TravelStream™ news feed for member rainforestinn on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/rainforestinn en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:03:28 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/4/1246897846/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/4/1246897846/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/4/1246897846/tpod.html Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:03:28 -0400 Ben's Stay as a Rainforest Inn Volunteer

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

So I found a curious listing on Craigslist about volunteering at the Rainforest Inn and decided that Puerto Rico would be a nice place to spend three months. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management through an online university, which means as long as I have an internet, the world is my classroom. The listing also specified no prior construction skills were necessary, so I felt uniquely qualified for this volunteer position.

In my three months at the Rainforest Inn I got a crash course in basic carpentry and the opportunity to use all manner of power tool: circular saws, hammer drills, jigsaws, air guns, radial-arm saws, table saws, grinders, planers, sanders, jackhammers, and more. I ran copious amounts of conduit, built several doors, framed in a bathtub, made a concrete wall, tore down a concrete wall, poured a concrete slab, did tons of painting, and worked on countless other small tasks. I would say my confidence level with this kind of work has improved a hundred-fold, especially since before I came here I didn’t even know what a Tapcon screw was.

The work here is basically Monday through Friday, but you aren’t exactly punching a time clock. You don’t use heavy equipment while the guests here, so as not to disturb the serene experience for them. Being a nocturnal creature, I tended to roll out of bed around 9:00, careful not to miss Laurie’s delicious breakfasts. The menu includes things such as ginger pancakes, all kinds of fresh tropical fruits, French toast stuffed with cream cheese and guava, almond butter and apple toast, eggs Florentine, spinach frittata, curried German-style apple hotcakes, broccoli cheedar strada, and of course expresso made with locally-grown coffees. Dinners were equally delicious, with Laurie’s signature calabasa soup and her Thai-seared tofu being my favorites. And don’t get me started on the desserts, such as the homemade flan and key lime pie. Whatever your dietary requirements are, they will accommodate you, and I had no problems eating as a vegetarian.

Bill and Laurie are very gracious hosts. My wife and mother were even able to visit, and I got to spend lots of time with them without having to work. They also occasionally treat you to a dinner out and/or a movie, and they will invite you along to family functions and friends’ dinner parties too. Since you will be here without a car, Bill and Laurie will drop you off at nearby attractions, and you can ride along into Old San Juan when Bill does work there on Tuesdays. Furthermore, Bill knows a ton of people on the island, and can get deals for volunteers at many places.

While I stayed in Puerto Rico I was able to hike the El Toro trail and camp overnight on top of that beautiful peak. I did not see one person on the way in, nor on the way out along the Tradewinds trail. Bill also knows of other old trails that the park no longer publicizes, so you can get adventurous and try to navigate your way through very isolated areas of the rainforest. I got lost doing this, it rained on me for nine hours straight, and I ended up covered with poison oak, but the experience was fantastic nonetheless. I also was able to do a tour of the Bio-Bay in Fajardo, go on a snorkeling trip to Icacos and other islands aboard a catamaran, visit Rincon and stay in a treehouse, kayak to Cayos Santiago where there are hundreds of Rhesus monkeys, explore the centuries old forts and churches in Old San Juan, visit both popular and isolated beaches, and even go hang gliding! Bill and Laurie even took a day off to bring me to the Arecibo Observatory, which has the world’s largest radio telescope (as seen in the movie Contact), and to Caguana where there are many Taino Indian petroglyphs.

As for accommodations here at the Rainforest Inn, they put me up in the “Jungle Suite.” This is also where I did most of my work, as they hope to get it into rentable condition ASAP. It features a bed suspended by ropes from the ceiling and a giant back porch overlooking the jungle. The property itself is pretty isolated and private, tucked away in the mountains of the rainforest. Jogging up the mile long driveway from the main gate is a great way to stay in shape or have a stroke. They have a private trail that leaves their property and goes along part of the adjoining El Yunque National Forest. At the end you are at the top of a large waterfall with water cascading beautifully down the mountain toward the drop-off. There is a swimming hole there with shrimp that will tickle your feet. It is highly unlikely you will see anyone on the trail or at the waterfall unless you brought them with you, and there is a great view from the top.

The weather in Puerto Rico is definitely very humid, and depending on where you are coming from, it may seem quite hot. I left Texas where it routinely gets over 100 degrees, so the steamy weather here felt like a nice escape. While working, though, you will sweat buckets. It also rains a lot here (obviously), so expect that on any hikes and put your cell phones and cameras in baggies. You can learn that the hard way.

