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The current weather in Culebra

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Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Sabina Makhdomi (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-09-06 16:38

We just spent 5 great days in Culebra and wanted to offer our info.
We stayed at Maritza's Guesthouse. She was very very nice, we loved her! The apt was clean with kitchenette, which proved essential for us. It's a bit removed from town (20 minute walk), in the airport area, but we didn't have problems getting around. I had a serious mosquito problem at Maritza's, even with repellent, but it seems that might be true everywhere.
We cooked everyday. Food on the island was not enticing for us--as vegetarians, options were VERY limited. The grocery stores were good enough (though lacking in produce)--we went to milka's, mayra's superette, and genesis.
We didn't rent any kind of transportation. We used the publicos (shared taxis), which cost $2/person to go to town or to Playas Flamenco/Carlos Rosario. We went to Playa Brava (surfer beach) 1 day and were charged $20 total (2 ppl, roundtrip), which maybe was overpriced but that driver gave us a free ride to the ferry when we left!
We bought snorkeling gear while we were there. We had never done it before and were totally amazed by what we saw. We had a great time snorkeling at Punta Melones, Carlos Rosario and the beach which comes before it on the path (Tamarindo?), and even saw great stuff at Flamenco.
In terms of getting there, we took the bus from San Juan to Rio Piedras and a publico from Rio Piedras to Fajardo. Then we took the cargo ferry from Fajardo to Culebra, which is 2 hours (as opposed to regular ferry ride's 1 hour), and my boyfriend did get kind of sick. But he had no problem on the 1 hour ferry going back.
Overall, we loved our trip. We loved seeing the roosters, the hens with their chicks while walking around the town; encountering lizards, the occasional snake, the little land crabs on the paths to the beaches; beautiful birds all around, and of course, the amazing sea life. We can't wait to go back. We may try the campgrounds at Flamenco when we do, so we can afford to stay longer.
Hope this info is helpful!

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   02-09-06 23:54

Wow, you actually saw a snake? As I recall the only indigenous species is some sort of tree boa. Where did you see it?

Doug

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.c3-0.nyw-ubr2.nyr-nyw.ny.cable.rcn)
Date:   02-10-06 09:18

I never encountered one; much less 'occasional'. Not only 'where did you see the snakes', but what kind?

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Sabina Makhdomi (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-10-06 12:56

We saw 3 snakes. I saw the back end of the first one slither off the path on the way to Playa Brava. I know nothing about snakes--all I know was it was darkish-colored, and I didn't see how long it was. The second--my boyfriend saw hanging in a small tree/bush on the path to Carlos Rosario, and it dropped to the grass and disappeared right after. It was brown and about 2 ft long. The third we both saw, and it was on the side of the path to Carlos Rosario (on the ground). It was black and maybe 3 ft long. It's funny, it didn't occur to me we'd see any snakes, and I scoffed at my boyfriend who was convinced that we would. Then when we actually did, I assumed they must be relatively common. Which now appears not to be the case! Strange :)

Sabina

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.c3-0.nyw-ubr2.nyr-nyw.ny.cable.rcn)
Date:   02-10-06 13:20

strange indeed. maybe the snakes are catching up with the island's name :)

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Isa (---.acambis.com)
Date:   02-10-06 13:31

I was in Culebra in January. We walked from town to Mt Resaca and then to playa Reseca (there is a trail in the forest), we saw lots 4 snakes + some dead snake skin. I think there are not poisonous but I don't know the name in english. Couleuvre in french and culebra in spanish...
Isa

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: lois street (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net)
Date:   02-10-06 15:16

Enough about snakes...just how bad were the mosquitoes? Were you able to be outside at Maritza's in the day time without being bothered? We just made reservations for June at Maritza's - sounds like a great place - and she sounded marvelous on the phone - very friendly and even nurturing!

