Today, I toured a portion of one of three extensive canal systems in PR. The systems were engineered with assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers and built by the islanders in the 1920s. The purpose of the canals was to provide irrigation to the sugar cane fields throughout the island. One amazing feature of these canals is that no pumps are used. Considering the mountainous terrain this is definitely an engineering marvel. The canals are in full use today, except the sugar cane fields disappeared in the 1960s and the water is now treated and used for drinking by the municipalities that the canals pass by. I never cease to be amazed as I tour sugar plantations, former Indian settlements, coffee plantations, churches, forts, light houses, caves, and countless other historical sites that are mostly known only by the locals. I am also fascinated by the trees and other plants from the rainforest and other parts of this tropical island that are used for medicinal purposes.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 21:58:55 +0000
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