- Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com)
Date: 08-17-07 10:10

Thank you for the replies. I did some research and Marmont puts out a liner that can open up and used as a blanket or by itself as a very light sleeping bag. It is the "Trails" model. I'm thinking of bringing that plus a Thermarest mat for support and comfort.

Regarding the water: Everyone I spoke to on the island told me to drink bottled water. Jerry from Jerry's Jeeps, the management at Tamarindo Estates, which is where I was staying, and they even have they're own cistern. I spoke to one of the campground personnel and she said I should only drink bottled water. Maybe I should ask why.

For the first ten years of my life I lived in Cuba. I remember the house having a turbine that pumped well water to a tank on the roof which was connected to the house's plumbing. We also collected rain water in large tanks in the backyard. The point is that any water that was to be used for drinking or cooking no matter whether it was well or rain water we boiled before use. I also remember other people getting sick with parasites and it was explained to me that it was because of the water.

So now having those memories, hearing the advice of the locals, and now hearing R. Emmett's experience I feel torn as what to do. I've been backpacking on stretches of the Appalachian trail and relied on filtered from streams and lakes on near the trail. The main problem up here is Giardia and other parasites, maybe the tropics is much different.

R. Emmet: If you don't mind I have a question regarding water temperature. Do you also use a wet suit in the summer for prolonged snorkeling/swimming sessions? I'm wondering if the water temperature is a bit colder in the winter months. Here in New York beaches lifeguards will tell you the water is in the lower 70's which although uncomfortable at first, the body adapts. But snorkeling is a more passive activity that doesn't generate a lot of body heat.

Does anyone else have experience with either the water temperature or the drinking water? Also, I found out where to take publicos in San Juan that will take you to Fajardo for $6.

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