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Sabina Makhdomi (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-10-06 15:36

The mosquitoes didn't come out during the daytime. But there were always a few floating around inside in the evening/nighttime, despite my genocidal efforts and my stuffing toilet paper in the edges of the somewhat loose screens. So for me, they were very bad. I got lots of bites, even with repeated application of repellent. But mosquitoes love me. My boyfriend only got bitten if he tried to go outside onto the patio area in the evening (which I never even attempted)--he wasn't bothered inside at all.
I have no idea how the mosquitoes are on other parts of the island. I seemed to only be bothered in the apt--I didn't really get bitten being out other places in the evening. So it seemed particularly bad at Maritza's to me...but then again, we hardly went out in the evening, maybe twice.
In any case, bring some mosquito repellent, benadryl, and hydrocortisone, just to be safe!
Sabina

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lisa Durfee (---.alb.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-11-06 20:24

I also *just* got back from Culebra on friday night. Must say I can not Wait to get back! This time I stayed with two friends at Mamacitas in their 3rd floor two room suite over the restaurant and canal. Lovely. The roosters woke us up way before 5 am however. The first day we walked all the way to Solodad Beach (3+ miles ?) which was deserted and fun to scour for shells (most beaches on Culebra are too sandy and pristine for finding cool shells). Second day we rented a jeep and went to Flamenco and swam, then hiked over the hill (25 minutes) for snorkeling at Rosario. I got hooked on snorkeling and decided to keep the equipment for the third day when we drove out to Zoni (not a trip for bikers!, rent a jeep! $60/day). This was my favorite beach because it had the coconut trees on the edge of the beach that you could hide from the sun under. The snorkeling was shallower there but I did see a sea turtle and the fish were in big schools. Friday morning before catching our plane out we went back to Flamenco for one last swim and I checked out the campgrounds. DEFINATLY going back for a longer more economical stay there with my boyfriend. I love this funky unspoiled island! I had no issues with mosquitos at all.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mymoosie (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-12-06 15:42

Thanks for the report. I'm making my list of snorkeling beaches and adding Zoni. Perfect for us who prefer shallow water snorkeling. We're renting a jeep so this is great.
May I ask which airline you took and how much was the airfare? I just heard back from Isla Nena and they are quoting me $160 P/P round trip + $12 P/P fuel free. That's a little too steep for us at this point! *sigh*
I'm considering the high-speed ferry to Culebra. Then I just need to figure out either one-way airfare back to SJ or take the ferry to Fajardo. Unfortunately the high speed ferry back to SJ's schedule will not work for our return trip.

Kris

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Lisa Durfee (---.alb.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-18-06 21:19

Hi Kris. From JFK to San Juan our flights were $200 round trip total with taxes, etc. The puddle jump from SJ to Culebra was 85$ each way. Next time I'd like to figure out a way to take the boat.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   02-19-06 06:32

If you look for Air Conditioned lodging you will not have mosquisotes.
I've been staying there for 23 years, and never had any problems with them.

Capt. J.Guzman

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mymoosie (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   02-19-06 09:45

Ok, I don't know how I missed the snake discussion on this thread. Someone please reassure me that we are not likely to see snakes! I have a major phobia of snakes and it is the only thing that will really freak me out. I can deal with all sorts of critters and insects, and wouldn't be fazed by a barracuda or probably even a shark. But snakes is a whole different story for me. (Hey, we all have one thing or another that bothers us!)

We will have a jeep, so don't plan on walking thru trails. I'm hoping this will reduce the chances of my encountering snakes.

Kris

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   02-19-06 11:50

Kris,

Again, Ive been told that the only indigenous snake is a small, very shy tree boa. I have been attempting to sight one for 12 years and have been unable to do so. I don't dispute Sabina's claim, but do wonder if it might be a case of mistaken identity. There are zillions of lizards and many marine iguanas whose tails might resemble the aft end of a snake, particularly the way the iguanas drape themselves over the mangrove branches.

How about you locals? Ever spot a wiggler?

