Coffee, Caves, and Coastal Breezes
From Coffee and Coastal Breezes to My Soothing Saturday Morning
The sun hadn't quite cleared the horizon when I stepped out of the front gates of Haudimar this past Saturday. Usually, I’m a "three cups of coffee before I speak" kind of person, but there’s something about the salt air in Isabela that wakes you up faster than caffeine ever could.
I decided to head right onto the Paseo Lineal. If you haven't been, it’s this winding, paved path that hugs the cliffs between our home base and the rest of the world. At 6:30 AM, I had the trail almost entirely to myself, save for a few serious runners and a local fisherman carrying his gear down to the rocks.
My first stop was only five minutes in: the new Food Truck Plaza. I saw the "Open" sign at a small coffee trailer and grabbed a "Café con Leche" that was so strong it practically vibrated. With cup in hand, I kept walking toward Jobos.
The highlight of the walk happened about fifteen minutes later. I reached Pozo de Jacinto. Most people visit during the day when it’s crowded with tourists, but seeing it at dawn is a different experience. I stood by the edge of the limestone bridge, watching the turquoise water surge into the cave below. I didn't yell "Jacinto!" this time—it felt too peaceful to break the silence—but the spray from a particularly big wave caught me anyway. It was the perfect "welcome to the weekend" moment.
By the time I looped back toward Haudimar, the neighborhood was waking up. I passed a group of friends unloading surfboards from an SUV and realized I’d already seen more beauty in an hour than I usually see in a week back home.
I finished my morning sitting on the private balcony back at the apartment, watching the palm trees sway. I didn't have a grand plan for the rest of the day, and for the first time in a long time, that felt exactly right.
My "Unplanned" Saturday Itinerary:
- Start Time: 6:30 AM (Trust me, the morning light is worth it).
- The Fuel: A latte from the food trucks just outside the gate.
- The Turnaround Point: Pozo de Jacinto for the best views.
- Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. By the time you walk back, the water at Jobos will be calling your name.
