Arecibo is not far from the caverns so that was our next stop along our journey. As usual the roads were hilly, curvy and poorly marked. This was the only time that we got far off our proper driving path. We drove several miles in the wrong direction before realizing where we were headed. The misdirection was more good that bad. We saw a lot of pretty scenery and enjoyed the ride. There were no regrets about the 'detour'.
Of course we all wanted to see the Observatory. Kay and I had another reason for going there. The Observatory is at least partially sponsored by Cornell University in Ithica, NY. Our daughter, Susan, met her husband, Ram, while they were both in Graduate School there. This gives it a special place in our hearts as we are so happy they got together in marriage. (This page is red in honor of Cornell.)
When we arrived at the parking lot it was 98% full. The attendant let us drive forward up to a closer lot, thus eliminating a 200 yard uphill walk. The first thing we saw at the other parking lot was a sign: 500 steps to the top, and a long stairway facing us. One or more of us were not anxious to walk up the stairs. We talked to an attendant and they were pleased to drive us to the top in a van. That was appreciated!!
The display area was similar in type to others we have seen, like the meteor crater in Arizona. A theater to show the history of the observatory and many interactive displays in the main rooms. It was very nicely set up.
We then went outside and saw the telescope dish and the transmitter. It was impressive. Also we had a great view of the surrounding area. This is a very pretty country.
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It was now time to leave. I walked down to our car while Kay and Marlene took the scenic drive down the steep hill. We will now go back up north to the area of Isabela. Someplace up there we will find a beach and hotel on or near the Atlantic Ocean.
Last revised: 12 July 2002