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The current weather in Culebra

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Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jenny K (---.clvdoh.adelphia.net)
Date:   01-13-06 23:24

I have just spent quite a long time reading about Culebra trying to picture how it has changed since I was there for my honeymoon in 1981!

We stayed at the Villa Boheme. There was a grocery within walking distance where food arrived once a week. If there was something really special you wanted, you went the day the ferry brought food.

Water was at a premium so we drank lots of beer. Russ and Janie Malik owned the VB. Janie did our laundry whenever the water supply was best. She collected water from the roof and added drops of bleach. She even advised us when we should shower.

The VB loaned us an old military jeep to get to Flamenco Beach. My husband and I were the only people on the beach almost every time we went. I recall black bulls between where we parked and the beach. There was also an old tank on the beach. Is that still there?

I remember eating at a very small crowded restaurant that was only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The food was great.

When we were there, I think there were only about 3 places to stay. I recall very basic homes with beautiful ornate doors.

One last memory: one day our jeep ran out of gas at Flamenco Beach. My husband and I had to walk in our bare feet on a road partially paved and very hot to walk on. We even had to walk around a cow laying in the road. When we finally got somewhere, maybe near the airport, we bought cold canned drinks so we could roll the cans on the bottoms of our burned feet.

Overall, we have terrific memories of Culebra. I'd hate to see it get too developed, but it needed some sanitation improvements. We went in December and it rained alot during our two week stay. We'd be walking along the beach and find orange peels and other things that had washed down from their trash dump.

It was so neat to see people riding horses bareback on the beach. I don't recall an island of SUVs or even taxis. We flew Flamenco Airlines from San Juan, and Villa Boheme came to get us.

Maybe someday we can get back there before it's overdeveloped.

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.c3-0.nyw-ubr2.nyr-nyw.ny.cable.rcn)
Date:   01-14-06 09:53

Yup, that's what it was like :) - even into the 90's.

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jenny K (---.clvdoh.adelphia.net)
Date:   01-14-06 11:02

Michael, didn't Culebra get hit by a hurricane several years ago? I remember trying to check on Villa Boheme and learning there was a new owner at that time.

Jenny

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.c3-0.nyw-ubr2.nyr-nyw.ny.cable.rcn)
Date:   01-14-06 18:42

are you referrring to Hugo in 89?

VB then belonged to Renee

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jenny K (---.clvdoh.adelphia.net)
Date:   01-14-06 21:19

I don't remember what hurricane it was. The owners when we were there were actually from Maine, and had a young girl about 8 years old.

When we stayed at VB, it was quite basic. The bed consisted of a foam pad on a plywood base. It wasn't quite camping, but close!

We had a little dock outside of our kitchen. If we stomped on it, about 100 little fish would jump in the air. We could lift rocks right on the edge of the bay and find baby lobsters. On the other dock, we could spot blowfish and starfish.

Some German docs were also staying there. They brought us a grouper to grill for our dinner from their daily fishing expedition.

What great memories.

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Banana (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-21-06 10:39

Hugo remodeled Culebra. It's part of the time line "was that before or after Hugo" You may also still find fruit remains on the beach, but they are usually dumped by passing cruise ships.(although the dump IS full) You will also find a wall on one of the access roads to Flamenco, and many more scars in the landscape than necessary. Unfortunately, these kinds of developments are going to ruin that magnificent blue water we have all come to love. On your next trip to Culebra, stop in and have a chat with our current mayor. I always hear tourists unhappy with these resort develpments, and the irony is, these develpments are for them/you! Don't be afraid to speak up!

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jenny K (---.clvdoh.adelphia.net)
Date:   01-21-06 10:50

We loved the island BECAUSE it was undeveloped. Those kind of places are hard to find nowadays.

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Rob Tison (---.sub-70-203-3.myvzw.com)
Date:   01-22-06 20:18

Hey yeah I was there last year and the tank was there, an old WWII sherman, actually there are 2 or 3 there. I am going to Culebra next week and me and my son Guthrie will be looking for them again...
Happy trails, Rob

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Re: Old Times in Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jenny K (---.clvdoh.adelphia.net)
Date:   01-22-06 21:10

Rob,
Thanks for answering that question about the tank(s). I heard that lots of other things were dumped in the ocean when the Navy pulled out.

Have a great trip with your son!

Jenny

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