This being our first trip to Bonaire in 14 years of diving I'm going to gear this report to fellow first timers. Those of you fortunate enough to visit the island regularly will likely get little from our experiences. All photos that I'll be posting are frame grabs from video so don't expect wonderful shots. Also with that in mind I have over 5 hours of raw footage to go through so I'm going to do this a day at a time.
I have to say it started out on a very sour note as we were scheduled to fly out on 9/11 from Boston to MoBay,Jamaica, however by the end of the day I had reworked the whole trip with no losses whatsoever (well, maybe a little hair). We were off the following week. All went well with Air Jamaica and we arrived in Bonaire midday giving us enough time to check into our apartment at Coco Palm Gardens/Casa Oleander and later meet up with the Jake and Linda Richter for a BBQ with the underwater cleanup crew down at the Yellow Submarine. Talk about feeling guilty, they worked their butts off that day and we come in later and pig out at their BBQ. Oh well!
Day 1 of diving we went to the dive shop for orientation. I had heard of the checkout dive requirement so was prepared to go for a dive with one of their divemasters but we were simply instructed to go do our own thing at an easy sight and stay above 60 feet. While I have no complaint with the dive shop (we did mostly shore dives anyway, what could you complain about?) I don't think I'll mention thier name since they were possibly breaking a park rule by letting us go on our own, I just don't know! We started off at North Belnem since it was right down the street from where we were staying. Beautiful sight, easy entry, and to my surprise, reasonably good vis considering the storm the prior week. Also to our surpriseour first seahorse. We made it a point to return as the last dive of the week and found him(her) again. Our second dive, farther South at Alice in Wonderland, was equally easy and very beautiful. To anyone going or thinking of going to Bonaire I just can't stress the ease of diving. Only a liveaboard could compare and even then you're on more of a schedule. We opted for only one shore dive as we're on a pretty tight budget and in the end had absolutely no regrets.
There's nothing like being able to roll out of bed and say "Do you want to do a dive or go eat breakfast" No boat to catch! No dive site orientation to attend! This is dive heaven. Well that's it for now. I've got a lot of video to look at and I'll put up some shots tomorrow.

That is the beauty of Bonaire! Regarding the orientation dive-I think most dive shops on the island do it the way yours did. Glad you had such a nice trip.

having only been to Capt Don's, I can tell you that is NOT how it is done at all resorts or shops. Capt Don's give a 20-30 minute briefing of safety precautions and local conditions as well as a reminder about proper bouyancy control. You cannot get weights from the equipment room until you show your park pass. You can't get the park pass from the dive shop until you show your reciept that you paid for the pass. You have to pay for the pass at the end of the briefing. They have have a good plan going... They then request that you do your first dive at the house reef, right out front. They do not send a divemaster in to dive with you, but there are usually some staff around to help if you need to make weight adjustments.

I think I'm missing something...what was the sour note for your trip down? Did flights get cancelled? Hurricane interference? Lemons for breakfast?

What I was referring to was the fact that the divermasters let you go alone. I, too, had the briefing.

Mary, if your comment was in response to my question, then I must clarify that I was referring to Gary's following statement:

"I have to say it started out on a very sour note as we were scheduled to fly out on 9/11 from Boston to MoBay,Jamaica, however by the end of the day I had reworked the whole trip with no losses whatsoever (well, maybe a little hair)."

'twas a question for Gary.

I believe the sour note was Ivan the Terrible - Gary's trip got postponed.

Yep, the hurricane is what stopped Gary in his tracks. Cancelled flights to MoBay on their original travel day.

The 'sour note' was the week's delay in the trip mentioned in his next sentence: "We were off the following week".

Okie, thanks for clarifying.

Greg, I would assume that the dive shop gave them the orientation, park tag, talk about bouyancy, dive sites, how to look for currents, etc., I think what Gary was referring to is that the DM's didn't actually accompany them on their check out dive. It really is a misleading term, "check out dive," because first timers expect to have to show their skills before actually getting the go ahead to dive. You can however, pay a DM to go with you if you are a new diver, or solo. I hired a DM one time because my buddy wasn't coming until a day later and I don't dive solo...

