Cuba Cultural/Fishing Combo Trips Continue to Rule!
Along with six great adventurers, I just spent another wonderful week in Cuba. All trips are different, and this was no exception. The greatest part of our trip, and of the continuing relationship we have with our Cuban guides, is the ability to customize these trips as we learn more and more. A couple of the highlights as a result of this collaboration with our hosts, was an incredible visit to a Cuban elementary school, an evening of music in the home of university students, and a pig roast on a farm in the Cuban countryside.
The challenging part to this particular week in Cuba was the weather we had during our fishing days. May in Cuba is generally considered to be part of the "rainy season," which also includes the months of June-September. Average rainfall in May is usually between five and six inches. We had over twenty inches in about four days! Luckily, our group was made up of experienced travelers who were also friends. Knowing that nobody can control the weather, we made the best of it. A few more mojitos than usual were consumed!
Joe, Jan, Russ, Lucky, Jeannie and Rich in an American classic
After three nights in Havana, we moved south towards Playa Larga, stopping the first day to fish the Rio Hatiguanico. A great Tarpon river, all guests had some kind of encounter with these silver kings. Because of the rain that moved in, we changed one of the days that was meant to be spent on the salt flats, back to the river where being able to see fish is not as crucial.
Nice sized juvenile Tarpon from the river. We saw fish from 10-100 pounds during our two days
What makes this trip so special is the time spent with the Cuban people. Guests come away from their week on the island with a greater appreciation for the challenges of life in Cuba, the resiliency of the Cuban people, and the amazing kindness and hospitality these people possess. Our week ended with a day of Tarpon fishing, and a barbecue at a local farm, hosted by a wonderful family.
Our dinner undergoing surgery......
The streets of Playa Larga were flooded, as was much of Cuba. This was a huge, and unusual storm.