One beautiful afternoon, Kim and I decided on a trip to Media Luna, one of our favorite beaches on Vieques. We decided to see something beyond the idyllic little beach, so we found and followed a small footpath that led into the scrub.
We emerged from the thicket at a place where the Caribbean met Vieques. Here, the sea has battled the land for untold years, carving out rough cliffs.
It was the sort of rough-yet-tranquil, barren-yet-alive places that I truly adore about Vieques. We picked our steps carefully amongst the jagged rocks and made our repose on a tiny peninsula.
We watched the waves form, build and crash against our perch in a rhythmic dance. We admired the sea cliffs and the lines of strata which told silent tales of past millennia.
We sat for countless moments, bathed in sunlight and sea spray, when we were joined by another pair of solitude-seekers.
These were a mated pair of Frigates, magnificent sea birds that resided within the nearby cliffs. The Frigates became as curious about us as we were of them. They made numerous passes just overhead.
When they were confident we meant no harm, they began to play. One would settle in the water and the other would make a low dive. As they passed, each would snap at the other. Small eternities passed as we watched this game.
As we readied ourselves to leave, Kim pointed out a curious portion of cliff that was clearly the face of a giant, whom we deemed the keeper of this place.
He decided to test us as we crossed a thin sliver of sea-rock, sending an enormous wave to sweep us into the sea. Fortunately, we kept our footing and escaped with only a thorough soaking.
When we returned to Media Luna, we had the place to ourselves!