The only other tip I’d give is to bring lots of work clothes because you will get quite dirty and stinky, and don’t expect to ever wear jeans! All in all, I really recommend the experience for people with flexibility in their schedules and who are interested in learning basic construction and seeing Puerto Rico. If you already have construction skills, that is even better and Bill will love you. If not, learning is one of the perks, or else you can garden, or even help out with the many other ongoing chores and projects. They’ll find something to suit you.

If you are concerned about only knowing English, you can still get along in Puerto Rico pretty well with only very crude Spanish skills. You can probably do most things with virtually none at all, actually, even though some locals do not speak English. Most of your interaction will be with the guests, as well as with Bill and Laurie. My one regret is that I didn’t improve my paltry language skills very much, but overall I’d say this was an excellent experience and I recommend it if you have a chance.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/debbie-aug_07/1187377020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/debbie-aug_07/1187377020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/debbie-aug_07/1187377020/tpod.html Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:06:30 -0400 Debbie's Volunteer Adventures at the Rain Forest Inn for Aug 11-18 2007. Hard Work, Good Food, Good

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

I found this place on Craigslist and loved the idea of volunteering in
the Rain forest. It has been the highlight of my trip in Puerto
Rico.



I'm 29 years old, a High School Math Teacher from Seattle, and in
Puerto Rico Aug 9-20 on vacation to see Old San Juan, El Yunque, and
the Bioluminescent Bay.



While volunteering here, I learned to:

*Use a shovel (valuable skill if I ever need to bury a body...hehe)

*Value hard work, good food, and good company (Thanks to Bill, Laurie, Pete, and the dogs - Bella w/ her duck, Mia, and Lizzie)

*Slow down (I was burned out before coming to Puerto Rico and being here helped me chillax)

*Connect with nature - Loquillo Beach, Coquis, hike to the waterfall



I especially LOVED: Laurie's Cooking (Absolutely Divine), Laurie and
Bill's Stories, Kayaking the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo & the
movie "El Cantante"



I've been to over 20 countries and have done the touristy stuff, but
volunteering in a rain forest is by far one of the best traveling
experiences that I've had.



This is an experience not to miss if you are in Puerto Rico and have free time on your hands!!!!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1144378020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1144378020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1144378020/tpod.html Thu, 06 Apr 2006 22:59:54 -0400 The day, hr, and all that other stuff they ,call life,,,,,stuff

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Hello , everybody

not much going on at the inn, Tony and i have just been working on the new office, it's been about two days, and i have know idea were Dylan is, any way we do miss you, hope all is well tell Lea hello for me.




PS i will be uploading pics tomorrow.


Goodnight to you all.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143806340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143806340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143806340/tpod.html Fri, 31 Mar 2006 07:32:46 -0500 The day, hr, and all that other stuff they ,call life,,,,,stuff

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Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

Hello, everybody,

We took the day off yesterday to go and enjoy the Seven Seas Beach, in Fajardo. If you ever have a chance to go, walk to the far left side and walk over the rocks until you see the big green sign, at that point there is a trail that will take you to some wonderful rocks that go out into the ocean. or you can keep on walking and see some cool beach.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143566040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143566040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143566040/tpod.html Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:31:21 -0500 The day, hr, and all that other stuff they ,call life,,,,,stuff

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Hello, everybody,

today was the second time that i have heard thunder sense i have been here, and if you are wondering how long i have been a volunteer , well As of April 15th of 05 it will be 1yr.

Work up date: were are getting very close to having Bill& lourie's new room finished. As for me today i am just holding down the fort, Bill,Lourie,& dylan are in San Yuan for the hole day. We will be making the lid( by hand) tomorrow for the second septic tank and that will make it dylan's last big job to do before he goes back home, we will miss you man
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143073140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143073140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143073140/tpod.html Wed, 22 Mar 2006 19:40:00 -0500 Day to day life, and adventures beyond of a volunteer at the Rainforest Inn in Puerto Rico.

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

So we had these really cool guests that stayed here! Steve and his wife (sorry can't remember her name :-( ...my bad) came ready to play music! Steve played the fiddle and his wife strummed along on guitar. I decided to jump in and learn and tune and well the following videos are of me and steve rockin' the free world at the rainforest inn! check em out!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143072000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143072000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1143072000/tpod.html Wed, 22 Mar 2006 19:14:32 -0500 Day to day life, and adventures beyond of a volunteer at the Rainforest Inn in Puerto Rico.

