The current weather in Culebra

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Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-75-223-135.myvzw.com) Date:   03-29-09 20:14 Karen and Rick Miles are pleased to announce that they will be operating their ecology expedition vessel from Culebra in the Winter of 2009. We visited Culebra and we felt that we would love to return to this magical island. We will be offering week long bird and turtle watching cruises with plenty of snorkeling and beach time from your floating home for the week, the Wanderbird. We bring only twelve guests and our website is www.wanderbirdcruises.com. Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   03-31-09 07:32 Do you have permits for this? Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-75-223-38.myvzw.com) Date:   03-31-09 07:44 Hi Debbie. Thank you for your comment. Yes, we have all the required permits. Would you be interested in joining us this winter? Kind regards, Captain Rick Miles www.wanderbirdcruises.com Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   03-31-09 18:57 Ah, no - that's a bit rich for my wallet. Including airfare and diving all week on Culebra, we rarely spend $1500/per person. And, without diving available, I don't know that I'd want to be on a boat for that many days off of Culebra. Having been on Culebra 2 dozen times or so in the last 9 years, I don't think there would be enough activities to fill my days if I were on a boat. Did you have to appear before any officials in Culebra to get your permits, or did the permits come from the Puerto Rico government? Most people on Culebra are not fond of cruise ships in their waters, and so I wonder if you had to get any approvals from the local government. Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-75-220-185.myvzw.com) Date:   03-31-09 20:22 Hi Debbie and thanks for your comments. I do have to say though,,,us a cruise ship, c'mon you gotta be kidding right. My wife and I run our vessel and we are a small private charter yacht documented USA. We help bring extra business to the local economy by purchasing from the local markets.( we love Milka's!) and having our guests visit all the local shops and eateries. I must say that if you are spending $1500 per week including airfare and diving that you are probably staying in a campground and eating PBand J's from a cooler. You know anyhere nice with a breeze is going to cost at least $100 per night and if you support the local economy by eating out and shopping at the markets then you are going to spend $30-$50 per day for food and drink. We do appreciate your comments though and hope to see you diving,( we have gear) or prferrably snorkeling in lovely Culebra. Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.aep.bellsouth.net) Date:   03-31-09 21:05 Hola! My family and I spend even less. We stay at our in laws or my Mami's and eat in. My Mami is the best cook on the island! LOL!! Happy travels! J supergarcia3

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   04-01-09 04:01 I think Debbie is asking for reassurances in some demonstrable way that your eco-tours are indeed eco-friendly. there was an operation commented on not too long ago offering a similar sort of thing that didn't sound exactly as sensitive.

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   04-01-09 13:07 That was my thought, Richard. Rick, if you act responsibly and treat the reefs with respect, you might become a business model for others who wish to operate in the Spanish Virgins. Just as noone has a problem with a guesthouse opening, but plenty of problems with Costa Bonita-style development, expect a bit of healthy skepticism until you've assimilated into the community and fought a few battles to keep Culebra non-Cancunish, yourself. Here's hoping your enterprise is a force for strengthening a sustainable, non-toxic economy on Culebra. If so, I'll be rooting for you.

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-75-200-95.myvzw.com) Date:   04-01-09 22:16 Thank you Doug. We are pleased to say that we have for 25 years now lived and work in harmony with our natural environment. We worked in Key West 25 years ago and helped to develop the mooring system that kept all vessels from anchoring on, and killing, the reef. We do plan to work in harmony with any and all folks who know and care about the local ecosystem in Culebra. We do not want to Cancunize or bring any kind of toxicity to wonderful Culebra. What it boils down to is us offering 8 trips each winter for twelve nature and ecology minded folks who do not want to experience the Cancouns or even St. THomas's of the world. We will gladly work with locals as much as we can and we will make the vessel and ourselves available forcomments and ( I guess a few!) critisisms as well. We have worked with local people in many different localls and we are proud to say that we really felt that our impact was a positive one for the folks and the environment. Really do take a look at our website at www.wanderbirdcruises.com and we hope that will help to answer some questions about us. We definetly consider ourselves, our vessel and our operation as one that has no negative impact and our motto is "leave no trace". Kind Regards, Rick and Karen Miles Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   04-01-09 23:27 I have no real stake in the matter, but your goals do sound sincere. what was the old slogan from the 70's? 'take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints'?

