Sorry for the delay folks...damn work...I can't believe that nobody has come up with a cure for it yet
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, we had a wonderful feast and fiesta at Gibi's on tuesday night, and I had to be up at 5:45 Wednesday morning to go deep sea fishing. J&J were going diving and were gracious enough to take snorkeller Sheryl with them, as she tends to get a tad seasick on an all-day fishing boat. About me and fishing....Being from the prairies where the biggest fish you can get is a large slough shark (northern pike), I feel that no tropical vacation is complete without a fishing experience...I have caught a marlin in Costa Rica (released it) dorado in Cabo, Cuda in Cozumel, and got skunked in Playa Del Carmen (Caminology caught up with me)....In any case, I had to get my fishing in this trip. Although my hopes were high, local opinion was that most people do not catch too much, if anything at all. I was going to change all that. I was picked up by Captain Cornelius, a sixty-something chain smoker and a helluva guy. friendly and knowledgeable. His son, Thomas was the first mate and, just by watching him prepare the bait (I've seen it enough to know when it's done right), I knew he was quite capable. At the outset, I will aplogize for the lack of fishing photos, but I did take my brand new Canon digital video recorder so I could have the event recorded live. Caminology struck swiftly and decisively. We were heading out on the calm waters of the lee-side of Bonaire...We had just past the Bonaire Petroleum Company and I had just finished videoing it, so I set may camera, in it's case, on the dash of the boat. The cabin is covered, so there was absolutely no way it could get wet. As I'm sure many of you mariners out there are already yelling at the computer screen "Stow your gear you idiot!!!" It's funny, you hear it so many times on an airplane...."Please stow your baggage, and be careful as your baggage may shift during the trip". Well, as I said, I'm a prairie boy, not a mariner or flight attendant, and sure as the sun comes up, my video camera "shifted during the trip". It "shifted" right out of it's case and on to the deck....it didn't get wet, but it now rattles And then I think to myself, trying not to cry...."I guess there wouldn't be much point of having a lee-side without a windy side", which is what we hit as we cornered the island. I won't bore you with the details of hours of mentally "kicking myself in the ass", suffice to say my ass was (symbolically) quite sore. Things could only get better...or could they? Actually, that was the worst that happened, and after four hours of trolling without a bite, we headed over to Captain Cornelius' "favorite" spot....Why do they always have to fish for hours before heading to the "favorite" spot? Anyway, we did get some bites and, yes!, I did get a small (16 lb.) wahoo. Thomas filleted it up for me and (much to Captain Cornelius' chagrin (sp.?) I took it all (I did tip them $50.00 U.S.). I had wahoo fillets for the BBQ!!! I did give a hefty portion to Michael for all of his advise/help. About the BBQ, when J&J, Sheryl and I were at Richard's on Saturday (5th), we were talking about going on a BBQ and, in the time it takes to say "make it so rare the nerves still twitch", Richard himself produces a bag which included a small BBQ, lighter fluid, and a bunch of mesquite!!! He basically just gave it to us and told us to enjoy ourselves....a very classy man. So, now armed with all one needs for a BBQ, we planned it for the next Saturday, the day before J&J flew home. After partying with Liz and Ed on Tuesday, we invited them and, to everyones benefit, they accepted. In any case, we now had the fish for the BBQ. Sheryl and I ate at Croccantino's (sp.?) that night...I had a great lasagne, but I could not get my land legs back for a few hours.
sadly, I can't remember much of Thursday....funny, I didn't think I drank that much fast forward to Friday. Again, J&J were off diving but we were going to Gibi's for dinner again with them (previous photots). Sheryl and I signed up for a island nature tour with Gerry from Bonaire Dive and Adventure. About Gerry (sp.?). Originally from Colorado, which he still carries the accent, Gerry is a divemaster, but is also a Biologist who is as comfortable under the water as he is over. He is extremely well-versed in the island marine life, as well as it's terrestrial flora and fauna, and I would highly recommend signing up for either his underwater naturalist course or island excursion tour. His passion for his work is obvious. Anyway, we had a great day of birding and overall sight seeing





Friday evening, again, was spent at Gibi's and The meal was again fantastic (chicken stew)...Ed and Liz popped in to say hi and we planned for the BBQ the next day



