• F R E E L A N C E R S •

During a cold morning on November 14 at around 5:30am The Freelancers decided to get together in Caguas, Puerto Rico to go up in a hike to the "Arbol Solitario" or Lonely Tree in Cayey/Salinas Puerto Rico. We got to knew each other on a Literature Class named Journey into Literature in the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Once the professor called our names and told us we would be a group, we quickly got along marvelously. Since our friendship grew, one of the members suggested that we go on a hike, that he would lead us on the way. We all got very excited and scheduled the hour and date, so that we would go chase the sunrise and see it from up in the mountains. 

The date of the hike had to be postponed once because of academically work, since we are students from different faculties and each got a packed schedule all of a sudden. But this didn't matter, because once we found an opening, we jumped at the chance. The hour may seem quite early, but it was just the perfect hour. "El Arbol Solitario" was a place I knew one could go up on a hike, but before getting to know The Freelancers, I didn't know how to get up there, nor I had friends that were willing to go and explore those uncharted lands that none of us knew.

"El Arbol Solitario" is a tree you see when you are cruising along the PR-52 interstate highway. Once you are going down the mountain on the highway, after you pass the Monument of the Jibaro, you'll see a lone tree up on the mountain. This tree doesn't have other trees of its stature near by, hence the name The Lonely Tree. This trail is accessible through an emergency ramp right after the monument that I mentioned earlier. To my surprise, this hike is marked and easy to follow. I have been to only a few hikes in my life, but I would consider this trail an intermediate, although is not all that difficult. 

Once we reached the top (at around 7:00am) the view was breathtakingly beautiful. We could see the highway and all the beautiful green scenery that Puerto Rico has to offer. Also, since it was sprinkling rain, we got to view a beautiful rainbow engulfed in some of the early mountain fog. All the work done to get to the top was worth it. There is no greater pleasure than to work for something and get such an amazing reward as the reward, in this case, the view. If you are a local, and never have been there before, this hike is definitely a most do; also if you're a tourist, this is too a must do. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the beautiful sunrise or sunset, whichever your preference, this is something you won't be disappointed in doing.

Photo Credit: George Arnaldo

"The best view comes after the hardest climb"

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Thanks George for the amazing opportunity.