After a very competitive game night to end Day 5, everyone was ready to sleep in a little on Day 6. The electricity was restored around 4am and the hum of the generator was replaced by Little Keith Schmidt (the rooster) crowing his good morning “cockadoodledo” at dawn.
After rousing the kids and eating breakfast, Moose began mentally preparing everyone for the day’s adventure. Mental prep was needed since it would be physically challenging, overwhelmingly fun, a lot of narrow and winding roads through the mountains, and also include yet another stop at a Puerto Rican Walmart. The destination was Charco Frio and Las Tinajas Waterfall. The Walmart stop was needed to stock up on water and snacks and last minute bathroom breaks because there would be none of those at our destination. One additional note. Bobcat has refused to step foot in any of the Walmarts, which is understandable, but he’s not boycotting Walmart. He just sits in the car and texts everyone what he needs so he doesn’t have to go in. “Get the good cherries” or “Shday Keith, don’t forget the bitters,” etc.
The drive deep into the rainforest took about an hour but we all arrived safely at Charco Frio. The parking situation was interesting. Cars were trying to get in and out at the same time but the “road” was barely wide enough for one car. There was some creative driving in reverse, maneuvering to avoid chickens and cats and kids, large pot holes, and people yelling at us in Spanish.. but we all made it.
Las Tinajas has become a popular spot for tours in recent years. There are multiple swimming holes, waterfalls, a rope swing to swing out over the water and jump in, a natural rock waterslide, and cliffs and rocks to jump off from. However when we pulled up the tour group in front of us was gathering around their guide all wearing life jackets and helmets. There were some looks of concern and maybe even some questions about safety in our little group that were quickly dismissed and we set out on the muddy, hilly mile hike to get to the first watering hole. Bobby Newport and Honey Badger led the way and gave zero F’s that they did not have a life jacket or helmet or tour guide with knowledge on the local flora and fauna.
The hike was muddy and treacherous but everyone did heed Moose’s advice and wore old shoes for the hike. The first spot had the rope swing which required crossing the river and climbing up the rocks and cliff to get to. Moose was just about to suggest we wait until one of the locals uses the rope to see where he jumps from, the area in the water he lands and if there is any tricks or techniques we should learn before just swinging out and dropping 30 feet into the unknown water below. Instead we look up and a shirtless Bobby Newport has already scaled the rocks and has the rope in his hand ready to show the locals and tour groups how it’s done. Some yells from Queen Bee from the other side of the river banks went unheeded and Bobby Newport took the leap followed by Cipher, Honey Badger, Trudy, Toots, and Chief. After a few turns on the rope, we kept hiking.
The next stop was the natural rock waterfall. The path to get here was narrow, rocky, and steep. Queen Bee showed impressive athletic ability and agility on the climb and is now considering signing up for rock climbing classes when we get back to the mainland. The rock waterslide did not disappoint and even the mayor took a turn. After splashing down from the slide, it was more slippery rock climbing and navigating to get to the rock/cliff jump. We had watched a guy with lots of tattoos (and a life jacket on) get to the spot to jump earlier and then spend 5 minutes debating if he was really going to jump or not. He finally did and everyone clapped and yelled like it was some amazing accomplishment.
Our jumpers took less than 5 seconds each to look down and then launch themselves off the cliff face. The only contemplation going through their minds was whether to give Moose a thumbs up for the pictures he was taking or flip him off instead. Honey Badger was the only one to choose giving the finger.
We regrouped after the jumpers emerged from the cool swimming hole water and put the hiking shoes back on and started our muddy hike back through the rainforest. Highlight of the hike was Shady Keith wiping out and getting no sympathy from Kitty other than being told “We told you it was muddy.”
We then drove to Humacao, which may or may not soon be Glen Carbon’s sister city, and found a small spot for lunch, La Panocha. It was already after 2pm and everyone had worked up quite the appetite. The chips, salsa, queso, guacamole was devoured before the waiter had even set it down on the table. Food and drinks were ordered and enjoyed. It was so good Queen Bee had left them a five star review before we had even left the restaurant.
We arrived back and Pancho’s Paradise and spent the rest of the evening uploading pictures, recapping stories and favorite memories, making pizza and fries, and packing up. Plenty of points were distributed during the day and the once insurmountable lead held by Bobby Newport got a little smaller. He’s still the odds on favorite but there are a few Unhinged Spring Breakers with in striking distance now. We’ll see how the morning goes and if our points leader has any missteps on his final day before we take off from SJU. However, since he was already asking me how purchasing alcohol works at the duty free shops in the airport, chances are he’ll be adding more points.