Gary, glad you had a good time

Cynde...That was our experience as well.. We also thought to show our 'tricks' in front of the DM. But we did get a briefing and paid for the park tag and we could test our bouyancy at the house reef and then make a little dive. The only strange thing, was that we had compagnie from one other guy. And I think he was not told that he should pay a DM, so we asked him to join us.... I thought it was a bit strange for him. We were with the four of us. And I hope he did have a good dive

Greg... great that you did see a seahorse during your first dive!!!

Cynde, I agree- it should be called a "bouyancy and gear check" dive, as that seems to be the real intent.
I understand that some people do feel kind of uncomfortable making their first dive at a new location. I also feel that if someone IS uncomfortable diving a new or strange location, it is THEIR responsibility to ask for help even if it means paying for a DM or instructor.
I really wish that if you have previously had this briefing and can prove it- (old tag maybe?) that you could skip the breifing , pay for the tag and start diving! I always arive in the afternoon and if i had a tag, i could be diving that night instead of waiting until about 10 the next morning...

OK, I'm back. First the "sour note" was Ivan cancelling us. Nothing on the trip was the least bit sour. Second, This checkout thing. I'm not the least bit opposed to having to do a checkout dive and had we been asked we would have no question. I despise people who have no control of their buoyancy or respect for the reefs and if a checkout is what it takes, so be it. We were briefed and asked of our experience level. We are both New England divers with well over 500 dives each ( the point at which I stopped logging 5 years ago.)This may be why we were just pointed to a reef to do our own thing. Personally I would not take anyone's word for it which may be the only reservation I had with the dive shop. On every trip I've done there was a sign somewhere requiring C-card and LOG BOOK. And every time I simply said we were NE divers and we dive just about every weekend and that was all it took. I'm not complaining mind you, I know our abilities. I just kinda wish someone would stick to the rules. Now I've got to go edit some video. Be back soon.

Gary - I would question the part about not being required to show your C card. We have stayed 5 times in 5 years at the same small establishment, (and are remembered), but each year must still show our C cards, fill out the paperwork, and listen to the park briefing. I actually learned something new this past year about bouyency - even though I'd heard it before - but somehow this year it 'stuck'. So it doesn't hurt to have the 'rules' refreshed for you! But not being asked for your C card - maybe you SHOULD name them.

Sorry Gail, let me rephrase that. We've always been asked for our cards and of course you have to fill in the paperwork with your cert# but what I'm saying is that we've never been held back by the fact that we don't provide a log book even when my wife's cert is only Open Water. Even though I know she's got more experience than many divemasters out there, they don't know her ability.

I think tonight I'm going to get into "other things Bonaire" beside diving (simply because I haven't had time to work on photos). Before our trip I had a completely different view of the island. For one, everyone I ever spoke to made it seem as though there is little there except for diving and while it's not a place I would care to go if I wasn't a diver we did find things to do on our surface intervals. For one, and perhaps the most misrepresented fact about Bonaire, there are plenty of decent shops to browse in. Maybe not the huge Straw Markets of the Bahamas but quaint little stores to stand outside while the women do their thing (ahh, just kidding). Local crafts, a very nice art gallery, and of course jewelry, all priced comparable to any other island we've been to. You can also eat real good. I was thrilled by the selection of different restaurants there. Jake and Linda brought us to the 'Garden Cafe'(I hope that's right) for some out of this world shishkabob, and Casablanca was great as well. For a real good breakfast we did the 'Old Inn' a couple of times and let's not forget Gibi's for BT night. City Cafe was confusing as the menu varied depending on where you sat but the food was good, breakfast, lunch or dinner not to mention the view. There's always the ride up to Washington Park but make sure you're driving a truck. 4 wheel drive isn't necessary but you certainly need clearance. I must say I was worried about that also from reading posts about the oneway roads up there but it wasn't as bad as I expected, I felt it was very well laid out. Downtown Kralendijke now there's a whole other story. I can't say how many times I got lost in that maze. You know, one week just isn't enough time on Bonaire, it takes that long just to learn the streets. Feeding Donkeys, now there's something you don't get to do on other islands. Knowing it's not good to let them associate vehicles with food we set out on foot a couple of times with carrots from Cultimara(this must be a common thing because the cashier just sort of laughed when I bought them, like she knew exactly what I was going to do.). Up in the Park it was the lizards that cracked me up. I felt like I was in the middle of those B movies with the fighting reptiles, coming out from everywhere. Tell me they don't get fed on a regular basis. Last but not least, the circus was in town. It's not often you get to sit down next to a white tiger and get your photo taken

What a wonderful trip report, Gary. You are so right about tons of things to do on Bonaire out of the water, too. We just love the place and can't get enough of her. The roads will all fall into place after a couple of trips and lots of exploring. That's one of the biggest fun things to do on land...just drive around and "explore" and enjoy the land with a new adventure around each corner.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip and see some more photos. Love the white tiger! Carole

Gary, I am so glad you were able to get to Bonaire. You are so right, there is more to the island than diving.

