November 24th – Settling into Vacation Mode


Friday morning brought a wonderful rainstorm, just like we all see so often on the street cam, a brief downpour soon turns into a beautiful day.

After our nutritious breakfast of Apple Jacks (we are on vacation after all) and Orange Juice we looked off our Buddy Dive balcony to see a wonderful day in store..



While things were drying out we took a drive with no particular destination to drink in the sights sounds and smells of some place new. We stopped by the Belmar as we’ve never seen it before. It’s a very nice place but as snorklers we prefer the northern resorts as there’s miles of easily accessible reef right at your door. Of course most of the shops are closed on Sunday, but sightseeing is our preference anyway. It’s amazing all the sights you can see just driving around.



Next we decided we should stop by the street cam and see if Jake was home to give him the step down rings he needed for his new panorama lens he had ordered. It’s kind of awkward walking up to some strangers home. We couldn’t figure out if we should ring the bell or what, so I just called out “Hello Jake?” Immediately he responded and came out the door. He looked just as I expected and was a friendly as could be. He was so happy to get is step down rings. I couldn’t help but notice, as we were chatting, the flashing porch light and soon figured out that was when the capture was occurring. It occurred to me that Jakes back is almost always to the camera. It’s kind of like the television show were you never actually see the neighbor, but you only see the top of his head or his back. Jake is just as nice as you would expect and the kind of person you could talk to for hours as he’s very easy going and has lots of different interests. Jake said I pictured you as a much bigger guy. I told Emi later that I must talk big. ;-)



While this was actually our second visit to Bonaire it was the first time we actually went to the cam and were photographed. The cam’s were newly set up the previous time we were there and we were newbie’s to BonaireWeb cams.

Next we went back to our room for a quick PBJ and a little relaxing (we we’re on vacation after all).

That afternoon took us to Oil Slick Leap. It took a little while to find as it’s not currently marked with a yellow stone and the map reference is pretty vague. We finally found it after asking someone at Buddies (what a renaissance guy, I can ask for directions!) Oil Slick is a fair snorkel, but is probably a better dive. It gets deep fairly quickly, but the sponges and coral around 30’ a pretty nice. We first went left of the ladder (facing the ocean) and followed the wall which provides some great views of Coral, Blennies, Wrasses, etc. It started to get murky and we decided to head back. I suggest to Emi that we try to the right of the ladder and we were rewarded with some excellent shallow water coral heads with tons of life and significantly clearer water. We saw a great big red crab and lots of Juvenile Damsels and some Hamlets. I would give it 7 out of 10 as a snorkel site. The ladder makes for easy access, especially if you’re carrying stuff like a camera. (sorry the slides from this spot aren’t back yet)

This was the third trip that Emi and I wore our Force Fins and it was like something magic had happened. We both had a tough time adapting to them at first but all of a sudden we both figured out you need to only work half as much to go farther and faster than with conventional fins. They also take up less space in our gear bag. I’m sure that many of you have already figured this out, but I’m totally sold on the Force Fins. I use to have problems with cramping in my calves and feet and Emi had trouble with the tops of her feet. No more, Force Fins are worth a couple extra bucks in my book.



Dinner was at “It Rains Fishes” along the waterfront downtown. I wondered if this might be a tourist restaurant given its location, but we were pleasantly surprised. They had a delicious lobster special and we both gave it a try. It was good size and surprisingly tender. The rice was excellent and a nice garden salad came with the meal. This spot is worth checking out on your next visit. The service was pleasant too.



Back too Buddies and heading to our room we ran into our new best friends.

Screamer, the chattiest cat I’ve ever met.

Puck, the worlds most laid back dog, whose favorite pastime is digging a hole by the leaking outdoor shower and wiggling his but into it …


Koe (sp?) pronounce “coo” and his name means cow…for obvious reasons…

And the sweetest one and a half eared cat in the world Casper


Casper and Koe were fast friends who followed us around every evening and morning (too hot in the middle of the day), especially when we have a little Vanilla Almond Lovers Ice Cream…
You absolutely must stop by Lovers for one scoop. It’s so rich it might clog your arteries before you finish it, but it’s a little bit of heaven…and after all, we we’re on vacation.

The next day we ran into Bob and Sabina who we met on the flight in. They wanted to know if we smeared ourselves with bacon grease as all the animals followed us around.

Up next; the Park and BT Dinner…

Oops! I missed Koe! (rhymes with moo)

Man, Snork...I feel like I am on this trip with the two of you. What a gorgeous rainbow you have. Ready when you are! CArole

Glad you can join us Carol. Yes that double rainbow was wonderful. More tomorrow, you can count on it.

