The Window cave was spectacular. You arrive at the trail and do a seamlessly normal walk over lush terrain clueless to the idea that caverns the size of large house reside below you. As you look to your left, there is an entrance the size of a smart car with a few trees that line the entrance. As you look in you see a small light at the end, with stalactites and stalagmites growing from every surface. Heading farther down the trail line by the verdant plant life. Occasionally seeing a small lizard or a movement in the leaves that line the ground you come to a grove with two cave entrances, one to a large cavern the size of a large house, the other, a dark entrance with little or no light in the core of the cavern. The first cavern was large and open, there was enough light to get through without a light. The ground is slippery from the ever-present water drops, and mud that line the ground. There are places to climb, and not knowing what hides in the small crevices we used for grip just added to the challenge. The low light made it even more interesting. Occasionally we would see a insect of some sort or feel a drop of water. After we made our way up the ledge to the original entrance we took the rope down and headed out to the large entrance and headed for what is known as the window cave.
The Window Cave is the smaller cave with a steep and dark entry. It has some similar landmarks as the larger cave, but lack any light source to make your way through. With our lights, we were able to see a family of bats sleeping in one of the many oval shaped indentions in the roof. They moved a little at the light, but were otherwise quite adorable in a bat sort of way. After we made our way through the relatively spacious main cavern, we found our way through a smaller passage to a lighted window over looking a valley. The silhouettes of the people gazing at the view said enough for the view. Once you reach the window past the potholes in the ceiling and the stalagmites falling from the ceiling. The light flowing in to halfway cover the many surfaces the diverse cave landscape offered to the eyes. Once you reach the cave opening or window as they call it. The landscape stretches before you. The river meandering past a man made bridge. Line of trees and shrubbery follow the smooth curve of the river. Fields, Cliffs, roads all in front of you as you see the dramatic height that you are looking from.
I have to admit I had a little fun, did some bouldering although some would call it rock climbing considering the height. I assure you I was careful, but that is what you have to do for a photograph sometimes. I followed the ledge out to the tree about ten feet above the sill of the window. It was a good little challenge. Following our lightless and excellent display of teamwork as we made our way back through the entrance. The challenge was to make our way through by feel, not sight, smell or hearing.
Later that evening the good food happened. Some chefs from the food network, the Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleaders and an American Idol person came to perform a live show and cook some good food. It was a fun event. The weather was gorgeous. The performances went well, especially when the children came out with cheerleaders. The food was very good. How could a man complain when ribs, Panini, a pastrami sandwich and some other food made by very skilled chefs. I ate good that night. The cheerleaders put on a good show, but I was more interested in the scenery and food. Call me crazy, but that is what makes me tick.
Overall it was a wonderful weekend. I look forward to telling you more about this adventure in Puerto Rico. Until I write again Enjoy every moment.