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   04-02-09 13:02 It helps to know that a parade of phonies has, by feigning green principles, given genuine caring folks a little tougher row to hoe*. Remember Victor Gonzales? He claimed his beach privatization activities were to preserve the environment. His malarky was even swallowed by certain adjudicating authorities, or sold out by same. The advertising for the recent, offensive incursions by cruiseliners extolls the beauty and solitude of Culebrita, even as they lay waste to its coral, and launch loud, destructive jetskis. Costa Bonita and more recent quick buck developments, knowing that their plans are unsustainable, applied for permits during holiday periods, when understaffed and corrupt officials had neither the manpower or willpower to challenge the lies therein. Be comforted, Rick and Karen, that the Debbies and Dougs and Richards will hold you to your word; they'll do the same to the next folks who propose "enhancements" to the Culebra experience, and that will protect your investment. *Good Thing™

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-70-221-98.myvzw.com) Date:   04-02-09 13:18 Thank you Doug ! Much apreciated. Will the Debbies, Dougs and Richards be willing to talk with us to help us to learn what practices THEY feel are important for us and our guests to follow. We would be glad to listen, Cheers, Rick Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   04-02-09 14:55 Of course, but understand that we are merely stakeholders, not policymakers. Since you've visited and loved Culebra, you already have a framework. If you've had any extended stays, you understand the fragile nature of not only it's natural environment, but its physical infrastructure and cultural complexity. If not, my best advice is to make that effort your top priority. There are many ex-pats and Culebrenses working tirelessly to hold the forces of darkness at bay. (forgive the melodrama, but embrace the passion) They should be your mentors.

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net) Date:   04-02-09 19:21 I know I am not good "on approach." I knew if I started the conversation, other people would join in and help you understand what I was trying to get at. You said "Will the Debbies, Dougs and Richards be willing to talk with us to help us to learn what practices THEY feel are important for us and our guests to follow." This is one point I was trying to make, but it's not about me, Doug, Richard and others. It's about the Culebrans and what they want on their island. Yes, I feel a part of it is mine, but I wanted to know if you asked THEM, thus the question about the permits, which you still haven't answered. Did you get them from the main PR government, or did you go before any authorities on Culebra to discuss your plans? Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: WIldife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: richard (---.hsd1.dc.comcast.net) Date:   04-03-09 00:00 I feel guilty being included in the concerned, I am, but I'm also clueless how local politics work and I get down there so rarely as to not have a strong personal stake. other than the understanding that what happens on Vanuatu will happen in the Caribbean and the Sault Ste. Marie for that matter.

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   04-03-09 11:32 Richard, tourists are stakeholders of a sort, in that the money they spend dries up if they don't return. I'm not sure anyone is completely fluent in the politics of the island, but we've been around long enough to see that a lack of vigilance is all that would-be bad guys need. Rick and Karen have expressed a desire to run a responsible business. If they walk the walk, we are all better off. If they only talk the talk, I expect they'll share Costa Bonita's fate.

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.sub-75-193-10.myvzw.com) Date:   04-03-09 12:08 Thank you guys. We will walk the walk and be avaialble, as you see here, for comment and dialouge. We will soon be starting our Maine cruising season which will mean, thankfully, no computer..nothing personal..I promise. You may contact us by phone or email from our website at www.wanderbirdcruises.com. I do appreciate your all's concern for Culebra and I am sure that you will indeed find us to walk the walk. Kind Regards, Rick Miles Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com) Date:   04-05-09 01:00 hey Rick, do you visit the east end of vieques as well?