Doug

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: april (---.static.bycy.mi.charter.com)
Date:   02-19-06 16:13

Hi Doug,
I'm not a local, but have been visiting the island for several years now.
I've seen one snake out at the campground (I'm a biologist, so I know a snake from a lizard) anyway, it was beautiful, maybe about 2-2 1/2 feet long, dark in color, I didn't get a very close look at it because someone near by me was asking me if I wanted him to kill it and in trying to explain to him that I like snakes and please leave it alone, it made a get away. Thinking back though, it definitely had a boa look about it. Hope you are able to see one. They are great to see.
April

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Sabina Makhdomi (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-19-06 20:03

Hmm who knew the snake mention would generate this discussion! I did worry it might scare people (Kris don't worry, I'm sure you won't see any snakes, I only saw them on the hiking paths), but as for if we really saw them or not...Doug, it's true, when I only saw the end of the snake, it could've been a lizard. That is in the realm of possibility. But the other 2, we saw the whole snake, all 2-3 feet.
About the mosquitos, we had air conditioning, but never turned it on since it wasn't too hot. So now I know to try to blast them away with cold air! Thanks!
Sabina

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Air fare from San Juan to Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: art (---.hsd1.ct.comcast.net)
Date:   02-21-06 21:37

We just booked flight with Flamenco Air. It leaves Isla Verde Airport (right next to Old San Juan). We are going over for the day (March 6th). It was $95 PP RT. They leave San Juan at 8 A.M. and there are return flights at 3;30 and 5;30. They have a great web site. A video that shows you the landing and take-off. Here's the link-http://www.airflamenco.net/ Good luck,have fun.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.89.32.206-smc-pa.hfc.comcastbusiness.net)
Date:   02-24-06 18:20

we've seen snakes from time to time - usually dead on the road. Rally nothing to fear.. they are small and harmless. I was more concerned when in '05 - my 13th trip I encountered for first ime ever - a scorpion. never knew they had them. It was tiny b ut looked menacing. Stuck it in a jar and walked it down the hill to release, since I did not know wjhat else to do with it.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ursula (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   02-25-06 13:16

We camped in Culebra in late January. Here's a little summary of our amazing on-the-budget experience.

If you fly (air flamenco at least) from San Juan to Culebra, flights from/to La Isla Verde airport are $95 each way, while flights from the main airport (sju) to Culebra were about $160 or $180 r/t vicinity. So to save money, fly out of the smaller airport. the cab from old san juan where we stayed the 1st night to the small airport was $15 with the tip...it's still saved us money. The views from the plane are unbeatable, and on the flight back, I even got to sit right next to the pilot, as there were 9 passangers, I got to wear the headphones, microphone, etc - one of the numerous highlights of the trip.

We camped for 5 nights and it was amazing....the ocean sounds like a waterfall at night...you can see tiny white crabs digging holes at night...also there's a turtle "bay" right behind the end of the campsite..camping really gives you a perspective on how used to we all are to our commodities...we improvised and in the process discovered many new ways to cook, and different things to cook (try grilled/baked apples - yum!, also try local fruits and vegetables, whatever's available at the store - yams, plaintains, etc)...we covered our grill with aluminum foil turning into an oven!...everything about camping was a blast. and yes, definitely have a tarp, or possibly 2 (the 2nd one to put underneath the tent, not only as protection from water leaks, but also as a form of padding)

We didn't have problems with mosquitoes (we found a citronella candle), however we did get bit in our feet/toes by small tiny ants, so make sure you have some kind of bug repellent to spray your feet and flip-flops with.

Transportationwise, we used mostly $2 public vans, its a great way to get around. We even called them on sunday and they would come and pick us up from wherever we were. We rented bikes ($20 for 24hrs) at the place by the dinghy dock, and biked all over the island (make sure you have water with you while bicycling). We actually made it to Zoni beach - on bikes!!!!! It was crazy, (we're crazy), lots of steep terrains, there were some areas where we literally had to walk the bikes up hill and downhill - that steep! - but we made it there and back from Flamenco Beach. Of course it helps that both of us are avid bikers here in NYC, so we got some training while riding over the "steep" incline on Brooklyn Bridge.