Hello Scott and Emi,

yours is a most enjoyable trip report (much better than my own) -- wonderful pictures (a double rainbow yet and lots of critters (cats, dogs, iguanas, lobsters) -- things you did --- places where you ate (although I did not eat there, "It Rains Fishes" seemed a good restaurant to me -- great location, varied menu, good crowd of people every time I drove or walked by).

I regret that our overlapping stay was too short to spend any time together other than the dinner. I hope that some day, with Terez, who snorkels and also does not dive, we will have the chance to hang out with you because you seem to like many of the same things we do.

Thanks for sharing your pictures and adventures.

Karl

Thx Scott!
I'm getting used 2 this routine: go 2 work, get my first coffee & read the next part of Snorks report... I love it!
I hope u will continue 2morrow...

Sorry, for u that should be 2day...

Scott, being the good Irish lad that I am, the only thing better than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is that Bonaire water. You have a tremendous flair for description, and the pics just add so much to your descriptions. I have made dives or snorkled at most of these sites, and I agree with you all the way. Thanks so much.

Jim McPeak

Hello Scott & Emi,
Your trip reports and pictures are really great! The Graphic artist in my office says you know something about picture taking. I am also a Force Fin convert (hot pink ones). My husband has to keep up with me ....it used to be the other way around. Keep your Bonaire pictures coming our way.
Yana

Scott and Emi.... what a GREAT trip report. Such description! By far one of the best I have ever read, it's like being there with you. Keep em coming!

Scott,

The "flashing light" at the street cam is a motion sensing light to provide additional lighting, especially in the afternoon, for StreetCam posing. Sadly it has nothing to do with when images are being captured.

Jake

PS Great trip report so far!!!

Scott, your report and photos are just wonderful! The perfect escape from today's blizzard...

Stay warm, --Deborah

I with Igor on this, get my coffee, read Snork's report. What a great way to start the day. It will be depressing when the last one is posted.

Good stuff about the Force Fins, who make's them? And how are they to control yourself for photography? I've been using older blade fins knowing that they are not as good for propulsion, but are great for control.

Karl,

I hope we can find a better overlap in the future, I’m sure we would all have a great time hanging out.

Jake,

Thanks for clearing that up, I have way too much imagination sometimes ;-)

Cecil,

Check out http://www.forcefin.com. They have a number of fins that are specialized for diving, snorkeling, swimming, etc. I found the control to be good after about a dozen times in the water. After the first few times I was ready to throw them out, but I’m so glad I kept trying, it really paid off. You can order from the web site, but they also list local dealers. I got mine from a local dive shop and I personally preferred that so I could be sure that they fit properly. I would have never guessed in a million years that my tiny 7 ½ shoe size foot would need size large fins. Of course it depends if you wear them with boots (as I do and I image you would with your cold water dives) or not. They can be worn without (with an insert) for those who only snorkel or dive only in warm water and don’t have to walk across the “Kralendijk”. I’ve got the original model which is pretty versatile.

Everyone,

Thanks so much for your kind compliments. Believe me I’m enjoying sharing my experiences with you; it makes the vacation last just a little bit longer for me.

Jake,

Does the 'motion detector' mean that everyone should wave at the camera for two or three minutes while the fill light stays on, to insure a well lighted pic???

Snork, I just slipped my two big boats (feet) into some force fins (vicariously, of course) and I am enjoying the ride! I'm tired of watching snow outside my office and home windows all day long today....I'm ready for some more pics and trip report chapters! Here is a shot of what it is doing outside in Morris Towhsip right now....rather be in Bonaire......Thanks. Carole

This is such a great report, thanks Scott..:-)

Carol,

We had 5”s of the same down here, and boy has it been cold. This little gal really cheered me up today and has been hanging out most of the day in the back yard.

Scott, I have been enjoying your awesome trip report so-oo-oo much!!!! Thanks for taking the time to do such a wonderful job!!!! Puck looks just like our dog Baily!!!!
I will be there to enjoy it in person on Saturday!!!! Yipeeeee!!!!!!

We have been lurking on this message board for several months now. It is getting close to our first trip to Bonaire and seeing all the photo's and reading the reports, makes one more excited than ever.
Look forward to meeting all the BT folks at Gibi's
on Feb. 4th 2003.
Will start counting the sleeps before long.

I have to add that this is one of the most fun trip reports I've read to date. It's really neat! Thanks Scott for putting so much time into your report. It's incredible!
Michelle

Snokelguy,
I enjoyed your report and pictures. Wish I was there!

Snorkelguy & gal, What a wonderful trip report! With a new report to read everyday you are keeping us on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the next part. Awesome pictures!! Thanks, Debbie