I enjoyed your description of the iguana's in the park "fighting reptiles". Throw a piece of fruit and they resemble a free for all rugby game.

Again, glad you had a good time.

Tom, now a Rugby game, there's a good description. I had a blast with those little guys. I don't know if they're Iguana's, they were the smaller ones with the teal tails. I found they really liked cereal bars. I gave them pieces on my fingertips and some went right up to the first knuckle trying for more, thank God they don't have teeth.

Gary, The little guys really love apples too. You are right, we are lucky they don't have (big) teeth. Still this ol wuss will get their attention then toss my offering into the middle of them to get the "game" going. After watching the beach scene of the second Jurassic Park movie I might not mess with small lizards anymore:-{O}

Hi Gary, I have been enjoying your trip report! Glad to hear that you had a great time. My turn starts tomorrow and I get to use my new Liquid Blue Atomic split fins for the first time!

Gary, cool tiger! You know, I have NEVER been asked to show my log book. I always have it with me, but no one has ever asked...been to Mexico a couple times, Bonaire a couple times, and lots and lots of times here in So Cal on dive boats...they always ask for the C-card, but no log book. Has anyone ever been asked to show their log book? I'm just curious.

Cynde...like you, we have never been asked to show our "log books" by any of the dive operations or dive boats we have been on throughout the world, only "c-cards".

Most liveaboards have the requirement in writing when you first sign up although none have ever actually asked to see it, and North Carolina wreck trips I've been on have their sign on the wall and asked to see it but as I soon as I informed them we were from NE and were diving just the week before the answer has always been "no problem" and they never even check the log. One of the reasons I stopped logging dives.

Darlene, after finally diving in Bonaire I understand why you needed a bootie type fin for snorkeling. It's pretty hard on the feet there isn't it. Enjoy your trip and bring extra bug juice, The skeeters were horrendous. We were told worse than usual because of recent rains. Have fun.

Carole, what a fantastic sunset photo in your profile.

Why thank you, Gary. It was a spectacular show that evening...even the locals were commenting on how brilliant it was. We were up in the hills of Santa Barbara when that one occurred. I love the little sliver of Mt. Brandaris in the background.

Booties are a must on Bonaire. The trade off is well worth it, tho. My feet are sooooo happy when I can take them off and get the tootsies swimming freely in the water!

Darlene....have a Great time!! Please tell Renee and Michael and Janice that Carole and Joe send their love and wish we were there, too!! Have fun!!

Here's another shot from the same evening....Carole

Way up in this thread, Greg Zeneski had a question:

---

quote:

I really wish that if you have previously had this briefing and can prove it- (old tag maybe?) that you could skip the breifing , pay for the tag and start diving! I always arive in the afternoon and if i had a tag, i could be diving that night instead of waiting until about 10 the next morning...

---

Here we go with dive day 2. Now I was very eager to do the Hilma Hooker but with the orientation thing I didn't want to reverse profiles so we planned it for the first dive on Monday. Wow!, need I say more.She is absolutely beautiful.And nighttime was even better but that's another day.

Working our way back into the shallows my wife was great as usual at picking out video subjects such as this juvenile eel. Frankly, I've never seen so many on one trip especially so small. For our surface interval we headed to "The Old Inn" for breakfast. Excellent choice. There was something I noticed about Decaf coffee on Bonaire. It's delicious, strong and comes in these tiny cups with matching tiny spoons, what was that all about??? Anyway, after about 10 of those, dive 2 brought us over to the Reefcam .

