The current weather in Culebra

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Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   08-14-07 12:01 Hello everyone, I just got back from a ten day stay in Culebra and fell in love with it. I want to go back in January and February but camp out at Flamenco this time. I have experience camping in NY and New England Spring/Summer/Fall both backpacking and in campground. I have experienced temperature fluctuations from the 20's F to the 90's. I only have one sleeping bag rated to 20 or 25 F, sometimes it has been adecuate and sometimes it has been way too hot. Can anybody recommend comfortable sleeping options for that time of the year in Flamenco Beach? How is the water temperature? Also, I know there is potable water, but I keep hearing not to drink it. Gallons of water can range from $1.50 to $2.50 in Culebra. I drink about a gallon a day and I'm trying to save as much as possible on this trip. Has anyone had experience using Iodine pills or a water filter with the "potable" water available on the beach? Any advice, input, recommendation, suggestion, etc... will be greatly appreciated. Abel

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com) Date:   08-14-07 13:43 Hi Abel, We're camping there for 11 days in January. Might see you there! The temperatures in the Puerto Rico area are virtually the same year around. In January, the average high is 83 and low is 72. This is only 5 degrees cooler than the hottest month (July). I visited the campground last January when in Culebra and spoke to some people who had been camping there for weeks. They said they used their sleeping bags mainly to lie on... they were too hot otherwise. I am undecided about whether to bring a sleeping bag or just a very light blanket. Has anyone had experiences that would dictate otherwise? About the water... my own philosophy is to find other ways to save a few bucks. Admittedly, I tend to be a lot more attached to water than I am to alcohol, which probably puts me in the minority. :-)

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   08-14-07 15:31 During my past 2 yearly 3-week Jan. visits, I took/used a lightweight fleece (from home) for night-time warmth within my tent & wore a shorty wet suit to ward off water chill away from the shore & for bouyancy near reefs; I am not a strong swimmer and am an older adult. I always drank the campground cistern water with no ill effect. If I go again, I'll purchase a $9 pillow in Dewey at Superette Mayra. Have fun with the rest of your planning pieces. Owlihoot2

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   08-17-07 10:10 Thank you for the replies. I did some research and Marmont puts out a liner that can open up and used as a blanket or by itself as a very light sleeping bag. It is the "Trails" model. I'm thinking of bringing that plus a Thermarest mat for support and comfort. Regarding the water: Everyone I spoke to on the island told me to drink bottled water. Jerry from Jerry's Jeeps, the management at Tamarindo Estates, which is where I was staying, and they even have they're own cistern. I spoke to one of the campground personnel and she said I should only drink bottled water. Maybe I should ask why. For the first ten years of my life I lived in Cuba. I remember the house having a turbine that pumped well water to a tank on the roof which was connected to the house's plumbing. We also collected rain water in large tanks in the backyard. The point is that any water that was to be used for drinking or cooking no matter whether it was well or rain water we boiled before use. I also remember other people getting sick with parasites and it was explained to me that it was because of the water. So now having those memories, hearing the advice of the locals, and now hearing R. Emmett's experience I feel torn as what to do. I've been backpacking on stretches of the Appalachian trail and relied on filtered from streams and lakes on near the trail. The main problem up here is Giardia and other parasites, maybe the tropics is much different. R. Emmet: If you don't mind I have a question regarding water temperature. Do you also use a wet suit in the summer for prolonged snorkeling/swimming sessions? I'm wondering if the water temperature is a bit colder in the winter months. Here in New York beaches lifeguards will tell you the water is in the lower 70's which although uncomfortable at first, the body adapts. But snorkeling is a more passive activity that doesn't generate a lot of body heat. Does anyone else have experience with either the water temperature or the drinking water? Also, I found out where to take publicos in San Juan that will take you to Fajardo for $6.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com) Date:   08-17-07 15:50 I always use a full 3mm suit, hood and gloves! Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   08-17-07 17:45 water temps: I've been in Summer and dead of Winter and never been uncomfortable - thought it was the same really (although some beaches are warmer than others) caveat: I've never gone for extended off-shore snorkeling. but then again, I was first introduced to the ocean in Northern California where it's ice cold all year-round... exactly where do you catch the publico in SJ? I know it's been posted, but I feel lazy.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Banana (---.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) Date:   08-17-07 19:00 As far as blankets, I had luck with a queen size sheet, sewing the sides to make an oversized 'pillow case' to sleep in- it's not the temp really, but the bugs that you want to keep out. Also, a blow up mattress or a couple of yoga mats do fine for bedding, depending on how long your camping. (if you are staying for a couple weeks and looking for a cheap ride, you should look into renting a bike long term, info on this page) If you pack a lilttle hoodie sweatshirt and some long comfy pants to sleep in you should be fine in terms of the ocean wind "chill". Water runs about a 1.50 a gallon, and I'm sure you can find it right on the beach. I've never heard of anyone getting sick from the tap, but it isn't the best tasting water, so it's up to you. Have fun! www.bizcochodefango.com

