Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico
18.14.009N
65.37.581W
We sailed away from our anchorage at Green Beach and pointed our bow towards Roosey Roads. Approaching from Vieques, there were a few changes that we noticed right away. A new commercial fuel dock that was only in its construction phase when we left here. There were new barracks that we could see on the hill that we didn't recognize. The mooring field in the harbor appeared to be larger than we remembered and the slips have been greatly improved.
We radioed ahead to the harbor master for permission to enter the harbor and when we were granted authorization, the next radio transmission was to the marina, who told us to take whatever slip we wanted. We took one that, if it isn't our old one, it's very near it. There were quite a few boats here; all at slips. Water, electricity, showers and the laundry room were included in the slip fees.
After washing the Palace off and doing our laundry, we pulled out our bicycles and headed towards the bowling alley to upload these posts. Unfortunately, the bowling alley, where the internet access is located, is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and the small restaurant associated with the bowling alley is only open from 9am - 2pm the rest of the time. We'll pedal in again tomorrow to try once more.
We've lived here from 1991-1994, when this base was working at full capacity. Now, although all of the lawns are still well maintained and all of the bougainvillea and hibiscus are still vibrantly blooming, the atmosphere is surreal. The road leading to the opposite side of the base where the Officer's Club and golf course were and the road leading to the high school and Officer housing are blocked off with signs warning that special permission is required to travel beyond the barriers. The Navy Lodge, the new commissary, the old exchange and all of the little shops associated with it stand empty. The hospital is empty, all of the barracks are empty, the schools are closed; the MacDonalds is abandoned. The post office is still functional but on a limited basis. No traffic. No people. Total quiet. We understand that there are only 15 or so people left as security for the area but, supposedly, only the Commanding Officer is living on base. Other than that, we are only one of a handful of 'live-a-boards' who are the only other residents of this base. The remaining boats are stored here.
Being here brought back so many happy memories. Dale and I speculated as to what it would take to live here again. His retirement would cover the boat payment and the slip fees. Our cruising kitty would cover food and fuel for a while. It's the insurance we having a hard time with. Oh well, looks like one of us will have to go back to work; at least part time. I believe that's called locum tenems.
At least for now, we're going to be here for a few weeks. I'll try to keep the posts interesting.