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Culebra MJ (67.224.131.---) Date:   12-21-09 16:58 Hello, Capt. Rick, I am coming into this way late in the game. I come to work by dinghy and so came by your vessel twice every day while you were recently (up until this morning!) here. I will admit to some serious boat lust - expedition type ships a fondness of mine especially with the sail power. I wish I was a little less shy (yes, I know scores of you are laughing, but I can be) and had just come up and said hello...and asked for a tour! I guess what I'm seeing in the above comments/questions is one central question that I didn't see an answer for. Did you go through a permit process or are you just here and taking folks around Culebra? If the latter is the case, have you been in touch with those on Culebra familiar with the local flora and fauna or have you been here enough to feel you can do that on your own? It sounds like you are working to be sustainable around here. Your anchorage wasn't in any place damaging (except in the middle of my straight shot to town!) and I appreciate that. It's just that yes, we've got a number of outside people taking a bead on Culebra because of her beauty and their desire to profit from the same in ways that do not benefit Culebra - and we are wary in the extreme. For good reason. There aren't many more welcoming people than you'll find here...hopefully you introduced yourself and your guests around town as you shopped, ate at the local restaurants and shopped at our various stores? I didn't meet anyone from your boat that mentioned it (though one of your crew or you? tied up by me this morning). We're just curious what permits you got, or if you are even in need of same, because our locals have to have them to do what you are doing and I'm personally curious if non-locals are required to do the same. Thanks for any info and happy holidays! Save What's Left!

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: shawke (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net) Date:   12-21-09 19:09 Bravo MJ

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (66.50.203.---) Date:   03-27-11 15:01 Karen and I would like to express to you all the pure delight that we have experienced while having the privilege of working and playing here in Culebra for the last few years. As we look back at earlier posts here, we now truly understand your desire to protect this special, special place. Our lives have been forever changed by the beautiful people and natural wonders that we have experienced in this enchanted island community. We feel good about our personal and working experiences here and we hope that we have not disappointed any who were concerned early on. We will be raising anchor here in a few weeks to begin another 12,000 mile sea journey that will take us North to Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador and Greenland before returning again to our place of dreams here in the Spanish Caribbean. Wishing you all the best and, as always, please do stop by the WANDERBIRD should you be passing by... we love visitors. Gracias, Rick and Karen Miles M/V WANDERBIRD Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net) Date:   03-27-11 17:49 Rick and Karen, Our lives have been enhanced by your presence. Your love of and caring about Culebra have been shown over and over - we love to see you arrive and your departure leaves its wake in our water and land community. Thank you for becoming an involved part of our island community. Salud! MJ Save What's Left!

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Debbie (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net) Date:   03-27-11 20:18 Thank you for understanding our collective desire to protect our special place. And, thanks for contributing to the community. Many lives have been forever changed by Culebra . . . I've admired your vessel from afar, and having never heard the locals say anything negative about your operation, I knew you must be doing the right thing. Best of luck on your voyage. Happy Diving! Debbie

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net) Date:   03-27-11 20:43 AND they adopted a Culebra Sato! Yah for Paulito-an integral crew member of WanderBird! Best, Terrie Animal Welfare of Culebra Palmetto GH, Culebra http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.148.130.146.nw.nuvox.net) Date:   03-28-11 12:24 Rick and Karen... I was hoping this thread would go in this direction. congratulations! Hope to meet you next New Years. Doug

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Rick Miles (---.gwi.net) Date:   01-24-12 15:32 Karen and I would just like to take a minute to say hello to all of our friends who are reading this and to maybe pass along to any who might ask of us. Sadly, we were unable to return to our beloved Culebra this winter aboard WANDERBIRD. We have some personal medical issues that needed to be taken care of. You are in our hearts and we shall hope and pray to be back again next winter. Be happy all of you...we miss you . Much love, Rick and Karen and Paulo and Bitsik and Junior Kind Regards, Capt. Rick Miles Expedition Vessel Wanderbird

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Re: Wildife and Relaxation Yacht Charter In Culebra

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   01-25-12 09:09 Rick, Karen & crew, Best vibes headed your way on successful resolution of your medical issues. I can totally relate and empathize. Hope we see you next winter... Doug

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