Saturday at last....it's amazing how you look forward to a day, even though you know when that day comes, your vacation is that much shorter. Saturday was such a day. J&J and Sheryl and I went to Oil Slick Leap...J&J and I had a good dive and Sheryl had a good snorkle. J&J left to have another dive, and Sheryl went somewhere (can't remember), and I had to go shopping for the rest of the BBQ fare. I picked up a beautiful beef tenderloin (cut into think steaks) sidenote. Bonaire has good beef, althoug they tend to overtrim...a little fat is a good thing...but I digress. I also picked up a few bottles of wine (J&J were bringing beer), potatoes, condiments and such. We debated earlier where to have the BBQ, and the overall concensus (a good one) was Karpata, due to the great view and concrete picnic tables already there. Anyways, I got the food ready (marinate the fish in butter, season and marinate the steaks in oil, and prepare the potatoes), and then went to the "Super Store", which is located just north of the traffic circle by thhe marina. About the Super Store...it is the Bonairian version of WallMart, and, although not as big, can really help you out if you need something...I became a good customer at once....First, I purchased a new Sony HandyCam, which is a helluva bit better than my Canon, and I also purchased a CD/tape/radio player because listening to my tinny walkman mini-speakers at the BBQ would have been embarrassing...in any case, electronics on the island are quite affordable, in the case of the Sony, less expensive than Canada...the boombox only cost me $60.00, which is really a small expense for good-sounding music while relaxing. We were set!!! We met at Karpata at 3:00 and, much to everyones delight, Liz made great coleslaw and her and Ed also brought wine and beer...no shortage of either for the BBQ...SO IMAGINE....Warm breeze, the smell of fresh wahoo grilling on mesquite, cold beer, chilled white wine, great red wine and Van Morrison's "The Bright Side Of The Road" blaring from a new boombox, and that's what we had.



Me minding the wahoo appetizer(photo coutesy of Liz)



Me minding the beer and steak main course (photo courtesy of Liz)



Liz and Ed



Group shot taken by Liz



Man, what day!! With stuffed bellies, we partied and played "Name That Tune" until the sun went down...It was the last we would see of J&J, as they had to fly out early Sunday. Good food, great new friends and an island experience like I've never had. If you can, a BBQ at Karpata should be in everyone's vacation plan.

Next - The final Days

Sorry for the small pictures, I couldn't compress enough ...Liz...help?

Cam- grrrrrr....
Thats the life!!! I never think to do a cook-out on a holiday, but it doesn't get much better than that (or the fish any fresher)! What a night that would be~

Wow... great great great trip report and photos ! Love the shot of Liz and Ed. The BBQ idea is a great one. I will actually be disappointed when your report is completed.

Kelly- I'll be disappointed too when it's over! Cam should be required to do a bi-monthly trip to Bon for a new entertainment/topic report we should create!

Kelly and Lesa, I will be disappointed too. I love reading Cam's reports and I sit here with I smile on my face looking at the great pictures. You sure had an amazing vacation.

I would like to think that these are the first of MANY installments...one can only hope...thanks for the kind comments...it's a case of "I laughed, I cried" writing this right after we got back....makes work very hard

We're laughin' and cryin' with ya, Cam! What a nice trip. I can't wait to get back down there in May....BBQ's are fun on Bonaire, aren't they! Carole

I couldn't help holding my breath waiting for caminology to strike the barbecue at Karpata. Thankfully you dodged that one, although I think the videocam episode might have bought you some credit. Thanks for one of the most entertaining trip reports ever!

Cam, You really know how to have a good time! And your good-time nature is contagious, even over the internet. Yay!
May I invite myself over to your next Bonaire BBQ please?
I spent some time behind the grill at Jake's New Year's Day BBQ where I was Grill Master of the Universe! When Seb took over for a spell, Gibi gave him notes: (1) turn the chicken over more often, and (2) don't have the fire so hot. I, however, got NO notes from Gibi which made me a happy kinda gal.
I'll bring my chef's hat and big-a## mitt and an appetite...
Thanks for the thrilling trip report.
If and when you run out of Bonaire material, would you keep us appraised of any Canadian Caminology Events (CCE's)? Better yet, let us know when you plan your next Bonairian adventure.

Yours in thongness,
Mare

Cam, the only thing missing is the Camination! What with the new Sony in hand and all I'm now expecting a link to your home video library!
Thanks for continuing the saga! Looking forward to the next installment! I'm afraid if you post the dates of your next trip you will have to catch a few more fish to feed us all!

Cam,

Great report! Loved seeing Ed and Liz too! You are a great story teller and hope to read lots more and see more pics. Debbie

I just noticed today that my dive shop (I was in as my brand new Cressi BC was recalled due to a faulty something or other), and see that they will be in Bonaire next February. I'm not sure I can wait that long...and I think Sheryl would have a say in this...I promise this...I will let everyone know when I will be down next...It would be great if somehow everyone could plan to be there around the same time

Cam...you really have a way of telling stories...and really have to say, you are giving Canadians a good name for knowing how to have fun! keep it coming dude!

BBQ Thongmaster almost a Canadian,
Great report! I saw the report about the BC and thought about yours right away.
I can tell everyone that the BBQ was a highlight of our trip. Cam didn't even screw anything up. He spun some great tunes for all to enjoy and we had plenty of food, wine and cold beer which I made sure did not go to waste.
Liz was presented the Purple Thong for safe keeping. Liz and Ed are wondreful and felt like old friends. Man o man did we have fun. Sorry to see the day end as Joe nad I had to return home the next AM. life sucks some days. Cam and Sheryl were so much fun. Everyone should hire Cam, Joe, and myself to give thong guided dives and BBQ's Liz and Ed will take care of all island needs, and Sheryl will give nature tours, thongs optional. Just send us airline ticket and let us know your thong size. I know not all people are from Virginia, right Mare? Cam, lets look ant doing this again, maybe Feb again, what better place to have your birthday on the beach with the superbowl NOT on the TV. I will get my pics downloaded and send you some soon, I promise. Talk to you soon my friend and my best to Sheryl.
John