Having only the visual from the website we took a chance on finding the darn thing. First on pulling into Eden Beach we saw the sign "parking for guests only" so being a typical guy who won't ask things I just figured lets park over in the old Sunset Beach lot.I hope that's not a warning. We headed out toward the actual location (on a guess) but went a little too deep (85ft). For any first timers let me stress this point. The view you get from the website is VERY deceiving from the real thing. The camera is on a concrete block pinned to a 45 degree barren slope and is around 60 feet deep so if you don't see it or a wrecked sailboat by the time your at 50 feet start looking somewhere else. We found it, (archives 20 Sept-2004 12:18:04) and well that was an interesting dive, thank God the wreck is there otherwise there is nothing at all to see until you get up in the shallows and even then it's fairly bland except for a group of jawfish. Back to the truck (I hope it doesn't look like that car)we get out of the water and my wife is in her glory. The beach is covered with tumbled beach glass which she, of course collects. By the time we got out of there it was time for some of that wonderful island food and wind down for the next day.

Sorry about that. The one car photo screwed up the whole report. Hopefully you'll see the connections.

Nice pictures...

Mary- Thank you! I will have to look for that paper... I do not remember it, but I may have it, I save almost everything.

they just recognize me..."hey look what the cat dragged in" (was a big cat;))

i've managed to log about 13 of 250+ dives

whatever,

Circus in town? How'd they do that? And where was the arena held?
On the log book note...NO never been asked to show any dive logs....Belmar has an area in their shop that you can stamp your dives...First time we ever saw that offered....

Meryl, I guess they came by boat from Curacao. It was the "Circo Hermanos Suarez" from Mexico. Certainly not Ringling Bros' but pretty entertaining. I think it was in the Stadium parking lot.
Many shops in the Keys offer to stamp your book also, in Moorehead City, NC.

For the third day of diving we decided to venture North into the park. I'm now getting the hang of the road system and the truck still has plenty of gas. If you go up there you watch the map carefully as things start to change around you. No longer is the road following the shoreline at just10-20 feet above sea level and eventually no longer is the road paved. The map doesn't seem so detailed either as you start wondering if that was a road you just passed or just a donkey trail but soon enough (well maybe not) you find yourself at the park entrance and after paying your fee you are awarded with another, much more clearly defined road map with your choice of long route or short route one way roads.

The ranger convinces us that the long route at 2 1/2 hours is much more beautiful and besides it's the only way to dive the Northern sites. While there you are also informed of your time limit as the gate gets closed at 4PM.

We decided on Playa Benji for the first. It's a rocky entry much like our Folley Cove in Massachusetts and I think most of you New Englanders know where I mean. Very hard on the ankles but well worth it once you're in. Like the cove it's sandy in the middle with outcroppings on both sides only here you can see out to the edges. I thought it was the most different of the sites we dove all week but similar in the way it drops off just off shore. It was here that I had so much fun with the small lizards on the beach.

We later continued down the seemingly endless dirt road contemplating what it would be like to be stranded out there and stopping at all of the historic or scenic vistas. That took a bit longer than expected so a second dive in the park wasn't going to happen. I got us back to civilization and our apartment where we relaxed in the pool for a bit before heading out to do a second dive. 1000 steps was the one I had heard about so often and talked Susie into it offering to retrieve her gear at the end of the dive. Another beautiful spot, similar in many ways to the others but each place seems to have it's own little special offerings. Here we saw the first turtle and some of the most fantastic tube sponges I've ever seen. Much to my surprise, Susie walked straight up to the truck at the end with all of her stuff. Too much driving today and not enough diving, the day is almost over and it's time to go decompress at Gibi's.

Doesn't it figure, just as I graduate to an "Experienced BTer" my photo screws up

that's better

I forgot to mention, to those who have yet to visit Bonaire, there isn't really 1000 steps, more like 67

it's 67 on the way down, but definitely 1000 on the way back up...

Faith

Faith, I suppose I have to agree with that. I'm thankful I didn't have to make the climb twice.

Thank you, again, so much, Gary for the beautiful photos and report. Bonaire is just so much fun to explore. You certainly were doing just that! Ayo. Carole

Carole, I"m glad you're enjoying the report because there's still 3 days left to talk about.

