Look how they keep the beat Why they’re as blue as the ocean How the sun shines down How their feet hardly touch the ground – randy newman

"Vieques (English pronunciation: vee-AY-kayz or -kez), in full Isla de Vieques, lies about 10 miles to the east of the Puerto Rican mainland, and measures approximately 21 miles long by 3 miles wide. It has a population of about 10,000. Its two towns are the administrative centre Isabel Segunda (sometimes written Isabel II) on the northern side of the island, and Esperanza on the south.

The island’s name is a Spanish spelling of a Native American word meaning "small island". It also has the nickname "Isla Nena", usually translated from the Spanish as "Little girl island". Its natives are known as "Viequenses". During the colonial period the British name was "Crab Island".

Vieques is best known internationally as the site of a series of protests against the US Navy’s use of the island as a bombing range and weapons testing ground, which eventually led to the Navy’s departure in 2003." – Wikipedia

On March 16th of this year Jose Cedeño, Steve Mueller, Peter Hawk and Greg Breining took a few days to circumnavigate Vieques. Jose works with the Caribe Environmental Services in Caguas, PR. Peter, Steve & Greg are from Minnesota. Peter & Steve are with the Tails & Waterways program of the MN Department of Natural Resources. Greg Breining is the Author of "Wild Shore" a book about his kayak trip around Lake Superior as well as the official canoe route guide for the state of Minnesota. Pretty impressive group!

Jose who has paddled most of the Puerto Rican coast at one time or another tells me that there are really few places in Puerto Rico these days where you can experience the kind of remoteness you can find along the eastern shore of Vieques. I can’t wait to see it myself!

* Photos provided by Jose Cedeño. Used by permission. Thank you!

Related Posts:

1. Vieques In Time
2. From Taino – Wrap Up – CTA
3. 11am – No Sign of Hadas
4. 44
5. 2nd Annual Deception Pass Dash