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

So we've been a little slow getting this page up and running but i'll do a recap of some of the things that have been going on here! Me and shane took a trip to Vieques island for the weekend and rode around and camped. We met some crazy people over there and had a good time. Lots of riding in the sun gave us quite the admirable tan when we returned...my face was getting close to lobster status! We hung out at the local bars there in esperanza (Banana's, etc).
We've been hard at work here at the rainforest as well. We've begun construction on a bathroom on the second floor of the shop building and have put up almost all the walls in the shop that will soon be Bill's NEW office for one half...and the other half a new rental. We've been doing a lot of bike riding on the mountain in the mornings for exersize as well as some yoga and stretching to keep us fit. I'll explain more of what's happenin' in the photos i upload. Adios!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143057540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143057540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1143057540/tpod.html Wed, 22 Mar 2006 16:05:28 -0500 The day, hr, and all that other stuff they ,call life,,,,,stuff

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Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Hola, Everybody

Today we all decide to take naps, well not all day. we are making some progress on Bill&Louries new office bed room.
The center wall is almost complete wile the windows for the place are not fare behind.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1139105940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1139105940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/shane/1139105940/tpod.html Sat, 04 Feb 2006 21:40:42 -0500 The day, hr, and all that other stuff they ,call life,,,,,stuff

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The mountain, Puerto Rico

Just wanted to thank Bill And Laurie, for the use of transportation today, Dillen an i had some side jobs to do today. It gave use a chance to make some extra cash. So thanks you two, we owe you one. Sorry for you that are keeping up with what we are doing, we do not have any pictures for you. We will however be giving you some stuff this week coming up on the finishing of the septic take job.

Peace SA
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1139023140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1139023140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rainforestinn/dylan/1139023140/tpod.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 20:32:09 -0500 Day to day life, and adventures beyond of a volunteer at the Rainforest Inn in Puerto Rico.

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

So three days ago (again I'm still trying to catch up here...) I met the captain and the first mate of the ship, BOLD. This isn't any old ship, but the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) larges scientific research vessel! We had a great time drinking beers and pina coladas and munchin' on BBQ that night. We talked about lots of stuff from who were the first people to land on Hawaii, to literature, to home brewing beer (hey they've been on a ship with a bunch of scientists...they have a lot of conversation built up). I mentioned that I was a recent graduate from Michigan State University (MSU) with an environmental geosciences degree and so the dialogue led towards what the EPA was researching on the boat, what I studied and other similar stuff. These guys were really cool and friendly and were thinking two steps ahead of me, and before I knew it they were telling me to bring my resume to the boat the next day because they had a job for me! I was like what the hell?? I had just met these guys and already they wanted me on their ship...crazy. So they invited me down to the boat to take a tour and meet the crew and scientists on board! We met the captain at the docks and Laurie (my second cousin's wife) took him out shopping for whatever and had his second mate, Steve Roy, show me around. So we boarded and he gave me the grand tour, a personal tour for this guy, what a deal. So Steve showed me everything on the boat, the side scan sonar, the TCD (I think its in that order...but it takes the temperature, conductivity, and density of the water in real time I do believe), the water samplers, the sediment scoops, the nitrox diving equipment, the laboratories, computer, the bridge, the mess hall, the galley, crew and scientist quarters.....ok ok so he showed me just about every square inch of the boat, except for the engine room, because they were working on engines down there...didn't want to bother them.
So I eventually get to talk with some of the scientists. The first one I meet is Douglas Pabst, the chief scientist of the ship and basically the person in charge of the research in Region 2 (New Jersey and New York, down to the Caribbean) so a VERY important person in the EPA. Well you guess it, I handed him, the head scientist my resume. Damn that was a lot of red tape I just scooted around. He gave me his business card and told me to email it to him as well so he would be assured not to lose it. DAMN that that's pretty reassuring.
Well anyways I find out that the job that the Captain and the first mate were excited about, called reserve or temporary or something like that lab technician, was in charge of setting up all the scientific survey equipment or lab experiments or whatever needed to be done for the scientists to do their research. The job is to replace the full time lab technician when he wants to go home for a month or whatever, so a part time deal. But anyways none the less a great opportunity to get my foot in the door to the EPA. Meeting all those important people on the ship will definitely increase my chance at getting the job I'm sure.

But who knows...I've still got a lot of traveling to do before I settle down to a full time job or back to school.

So the picture in the photo area is a picture of yours truly standing in front of the BOLD, the EPA's largest research vessel.

I still have an entry I need to do from like last week when the fiddle player was here, but I recorded the video on my camera sideways and can't figure out how to rotate the video clip! argggg So when I figure out how to make that work I'll do a back entry for that exciting time!

Adios
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