Day 2 - Another fine breakfast followed by one of the highlights of our trip, a snorkel tour on the Woodwind. I have to say that I am a snorkeler first and a diver second (many will scoof at this, but its just how I feel and its easier than hauling full equipment around). Renee and Barney and Janice all made this excursion so wonderful (as an aside, the only experience we had with any crime was that the morning we went, Renee was upset because someone had tried to steal her van the night before and had cut the wires - ever the professional, although noticably sad, she took us out and gave us a beautiful snorkel...thanks, Renee!!). We sailed over to No Name beach at Klien and after a briefing about how the coral feed and the importance of not touching them, or disturbing any activity of the turtles we did a gorgeous drift snorkel. The video Jan shot is the best souvenir we have ever purchased after years of frequent travel - queen angels, smooth trunks (they are SO CUTE!!), lobsters, parrots, snapper, all variety of coral, etc., etc, and even a turtle!! She narrates it all, identifying everything for you and puts it to great music. We were so pleased, and its great to be one of the movie stars. Jan even did a lot of work on the Plaza property, capturing the birds, flowers, iguanas, etc. I just can't recommend this one enough!! My only advice is that if you take children, be sure to outfit them in fins and possibly a snorkel vest you can inflate along the way. We had a couple of little ones who because they spent a good bit of the time kicking without fins to stay afloat, got tired and Mom and Dad had to cut through the coral to put them up on the beach. It is terrific for all ages, and I especailly love the reaction of the children to the fish - they get so thrilled to be there. After returning to land and a hardy lunch, we suited up for another shore dive and snorkeled the Eighteenth Palm and Windsock. That evening we really enjoyed strolling down to Richards for dinner under the stars, the light of the moon on the water and lightening so far in the distance that you can't even hear it. It can't help but to be a romantic atmosphere, and the food is very good!! (If the critters are a problem, they have complimentary bug spray you can use - all of the restaurants do, in fact.)

On Day 3 we rented a Rav 4 and headed for Washington Slagbaii. We toured the whole north of the island in the morning, stopping frequently to enjoy the color of the water and the more famous dive spots (like 1000 steps - excellent!!). We also stopped at Rincon for lunch and some famous ice cream. The people here are out of this world - so nice, and willing to talk to you all day about the area!! Many people never get out of the water, but the land and people of Bonaire are so beautiful. A drive of the entire island is a must!! The park is also stunning in its way, and its unusal the way the land changes from Washington to Slagbaii. We loved the rock formations and I would also recommend getting a good tour book explaining the meanings/age/stories associated with everything along the way. It really brings all that you see to life. In the afternoon, we toured the South of the island, which is totally different from the north in topography. The salt looks like snow and it gives you a dreamy feeling - how could the sun be shining and the the sea breeze blowing through your hair with mountains of "snow" sitting there. Incredible. That evening we found ourselves in town surrounded by motorcycles enthusiasts from everywhere in the world zipping around the town on their bikes and having a ball. We ate at the infamous Rendezvous - and yes, its true what they say, the food is heavenly!! After dinner, we planted ourselves under the stars on the beach, listened to gentle steel drums in the background and contemplated how life could get any better. The perfect ending to our time on Bonaire!! Now on to Aruba...

...and although we had some downsides such as the probs with the Plaza, every trip is going to offer some sort of drama (delayed flights, lost bags, silly DM's, mosquitoes, etc.). The trick is knowing how to turn it into an adventure...afterall, what else would you do when you are put in the middle of paradise? Complaining is futile and feeds that negative energy. Keep smilin' and for all of you who are on your way down there (you lucky dogs!!) ENJOY!! This is God's country.

Thanks, Amy, for the enthusiastic and detailed report. I agree with your perspective and you made the best of it, for sure. Peace and quiet (Sorobon) and all shore diving are our main choices. Also staying considerably longer than 4 days! Can't wait for next time.

Amy:
Thanks for the wonderful report. I am pleased for you that your visit had so many positives: or better said, that you were able to make it such a positive and enjoyable trip. I like that sort of attitude...it sure beats having a miserable time, and making others miserable in the process. I am surprised at your take on the Plaza---we've never stayed there, being Divi owners, but usually we have seen good reports about it posted here. I do have to agree with you about Renee and the "Woodwind", and Janice Huckaby's video. For us each year, a trip with the "Woodwind" is one of the highlights and we always recommend it very strongly to all our friends. You have a very good point, too, about getting out of the water and seeing the rest of the island. Bonaire offers so much, and has such friendly warm people---often these treasures are overlooked by so many of the visitors.
And you're right: Keep smilin'!

Thanks so much for the beautiful trip report. I am glad you had a good time. Your part about the Woodwind and the video made happy memories flourish! We just booked our February trip at the Divi and we will be sailing With Renee and the Woodwind almost every day. We also had purchased Jan's video last year and we intend to get another one this year. Whenever I am feeling down in the dumps, I pop it in the vcr and it almost feels like I am back in Bonaire. I think Bonaire has cast a spell on me forever. Can't wait to get back there!!!!!