Just got back last night. Wetsuits are soaking in the laundry tub, latte is steaming in my mug and I thought I'd share a few highlights while they are fresh in my mind. So, off we go (in no particular order)....

#1 - Carib Inn. This is the first time we stayed @ Bruce's place. The atmosphere is welcoming, the cozy size invites camraderie with your neighbors (if you want it), and watching the sunsets from the beach hut can't be beat. Until we take the plunge and buy our own place on Bonaire, we will be back to visit Bruce and the crew.

#2 - Meeting Pat & Mary Murphy. So glad we were on island at the same time. I haven't had such engaging dinner conversation in a long time (and the pizza wasn't bad, either!). A huge thanks to Pat and Mary for graciously inviting us over for post-dive refreshments and a personal tour of LBR!

#3 - Happening to run into Susan Porter @ Salt City. It was nice to meet the face behind the famous book. Not sure if we would have had as successful an entry/exit that morning without Susan's words of wisdom and personal demonstration!

#4 - Drinking Brights at the end of the Divi beach bar dock, watching the stars and catching up with my favorite local dive instructor until we closed the bar.

#5 - Leisurely lunch, including the chocolate fondue, at Bistro di Paris. Decadently delicious.

#6 - Pizza @ Pasa Bon. 2x this trip (plus leftovers for lunch one day). 'Nuff said.

#7 - Chef's tasting menu dinner @ Salsa, accompanied by caprahinas.

#8 - Seafood mixed grill @ Unbelievable. Not only is the food fabulous there, dining al fresco on the rooftop cannot be beat.

#9 - Mastering underwater navigation skills. Not a single mis-calculation the entire trip. There is a real feeling of satisfaction when you surface at the end of the dive in the exact spot you had planned.

#10 - Finding my very first seahorse on my own.

#11 - Yes, I know I promised only 10, but I just can't omit this major highlight.....getting to try out my new BP&W system in tropical waters, rather than icy cold Puget Sound. My two year old Oceanic Hera jacket BC went on Craigslist this morning. I will never go back to a jacket-style BCD again. Long live the BP&W.

To be sure, there are many more than 11 highlights from our trip, but I will spare you the novel (and I already posted one about our January trip anyway).

For anyone interested in some pictures, feel free to check out my Facebook photo album @

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67531&id=544699213&l=2acc1e42f2

Bon bini,
Liz

Great pics. Thanks. Now my Bonaire Deficit Disorder is stronger than ever.

Great photos! I'm day dreaming about that chocolate fondue. I cannot wait to try it.

Congratulations on #9. Satisfaction indeed on being correct on your navigation skills, and a sense of calmness as well.

Bonochi Liz!
great story and pics -
Why the BP&W? I've seen pics - but never tried one -
Carl

They pack flatter in your bag and allow a lot of freedom of movement. It's like you aren't wearing a BC at all!

Hey Carl....I agree with Chris that they are easier to pack. I even took the six pound steel plate with me, and still was well below the Continental weight restrictions.

My personal reason for choosing a BP&W configuration is because my jacket-style BCD was too confining when I combined it with my drysuit. I felt like I was wearing a straight-jacket, actually. So, I reluctantly switched to the BP&W.

At first I thought it was too technical (especially when I had to assemble it at home when it arrived...oh my, was that an adventure). Plus, I felt like a poser, since I am anything BUT a technical diver. Good lord, I dive with pink fins....no more explanation needed, right?

Nonetheless, I left the jacket BC behind when I headed to Bonaire last week, and just decided I would dive with the BP&W exclusively, whether that proved to be good or bad.

With a little help from my aforementioned "favorite local dive instructor" on my first day, I got it configured properly and hit the water. From then on out, I was converted to the church of BP&W worship.

It is amazing to dive with the BP&W. Exactly as Chris describes it....like no BC at all. The only thing I might change next time is switching to a tropical wing for Bonaire trips. My cold water wing (with a whopping 35 pounds of lift) was a tad bit excessive for my minimal tropics exposure protection and aluminum tank.

I can't wait to get wet in Puget Sound next weekend with my new gear. Oh wait....45 degree water temps....maybe I can wait, after all!

(Message edited by lizard0924 on April 5, 2009)

Thanks Liz, Chris -
I'll have to try one out - I don't mind the "technical" stuff and anything that can make my dives "free-er" is a plus!!!

Puget Sound - sound like fun - I offered to take the guys from Wannadive with me on an ice dive - but they were - umm lets say - very direct in not taking me up on my offer - hehehehe...

Carl

Great pics Liz! Congrats on finding that seahorse. Between you & me, I still have never found one completely on my own. I'll have to investigate the BP&W as my BC is getting a bit worn.

Good report Liz, and the pic's were first rate.

The BP&W bcd are great! the only downside is the wings put you face down in the water in a relaxed position. I carry a inflatable neck pillow in my bc pocket to blow up, and place in the bend of one of my legs incase I need to stop and float for a long period of time. I will never return to a jacket type bc... Ron

Hey Liz -
I just had a chance to take some time and look at all your shots - WOW - I LOVE # 30 - that is a fantastic shot of the turtle - you can see every detail -

BTW - Rob over at Eden dives with pink fins too...
Carl

I must give credit where credit is due....my husband, Paul, took all the turtle pictures.

My husband and I both use BP/W. They are not just for technical divers. I hear people occasionally mention that they think it pushes divers on their face at the surface. Never seen that happen and I have dived with dozens of people using BP/W configurations. You need to learn how to adjust it and place the trim weights on the lower tank cams. They are not life preservers and will not float you high out of the water. Weaker divers (swimmers) seem to have the most complaints, in my experience. Try one and I'd out money down that you never go back to a granny BC again.

Liz,

That looks like DSS stuff, no?

Now you gotta go all the way over to the dark side - long hose and bungieed backup...