Well, I finally made it to Bonaire. I was traveling with a group from Scubaventures Dive Center in Winchester, VA. We were under the wathcful eye of owner/instructor Joe DuBose. Joe is one of the best instructors I have had for any training or certification. The perfect blend of knolwedge and caring made the learning fun. When you couple Joe's skills and personality with the wonderful caring memebrs of the other members of the group it adds up to one PERFECT vacation.

We left BWI on Air Jamaica and the flights were like clock work. Arrived at Buddy Dive and was in the water by 4:00 PM.

Sunday we went diving at Buddy Reef and saw more fish than I thought possible, Parrot fish, box fish, trumpet fish, blue, chromas and a host of others. By Sunday evening I finished my open water cert.

Monday our entire group went to Jake and Linda's for Earth Day where we enjoyed lectures on Bouyancy control and Reef Life. After the lectures a group of us went diving at Small Wall from Jakes beach. This was followed by a barbecue with more delicious food than I can possibly remember. One thing for sure Jake sure makes some great ribs. I also met Jenny and Kevin at the barbecue. It was so great to meet people I have talked to by email.

The rest of the week we went boat and shore diving until the point of exhaustion. We were usually in bed by 9:00 and up again at 6:00 for another day. I finished my Advanced Cert. on Wednesday.

Sorry guys no food reports we ate almost all meals at Buddy Dive and they were great.

We took an island tour Saturday and had great ice cream at Rincon. Then we left for home. The plane in Jamaica was broken so we were delayed until Sunday. Air Jamaica put us up at the Wyndham Resort at Montego Bay with all drinks and food paid. It was actually nice to have a pleasant rest stop. However, leaving the walls of the resort without a group or guard probably isn't good advice.

It was cold when we got home and I now understand PBD. Planning on returning in December.

A note of importance. We did not experience any crime on Bonaire. In fact, I have never felt more safe anywhere in the world. If you think Bonaire has a crime problem I advise you to avoid the rest of the Carribean or you will go into paranoid shock. I have never met nicer people in my life. Yes, they are being paid to serve you but it is obvious that they really do enjoy having you as a guest in paradise.

I forgot to proof read the post. Overlook my grammer at the beginning of the post. You get the idea anyway.

Great report! Thanks!

Sounds like you had a great time Rick!

Caution! PBD cannot be cured! Remissions occur only when on Bonaire and this is only a temporary state lasting as long as you stay in Divers Paradise. Luckily I’m scheduled for treatment in only 22 more days.

Andy

Rick, so glad to read your report,I was checking off the days of your trip while at work, wondering how it was going. Which building at Buddy's was yours?

Nice trip report and glad to hear how much you loved Bonaire!!!

Glad you had fun at Buddy's and Bonaire. If you spent your spare time at Buddy I presume you must have expereinced the meter of Amstel at the Buddy Bar?

Andrew is right, PBD is long term, it is also progressive.

Sounds like a great trip. I have never stayed at Buddy, but I plan to someday. We will be back down in mid June. I can't wait. Just booked it yesterday, and I can already feel that regulator in my mouth.

Dean, I was in building number 3. The staff at Buddy's is great but then everyone I met on Bonaire was great. I felt like I was at home instead of a tourist.

Great report Dean! Now you kmow why so many of us go back again and again! Welcome to the "club"!

Lorraine, it was Rick's report, not mine, all though as a fellow west virginian, i was with him in spirit. As one who has 'done' Mt Storm, i knew he would be much happier in Bonaire!