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com) Date:   08-18-07 09:52 Abel, I Googled the water temperature in Culebra and Puerto Rico, and it's virtually the same year round. It varies by only 4 degrees (79 to 83). If you were comfortable swimming when you were last here, you'll be comfortable in January. Last January, I swam and snorkeled a lot and I never once wished I had a wetsuit. And I'm typically a person who gets chilled fairly easy. A rash shirt isn't a bad idea, though... It protects from the sun and perhaps a small bit of chill. The perfect thing is probably a light neoprene vest. Here's an example of one for $55, thought that buys a lot of bottled water! http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2234&src=champ Banana, thanks for the tip about sewing up a queen sized-sheet. That's got to be the cheapest way to go and a lot less bulky for travel than a sleeping bag. I bet a light flannel sheet would be perfect. They can be found very cheap on the Internet... Not a very high quality, but certainly good enough to sew up and use for a couple weeks of camping. Though the average low nighttime temp in January is 72, the record low is 58, which means that it's not impossible for us to get a "cold front" where the temp drops into the low 60's in the wee hours. Hence Banana's and R. Emmet's suggestions are good about bringing a fleece or sweatshirt just to be safe.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   08-18-07 10:52 2 years in a row I drank the cistern water, as did my friends. We are not and did not get sick; last year I drew most of my drinking water from the shower, as I was told that it doesn't sit around in a cistern long. This water did have a strong clorine smell as it was being drawn off. I also bought cold bottled water at times down in the campground area mostly for it's cooling effect and for a taste variation to the 'shower water' since at our campsite, we used no ice at all. Each person gets to decide what water they drink; there are no musts. I'm using my shorty/wetsuit now while swimming in Maine's bays for bouyancy,warmth, and sunprotection. I do appreciate all the thought threads on these topics & folks' research and concerns. Have fun in Jan.; I hope to return then too. Last year several folks brought small guitars and there was joyous skillful jamming & singing in the campground area closest to the old military tank on the beach section. Owlihoot2

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   08-20-07 13:18 Thanks to everyone for their input. Mort: For day long snorkeling, the vest and other similar products on that site are a great idea. Richard: To get the publicos that go to Fajardo in San Juan you have to go to Rio Piedras. You can take a $20 cab ride there or take San Juan's public buses, commonly known as "el AMA." The B-40 picks you up at the airport and takes you directly to the Rio Piedras station for $1.50. I think the publicos to Fajardo are going for about $6.00/person. The only thing is that you might have to wait up to 40 minutes for the B-40 to show up. You should get to Rio Piedras before noon. Some publicos tend to leave after this time. If that's the case, ask around and you should be directed to a plaza a couple of blocks away where you can find more publicos to Fajardo but are not generally going to the airport or ferry terminals. Nonetheless, if you ask them to take you to the ferry or airport, they will. I'm still confused about the water. Everyone in Culebra tells be to drink bottled water, while people that have experience drinking the water say it's fine. I think I'll bring water purification pills and my filter that I take when I backpack with me just in case. Is there anything else I should know about camping, environment, annoyances, etc...? Oh, I also like to surf fish and it seems that no one in Culebra does it. Locals don't even use fishing rods!! Does anyone have any input on this? Thanks

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   08-20-07 15:32 Abel, A couple of possible explanations for lack of surf fishing: 1. Fishing is illegal in the refuge 2. The reef is badly overfished now, and Culebrenses know that their economy depends on people wanting to spend the money to see live, in-situ fish. I'm sure you are a good citizen who is sensitive to conservation best practices and who respects legal restrictions, but it never hurts to remind ourselves that Culebra's beauty is fragile. Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   08-20-07 17:15 Doug, You got me all wrong! Surf fishing just means fishing from the beach(usually with a very long fishing pole), hence the term "surf." There are many beaches in Culebra that are not part of the refuge. Locals usually fish LEGALLY from some of these places but they have to climb over boulders and other terrain to get to the spots. And then, they don't even use a rod, just a 30lbs. test line rolled in a spool that they hold in their hand. I was just curious of the local custom. Now please don't get me confused. If we meet in person and have an in-depth conversation, you will find out that I'm very Eco-conscious, and very pro conservation and protection of natural areas, especially the fragile and the ones in any type danger. Abel

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   08-20-07 18:18 Abel, I already figured that. I just try to bring up the best practices and conservation thoughts from time to time when the subject matter is appropo. Peace, my man. Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   08-20-07 19:15 The water in Culebra comes undersea in a pipe from Vieques, which comes undersea in a pipe from the Rio Grande area of the main island (in the area of the rainforest). Like our water bills in the States, the PR water authority - AAA - https://www.acueductospr.com/index.htm provides an annual report that indicates that the water meets or exceeds government standards. My water in Atlanta comes from the Chatthoochee River. I drink out of the tap in both places. I mean, something's got to kill ya, right? Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: MJ (---.prtc.net) Date:   08-20-07 20:04 Debbie...you are funny! I'll be waiting with a big jug of tap water for you both. If it's going to kill me, five years on drinking it every day for coffee, raise a glass at my gone away party! Of course, my coffee would kill a mule. Doug, I got what you were doing, and Abel, you will too, the more time you spend here...we who love Culebra sort of do this overall PROTECT CULEBRA knee jerk response at times...and sometimes the little bb's hit where they didn't need to scatter, but we'll keep doing it just the same, because sometimes (every once in a magic while) a sting-hit is a wake up call to someone who needed it, gets it and acts on it. Not needed in your case, consider the little bruise a love tap :) All is well, with fairly fierce Culebra love - tranquillo style !

