Puerto Rico: Oct 2009: Fajardo

     Our trip was full of many adventures, beautiful scenery, and special experiences.  One of our favorite was a kayaking trip.  My wonderful husband, who knows my love for kayaking, decided we shouldn’t miss the chance to experience the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico.  They say there are only five consistent bays with this phenomenon world-wide and three of those are in Puerto Rico.  
     This adventure took us to the coastal town of Fajardo.  Not only did we kayak, but this trip was in the darkest pitch of the evening, the darker the better.  By the time we drove to Fajardo, suited up in life vests, and set up in our kayaks, the sun had set.  There was very little moon, which we were told helped create the perfect opportunity for such a trip.  
     First, across the bay. Then, down a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees.  Lastly, our goal the Bioluminescent Bay.  Actually, about half way down the canal we started to see the glowing water.  Each time a paddle hit the water or a fish jumped it created a blue glowing effect.  For all those who know of Brady’s love of everything glow in the dark, this tour was the perfect choice for us. 
     Unfortunately, we did not have a camera with us.  They recommend not bringing one in case it gets wet.  We actually stayed much dryer than we did in the rainforest.  I did find a couple of pictures online from the same bay and thought I would share those to give a glimpse of the experience.

      The green light is a glow stick on the front of the kayak.  The blue bioluminescence is caused by tiny micro-organisms.  When they are excited by movement, they light up.  We heard many descriptions of this including: pixie or fairy dust or as if stars sparkle from the water.  They were all very poetic but the experience went beyond the descriptions.  We felt humbled and awed to view God’s glory and mystery in such a unique way.