| This is an example of some of the interesting
vistas and
textures you will find on the south side of the newly-accessible west end of the
island of Vieques. Until March of 2002, this land had been occupied by a
large US Navy ammunition storage facility (NAF), and had been off-limits
to civilians for over 50 years.
Some of the beaches are covered with black
volcanic sand during different times of the year.
Even in the rockiest areas you can find a private spot to
call your own. The trek out there is an adventure as most
of the roads on the south side are one lane paths.
There are two ways to get onto the former NAF and
each access offers different beach areas. When you go through "the
Wormhole," as Mike calls it, in the La Hueca area, the first right
will take you on an undulating and panoramic asphalt road to the
north side which ends just after the main gate. Be careful on this road,
as it is a two-way road, and the rises, curves and dips make it difficult
to see oncoming traffic. If you continue straight along the beach heading
west, you will see many of the views pictured here. Access is through
a hole cut in the chain link and razor wire fence that precluded
civilian access to the base. This is now a "sanctioned" entrance.
You will need a four wheel-drive vehicle to use the south road,
as you must ford the arroyo to continue west.
The other access is by the main road along the north side of
the base, past the pier and the company compound to the first
formerly "restricted area", which is a left that takes
you out to the Bunker areas. This is where you'll find the
gallery.
Again, follow that road to the very end, where it turns into
a dirt path and explore.
If all else fails that main road will also take you to the Kiani Lagoon, a nature
reserve, and on to the western tip of the island and Green
Beach. There you will find good snorkeling and "bella vistas."
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