We're ready when you are, GT! cb

Tuesday night at Gibi's was a real treat, talk about laid back atmosphere. Had no problem finding the place, we followed Jake and family. There we met 6 other new BTers I had made arrangements with online which makes this whole experience so unique.Also there were Linnea and Gayle and a cousin to one of them. Too bad Gibi's doesn't have a round table because we didn't have an opportunity to really meet and talk to everyone way down the other end. I had hoped to also meet up with a new diver/BTer (Sanjeve, if you're out there buddy, what happened?)who I chatted with several times about doing a night dive (his first). I would have liked to do one of the piers but there was too much planning involved and I figured any night dive in Bonaire would be good enough, and he was looking for someone to dive with since his wife wasn't a diver. On leaving Gibi's that night I made tentative plans with 4 of the others to do their first night dive on Wednesday eve.
Dive Day 4, our boat dive. We had one, 1tank boat dive with our package and I figured as long as we're on the boat may as well upgrade to 2 tanks. First stop was "nearest point" on Klein and like the main island there were no regrets. The clarity seemed a little better out there and just when I was beginning to think there were no green morays in Bonaire, behold, a nice big one pointed out by divemaster "Chili". This was well appreciated as Susie and I opted to do our own dive and he made it a point to come get my attention. It's not that I object diving with a group but when you're doing video it can get very boring to others who have to wait for you and I've been known to spend a couple minutes on one subject. This might be a good time to stress "TIP YOUR DM's". Susie pointed out that when we returned to dock nobody else seemed to do so. I told her we really didn't know what everyone else had planned, maybe they were going out again or whatever and would take care of it later, who knows? These guys work hard and get paid crap. Tip'em!!!
Anyway, the increased visibility made the open water appear so much deeper blue and taking the long shots with the video were working quite well giving me some vivid footage of the DM doing a little cleanup while he was there. The next site was the "Forrest" which I misunderstood Chili to say "farthest". Well, you know, nearest point-farthest, it was a legitimate mistake which I credited to his Texan accent. All that aside, it was gorgeous and so Bonairean, all similar but each with a slightly different personality. One thing I've seen in greater abundance in Bonaire than anywhere else is spotted drums (my favorite) and only out at Klein did I see any juveniles. Beautiful!! This day had been the best so far. Diving done for now we venture off to Sorobon to check out the windsurfers. I think I will give it a try the next time we come here but for now we just sit and watch.
Time for our night dive. I chose North Belnem for it's ease of entry since my diving buddies have no experience. Susie is here as a backup if no one shows (she doesn't share my enthusiasm for the dark) but I'm thinking the surf is kicking up a bit too much for her anyway. It's now 7pm and we all set a 6:30 meet 'if they could make it' so I guess I'll call the dive. As we packed , Richard and Sarah Burdette (new BTers) pulled in and we ended up going out for an ice cream. I still have one more night to get in a dive.

Thanks for Day 3 (?) Gary. The pics from your video are so clear and crisp. Nicely done. Gibi's is fun. Hope you remembered the insect repellent, tho! Awaiting the next installment...Carole

Gary, most of the dive shops that I'm aware of put a "TIPS" bucket in the dive shop for the divemasters & boat crews. So if nobody was tipping the divemasters directly on the boat, they were probably using the "TIPS" bucket. It's pretty common, if you're doing a week of boat dives, to wait until the end of the week and then slip a $20 or two into the bucket.

But it should certainly be OK to tip 'em directly on the boat! Sounds like "chili" did a great job, coming to find you for the green moray -- nice...

Faith

Gary,
Sorry. The tuesday that I was supposed to get to Gibi's, I totally forgot about it. The tuesday morning on the 21st I did couple of dives. Then afterwards, I slept for few hours and I totally forgot about it. I realized only the next day. I wanted to hook up with the divers at Gibi's. Shucks.

I did get to do the night dive at the town pier. It was awesome. I also did a night dive before at Bari's reef. Town pier was great. Nice colors. Basically all the coral colors were superb. We saw few spotted drums, moray eel, couple of tarpons, and a puffer.

Will be back to Bonaire in couple of years.

Gary,
the night dive that you did on wednesday, did you do the town pier. I was able to do the night dive with couple more divers who were diving with me. THe night that I dove the town pier, I saw 4 divers from another group. Maybe you were one of them??

