My two son's and I coordinated our travel arrangements so that all three of us would arrive on Bonaire at approximately the same time on the 21st. I was leaving from Cleveland, Scott from Atlanta and Ed Jr. from Dallas. Everything went well until Scott was delayed in Miami by bad weather and arrived too late in San Juan to make his scheduled connection with AA but as it turned out the AA flight to Bonaire was held up and he made it.
Our accommodations on Bonaire were with Happy Holiday Homes which were terrific. The cottages are like new and very clean and neat. We had a complete kitchen which allowed us to eat breakfast and lunch there but treated our selves to dinner out each evening. Louise and her husband were very gracious hosts and were very helpful when we were inquiring about Bonaire. Louise also picked up Ed Jr. at the airport and drove him to the car rental agency upon arrival. We found the location of HHH to be very since we did all shore diving and we were just a short distance from virtually any site we wanted to dive.
We thoroughly enjoyed the dining on Bonaire and even made it to Gibi's for the weekly BT talk get together. Gibi's has some unusual dishes including Goat that both Scott and I enjoyed. We strayed off the beaten path a bit so we ate at some of the out of the way places but enjoyed them all. Among the other spots that we tried were The Garden City Cafe where we enjoyed the Garden City Pizza with Pepperoni. Donna and Giorgio's Italian place where we enjoyed the food but the wind was blowing the wrong way and the exhaust gases almost knocked us out from the vehicles going by. Our burgers at Whatta Burger were great but our bill there for burgers and frys was over $23.00!! We also enjoyed Chinese food on one occasion nd the bill there was over$36.00 which also seemed a bit steep Our last evening meal was enjoyed at the "Old Inn" where found a very nice menu and the food was excellent. Overall it seemed as if the food costs are about 50 to 100% higher than in the US, but the food was good. One final comment that must be made is that on Sunday most of the larger restaurants are closed so the selection of places to eat are rather slim.
Our rental car was arranged for us by HHH and came from Budget. Our truck was a brand new Toyota Hilux extended cab pickup with air.
The dive shop that we worked through was also arranged through HHH and was Photo Tours. We really enjoyed Bas and found the facility to be very complete. Two of us rented our equipment from them and it was all brand new Cresi equipment. I must admit that Bas was a bit upset with the three of us when we told him that we spotted a WHALE SHARK while diving at Jeff Davis Memorial. It turns out that Bas has never seen a Whale Shark in 11 years of diving on Bonaire, it's a good thing that he was behind a fence when we told him about our encounter, Yuk, Yuk. See my son Ed Jr's posting under diving Bonaire labeled "There are Big Fish in Bonaire".
The three of us had a great time shore diving. Since I am 73 years old my two boys helped me out by hauling my equipment out into the water for me so that I didn't have to deal with all of that extra weight, I cannot describe how I felt having those two wonderful guys help me out that way and the enjoyment I got from diving with the;m was indescribable. This was the 3rd time that the 3 of us had been able to dive together and something that I will never forget. In their younger days the two boys did not get along very well and fought like cats and dogs, so to see them now enjoying each others company was very gratifying. Th;e dive sites that we dove on are as follows: Bachelors Beach for a check out dive, The Lake, Angel City (double reef system), Alice in Wonderland, Andrea Two, Jeff Davis Memorial where we spotted the WHALE SHARK, Atlantis, Invisibles (garden eels). Larry's Lair (a long swim from shore), the wreck of The Hilma Hooker (Tarpon and Garden Eels), Vista Blue, a night dive at Bachelor's Beach (very large Green Moray) and Red Beryl. Overall the diving was terrific due to the lush and health;y Coral and lots of sea life.
Our impression of Bonaire is primarily favorable except for the information that security is a problem. We did not have any problems ourselves but we were very careful and took no chances by leaving anything in our truck. Recent reports indicate that there is a problem and it is difficult to understand why it continues without the authorities taking positive action to eliminate it. I am sure thay many people reading reports such as appear on BT have decided to go elsewhere. Even my sons and I discussed this situation at length.
Now that the 3 of us are back home, the boys at their jobs and me helping my wife get ready for he next adventure. Agnes is leaving on on the 10th, from LA, to travel with "The Friendship Force", to visit with the people in Siberia and Mongolia. Agnes is not a diver "The Friendship Force" is a non-profit organazation, founded in part by Jimmy Carter, that promotes understanding and goodwill around the world.
The return home provided us a couple more glitches but the guys made it home on schedule but I ended up staying overnight in Miami as a guest of AA since their flight out of Bonaire was canceled.

P.S. July 8, '04. Hi, this is Mom, of Eddie and Scott. The 3 gu;ys had a wonderful time. The conversation of the trip has been endless-what impressed me the most-was the sons taking care of Dad and my two sons bonding so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. Two boys, who fought so much as children, I thought they hated each other, today they are good citizens and have contributed to society, rather than be a "Drain" on it. Two Great Guys and Honest Men. Hey, does anyone have an in on "The White House"? How about getting me invited to Tea-I'll even bring my own bags-I've written the last 4 Presidents making this request-I've got nothing? I just want to check how my money is being spent and be in on some of the decision making policies.

What a wonderful report! So glad your trip was a great success for diving, relaxing and bonding with each other.

If you do get invited to the Big House have fun! Carole

Ed that is a great report. I know the joy of diving with an adult son. A few years ago, my son got his OW in Cozumel. Right after that was completed we did the Advanced Open Water course together. Then we had a few days of great diving.

I have been trying to get him on another dive trip, but between children and job he has never been able to work it into his schedule.

At age 68, I consider each year that I can dive something really special. It is always nice to hear from others who are older than me and still active in the sport. Now I look forward to one day diving with grandchildren and that is still 4 years away.

I just dove with two of my daughters in Maui a few weeks ago and I can understand the incredible feeling of watching them. I really appreciate you sharing as age is something that I am aprehensive about. I am but a young pup at 41, but my father's health is to where he is very limited in being able to do much at all. I work to not follow in some of the same habits in hopes that I too will have a story to tell like this when I retire - God willing!

Hi Joseph'
I have been very fortunate with my health. I had a heart attack a year ago and have three ruptured disks in my back that have given me a lot of trouble but neither situation has incapacitated me.
I had a chance to dive in Maui a couple of winters ago when the Whales were in but did not see any while diving but we could hear them while under water and that was spooky.
There is no doubt that taking care of yourself is very important, a good constant reminder on how you are doing is to look in the mirror and at the scale every morning and take an honest assessment as to what you are seeing.
Being a certified diver is one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done. Being able to dive with my two sons is a very gratifying experience.
Good luck and God Bless.