Also, we brought a disposable underwater cameras with us, and the photos came out perfectly fine!...just make sure you get it before you leave, as prices on everything on the island is marked up tremendously. and we can also recommend bodyboarding - we did it on board borrowed from other campers, but they're relatively cheap. overall, the whole camping community is very friendly and helpful, willing to lend you a hand with putting up your tarp, to lending you ropes, can openers, etc, or bodyboarding or snorkeling equipment...we loved the whole experience, and can't wait to go back.

-Ursula

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ursula (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   02-26-06 21:43

oops! i just realized i made a big mistake

in my previous post here i said that flights from La Isla Verde airport to Culebra are $95 each way, while in reality it's $95 ROUNDTRIP....but hopefully all of you realized that as well.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Arnold (---.ct.us.ibm.com)
Date:   02-27-06 15:16

I love this place, only spent the day but want to go back and spend more time. It seemed like such a great place. Looking for what people would describe as the best way to do the Island

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Banana (---.prtc.net)
Date:   03-05-06 10:28

Of course we have snakes in Culebra. I have seen many. (I get the impression they are shy and don't want to be 'found'). We also have mosquitos, lizards, iguanas, pelicans, fish and a couple shark left in the sea. Nothing to be afraid of really. Feel lucky to have encountered such magnificent creatures. Enjoy your stay.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JOHN SAJE (---.fm.shawcable.net)
Date:   03-06-06 09:54

And while you're enjoying the wildlife, try your experience with the locals at Happy Landings! Now, there's wildlife for ya!

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hari Ganapathy (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   03-17-07 15:15

is there a particular time of year when the mosquitos are far worse than another or is it like india, same year round?

Hari Ganapathy

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Marywho (---.prw.net)
Date:   03-18-07 07:35

My 2 cents on mosquitos and snakes:

Mosquitos: because this has been a very dry winter, mosquitos are actually at a low now. There is always a mosquito population here to some degree. Once they get inside and find dark corners to nest in they seem to thrive. If you live in a breezy location, you will be much better off. By the way, I control them inside by spraying Windex at them. They then fall to the ground, and you can smash them. This is far less toxic than all those bug poisons in cans.

Snakes; YES there are snakes here and they are harmless. There are no posionous ones. I even stepped on one as i walked on the wooden plank-path at Flamenco a few yrs ago ---boy did i screech when i looked down to see what caused that pinch on my ankle--yes it had BITTEN ME! But it didnt break the skin and he did it because i had stepped on him. He writhed away and i was none the worse. The snakes here want NOTHING to do with you, so don't worry...

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: LA_FadeAway (---.biz.mindspring.com)
Date:   03-27-07 18:38

Thanks for that Mary, I think I would have soiled myself whether that snake drew blood or not, lol!

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   04-01-07 18:36

Some friends encountered a snake in a D area campground toilet in Jan. the snake was small & didn't want to go back outside. Last year I bludgeoned a scorpian inside my tent; this year I kept the tent zipped up except for in/egress. No problem with critters inside tent this year.

Owlihoot2

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   04-02-07 03:21

I saw a snake on Zoni once, but I was poking around into the tree (scrub) line.

there were a lot of discarded clothes and fallen cocoanuts washed up and that creeped me more. (not the cocoanuts)

Hey Emmett, we used to get scorpions in the Midwest and I remember a longtime neighbor saying she preferred that sting over a wasp. 'course I 'spose they vary from place to place.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: julia Huff (199.198.220.---)
Date:   04-02-07 10:37

Guys, be careful with Air Flamenco...they have a habit of dropping people off in Farjado, and then go San Juan, which doubles the travel time. we were almost late for the flight

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   04-02-07 11:04

Given the inefficiency and long lines at SJU, you should allow several hours leeway for this. One reason for this is the fact that the commuter hops are sometimes delayed ( I have to admit, they have been surprisingly prompt for the past couple years - better than AA). My practice has been to fly to Isla Grande with 3-5 hours before takeoff to the states. If I arrive way early, I head to La Playita, a favorite open-air bar and grill 5 minutes from SJU and enjoy a burger and a Presidente. When it gets down to 2 hours, I grab a cab to the airport.

