...a lovely escape to Puerto Rico...

I had a busy summer/fall and welcomed the winter season in which to regroup, sharpen my skills, get back on track with my blog, and focus on my family.  My first ahhhhh moment came when my husband, Ken, and I ran away for his birthday to Puerto Rico. It was a great place to celebrate, relax and refresh, but also a photographer's paradise.  We spent time on the beaches, El Yunque Rain Forest, and Old San Juan.  The perfect recipe for both relaxation and adventure.

On one of our days we boarded the ferry to the island of Culebra.  We spent most of the day on Flamenco Beach (rated as one of the top beaches in the world).  We were not disappointed!

The El Yunque Rain Forest was magnificent!  

Old San Juan has the perfect blend of old architecture, blue cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways in which to meander, old churches and pigeons!  I was a little obsessed with the pigeons.

Old San Juan also has an amazing fort that takes up the entire peninsula on the tip of the island.  Construction began in 1539 from the order of King Charles V of Spain.  Today El Morro has six levels that rise from sea level to 145 feet.   In 1961 the fort was made part of the United States Park Service.   The first aerial photograph below I did not take, but wanted to give you a bird's eye view of the massiveness of the fort.  Photo found on website:  www.thesavyexplorer.com (there was no photographer listed in which to give photo credit).

In the fort there are prisons.   On the walls were ships drawn by prisoners.  The decaying of the wall finish makes for an interesting canvas.  It is speculated it was the work of Spanish captains held there awaiting execution for mutiny.

As we rounded a corner in one of the many passageways, Ken found what appeared to be a ghost on the wall haunting us from ages past.  It was actually how the light was hitting the wall from the next floor up, but it made for an intriguing photograph.

Running away from winter has its advantages....especially when you run away with your love and best friend.  I highly recommend a winter escape for everyone!  Be sure and take your camera.