The current weather in Culebra

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Culebra Now and Then

Author: michele miller (---.arcs.atlnga1.dasdial.com) Date:   01-22-07 18:58 between 1987 and 1993 we visited culebra every year, staying at the so-called flamenco beach resort ($25/nt the first time) in it's various incarnations. at that time there were small houses on either side. are they still there and are they places to stay? will we find the island much changed?

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Re: flamenco

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   01-22-07 19:49 I would like to see a thread on what Culebra was like 20 years ago vs. now. a co-worker had been there at the time you describe and it was fascinating to hear how it has and hasn't changed.

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Re: flamenco

Author: michele miller (---.arcs.atlnga1.dasdial.com) Date:   01-22-07 20:03 we never rented a vehicle but walked or rode bikes everywhere. one year we packed our bikes and stayed for three weeks in december. it rained occasionally but was otherwise blissfully empty. at night the "mimes" made it impossible to stay outdoors.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   01-23-07 04:57 "mimes"? yeah, they bug me as well. I assume you're not referring to Marcel Marceau, Mummenschantz or Shields and Yarnell... I can't imagine how they'd keep you awake unless they were crunching around in the aloe vera. (as I've heard they sometimes do) "honey! we have mimes!" but if it was Bill Irwin hanging around my window I'd be creeped too. (Pew Grant - fah) seriously though, how did one get there in then and what businesses were there that have disappeared and which remain?

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ba-dsg.net) Date:   01-23-07 13:18 I think Michelle is referring to Ceratopogonidae or commonly known as no-see-ums. But you knew that - right? Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   01-23-07 16:44 Michelle, the island has changed in many ways since my first trip in 1995. If you fly, the first thing you will notice is the new terminal at the aeropuerto. The good news is, they left a gate in the fence that lets you go to Happy Landings while you are waiting. Happy Landings is no longer a PR creole restaurant, just a locals bar with a pool table and a loud jukebox. My $45 room at Posada La Hamaca is now $92, and the staff from Mamacita's '95, has defected and returned to/from Dinghy Dock several times. Likewise the road to Carlos Rosario has been opened and (mostly)closed to cars many times. The road to Zoni is paved. Rosa's bar is a fond memory. :~(. The plaza by the ferry dock is completely redone. Unless it's been repaired recently, Muff the Magic Diveboat is decommissioned. Sharkey and Lana are doing the merengue in Paradise, and Chuck's became Heather's with a stint as <somebody help me here- brain fart>. Mamacita sold her place, and on Saturday night they host a rumba circle. The grocery stores are much better stocked, particularly as to meat. The island gets much of it's water from the big island of PR via pipeline, and I haven't seen a shortage for years. Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ba-dsg.net) Date:   01-23-07 17:53 Pizza place was Oasis under Javier (Heather's ex) Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ba-dsg.net) Date:   01-23-07 17:56 "Sharkey and Lana are doing the merengue in Paradise" I like that one :) Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net) Date:   01-26-07 04:56 speaking of muff...where is Jack...still around? Doing OK? other changes...many more houses now.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   01-26-07 05:18 and what happend to Chuck? a character, granted, but interesting anyway. I was always cautious smoking around his oxygene tank...

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ba-dsg.net) Date:   01-26-07 11:04 Jack is around; moved to a monohull Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net) Date:   01-26-07 13:46 Jack's water taxi was the absolute world's end. Best one we tried --well, we only tried three becasue we kept going back to Muff every year whenever it was available. It was a big factor in our returning to la isla so many times...

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Tate Kauffman (---.hsd1.pa.comcast.net) Date:   01-28-07 21:38 I'm happy to report that I saw Captain Jack and Muff yesterday morning, and both appeared to be going strong.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Banana (---.dialup.umass.edu) Date:   01-29-07 23:08 Pizza place "Oasis" was owned by.... Javier and Heather Now know as "Heather's" www.bizcochodefango.com

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-03-07 16:31 Our first trip to Culebra was for our honeymoon in 1977. We returned every year until 1985,and did not return again until 1995. Now we are planning to spend our 30th anniversary in March in Culebra. Talk about changes!! We've always stayed at Villa Boheme, as it has suited us best. In 1977 it was $25 a day and that included the use of an old mail jeep and a 14ft skiff.Gas was extra! In those years we brought most of our food as the three restaurants opened only occasionally. We speared fish and grabbed lobsters,though.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   02-03-07 16:56 Cool, Stan...I'll be there from 3/6 - 3/11. Perhaps we'll meet! Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.res.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-04-07 03:52 yes, cool, and please, talk about the changes...