Doug

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: julia Huff (199.198.220.---)
Date:   04-02-07 11:14

Dong, we had enoguh time, if we did not end up in Farjado. The pilot was dropping his friends off and the whole plane had to wait for them and waste our time.

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   04-02-07 18:55

In all of my 15-20 or so flights with Air Flamenco, I have never had that happen to me. Very curious.

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.gwi.NET)
Date:   04-02-07 22:59

Funny, I took an Air Flamenco flight last week that landed 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Julia Huff ... you need to find a place to vacation that fits your personality. Culebra is not a place that operates on a schedule. That is the beauty of it, not a source of frustration.

If there is anybody reading these message boards that gets stressed when things aren't perfect, when things don't go as advertised ... please don't come to Culebra. You won't like it.

Almost ten years ago, on my very first day EVER on Culebra, I went from the beach to grab some sandwiches at the bakery at the airport. I approached the counter and started to order but was interrupted by the kid waiting on me who said, "sorry the kitchen closes at 1 pm". Hungry but without a watch I asked him what time it was, as I had obviously lost track of the day. He replied with a smile: "12:15".

If that will bug you, don't bother with Culebra.

If you hear that and will smile and grab a bag of pork rinds for your lunch ... welcome. You'll love it.

Frank

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   04-03-07 12:53

Julia,

If you'll read my post, I've made a pretty good suggestion that allows for the possibility of a delay like you described. I have had several flights to and from Culebra where we took a short detour to either Vieques or Fajardo. In these cases, the stop was for a maximum of 10 minutes, adding maybe 15 minutes to my journey.

I've also found myself with no flight at all to my destination due to not enough passengers. I think that sometimes a couple flights are combined so that folks don't get burned by a cancellation. If the airline accomodated your desire to get to Culebra by allowing you on a flight scheduled for Vieques, rather than stranding you, you would probably be ecstatic.

The beauty of this forum is the knowledge you can absorb from 'veterans' to help you change your paradigm regarding domestic air travel. My first trip was fraught with little disasters and near-misses like yours. Over the years, I developed work-arounds that make the idiosynchrosies minimally troublesome. And thanks to the wonders of the internet, all my tips are yours to use, no charge! ;-)

As others have mentioned, Culebra cannot be fully appreciated until the apprehensions of workaday, timeclock, stresspuppy, slave-to-details are left behind. With the info from this and other websites, this is easy. But ya' gotta believe us!

Doug

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   04-03-07 13:08

I like this note about paradigm shift Doug. This past trip when Zoriada's cab didn't show, we hopped into a van and zoomed off to the ferry. I had planned to hire a taxi in the early am Culebra departure to drive me/heavy gear from campsite to airport when a new friend offered to come get me. Last year a new friend took me along to white beach and up the scratchy path to the top of the hill behind the palm trees. .. 2 things I'd not planned to do. Oh the posibilities...Whee!

Owlihoot2

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Re: Just got back from Culebra: trip summary
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   04-03-07 15:40

Kris,

the island is absolutely riddled with snakes, they're EVERYWHERE! they crawl up through the toilet or drop down from the trees into your hair. I found one once in my luggage in San Juan on my way home and the USDA accused me of illegal animal importing.

sorry. </stupid jokes>

the one I saw was way back in the trees and it was shady with a lot of fallen fronds so it's hard to judge exact size, but I'd say about 2-3 feet and darkish brown. it scrambled to get away from me and I was no closer than 6-8 feet away.

personally I'd be more worried about stepping on a sea urchin.

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