I had fully intended to be sharing my Puerto Rico trip with you while I was on this beautiful archipelago Island, 980 miles away from the Mainland. When I last wrote I included Five Tips for Creating a Playful Life, well I think that is exactly what we did while we were in Puerto Rico! I really did take my computer, plugged it in and then I never even turned it on! How is that for unplugging from the world, (it did feel so good) well except for Instagram where I did share much of our exploring, visiting, and time well spent with my family and Island living.So, welcome to a little Island joy today where I am sharing part one of my trip with Ocean fun and some traveling tips to the Island of Enchantment.
The island of Puerto Rico is not very big, it is approximately 100 miles long and 35 miles wide.On the North side of the Island is the Atlantic Ocean and to the East shore is the Caribbean.The North side of the Island has stronger currents and the the East is calmer.Puerto Rico is close to the deepest submarine depression in the North Atlantic Ocean.The Puerto Rico Trench with depths exceeding 8,300 meters.
Travel by Ferry
I fully believe that when one travels to an island one simply must travel to nearby shorelines via a ferry. For me this is how I get a true feel for the sea without being in it and also a sense of what the Island is all about.We took two ferry rides one to Old San Juan and one to Gilligan's Island.So let's begin with the Ferry Ride to Gilligan's Island, which naturally has been nicknamed after the popular TV show.Cayo Aurora, is the cay's formal name. It is a mile off the coast of Guanica on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. This is also on the Caribbean side of the Island where the waters are calmer and turquoise. Meet my fellow travel partner and grandson Wyatt. His Mother and sister are of course traveling with us and are on the other side of the boat. You might just notice the knot and scab on his forehead... Wyatt was riding his scooter and toppled over right in front of my eyes.Of course I was watching the children that particular afternoon when the accident happened.Well, being a Grandmother this is one thing that you do not want to happen, especially upon your first few days of arrival!But we got all of the injuries out of the way at the beginning of my visit and no hard feelings were harbored either.
Explore a Mangrove Lagoon
Naturally you cannot travel this distance and miss the Mangroves, you must explore a Mangrove lagoon. These channels provide homes for Iguanas, fish, birds, and various sea creatures, they are like an intriguing labyrinth of discovery and adventure.There are nine protected Mangrove areas on the Island of Puerto Rico.I am not certain if the one along the edge of Gilligan's Island is one of them, but we all enjoyed this Magical Mangrove.The tide was out on our visit here and gave us great access for exploration and swimming.Wear Sunblock, Be Happy & Don't Worry
This is my granddaughter Avery and she is the best little traveler. We lathered her in sunblock and she still tans so beautifully and too easily. Most definitely a Coppertone baby.
Puerto Rico is pretty close to the Equator (1277 miles) Texas (7942 miles) and the sun is shining brightly at 5:30 a.m.
Forget your Hairstyle & Bring Your Teddy
Puerto Rico falls in the tropical climate zone and there is no way you can keep your curls in place.
Oh, and even Teddy deserves a trip to the beach, in the sand and ocean too.
(Wouldn't you agree....)
Quiet water, quiet times with baby and Mimi.
Sea Glass
Searching for sea glass is great fun and when you gather up enough of the muliti colored and tumbled glass you can even make
sea-glass jewelry .
We traveled to Old San Juan twice while I was visiting, however on this particular day we combed the beach at San Juan Antiguo-Puerta De Tierra for sea glass.
It is a mesmerizing and relaxing project.
A great way to sift through the sand in search of sea glass is to use colanders.
Always wear a Hat
Protect you eyes, hair and face from the intense sun.
I will be sharing a few more posts on Puerto Rico which will include a little shopping, some of the History, Churches, and some hands on crafts that Amanda did using natural finds from the Island.
I can't wait to show how to make your own sea grape leaf coaster!
Thank you sweet family for making this Mimi feel so loved and I might add young!
Of course Ponce De Leon is buried on this Island of enchantment and you do know he had inside information on the fountain of youth!
Thanks for joining me!
xo
Looks like a fabulous trip. I've never been there but it looks like my kind of place. Your family is positively gorgeous - they should be on the cover of a magazine. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie it was just what my heart needed!
DeleteWelcome back Jemma! So glad you enjoyed your vacay with your lovely family. Puerto Rico is a gorgeous island, with so much to see and do. Sounds like your family is loving their life there.
ReplyDeletexxx
Thank you Doreen, I loved every single moment of it!
DeleteJemma it looks like you had a fabulous vacation with your sweet family. What a great place to unwind and connect with the beauty of nature. Have a wonderful new week ahead.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
Yes Kris, it was truly a beautiful and special time spent with them. As I wrote this post I treasured it all over again.
DeleteThank you!
This looks amazing and can tell you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteOh I did, I did!!