Lesa

I totally agree with your suggestion....it's a dirty job, but someone has to (or at least should) do it

John....we are seriously considering going again in September...then probably again in February....I think the February thing should be an annual gig...We could call it "The Second Annual Can-Am Bonaire Dive-a-thong , BBQ and Beach Bash"...I know Sheryl and I would definitely be in...I think next year we should attempt the longest underwater conga line ever shown on an underwater web cam....in thongs naturally.... Thoughts/comments anyone??....this is how great traditions start you know You saw it here first

John, Cam...conga line with thongs...omg, that is hysterical...although, now that I have that picture in my mind (and of the whistle), I need a red hot poker...<wink>

Cynde

Forget the poker....buy a thong, book your trip and practice your conga!!!!...Only 11 months to go!

If you ever watch The Simpsons....I am evil Homer!...I am evil Homer! (doing a conga)

Cam,

We will definitely be there, I'm going to put a few stitches in the purple thong and wear it over my wetsuit! Ed will have the "Virginia" Thong as it fits him! We will have to find somewhere bigger with more tables for the BBQ bash!!!! Maybe the park, maybe donkey beach...who knows, but one thing it will be a bash. To the Busch boys..John and Joe You do feel like old friends, we had a great time. Be sure to count us in!

Hugs Liz

Mary, Mare, Kelly, Cynde et al, grab your sign. others we are out for a great trip!

Liz

Ah, to be present for the reunion.....but, alas, we will be there in May. What a riot! Carole

I wonder if the Guinness Book of World Records has a category for "Longest Conga Line Underwater.....With Thongs"? Now look what you have me considering...there is nothing worse than a Canucklehead with time on his hands (not that I have any)....wait a minute...flash of brilliance....we could call it....wait for it.......a "THONGA LINE" ......Me likey.

Beluga Beluga Beluga!

Cam...thonga line...i think you need to start organizing it now...we need to get everyone involved...however, I think you should consider going in October, right when it starts getting cold up North...cause Kelly and I will be there...maybe we can talk Seb and Mare to going at the same time...Oh, and contact Ripley's now...

We will be there! Thonga Line! Yipee!

I will be in Bonaire the last three weeks in Feb. 2006! Count me in! Thonga line, here I come! Sound like fun. And I will be on the island to boot! Can't wait. The countdown begins.

Liz, I know you will be diving by then for sure! BBQ - Count me in as well, I will bring some Brights and brownies for dessert for sure. Debbie
I think a BT get together at our place is a must too. All are invited. Debbie

We couldn't possibly do this without including our compadres, John and Joe...I think for this thing to work...February..Kelly and Cinde...you simply have to come down again in February...OK, what do we call it..."Thonga Line '06"? Gibi had better be ready for one bigass party on whatever Tuesday it falls on...I'm pretty sure we could contact him out to help on the BBQ...by the way...Gibi made up the ultimate spice for the wahoo at our BBQ...I'm not sure if I gave him credit....He could get rich off of that...man, Bonaire rocks!

Thonga Thonga Thonga!
It's beginning to look like Bonaire in October!

I'll tell Seb,

Mare

Cam,
What a great trip report - keep the thongs coming!
We will be going back in Feb '06 also (11 more months-ugh) just not sure of the dates. We met the best people there from Bonaire Talk (more in our trip report)
Judy

Don't know about Feb.... but will try my hardest to make it happen. I think we need tshirts too...

Kelly, I am LOVING the tshirt idea!
Logo: Thong Universe
Graphic: ????
Maybe we can take digital photos of BT folks wearing thongs in different geographical places, then make a montage -- I'm up for better ideas.
Color: PINK

Mare

Mare,

I have two brand new pink thongs from my plant! You will see me in one when I am able to dive again!

Liz

Liz
You have a thong plant???? I once saw a tree full of jockstraps...shudder

Hmmmm lots of good ideas.... but definitely pink. ;) Or purple with pink stripes. (vertical, of course)

Yep and it has 6 full grown thongs on it, 2 from VA and one from Canada LOL!

Actually Cam, when I was sick Mary M started a "Plant" and had leaves sent from all over the world (gifts) from fellow BTer's. It was wonderful, I got 2 great pink thongs!

Hugs and see you in Feb!

Liz

You'll most likely be seeing us in September....we're still looking to maybe get a condo at the S$

For what it's worth: the September and October coral spawning dates and details have been posted on the Captain Don's Habitat website:

http://habitatbonaire.com

Consider getting one of the cottages at Habitat, Cam!

Susan

Where would I find information on purchasing a cottage at Cap't Don's

Oh, you're looking to PURCHASE! I don't think those are up for sale, though the cottages next door to them I believe are... Hamlet Oasis, I think the place is called. Habitat and they share a driveway - it's just north of the main Habitat driveway, and you can get to Hamlet Oasis and the Habitat Villas using it.

Dirk and I are booked for October 26 - Nov 2. I know Meryl and Tom will be there around that time too. Do you think we could try for the Thonga line at that time!?!?!

In the meantime - LaDonna and I have to start planning what antics we will be up to in April!!