The Scurvy Dog's Puerto Rican Blog

From the Road: Coamo to Degetau’s Rock, Part 1

As promised, here is Part One of the run from Coamo to the
‘Mirador Piedra Degetau’ located in Aibonito. It was featured in a previous post.

The Ride to Mirador Piedra Degetau

This is the first ‘From the Road’ video where I squashed it to double speed with iMovie (then into FinalCut Express to edit). This allowed me to include more footage without going over YouTube’s 10 minute limit. My background music sound track was courtesy of the Free Music Archive. I’ve used this great resource often and truly appreciate their work!

Editing HD video from a laptop is very, very time consuming.

This 9 minute, 21 second video is actually 18 minutes, 42 seconds in length. I tried it at 3 times actual speed, but it was just too intense – it made me dizzy! As usual, it was shot with my VadoHD videocam mounted to the roof rack of my SUV, giving you a great vantage point to observe from.

VadoHD VidCam Mounted Inside Custom Bracket and Clamped to Roof Rack of SUV, Back View Showing Bubble Level in Puerto Rico

Up Next – Coming Back Down

Part Two is the return trip via a different route and it’s even more hair raising than any I have shot to date. The mountain roads of Puerto Rico are a blast to drive, but you do have to stay on your toes!

You can see that Road Video next!

I made another run into San Juan about a week ago and have new material from that trip as well, AND an HD video shot from the open trolley making the rounds from El Morro, through Old San Juan to the docks. Soo much to do – soo little time. Arrg!!!!!

Real Estate and the Cost of Living in PR.. My 2¢

In the end, it was an easy decision to make… moving to PR

As it relates to groceries and consumables, things are on a par cost-wise with most of the US. Especially if you are used to shopping in places like Walmart, Sears or JC Penney. The cost of shipping goods to PR is no cheaper than anywhere else. Imported produce is high so I try to buy local when ever I can (or grow some of my own). On the other hand, fresh milk at $6 a gallon and eggs at $3.50 a dozen are way higher than I paid, even in Alaska.

The Twin Peaks Above Salinas, Puerto Rico

Something else that sticks in my craw is the lack of ‘generic’ branding. Real Coke, Pepsi and Doritos are no more expensive than the local brands. But they are cheaper here than I’m used to paying for the same name brand products at Safeway or Fred Meyer. So that’s good. If you shop sales fresh meat can be reasonable, but again, things are different than back in the states… the cuts are different and of course its all in Spanish. No big deal as far as I’m concerned. It just takes some getting used to is all. [Read more…] about Real Estate and the Cost of Living in PR.. My 2¢

Fireworks in Puerto Rico, Oh My!

As had been previously stated, I have a long standing interest with fireworks, both for fun and profit. This info is for my “PYRO” friends out there.

The good news is, they do sell ‘fireworks’ on the island. The bad news is, the only thing I saw much of were fountains, fountains and more kinds of fountains. The only exception were some large-ish skyrocket shaped fountains (at Walmart) and Morning Glory sparklers, but those don’t count.

Good thing I like fountains, huh?

Fireworks Stand in the Parking Lot of A Mall in Coamo, Puerto Rico Fireworks are legally sold 2 times a year (per Title 25, Subtitle 1, Part V, Chapter 53 of the Laws of Puerto Rico, 2007). June 1st through July 31st and November 15th through January 10th. I never saw any signs of ‘illegal’ sales. These are very liberal periods of sale for most places. This applies island wide, but local laws would take precedence. In Alaska, it depends on where you live.. they are banned outright in Anchorage and completely legal year round in Houston, AK (where they sell them, duh).

The only retail brand I saw was ‘TNT’. It was available in Walmart, Walgreens and Grande, the island wide grocery chain. Prices seemed somewhat high for the market and lightly charged, though they did put on a nice, but brief display. The only fireworks stand I visited was in Coamo (made from a 40 foot Connex box). It was ALL TNT branded product and at 2 for 1, it was still slightly more expensive than Walmart. They did sell a fountain in the form of an oversized Roman Candle they said you could hold in your hand. I have an old acquaintance who lost 2 fingers to a Roman Candle so I don’t hand hold anything with the exception of Morning Glories. I never made it to Kmart where they are supposed to sell the ‘Phantom’ brand.

The locals do like to celebrate with fireworks at organized events so there are commercial presentations going on all the time.

I could see the Coamo New Years Fireworks Show from the house. I stayed home New Years just to avoid the crazies, but I could hear guns being fired into the air and ‘devices’ I know to be louder than firecrackers. The noise started right after it got dark around 7PM and lasted until the wee hours of the New Year. I LOVE THIS PLACE!