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-06-07 05:58 Well, in 1977 there weren't many places to stay. Villa Boheme was a wooden structure with just 3 rooms, the kitchen was there to be shared,the table was a pool table with a top to cover it for dining.Happy Landing was there,and was the most reliable and popular restaurant.Pretty much arroz con pollo and tostones. There was a restaurant called Flamboyant, but they opened when they wanted,or had provisions. Down at the end of Bahia Honda, there was a place called Punta Aloe.these were cabins tucked into the hillside. Electricity was a real problem back in those days, it went out often. Showers were generally only available in the evenings. But, you know what? We didn't mind. We always had great trips to Culebra back in those days.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-06-07 08:14 very interesting. what did you do for food if the few places were out?

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-06-07 09:07 The Punta Aloe cabins are now Culebra Island Villas. Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-06-07 18:47 We brought alot of our food from home! We'd bring a canned ham and things like canned tuna fish,packages of spaghetti,cans of sauce,macaroni and cheese,etc. As the stores began to stock more items, we brought less with us. Again, we were usually successful spearing fish and grabbing lobsters,and when we were not, there was the co-op (sometimes) they'd have frozen fish. One time I remember a guy I went diving with alot speared a huge jewfish,close to 900 pounds. There was not enough freezer space on the island,so he had to sell it quick! There were no official campsites on Flamenco back then, though some people did camp-and definitely no kiosks with food out there. Nightlife (if you could call it that) was limited to one bar. Close to the town dock as I recall. An open air affair overlooking the water on Bahia Honda.It was owned by a guy by the name of Guillermo Marquez. Not sure if he is still around. Of all places to live, he was allergic to the sun!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-06-07 18:50 Doug, we'll be at Villa Boheme March 6-12. Give us a holler.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-08-07 18:24 Stan, that bar was called 'El Bole', or 'Bole's Bar' after Guille's brother. Great parties there, back before Culebra became civilized. The local band in those days was 'Los Isleños' and they would play sometimes 'til 3-4 AM. After Guille closed it it was a restaurant (Chuck), grocery store?(Marcos?) and a medical doctor's office(Guille's son, Billy). I do miss 'El Bole'. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-08-07 19:11 Yes, I remember that now, El Bole!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-09-07 07:21 Stan, boquicaballo you don't happen to have any pictures of El Bole around - do you? Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-09-07 18:39 Michael, I have no pictures, but you might ask the following people who, if they don't have some, might guide you to someone who does: Juan Romero Benjamín Pérez Quique Cánovas (at one time had restaurant 'El Navegante' next to 'El Bole' in the later years?) Guille's family Hope that helps :-). W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-09-07 21:19 Does anybody know if Guille is still there? I've spent the last ten years enthralled with Cuba and went back to college to learn spanish. He'd flip out if I walked in speaking to him!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-10-07 06:12 Willy - thanks for the tips! In case you see/speak to one of them please, let them know. I am thinking, maybe we could have a more expanded and less official 'Culebra History' section in this site ... would be kind of fun! Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-11-07 17:49 Stan, Guille has been dancing with the spirits in the sky for a few years now. :-( W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-11-07 21:56 Sorry to hear that. He was one helluva good guy!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-11-07 22:08 One guy who is still around from those days in '77 is Gene Thomas. He had the only dive shop, called "Cuda" in Culebra back at that time. I did my very first scuba with him. It was kind of a "resort course", where he took my wife and I over to a beach on the north coast of Luis Pena and taught us the basics, how to clear our masks,etc. Then we went on a 30 ft. dive off Tamarindo. I was hooked! Gene left Culebra for awhile and after that I dove with a local guy, Rogelio. We went on to get certified, and we've been diving in Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Australia, Thailand, Tahiti,and Mexico. Did some diving with Gene again in '95 when we were back in Culebra,as he was back with an operation at that time. Now he's the ferry boat capitan, but I managed to find him,telephoned him, and hope to get together and do a few dives with him this trip next month!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   02-12-07 00:15 Sounds great Stan. I will swing by Boheme at my first opportunity. If you aren't home, I'll leave a note as to my happy hour whereabouts, prolly Dinghy Dock, since it's next door. Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date:   02-12-07 00:19 Willy, Are you the former Oasis Impressario who made possible my watching certain sports events while scarfing pizza and quaffing Presidentes? Are you back on Culebra? This thread is getting pretty darn cool! If not, carry on! Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-12-07 09:41 Doug, I bartended at Oasis between '00-03 IIRC so, if you were there then, it probably was me...unless you got drunk and fell over, that is...then it wasn't me :-). Throughout the years I also bartended at El Batey, Chuck's, Sea Bourne, Mamacita's, Dinghy Dock, Happy Landings. Lots of fun, those days were. Still not back in Culebra. About this becoming fun: YES. When Michael 1st mentioned the "less official 'Culebra History' section" I thought of posting something about 'la tintorera' (local folklore/history), but didn't think it pertinent, so maybe for another thread. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-12-07 10:03 Stan, diving with Gene was neat, wasn't it? He was something else as a scuba instrctor/guide! CUDA was where 'On Island' & Walter's is now, then where the 'licour store' is. Rogelio was also a ferry captain afterwards. Did some pretty wild dives(scuba) with him. How he got into the diving buisiness is surrounded by a pretty neat Culebra story. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-12-07 11:11 I understood he bought Gene's compressor and was the only guy who could fill tanks there for awhile. Yeah, diving with him was pretty wild! Tell us the story about how he got into the diving business! Great thread.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-12-07 14:38 Willy, you might have left out a short stint at El Eden - did you not tend bar there for about five minutes under the Lovings? Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   02-12-07 16:38 Willy, That was me. I didn't fall off the school, but it was a 2 mile walk back to Posada, counting the zigging and zagging and unscheduled stops at Dinghy and Mamacitas. I vaguely remember meeting you first at El Batey; wasn't that your family's place? You should think about a trip home next New Years - as usual, I'll buy the first round... Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   02-12-07 16:38 Make that stool.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-12-07 17:35 Stan, here it is as I remember it: Druso sold the 'Seafarer's Inn' for the first time to a diving enterprise/scuba store from PR called 'El Exótico', IIRC. One of the 1st things they did was to start building a structure atop 3 large pontoons. Now, nobody seemed to know any of these guys and the culebrenses were suspicious of them. I guess somebody decided that that structure they were building was to be a FLOATING WHOREHOUSE. The next thing you know, it's all over the radio and everyone is riled up. :-) It turns out they were building a diving platform, to which they attached an o/b motor for propulsion. Anyway, they later went under, and Rogelio was owed salary (worked for them). His solution was to hold on to some equipment until he got payed. One of the things he got a hold of was a state of the art compressor with an awesome booster and a very respectable bank of cylinders. The 'floating whorhouse' was a Culebra classic. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-12-07 17:42 Michael, a 'stint' at the 'Lovings' is very possible. I don't think there was a bar on the island where I didn't lend a hand at one time or another. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-12-07 17:55 Doug, you probably did meet me at 'El Batey'. You are correct about it being my family's. Anyone who would have gone there since the 60's (called 'Aquí Me Quedo' then) would have seen me hanging out with my grandparents, Carmelo & Sule. They owned the building until recently, when it was sold to some guys from PR. My brother, Tomasito, bought it from these guys last year, so it's back in the family :-). W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com) Date:   02-13-07 11:49 I'll be enjoying a burger in March! Very glad to hear it's back in the family. You might enjoy this article by a friend of mine that tells the story of your Mom's <-(I think) heroism in getting things changed, back in the day. I talked him into coming along for one of my visits. He's a high-fallutin' travel writer to some, but just another beer-mooching muchacho to me. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is my hometown newspaper. http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2002/vol6n34/AllsQuietCuleb-en.html Doug

