Puerto Rico Day 5~ El Yunque & Bio Bay Kayaking

Day 5 was a trip to El Yunque National Forest.

We knew before booking our trip that this area had been hit pretty hard by Maria, so we were prepared to not be able to see all/much of it.

We were pretty happy when we learned that a few of the lower roads were cleared and open allowing us to access just a small part of the forest.

We stopped for a look at La Coca Falls. Beyond that the roads were still closed.

El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system, and although not very big, it is one of the most biologically diverse.

We took the Angelito Trail that leads to Las Damas pool in the Mameyes River.

Emm didn't waist any time getting in the water ... she never does!

It was absolutely gorgeous .. and green:)

The groves of bamboo trees were so beautiful {despite human ignorance}

The crystal clear made it easy to see the native fish.

Bay contemplates the rope swing

Bailee is our bravest when it comes to water. 

When we got back to Luquillo we went in search for dinner. On our walk along the beach a couple of nights before we had seen a food truck that looked interesting.

Artwork along the way

Bistro Del Mar is a food truck with a permanent set up ... booths for seating and all;)

I had Arepas and I thought they were the best thing I had eaten so far. I had wished afterward that we had added a stuffed avocado to our meal ... they sounded delish! 

Everyone liked their food. It's always so hard to know .. there is a lot of just hoping for the best. That's part of the fun;)

Later that night we headed to Fajardo for our much anticipated Bio Bay Kayak Tour.  With only five of these in the world, it's pretty much a once in a lifetime experience.

We did the 8:15 tour, which ended up being more like 8:45 waiting for the other group to get back. Unfortunately, because it was so dark it was difficult to get any good photos (**all of the photos below are courtesy of the company website;) This bioluminescent bay is part of a nature reserve.We kayaked through a mangrove channel before getting to Laguna Grande. 
It really felt like we were entering a whole new world.


Once in the Bay we all connected Kayaks for a little education from our guide (my new friend Robert?) Because we had an odd number, I got to ride with the guide. It was great on one hand, but he wouldn't let me do any work so I was just cruising along in the front of the kayak like a queen (which I didn't care for)

I don't fully understand the science of it all, but essentially tiny organisms make the water glow at night. 

Most of the pictures you see online are totally fabricated/edited. In fact, it is almost impossible to capture the glow with a regular camera (they actually discourage you from even bringing one). Ours turned out black. This is pretty close to what it was like.

It was a pretty awesome experience. A day filled with natural wonders!