Today was another test of my stamina, but this time terrestrial style. I must admit I was a little humbled. We ventured out to the edge of the world, and my, was it BEAUTIFUL! We took a scenic and tiring hike in Cabo Rojo around the cliffs. The sites seen were well worth every blister. After that, we went to the salt flats to see where the area gets the name Cabo Rojo (red cape translated). Turns out it's from a green algae called Dunaliella. The salt flats sometimes get flooded from the ocean, and when it evaporates, it raises the salinity of the remaining water. Although Dunallella can tolerate hypersaline environments, these conditions cause them to accumulate beta-carotene, which makes them turn pink! This, in turn, makes the salt ponds turn pink because their population is so high. It's amazing that one place can have so many different environments and coastlines, and I get to witness it all!
We took a little detour on the way back to the house after to add to the experience. We stopped to pick up some pineapples and also decided to get some impromptu (non-alcoholic) pina coladas. It was easily the best pina colada I’ve ever had. Puerto Rico truly is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever had the privilege of visiting and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
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