), through which Ein Sof (The Infinite) reveals Itself!
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Such a peaceful looking place❤️ I have enjoyed your detailed posts and photography of Puerto Rico. Now I’m ready for Puerto Rico!
Boah, very nice place!
Indeed. I can’t wait to go back one day.
This is such a great post and I LOVE seeing all your photos!
Jungles are so wonderful, intruiging and rejuvenating for the soul :))))
I wrote a post about my time in the Cambodian jungle with the tribesmen and elephants: https://steemit.com/travel/@vibrantyogini/walking-with-tribe-and-elephants-in-the-cambodian-jungle-or-vibrant-yogini
Thank you! I love have you as an acquaintance here on this platform.
You have been to so many amazing places. I look forward to reading about Cambodia.
Acquaintance.. That's very formal. I prefer to call it Steemit friends 🙃
More like family 🤗
Love it! Are you Puerto Rican?? My family is from Manati. I remember visiting el yunque when I was a little girl.. beautiful! I've never lived P.R. but am interested in purchasing a home there sometime in the near future. I'm about to read your fruit blog! Are you vegan by any chance?
No I am not, I was just visiting for a few weeks. It was wonderful enough to call home though.
Yes I am! It was pretty great there, they have several vegan restaurants. Plus they are able to grow mostly everything locally.
Wow! I want to go to Puerto Rico!
Go for it!
It took me a couple of years to make the trip. But I finally succeeded.
OMG! Beautiful photos! 👍😊
Puerto Rico is a very beautiful island
Yes it really is beautiful.
It seems to get to the goal takes a bit of extra power, but after ssampai to the goal everything would be paid off with the mild nature and the beauty of the waterfalls. @daltono
The waterfall made everything worth it!
Thanx for visiting and sharing your story about puerto rico!!!
I am grateful for the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place such as Puerto Rico. I hope be back very soon. Next time for longer than 2 weeks.
Wonderful Photos bro ♡♧
Thank you! The scenery practically made the photos happen all on their own though. So beautiful there.
Wow, Good writing and the pictures, they look really amazing. You made an amazing content my dear friend. We sould connect and support each other by follow each other. I already upvoted you and following you, please think about that.Thanks and greeting from @chanthasam
I appreciate the love. That sounds great! I will check out your blog.
Well written story,with perfect photograph .
Thanks for sharing your experience here
I’m glad to have a community to share my experiences with!
Thanks for stopping by.
This post has received a 46.12 % upvote from @boomerang.
This post has received a 3.31 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @daltono.
This is long interesting, exciting and rewarding post of traveling in nature. The pictures and the writeup are great and do well to connect with @thegreens so that we can share our environmental adventures. Did you know Sunday 22nd April is Earth Day ? https://steemit.com/earthday/@thegreens/did-you-know-earth-day-is-on-sunday-april-22-endplasticpollution
What kind of paradise is that? Nature is great in great things, but it is great in small things.
Nature is great!