PONCE, PR por los Ojos del Campechano

Castillo Serralles, home of the founders of Don Q Rhum;
 named for Don Quixote, the well known dreamer.

       A few weeks ago, we stopped in Salinas, Puerto Rico.  While there we wanted to touch base with a dear cruiser friend.  Ronnie lives in San Juan, the island’s capitol, but spends a lot of time in Salinas where he keeps his boat and is involved in the local sailing association. Getting into the anchorage at Salinas was a little harrowing, as our depth meter read only one to three feet under the keel.  Once anchored, Captain Dan called the authorities by phone to register our entrance into the country using our LBO (Local Boater Option). However, the officer said we must call in when in the harbor at Ponce which is an official Port of Entry.


The sculpted gardens of the Castillo Seralles Mansion

        We took two days to travel the relatively short distance to Ponce because we needed to stop and rest along the way at Isla Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island- named for its shape), a favorite cay of ours that is surrounded by crystal clear water and nary another vessel. The next day we anchored in the harbor at Ponce between the Yacht Club Marina and the boardwalk of La Guancha Plaza, an expansive recreational and cultural complex.  Clearing in by phone from there was a breeze.

        Ponce is Puerto Rico’s second largest city and- lucky for us- it also happens to be where our friend, Ronnie, grew up and made his living in the construction industry. We were so honored when he took us on a personal tour to see the sights of his hometown!


Crucceta del Vigia- watchman for ships: pirates or supplies



 

        The Crucceta del Vigia is situated high above Ponce where the watchman has a clear view of the harbor.  From there his task was to spot and identify ships that were approaching and alert the townspeople.  He hoisted a flag to indicate if the ship was bringing supplies, passengers, or PIRATES! 

 In the firemen's barrio all houses were red with black trim.

 

        When touring the Hacienda Buena Vista Coffee Plantation we learned that it is a marvel of engineering.  It is one of only five plantations worldwide that efficiently use water power.  Water from a river that flows down a waterfall high above the plantation is diverted into a simple trough that runs along the mountainside down to the base of the plantation.  There it powers the machines that hull the coffee beans and grind the corn. Afterward the water flows back into the lower part of the river. GENIUS!


The stone at the top filters and purifies the water for drinking.

 

        CAMPECHANO is the name of Ronnie's boat.  Ronnie's brother told us that "CAMPECHANO loosely translates to 'nice guy' in Spanish."  And, that, Ronnie IS without a doubt!