"I’m a little nervous," Leslie said. She had just opened the valve on her tank and tested her regulator.

"You should be," I said. "This is the first dive of the trip. I would expect you to be a little nervous." I tried to be strong, but to tell the truth, I was a little nervous too.

We were on the dock at SandDollar preparing for a dive. It was to be the first dive of this trip. In reality, I was glad she was a little nervous. I would expect her to be. Even with thirteen years of diving experience and over 600 divers, even I am a little nervous on the first dive of the trip. I firmly believe that a dive certification is just a license to learn.

I tell my flight students that they should always be slightly “nervous” before each and every flight. If you have become too complacent – "it could never happen to me," or "I know how everything is done" – then you need to step back and reevaluate your attitude. Diving, just like flying, is a continual learning experience. You never know it all and I will guarantee that you have never seen it all.

Our dive at Bari was good. Leslie had some bubbling from her full face mask. No problem... she has a backup. A backup full face mask? Who comes to Bonaire with two full face masks?

Leslie does. And it’s a good thing.

There were some large schools of Horse Eyed Jacks swarming around. They allowed us to get pretty close. Of course they did – Leslie didn’t have her camera. On the first dive, she only takes the shell to test for leaks. I figure the jacks knew this.

Our second dive was at The Rock, although I have never actually seen "The Rock." I have been diving this site long before I knew it had a name. Now that it has a name, I am unable to find the namesake. No concern – it was still a great dive.

Last dive was Weber’s Joy. Or is it Witch’s Hut? I don’t know anymore, but I don’t care. It’s still a wonderful dive.

In my estimate, visibility is running about 60-80 feet, The north sites seem better than the south ones. The water is warm enough that Leslie is comfortable in a 3mm shorty. She usually uses a 3/4/5 wetsuit, but I pleaded with her to try the shorty. She finally did, and she is ecstatic. Funny how when my wife is happy, I’m happy... and on top of that, once in while I get to be right!

Dinner tonight was at the Sunset Bar and Grill at the Den Leman facility. We ate with Jan and Ruth of KFC fame. I had the Ribeye, salad, and fries. Good, real good. Everyone else seemed satisfied. The service was typical Bonaire. Kirk was very attentive, and the service staff was attempting to teach me some Papiamento. They’d have better luck building a rocket to the moon.

It’s real hot, but what’s the surprise – it’s the Caribbean, and I love it.

And hey, Boat Chick, if I have anything to do with it, your job is in jeopardy... those who snooze, loose.

Dive on Friends

Dave & Leslie.

Yeah BC...head's up, Dave knows how to schmooze the (potential) boss. ;-)

But Ruth I thought you were holding that job for me!!!!!!

Jay....BACK OFF!!!

Sorry, but I have been vying (sp) for that job for awhile. Ruth, please don't take the fact I don't know how to spell vying against me...and REMEMBER...I put on my application I would work ALL the holidays...every single stinkin' one of them.

I need to start a chicken lady schmooze list...now. I already have two things in mind to add to it.

Dave, remember she won't give you free polars with the employee meal...which begs to ask. Ruth, if I PAY for a polar with my free employee meal can I have it? Or pray tell you have some stinkin' policy about no "drinking on the job"...that would suck.

Dave, keep the reports coming, but back away...back away slowly from KFC employees and the like...dang...I feel so helpless thousands of miles away and there is nothing i can do from here to keep you from one upping me on this job thing...grrrr....oh, I did just order the Rosetta Stone language programs for DUTCH AND PAPIMENTO Ruth... and 10 HKs in a row!

Well Boat Chick and Dave for that matter---do you have the experience? See as a youngster (ok it was 1968) I actually worked at a KFC. Was a cook even. So lets see your resume.

Hey Ruth, Not that I'm after the job, well... maybe... But, I will have Krispy Kremes with me when I arrive on Saturday... How many dozen do you need?

Dave-
I think "The Rock" is the squarish concrete block by the side of the road right at the dive site. Helps mark the spot, since there is no yellow stone at this site.

Dave, as has happened in the past, I now officially will live thru you until I return in November. Please continue, Thanks.

Patrick

Dave, I really enjoyed reading your story and will be looking forward to more. You are a very good writer. I am glad you stated that you also get nervous on the first dive after 14 years around 300 dive+/- I do to, but have always been scared to admit it!!! P.S. don't give BC to hard of a time all of the waves in Bon last week really shook her up !!!

Once I get acclimated to the coral on entry and exist and the bleeding stops I forget about the stings from the cuts and enjoy diving. Never thought past the cursed coral on the shore line to get nervous about the dive. Andrea I and II are my favorite places to bust my bottom each and every time.

If anyone has a trick or two up their sleeve on entry and exits I am more than willing to pay.

Oh don't get your panties (if any), in a bunch. Next month I'll have enough jobs for all of you! And yes, you can buy a beer to have with your meal (they're only 8oz, and what's gonna happen-you gonna PUI? Pack-under-the Influence?).

Geoff, not too many KK's-a dozen will be fine-I'm leaving the same day on Delta, but I have faith that Jan will be a good sport and eat my share.
:-)

Ruth, Is there such a thing as too many KK's? That's like leaving too big a tip. A Dozen it is.

Day 2- Well done Dave. Thanks.