Exploring the World Around Us - Paseo de Piñones

We've had a lot of opportunities to explore the world around us. Last week we made another attempt - this time successful! - to visit the Paseo de Piñones, a biking and hiking path located just a short drive from the San Juan airport. Our first attempt, a couple of weeks ago, was cut short when all we could find was an empty parking lot in a somewhat sketchy area at the far end of the trail. After reading some more info on where and how to access the path, we found easy access just east of Isla Verde.

The path is a combination of paved area and boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach. There are opportunities to spend some time on the sand and rocks while the boardwalk keeps walkers and bikers off the fragile parts of the beach. We began our walk on a section of the path that goes by a mangrove forest.

This important habitat consists of small trees that grow with their roots in the water in coastal areas. Mangroves provide a home for many animals, fish, and organisms and have been called the 'nursery of the sea.'

We have been noticing large nests in many of the trees we've seen in the forest. We have learned that these are termite nests and many of them are impressive in size.

The path leaves the forest behind and follows closer to the shore. Waves break over a reef about 100 yds. out from the shore.

We spent a lot of time walking on the shore and the rocks finding crabs, snails, and shells.

One of the larger crabs we saw walking along the shore.

We weren't sure at first what these circular items were. On closer inspection we found that they were snails.

We ended our walk seeing one of the pine trees for which the area is named.