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-13-07 14:29 Doug: I prefer your first phrase of "fell off the school" much better than my "dropped out" - also interesting how many STL connections show up here... Boquicaballo: el Batey does serve some dang fine burgers indeed. I am curious how the rumor got around that the diving platform being built was a floating whorehouse??? This is a very cool thread.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-13-07 14:48 Sooo, do we have suggestions for eras for recent history? A decade might be too short, so maybe it should be - the 50's and 60s - the 70's and 80's - 90's until now What do you think? Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: MJ (---.prtc.net) Date:   02-14-07 06:36 Willy, it's GREAT to *read* you. Hope all is well, and that we'll see you next time you zip in and out of here. We all miss you. Wish you could be here for the party at Barbarosa's on the 3rd for Larry K and Dolly.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-14-07 20:22 Hi, MJ! This goes for both of you since, when I left, there were two MJ's. Which one are you? What is the party for Larry & Dolly celebrating? Anniversary? I'm sure it will be fun. Later. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: boquicaballo (---.proxy.aol.com) Date:   02-14-07 20:45 Richard, that rumor could have begun as a prank, or very well as an honest, small town mentality 'deduction'. We Culebrenses 'knew' so much less then, and were almost fearful of the outside world. We didn't know what was going on, and who would have ever thought that anyone would want to build a 30' x 30' square 'diving platform'. And a motor big enough to move it? See? So, it could have been a prank, or just plain ignorance from our part. Now, this is from the prank side: Many people have been 'killed' in Culebra, just to show up a few days later. They might have gone over to PR for a couple of days or whatever. I believe there are some specific people in Culebra who just enjoy the hell out seeing how far their rumors can get. It's all part of the fun :-). I don't think anyone ever got mad at these things. You just laughed and wondered who started it all. W.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net) Date:   02-15-07 00:38 W: I can understand, I have relatives and friends in rural US that kinda do (did?) the same thing... I lived for a while in somewhat remote places and found sometimes you have to make your own fun. however that sorts out. but I beg you and others, please keep with the stories...

