Today, we decided to visit the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. It covers 28,000 acres of land . El Yunque has rain year-round so there isn’t a wet or dry season so we needed to dress accordingly. The El Yunque mountain peak is almost always covered in a mist and afternoon showers are common. The average rainfall is 240 inches year! So excited to visit this unique forest! It is jungle-like with verdant foliage , flowers , rivers and waterfalls. There are many hiking trails to choose from. One could hike La Minea trail to the La Minea Falls and then from there hike to Yunque Peak (elevation almost 3,500 ft) which takes about 4 1/2 hrs. and is described as “challenging”.
We decided we were not going to try putting ourselves to the test by climbing the mountain and opted to just hike to La Minea Falls. What a beautiful hike!
There’s something about being out in nature, breathing in the fresh air, using our muscles and enjoying being with two of my daughters that’s worth more than being at a day spa being lavished upon! Not that I’m opposed to being pampered but being out in God’s creation with loved ones is so much more fulfilling.
As we hiked along, we encountered many tourists from all over the world navigating the same trail and conversing with heavy accents. It’s always interesting to me how people from other countries have learned to speak English and yet Americans rarely know a second language. And I’m as guilty! I only spoke French until I was five or six years old and then when I was attending school in the U. S. the teacher told my parents they could only speak English at home so unfortunately I lost my French. They didn’t offer French in high school so I took German and hated it! Such a harsh language taught by a harsh teacher😓. No excuse, though. The French I do know helps when I’m on a dental mission trip in Haiti and I know some Spanish (more Spanglish) for my Spanish speaking patients in the U.S. Yet, dental terminology isn’t all I want know. Bucket list: learn French again😀
There are over 240 native plant species and interesting birds such as the Green Mango, woodpeckers and the Puerto Rican parrot. So blessed to be in this tropical wonderland!
While hiking, the inevitable rain pours down. We get pretty soaked but we laugh trying to hide under the giant leaves🤣
We slip and slide our way down the trail until we reach La Minea Falls. Wow!!!
The falls form a natural pool for swimming but that water is COLD!!
A few brave souls jumped in but after that rain shower we were not that hot to make the plunge😬
Before we leave, it’s time for some goofy fun pictures 🤣
**** next week, we travel to other parts of Puerto Rico to experience the various beaches and culture
Traveling Rose in St. John 