El Yunque Rainforest (Puerto Rico, 14th August)

Hello, 

Today we went to El Yunque rainforest. I had never been to a rainforest before so it was a new experience. I was quite excited at the prospect of hiking through the unknown, it felt like a bit of an adventure- something I feel all life needs now and again. 

Unfortunately I was a muppet and didn't bring an adaptor to plug the SD card from my camera into my laptop, so I can't use those photos... Luckily I have managed to get some stunning photos from my Dad and Debbie so this post won't have to go photoless. 

On the way up to our chosen trail we stopped at 'Coca Falls Viewing Area' and had a look at them. We also stopped at a viewing tower you could climb. 

Taken at the base of the viewing tower

We climbed the 98 steps (we didn't count them, we just took their word that there were 98!) for the stunning view.

Dad took some panoramic shots:

We drove on up to Big Tree Trailhead and La Mina Falls. 

The hike to the waterfall took about 40 minutes and was largely downhill, meaning the way back was largely uphill... It did seem much quicker on the way back though. The trail was very windy, often with a steep drop immediately next to the path. 

The path

We made it to the falls, along with plenty of other people who were brave enough to go for a dip... 

There was quite a deep pool at the base of the fall where people were doing bombs and jumping in. 

Once we'd make it back to the start of the trail Liv and I had a freshly made lemonade. It had sliced lemon floating in it. I took a cool photo of it, but it's on my camera...

We then took a drive to Fajardo, but the GPS had a moment of weakness and took us to completely the wrong place. After driving around a while trying to find where we originally wanted to go, we called it a day and stopped at a Wendy's for dinner :). I had a guacamole spicy chicken sandwich, it was really tasty. I'd definitely order it again if we go to Wendy's again before we go back to the UK.

We drove back to the hotel where I promptly snuggled into bed- this exercise thing is tiring! 

Dad, Liv and I walked down to the CVS on the corner to pick up some snacks and now we're just watching the second instalment of the Star Wars franchise. Yoda's just appeared on the scene, I think I'd quite like a pet Yoda! He's rather cute in a green and hairy way...

Anyway, it's time for me to go, it's getting dramatic and I don't want to miss something important.

Today, the Big Wide World has taught me: Slightly cheating, I already knew this, so it's really what 'the Big Wide World has reminded me'- and it's this- there are so many incredible places around the world, so many I'd love to see, there's so much out there and I should take every opportunity that allows me to see new parts of it. I think one of my greatest regrets would be not seeing enough of this planet.

Be back soon I will,

L
xxx

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