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: janet Fowle (---.ptldme.east.verizon.net) Date:   08-21-07 10:29 My family and I are planning on camping on Flamenco beach in Febuary. For those of you who have camped there before and enjoyed it....a few questions, -are bugs an issue? I mean more than screens on your tent and bug spray at dusk? (I love the idea about sewing sleeping bags out of sheets) -is security an issue? I know the island is safe but what about belongings etc at your camp site? -Does one have to make a reservation in advance at the campsite? What is the latest one can arrive at night to set up camp? -are there plenty of kids at the campground or mostly adults?(my kids are 11 and 13-any other recommendations for them?) -what to do people generally do for food and food preparation(eg is there a bbq pitt vs bringing own cookstove vs buying from local venders etc). I am hoping not to lug too much for a 1 week trip. -how likely is it to rain for prolonged periods of time(like more than a hour here or there)in Febuary...is rain gear advisable or is it a don't worry Can't wait to hear more! thanks, janet

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Abel (---.cable.mindspring.com) Date:   08-21-07 11:05 Doug: There are no hard feelings, I just got the impression that you misunderstood me. I think MJ is right about those that fall in love with Culebra develop a passionate, sometimes impulsive, protective attitude. In fact, I'm looking into applying for Federal grants for several conservation and habitat restoration projects in Culebra. Debbie: That is a very interesting website. They even have a chart (PDF) comparing AAA water, bottled water, and filtered water which concludes that AAA water is better because of dissolved iron and magnesium which we need! That's wild. Thanks for the info. That just reminded me that I have a friend in Culebra who works for the AAA. He might be a good source of information.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Michael (---.nyc.res.rr.com) Date:   08-21-07 16:38 I always drink tap water in Culebra. And of course the occasional unvoluntary gulp of Caribbean - salud! Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   08-22-07 14:31 I've had an involuntary gulp of Barrillito 3 Star...maybe a couple. Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   08-22-07 15:34 involuntary? really.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: MJ (---.prtc.net) Date:   08-22-07 20:35 I witnessed it, Richard...it was sad...Doug, hands tied behind his back, (with bubble gum, mind you, this was the depth of the cruelty inflicted on him) the bartender paid for the crime...the worst part was the Barilito that got wasted pouring over his face...and him licking the bar afterwards...sigh. (please don't ever tell anyone this story, Doug gets so embarrassed, since the bartender is only 5 feet tall and maybe weighs 100 pounds soaking wet)

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   08-22-07 23:03 what the heck is Barilito? Owlihoot2

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   08-22-07 23:55 Sippin' rum from Puerto Rico. That 5 ft. bartender had rum all over her halter top after I sneezed. Dang it, I'd give anything to have a sneeze's worth right now. No distributors in St. Louis carry it :-( Have to settle for Cruzan. The worst of it is, that now I actually like being tied up and forced to drink rum. (can I say that on a family web site?) Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   08-23-07 00:10 I'm cool with the bar clean-up, I was raised under the waste not - want not rule... was that at Dinghy??? how in the heck did bubblegum come into play? no, don't answer. Owli: I believe B 3 star is a grade of rum.

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   08-23-07 07:14 Thanks Richard, whew; rum hasn't been on my list of potable liquids for a while...I guess I've 'aged and experienced' away from it; reality is refreshing as is pure water. I've got my dusty stories of uzin Cruzan from the 1970s though while on Antigua & St. Barths & sailing towards St. Croix. Enjoy Culebra! Owlihoot2

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   08-23-07 11:29 Owli- I hear you. Reality on Culebra has it's own intoxication potential... Myself? - I've been sober for 125 days...... ...not all in a row, mind you! :-) Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: R. Emmett (---.maine.res.rr.com) Date:   08-23-07 17:32 Sober from Cruzan, 125 days, but not all in a row? I usta get tight on blotter and lie under trees and go gaga over how they waved recklessly with the wind. Who the heck needs blotter to go gaga when its windy and warm any longer? Hmmmm..'Windy and Warm', an old St. Croix song by one of Camden, Me's favorite sons, Chuck Kruger. Owlihoot2

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   08-23-07 18:19 Doug - your behavior is shocking! And so fitting - snicker, snicker! Would have loved to have seen that! Perhaps you'll indulge us in a repeat performance. Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   08-24-07 12:23 Debbie, Shocking folks is my life. If you have Barillito, you shall have a repeat performance. Doug

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Re: Camping on Flamenco in January and February

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   08-24-07 19:05 I shall have Barillito. . . Happy Diving! Debbie

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