If you haven’t read part 1 or part 2 yet, you might want to do that now. Go ahead, it won’t take that long.
During our time in Puerto Rico, L and I had time to relax and catch up over frosty and festive adult beverages on a daily basis. It had been a long while since we had been able to do that, however. As I mentioned in part 1, we have been friends for many years and share a lot of history. We once traveled all over the US as contract telecom installers, living out of hotels and carrying massive toolboxes…but that is a story for another post.
Anyway, we live in the same general area, but don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like these days, due to busy work schedules and lives. It was so good to spend some quality time together and get current on recent events. We also spent a lot of time reminiscing about other times when G was able to be with us, and missing her on this trip. We have both had our share of times when family had to come first, and we took on the caretaker role, so we completely understood and wished her strength, love and courage to support her family.
On this final full day of our getaway, we were set for an early shuttle pick up at 8 AM. Back to Fajardo we went, as Fajardo is a center of boating activities in Puerto Rico. We were to spend the day cruising, snorkeling, and picnicking on a 54’ catamaran called Traveler. It was a colorful crowd on our boat, and everyone appeared ready to have some fun in the sun. And there was shade for those who preferred it, as well.
Photos from the sail out to Icacos Island:
Leaving the marina in Fajardo
Passing a hillside resort with a funicular!
A distant lighthouse
Our first snorkeling site. Lots of boats, lots of snorkelers.
Incredibly blue-green water
At this site, we were given a quick briefing on snorkeling, asked to use the buddy system, and let loose. They did point us in a general direction of the reef. Sadly, this was the worst example of the ravages of tourism on natural resources that we had seen since arriving in Puerto Rico. The reef looked gray and lifeless, and fish were a rare sight. We snorkeled for 30 or so minutes, floated in the gorgeous water a little longer, then returned to the boat.
The Traveler did put out a nice spread for lunch after our snorkel. I was fascinated by the woman on the crew who looked “grandmotherly” and treated both crew and customers as if she were. In talking to her, the world got a little smaller, because it turned out she had spent years in Florida near where L and I grew up. When her kids were out on their own, she decided to move to Puerto Rico and start a new life on the sea. I admired her for following her dream, and living life on her own terms!
After lunch, we moved to the second snorkeling site.
Looking down into the water from the boat
Traveler’s Captain Paco
The second snorkel site
Traveler’s carved rudder handle
After everyone finished their snorkeling at the second site, which was sadly just as disappointing, the crew broke out the rum drinks. L and I grabbed life vests, our rum drinks and back into the water we went. There is nothing like floating in sparkling blue-green water with a festive beverage! We knew G would have loved this part…beach baby that she is.
Getting ready to dock
In the end, it was a low-key day that capped off a relaxing yet exciting trip to Puerto Rico, for me and my long-time friend. It was a time to just enjoy each other’s company and reflect on friendship, family, lives well lived, and adventures to come. And we had G with us in spirit.
PS:
Within two months of this trip, our dear friend G lost both her favorite Aunt and her Father. Though she was sad not to have been able to make the trip, she has the memories of being with her family when they needed her most, and I hope that those memories can continue to bring her comfort for many years to come.
And when she’s ready, an EPIC girls’ getaway is in order!
curvyroads 
Looks lovely although sad about the reef. Reminds me of the water by Pataya in Thailand. How sad to read about G’s family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shelley, yes sad, but we will be there for her and hope to get her out and about soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynne, sounds like a wonderful trip, even if a bit bittersweet. So sorry to hear of your friends loss. I agree, an epic getaway for the three of you is in order! I was able to touch base with my oldest, dearest friend when we had to go back to CT in July. It was wonderful catching up with her. Conversation flowed as if we had seen each other just yesterday. There’s something so soothing about being with a woman friend who knows all your deep dark secrets and loves you anyway. 🙂 Puerto Rico, even with the loss of vibrant reefs, looks gorgeous! Your pics are amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind words! And, Wendy, I couldn’t have said it better myself! It was great, and will be even greater when we can get G off on some adventure when she’s ready. 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos and what a wonderful trip. Hopefully you 3 can get together in the near future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lynn! I consider your compliment of the highest order, given your wonderful photos!
LikeLike
Can’t wait to read all about the EPIC get away.
Will definitely meet up in 2016, Queeny’s already got her bags packed. Keep you posted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 RD, I am looking forward to 2016 already, as well. Can’t wait to meet your Queen and you both.
LikeLike
I KNOOWW squeeeeee…hang on, did I just say that out loud?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry to hear of G’s losses. I’m sure she is happy with her decision to have stated back, and I hope that gives her peace.
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nancy. I hope so too.
LikeLike
I like your new look! And this story has been making me jones for a sunny getaway – the one downside of living abroad is that most of my travel budget/time goes on trips home, and lying out in my parents’ garden in London isn’t exactly a beach holiday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Claire, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Yes, there is something to be said for sunny! I am glad you were inspired and hope that you get there soon!
LikeLike
Oh it looks gorgeous! I’ve been snorkeling off the coast of Kenya but was mildly distracted the entire time by the fact that I don’t actually know how to swim. Totally forgot that was necessary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are hilarious, girl! It was beautiful there and they had floaties, aka life vests!
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] September: This month started out with a great Labor Day weekend full of friends, music, good food and wine! Then I became reflective with this post about a Saturday solo ride, when I realized the gratitude I have for my passion, and ruminated on the changes life brings. And, finally, I published a series of blog posts about my Girls’ getaway trip in May to Puerto Rico: A girls’ getaway part 1, Part 2, and The Conclusion. […]
LikeLike