The high temperature today in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is forecast to be minus two degrees Fahrenheit (-19C) so I thought it would be a good time to think of last week in Bonaire and post a brief trip report. We stayed at the Plaza Resort and it was very nice as usual. There is good snorkeling off their beach and it is very convenient. A French Angelfish there was very friendly (hungry?) and swam within arm's reach, making for some great pictures. We snorkeled at other shore locations and had an enjoyable boat snorkel off the Woodwind. Also took the water taxi for a drift snorkel off Klein Bonaire (our favorite snorkel). We made a snorkel reservation with Renee and told her to take us wherever she wanted. When we stopped at the boardwalk downtown we were skeptical of the location, but it turned out to be the best guided snorkel we have ever had. We had several first-time sightings, including an octopus eating a large eel. We ate dinner at seven different restaurants and had a good experience at each location. Normally Richard's is our favorite, but this visit we have to give the "best meal" award to It Rains Fishes. An outstanding meal at a very reasonable price, with good service. Bonaire seems to be developing more each visit. The locals that we talked to don't want to see it over-developed. I hope they get their wish. Bonaire wouldn't be so attractive if it had crowds, traffic jams, and less concern for the environment. On an unrelated note, we took a picture of a couple on Klein Bonaire with the promise of emailing the picture to them. The address I was given was harrietulein@hetnet.nl This address does not work. Forgive me for mentioning it here, but I thought there might be a remote chance that they would read it here or that someone from Holland might be able to figure out the correct address. If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.
Bonaire, I miss you already.
Frank Helsell
fhelsell@mchsi.com

Where are the pictures? We'd love to see them if you can post them.

Frank, nice fishy. Keep 'em comin.

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Thanks for sharing!!! Renee always finds great stuff in some of the places that you would question. She has shown us many good sitings in the sand flats near the boat moorings in town. Infact my fist siting of the Unicorn filefish was in such a location! Can't wait to be there!!! Just 26 days to go!!!