Sanjeev, too bad you missed Gibi's, it was a good time and I would really have liked to meet you. Glad you got your night dives in anyway.I never got in on Wednesday night, the others had different plans and my wife wasn't really into it. I made up for it on Thursday night though. Did the Hilma Hooker. I'll report on that tomorrow. No report tonight, it's dive club meeting night so I won't have time. Again, glad you got in some good night diving, I personally think that's the best time.
Gary

Well once again, Thursday's diving report will be put on hold. It was such a good day with so much video I haven't finished up yet so I'll leave with my favorite land shotfor now.
Gary

Two weeks later and I finally finished this report. So much video to edit, so little time. Anyhow;

It's now Thursday morning and the clock is ticking our vacation away. Some time ago a rep from "Buddy Dive" came to our club in NH so we thought we would check the place out before leaving. Turns out they have a terrific breakfast buffet for only $10 US. The place looked pretty nice also, a little pricy for this trip, but maybe next time. Since I was still (as Jake put it) NIGHT DIVE DEPRIVED, we stopped by his place before the day's diving and asked if he would accompany me that evening. I knew it was too late to set up anything for the piers and I didn't care, I figure a night dive anywhere on this island should be fantastic. His choice, Hilma Hooker. He also suggested a couple of others for our daytime excursion so we were off. First, ' Red Slave', unfortunately it was a bit rough and very churned up out to 50+feet, you could not see the bottom from the shore, making an entry very hazardous. Just up the road we found Vista Blue to be a bit more accommodating. We also found the current to be the strongest yet. Swimming out to the buoy then into the current for 30 minutes I figured it would be a safe bet to turn. Thank God for the buoy because we came back upon it in only 5 minutes, we would have had a long walk back. The water was a bit cloudier than the days before but still very inviting. Our next yellow rock read 'Margate Bay'. This place was teeming with Elkhorn or Staghorn coral, I can never remember which is which, maybe someone can enlighten me.

Anyway I have never seen so much and I believe this was a spot I had heard of from the aftermath of Hurricane Lenny. It was spectacular. Taking some time off for island touring it's finally getting near sunset.

The plan was for Jake and I to dive and meet up with the girls at the restaurant later. Susie was on a mission. I had told the folks at home to be watching the webcam at Bongo's at 6:30. Since I couldn't make it she went for me holding a sign 'Gary is Diving'. She felt pretty silly standing there but then who doesn't.
The Hilma Hooker at night, just how can you describe such a dive. This was by far the highlight of my vacation. So different from daytime with it's orange cup coral in full bloom and color under the video lighting. WOW!!! No longer NDD. I could go home now and be happy.

Be back in a while, "Survivor" is on.

Great pics Gary! I'm bummed, I have a Coast Guard thing tonight...and will MISS IT! I really need to get TIVO...

Ahh, another Survivor nut. Hint, the women are kicking butt!

OK, back to the report

Well those didn't work.

Dinner was something special, we met the owner of the Garden Cafe, his name Roger. One of the most interesting individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting (he's a dead ringer for Santa Claus) and the food was out of this world.
Our final day we spent diving the N. Belnem sites looking for the seahorse I had found on the first day. I didn't have the video camera with me on the first dive and didn't trust the shots I had taken with my MX5 so it was imperative we find it again. Just at the end of the dive (and the video tape) a dive boat dropped it's cargo into the water and within 2 minutes I could hear tank bangers. It had to be that seahorse, and it was.
So this is my report and all I keep thinking is,
One day, God or Allah or Budda or Neptune or whoever you care to worship, said "Sooner or later mankind will figure out how to breath underwater. I should give this group of people a place of their own to play. I will call it Bonaire.".

Oh I can't wait to return!!

Heh, the "reverse new england accent" strikes! The guy who runs the Garden Cafe is Raja, no 'r' on the end... Isn't he just great? And his food is heavenly, too!

Staghorn is the pointy stuff; elkhorn is the thicker, flatter stuff (reminiscent of moose). So it looks like your picture above is of staghorn.

Faith

Thank you Faith, I guess I should have figured his name since he is Lebanese, anyway he is the coolest. I especially liked his Coca Cola/Santa ads. OK, now if I can only commit the horny stuff to memory I'll be all set. Thanks again.
Gary

Oh Gary - that was BBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDD! But the pictures and report were GREAT! I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait.

Just think - horny and a stag party! Does that help?

Mara

You know Marabeth, that just came out and I read it and figured "that's OK,no one will even give it a thought".LOL But now there's absolutely no way I'll ever get the 2 confused again. Thanks
Gary