An update will be added as more info becomes available… Arrg!

Degetau’s Observation Stone.. a Panoramic View

Wide-angle View from Top of Observation Tower, Mirador Piedra Degetau Near Aibonito, Puerto Rico

Formally known as-“Mirador Piedra Degetau”, this is a must see. It’s free and is well worth checking out. Located in Aibonito, it’s a key feature of the ‘Ruta Panoramica’. On a clear day, you will see Ponce and Coffin island to the south. You can even see the El Morro Fort or cruise ships leaving the harbor of Old San Juan to the North. Turn a little and see the towns of Cayey and Barranquitas. There are a couple of coin operated telescopes atop the wooden observation tower.

Immaculately Maintained Grounds of Mirador Piedra Degetau Near Aibonito, Puerto Rico It was a beautiful day, the day I was there..

cool and crisp.

Aibonito sits at 2,401 feet (the highest town in PR) and is nicknamed the “Switzerland of PR”. Because of its elevation, it’s much cooler than most of PR. Because of the cooler climate it was once a popular retreat for the wealthy families of the island. Take a drive through the area and see many of its splendid older homes. Aibonito is also the home of a huge flower festival. The Annual ‘Festival de las Flores’ takes place each July.

View of Observation Tower from Below, Mirador Piedra Degetau Near Aibonito, Puerto Rico The “stone view” is dedicated to Poet Federico Degetau of Ponce (1862-1914). He used to come to this spot often, inspiring much of his now famous writings. I can see why. A true Patriot of PR He served in the US Congress from 1900-1904 as the first Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico.

About the Piedra Degetau Park

The current observation tower was erected in 1996. It is maintained by the Department of Public Works and by the Authority of Highways and Transportation. The grounds feature several covered picnic areas and a very nice restroom facility. There is a large concessions area with patio and of course, the large wooden observation deck. All of it is well manicured with lush vegetation everywhere.

Flowering Ginger with Sprouts Hanging from Tips, Mirador Piedra Degetau Near Aibonito, Puerto Rico Did I mention it was free?

This lookout park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM to 6PM. I got there early to avoid the crowds. Sundays are particularly crowded. You can reserve a picnic table in advance. This is important if you are planning a family event.

After the Park – Heading Home

On the way down, We stopped at a roadside vendor selling ‘Pinchos’ who had the good sense to set up next to a local bar. Pinchos are BBQ chicken or pork on a bamboo skewer and sell for $1.50 to $2 bucks each. These were chicken at $2, but bigger than the ones I’ve had for $1.50. We had a choice of salsas: regular, picante (spicy) or ajo (garlic) and it came with a slice of garlic bread too. I got a a cold Medalla Light beer ($1.25) from next door and it really hit the spot. You’ll see Pincho and Bacalaito stands all over PR. The local version of fast food.

A Local Pincho Stand Next to A Bar Along the Highway in Puerto Rico

I’ve never seen a ‘Health Department Certificate’ posted by a vendor, so ‘buyer beware’. I’ve eaten at many of them.. I like ’em. If the locals are lined up outside, its pretty safe to assume its OK.

Note: i have learned that these roadside food vendors are indeed regulated, licensed, taxpaying businesses, despite the casual appearances.

I shot a ‘From the Road’ HD video from Coamo to the Observatory and the ‘Aibonito Speedway’ video back down to Coamo.

That Long Road to Hacienda Buena Vista

Hacienda Buena Vista is a restored coffee plantation, one of my favorite places to tour. I’ve been back there frequently because it is so well done. The grounds are as close as possible to the original in every detail and you get to experience most every aspect of the production and processing. This old plantation is located in the hills above Ponce. My video was made to make it easy to find. Enjoy the ride with the video and if you haven’t read the post yet, Hacienda Buena Vista is waiting. It is an impressive place to visit!

Road Video: The Drive to Hacienda Buena Vista

Here’s that promised ‘From the Road’ video to Hacienda Buena Vista, from Expressway 52 as if you were coming from San Juan. If you are already in Ponce, then take Highway 123 North. It’s a straight shot, sort of. As always, it was shot with my trusty Vado HD videocam, mounted to the roof rack of my Isuzu. You can just make out the PONCE ‘P’ before I turn off 52, onto Highway 10.

The background music was courtesy of the Free Music Archive – they have been a great resource for me!

The weather has been pretty crummy lately, but a new trip is in the plans.