El Yunque Rainforest: Magic in the Tropics

Today In Brief: The day started with rain showers as I drove along back roads to a private entrance into El Yunque rainforest. A local tour guide led the way along a trail through the jungle, scaling vertical clay walls, and identifying unique flora and fauna (my favorite being the fascinating mimosa sensitiva, a delicate green-leafed plant that shies away when touched). Ending at a beautiful landscape filled with rock-laden cliffs and boulders showered by waterfalls, the cliff-jumping and water-sliding and rope-swinging began.

After a morning of adventure, I ate my packed lunch and drove toward the main entrance to the forest. As I hopped out of the car at Mount Britton Trailhead, a rainstorm began. The next three hours consisted of a hike in the cleansing, pouring, drenching rain – serenaded by the coquis and in awe of the green palms, bright flowers, and grey clouds racing over the mountain peaks. I ended the day with a swim in Juan Diego Falls, mesmerized by the magic of this beautiful jungle, and grateful beyond words for this day exploring it.