DeleteIt looks like a beautiful paradise to visit! You took some great pictures and I enjoyed reading about it all. Beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz, it was just so sweet and magical!
DeleteYour photos are just beautiful, Jemma! I had no idea that's where Gilligan's Island was. Actually I never thought about that being a real place. :) I know you had the most wonderful time. :)
ReplyDeleteI did have the most wonderful time ever!
DeleteLoving all that blue water and what an awesome vacation with your family. Ferry boat rides is defiantly a great to connect with such wonder, I find the ocean or any body of water to be rejuvenating and the scent is simply the best. You'll have to tell me more about the fountain of youth..
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Carole
That blue water, sun, and wind does something to a gal's soul. Most therapeutic and rejuvenating. So much so I didn't mind too terribly putting on a swim suit!
DeleteGood morning Jemma! What a wonderful trip! It all looks so beautiful too. Your family is adorable- I know you completely loved your visit with them. It sounds so relaxing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, yes so very beautiful! Loved the dynamics of the two oceans too. The Atlantic so fierce and powerful and the Caribbean so gentle and calming.
DeleteWhat a great trip for you, Jemma! Your family looks quite content to be there (love Avery with her teddy bear in the water!). There is nothing like the calm waters of the Caribbean, and it seems you captured the spirit quite well. Happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rita! It was awesome!
DeleteLove the post on the trip! Looks like you had a ball and the kiddos are so darn cute. I was just wondering while looking at your instagram, "When is she going to do a post? LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy P.S Years ago we went on a cruise to the Bahama's and went to Gilligan's Island.
ReplyDeleteI can't quite believe that I didn't miss my silly old computer. Then I came home and still didn't miss her. I definitely need to kick up my game!
DeleteLoved this trip:)
Awesome post! Your trip looks fabulous! I have been to Puerto Rico & it is very beautiful. Does my heart good to see your daughter & family! ❤❤
ReplyDeleteYes my friend it was a fabulous Trip. It did my heart good too! xo
DeleteJemma, what a wonderful trip you had! Puerto Rico is lovely, and look at the blue-green waters! The weather looks perfect too, and it looks like the kids are having fun on the beach. Love the pictures of the little ones, especially your grandbaby. She looks like a cute little strawberry in her bathing suit. Such a grand trip, and special moments, Jemma.
Deletelove, ~Sheri
The waters were amazing on each side of the Island. Turbulent and enthralling on the Atlantic side while quiet and mesmerizing on the Caribbean side. Of course these little grands were the icing on the cake!
DeleteDelightful post, Jemma. Puerto Rico is beautiful and I enjoyed the facts about the island. I can see why you didn't open your computer. Enjoying every moment with your family was important. I love seeing your pictures of the entire family. Yes, seeing them through your eyes warmed my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie, as a Mom/Grandmother you know the depth of joy these type of trips create in ones heart. Memories for the rest of my life were made here with my loves.
DeleteJemma, I know you treasured this time with your family and those precious Grands ;) So happy for you! Your photos are just beautiful! My grandson is coming to visit in 16 days! I'll have him for 2 weeks and I also plan to unplug and play, play, play!
ReplyDeleteOh that water is so inviting! My husband loves Puerto Rico and I have never been there. I think a trip there is in the future sometime. I would want our trip to be like yours....relaxing and just taking it all in.
ReplyDeleteHi Jemma, What an amazing time with your beautiful sweet family in such a special place on earth. Love your photos. I know you hold close your special time visiting. Thank you for sharing your relaxing beautiful trip with us. Welcome back sweet friend. xo
ReplyDeleteOh, how beautiful! Both the photos of the lovely scenery and your dear family! I am so thankful you had such a wonderful time, sweet friend. :) You certainly deserve it! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJemma, your photos are just beautiful, and of course, your family! What a great trip and I know you enjoyed it so much. We went to Puerto Rico many years ago and visited old San Juan, don't remember much about it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how beautiful is Puerto Rico! Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I'm sure you miss your family very much. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous my friend. That water.....WOW!!!!!!!!! And did you have arroz con gandules, pénil, and lots of fabulous fruits????
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
Gorgeous family in a gorgeous place. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. I know you loved every minute (well except the one with the scooter...)
ReplyDeleteI honeymooned in Puerto Rico, we stayed off the beaten path and it was absolutely fabulous. Glad you were able to enjoy some time with your family!!
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful pictures, you and your daughter are beautiful. What a nice family your daughter has.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place Jemma. I'm happy to hear that you were able to unplug and just enjoy the scenery and your family. That little grandbaby is just adorable!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! And good for you, not being locked to the blog on vacation. It looks like you were doing exactly what you wanted and needed to do -- hang with family, enjoy the water, the sun, the sand and the beauty!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful time...never thought to bring a sifter/colander to sift through the shells and sea glass...
ReplyDelete