Now when you see signs like this you certainly come to realize that a 2 foot tidal variance does not tell the whole story of Puerto Rican waters. Then in addition to the wild surf on the north west coast, and the rumors of wicked currents just west of San Juan, there are those stories I’ve been hearing about a giant whirlpool that sits just off one of the small islands that dot the southern coast. Oh and did I mention that just north of the island, about 70 miles or so the sea floor dives to an incredible 27, 560 feet to the bottom of the deepest ocean trench in the Atlantic. Yeah, tropical beaches and svelte women in bikinis are everywhere. But that doesn’t give you a lot of consolation if you’re a half mile out into the sea.

Then there is the medical preparation. On Monday I go see a specialist to help me work on these blasted ear infections I get by just looking at water. Yeah, I know all the remedies but they don’t work all the time and that’s why the specialist. Then on Wednesday I run to Madison to see the Travel Doc who wanted to be sure to tell me not to eat the fish. (I don’t anyway). Apparently she’s got a nice round of shots for me along with some other fun meds to have along the way. I have to keep reminding myself I’m going to a populated island and not the heart of deepest Africa. Nothing against Africa either. In fact, I’d like to go to the heart of deepest Africa.

Then there are the folks who are constantly telling me about the crime and physical dangers in Puerto Rico. Yet to talk to my many friends there I hear that PR is like any place else. Crime, drugs, assaults, etc., are rampant in urban areas. Tourist Beaches are of course an easy target. Oh, and then there’s the bit about wild dogs. . . . Oh man!

Thing is, I’m sure there will be challenges. If I feared them, I’d stay here and paddle around my little lake. I’m also not really shaken by our distant views of other places or cultures. I don’t expect to see a Walgreen’s on every corner. (Although in PR there might be. . ) But I’ve assembled a good team. Over the months of planning they have become my friends. In many ways the trip feels like visiting family these days. They are proud of their home and want me to see the beauty in it. They will do everything they can to keep Taino and I safe along the way. Even the skies are being watched locally and by our Friend Karel the Weather guru. Does that make us safe? No. But it does mean we have as much as we can have in our corner. We’re not foolish, we will not take unnecessary risks. Yet, on the other hand mitigated risk, is what life is all about. We always face risk in our lives, but that should never stop us from from seeking, experiencing, and learning about life.

* photo by Yvonne R. Le Guillou