- Re: Flamenco camping

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Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 05-31-10 13:09

Hi all! I'm brand new to the site and am so happy to have found it. I'm planning my and my boyfriend's first vacation together and I've fallen in love with the idea of camping on Playa Flamenco. This is his first trip to the Caribbean, so I wanted somewhere authentic, rather than the resort type deal. Everything sounds just perfect! My only concern: Although it's a very safe island, I'm a bit concerned about leaving money and passports in my tent. Is this an issue? Is there anywhere to store these items safely while we're not on our site? We'll be on bike and foot, so locking it up in the car is out.

That's my only real concern. I'm sooooo excited and looking to book in the next day or 2.....bikinis are already out of storage! Is Culebra really as perfect as it looks????

Christine

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Debbie (---.dynpool.wntpr.com)
Date: 05-31-10 18:19

Read the previous threads on this subject:

http://www.islaculebra.com/forvm/search.php?f=1&search=valuables&globalsearch=0&match=1&date=0&fldbody=1

Enjoy your trip!

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 06-01-10 09:17

Hi Debbie:

Thanks so much. I read through them....takes me a while to navigate through these sites. It sounds like camping there is pretty much like camping here......just much nicer!

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Herb (165.134.205.---)
Date: 06-01-10 13:22

Pack and travel light for this trip. Only bring the essentials. Keep your camera on your person at all times. Use common sense and don't leave anything out in order to provide temptation.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport.

We were there in late January when there was not much of a crowd and were completely impressed with our vacation and you will be too.

Regards
Herb

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 06-01-10 14:12

Hi Herb:

Thanks for the advice. We're traveling from Toronto, so definitely need passports. I thought I might leave our stuff in the tent and lock it with a suitcase lock. Still not terribly secure, but I figure if a guard sees someone cutting into the tent, it might raise some suspicion.

We'll be traveling like backpackers I figure....bare bones necessities. Food can be looked after there I'd imagine. Just tent, sleeping bags, few clothes, bug spray, snorkel gear....the usual. It would be nice if we could rent a tent there, but I suspect that's out.

Booked the flights this morning. Dec 4th-12th. Guy at campground assured me it's a great time to visit. Soooooo excited!

Thanks!
Christine

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date: 06-01-10 22:14

Unless I am mistaken, I believe you can rent a tent there.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date: 06-02-10 00:28

If you won't have a car, remember that Flamenco is a couple of miles from town. That means any food you buy in town will have to get to Flamenco. Dick & Cathie's bikes have racks on the back that you can tie stuff to, and/or use a backpack. There are also vans that run back and forth between the ferry dock and Flamenco, so you could spend a couple of bucks each way to make a grocery run. You can also buy food at the kiosks at Flamenco, and we found that the variety had improved this spring over last with the new kiosks. Prices were reasonable for most items, too.

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 06-02-10 11:15

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I've been out getting our essentials...mostly backpacking stuff. I think we'll make it in the 50 lb (25 each) limit or at least close. The 2 miles to the town doesn't concern me too much. I walk 3 every night with a girlfriend, so I'm pretty used to it. Plus, went to Carriacou last summer, which entailed hiking a couple miles to do anything....up and down a small mountain to boot in 100 degree heat. Zen (bf) might complain some. We'll just cab it if it's too much. He's very excited! He moved here from Shanghai and has never been camping, to the Caribbean or on a small plane....should be quite and experience for him!

6 months, 6 months, 6 months........

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Herb (165.134.205.---)
Date: 06-02-10 13:14

Wait until dark....dig a small discrete hole some place near or under your tent....put your passport in a plastic bag and bury it. Thats what we did with our money.

Renting 2 bikes from Dick might cost almost as much as renting one of his "Things". If you can drive a stick, you will be able to see more of the island. You won't burn too much gas, the island is pretty small.

6 months....you should ask about the holiday crowds.

If you use a driver from San Juan to Fajardo, you can buy a tent from one of the big box stores prob a lot cheaper than renting a tent and you can buy a boogie board as well.

This will be a cool trip for both of you, not just Zen ;)

Regards
Herb

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 06-02-10 13:40

Hi Herb:

Yeah, someone else said that too...to bury it under the tent. That's a good idea. I don't care as much about the money, but am in a pretty bad spot if the passports go missing.

We're winging it with transportation. Now that I know the town is only 2 miles away, either walking or a cheap cab ride is fine with me. I suppose taking a cab or "publico" (assuming that's a bus type of idea) will likely leave Zen with less grey hair than me driving a stick!

I spoke to someone from the Conservation Authority yesterday. He said it's the perfect time to come....not too crowded, good weather, etc.

We're bringing a tent with us. I'm focussing on backpacker's products which are really light and compact. I'm willing to leave behind my pretty shoes and clothes in favour of shelter...lol.

Yes, I think it will be an amazing trip for both of us. It seems everyone who knows about Culebra loves it. I love small, underdeveloped islands. I look forward to sharing this with Zen as he only knows huge cities. This will be very, very different than anything he's experienced.

Have a great day!

Christine

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Lavendar (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date: 08-02-10 22:41

I know you're trying to pack light, but I would recommend bringing some kind of camping mat/bedroll. Maybe an inflatable type to save space.
I camped at Flamenco campground once and it was beautiful, but the sand was rather hard-packed and not fluffy like it is down near the water.
Especially for multiple nights, you may want that bit of cushioning...everything else about the place is great though!

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 08-03-10 06:16

Hi

Thanks for the advice! I have purchased both but am leaning strongly in the
direction of the air mattress, if our weight allowance is on par. I'm
assuming we can go really light on the clothing to make room for
it.....fingers crossed!

I've heard that camping there is a great experience and we're both really
looking forward to it. I've read nothing but good things about Culebra. My
only big concern is getting to the other airport in San Juan in time for our
small plane. We arrive in San Juan at 2:20pm and have to be at the other
airport by 4 pm. Do you think we can make it? I've been through San Juan,
but only to connect through to another flight, so no security checks. I
figured 45 min should do it.

Christine

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date: 08-03-10 07:36

Good afternoon,
You shouldn't have any problems with the connection unless there are unexpected (impossible to predict) delays.

I had a 12:30 arrival & made the 1pm FLA flight yesterday (not necessarily recommeneded :) ).

Terrie
Palmetto Guesthouse, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: Flamenco camping

Author: Christine Fredenburgh (---.dial.bell.ca)
Date: 08-03-10 08:23

Hi Terrie:

Thanks for the info. Yeah, that's kind of what I thought. The only thing I've found difficulty with in getting through Caribbean airports, as they're generally small-ish, is that sometimes everyone at the counters are working in 'Caribbean time'.

Wow...30 min to catch your flight?! A real nail biter experience I'm sure!

Christine

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