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Feb. 12 - La Zanja

I’d rather look back on my life and say “I can’t believe I did that”, than say “I wish I did that”. –Unknown

Today we hiked to La Zanja (the trench). It's located in Fajardo, on the northeastern-most tip of Puerto Rico, right along the rugged coast. The little pool is a hidden gem, but was definitely not swimmable today. It's in Las Cabezas de San Juan nature reserve and not accessible by car. Getting there was a bit of a walk, but La Zanja is so pretty, it is worth the hike.

Most of the hike is along the beach. Actually in the water part of the time, so it's very enjoyable. This beach is called Playa La Matita. It's a great beach to hang out, enjoy the calm water and even snorkel. 

About the time we ran out of the beach to walk on we found a trail that led along the beach for a little ways and then inland. Eventually the trail led to a paved road inside the nature reserve. This road took us to a rocky beach. From the beach we headed up the hill on a trail that led to the top of La Zanja. From the top cliff you can climb down to the pool. We found a lot of paths that wound through the grassy hill and we even found a second trench a little further west where the water was even rougher.

The water in La Zanja looked inviting even on such a windy day. The large rocks at the mouth of La Zanja keep most of the rough swells out, but not all. It was a beautiful spot but we definitely weren't getting in today. 

Looking back towards the mountains
Part of our trail today...walking on the beach is fun.
But then the trail got a little harder...we even forged a trail of our own through the grassy meadow.
Looking up the hill (where we had to go) from the paved road.
The rocky beach where we started going up hill.
Looking back at the rocky beach from the hill.
We found this trench first and then realized it wasn't La Zanja....It's nice to have google maps.
Here's La Zanja from the top of the cliff.
We did climb down...but not all the way to the water. It was just to windy and rough today.
Stan checking google maps for the best way back to the beach.
Looking back at the beach we hiked on. Our condo is at the upper left in this picture.
Stats from our hike today.
After such an active morning we treated ourselves to lunch on the beach.
And we enjoyed it so much we all went back for dinner.
A video of the rocks rolling in and out with the surf.

Aerial view of the beach we walked on today.

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