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.utaonline.at) Date:   02-15-07 01:05 A story I really enjoyed - from the 30's - was the one posted by Haydee, and I believe later published in the Culebra Calendar. Here's a link to her Memorias del Faro in Culebrita Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: MJ (---.prtc.net) Date:   02-15-07 03:14 I am the *other* MJ. There is only one MJ on Culebra now (that I know of...the first MJ is in the states now), but people still get us confused at times, but we get it figured out eventually. More info on the reason for the fundraising dinner can be had by getting in touch with Jim Peterson (of the Culebra Calendar).

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: michele miller (---.arc10.atlnga1.dasdial.com) Date:   02-19-07 20:53 Well we'll be there soon. Looking for some info as to whether small gas tanks are available to power little camp cookers? It's been interesting reading all the memories of things past.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Stan (---.direcpc.com) Date:   02-20-07 01:11 Somehow I get the feeling I'm going to see incredibly significant changes! Well, I indeed saw those in '95 as well. Progress is great, huh?

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.utaonline.at) Date:   02-20-07 04:07 Progress is great. Think about living on an island where the cows were hauled out of the water without a dock from a sailing ferry that sometimes took all day to get to Culebra. Hence the name Punta Vaca, BTW. Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: michele miller (---.arc5.atlnga1.dasdial.com) Date:   03-10-07 10:20 10 days on Flamenco and so glad to see it essentially unchanged. too bad the Beach villas are lit up like a cruise ship all night. The town seems alittle bit updated..the new ecological school, a lot more houses on the hills. scooters are a great way to get around especially if you like roller coasters. best donuts at the panaderia near the airport. Flamenco tent city has good stuff to rent. the food kiosks are great. The vegetable truck on thurs. near the airport. No trash barrels out to Tamarindo and the place was trashed. Campground well maintained, but no showers...who cares. And what about this beach access? does that mean being able to drive in to the far end near the shark tanks.? does he own that land? I heard chain saws the day we left. The only negative on the whole trip was some drunk loud americans on the beach all night howling at the moon.Peace.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Michael (---.ny5030.east.verizon.net) Date:   03-10-07 13:07 All in all good ol' CUlebra then - right? Enjoy Culebra! Michael

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Mike Alcorn (---.broadband.vi) Date:   03-03-13 20:15 Hey, I used to spend weekends in Culebra from St. Thomas and dove with Gene Thomas alot. Would like to get ahold of him if you have a phone number for him. Need to fly over to spread some ashes from a good friend of ours who passed. He actually bought the building Gene's shop was in so he could keep his shop there.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: JeffandMary (---.chi.clearwire-wmx.net) Date:   03-03-13 23:14 Wow! It is so cool to read about what Culebra was like back in the day. It sounds like it hasn't changed too much except gotten more civilized (tu sabes regular electric and water which you still don't have sometimes on the big island in the mountains, lots of places to go and hang out at, food kiosks at Flamenco, an actual camp ground), very civilized. Did anyone ever get around to writing that "unofficial" history? I'm sure everyone would enjoy reading those stories. We are new comers to Culebra, this year will be just our second summer visit, but we plan on coming back to Culebra for many many years to come and perhaps one day becoming Culebanses ourselves. We can't wait to come back to Culebra!

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net) Date:   03-06-13 09:12 I liked it when Butch P. would rent power boats and you could get around to the beaches and dive spots on your own. I guess too many people went to Brava and Resacca and got beached by the surf. of course it was marked off as forbidden on his chart. And the insurance must have gotten to high.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then (need a boat)

Author: Jon Kuiper (74.204.50.---) Date:   03-27-13 08:56 I was just trying to reach Butch, with no success. Is he no longer renting boats? If so, is there anyone else that anyone would recommend we use to get a small boat for a week for snorkeling purposes. Thanks in advance for any advice. Jon

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: JohnMK (---.hsd1.mi.comcast.net) Date:   04-19-13 19:54 A little off topic people.... My family just spent over a week on the island. A big thank you to all the residents. Unique place. Hope it can retain its special qualities, and protect the wonderful shores. We really hope everyone is able to maintain a good quality of life, that will enable them to resist commercialization of your island. Thank you for sharing with our family. We were happy to compensate you for your goods and services. Thanks for your friendliness. There are fewer and fewer such places, and we wish we could give them the protection they deserve.

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Re: Culebra Now and Then

Author: richard (---.85.214.59.reverse.socket.net) Date:   05-28-13 04:25 this IS one of the cooler threads on this board.

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