Not much longer now until, God willing, I will set foot on Bonairean soil for the first time. Our first attempt at the beginning of September had to be cancelled due to the sudden surgery for my wife. I have now rebooked for November 13 to 27, unfortunately without Terez, who does not yet feel strong enough to travel that far.

And far it is: Edmonton (Western Canada)- Toronto - Miami (overnight) - Montego Bay - Bonaire; two days, but you all have been saying that it will be worth it. And, considering what it costs some of you in the States, I can't complain about the airfare of only US$ 645 on Air Canada/Air Jamaica, all the way there and back.

I will be staying at Coco Palm Garden in Belnem, take the PADI Rescue Diver course with Phototours, and drive around in a Susuki Samurai from ABC Car Rental. Maybe I'll put a Canadian Flag on the antenna so that you will recognize me.

Oh, man, is it really going to happen this time?

Karl

Our best wishes to Terez and hope that she is feeling better very soon. Sorry to hear that she will not be joining you on your first trip to Bonaire. You will love Bonaire, without a doubt. If your heart is on the reef, as your profile seems to indicate, you will be in seventh heaven while diving on Bonaire! Have a fabulous time and we will await your final trip report shortly after your return to Western Canada....it's a BT ritual, you see. It must be gorgeous in your part of the world, too. Carole

I’m sure we’ll be able to get several of us together while you’re there Karl. My wife and I will have some overlapping days with you (as you noted under November Bonaire People I sympathize with your wife, I’ve been through a couple of major surgeries on my spine in the last year and the first one canceled my planned January trip this year.

I unfortunately can’t join you in a dive, but you’re welcome to join us in a snorkel (day or night), happy hour, or dinner some evening. And if your wife changes her mind about traveling, we can all get together. I hope she feels better no matter what.

I know there will be lots of nice folks around while your there, it’s one of the reasons I like Bonaire so much. I’ll post something in the early part of November to see if we can organize a Bonaire Talkers get together.

We’ll look for the Maple Leaf!

Hi Carole,

it WAS gorgeous... until yesterday, blue sky, billiant sunshine. This morning, the sky is gray and there is wet snow on the ground. Yiks, but your message and the thought of Bonaire (soon!) warm my heart. Karl

Thank you, Scott (snorkelguy). Will do.

Terez, especially would have loved to go with you and Emi because she does not dive, but was going to snorkel (first time). We had bought her all the equipment and she was going to take a snorkeling lesson with Caren at Sea & Discover. C'est la vie. (That's life!)

See you in Bonaire. Karl

Hi Karl,

I'm solo at Buddy Dive the 6th-16 myself. A Netty's Daewoo minivan for me this time. Maybe I should try to dig up a Chicago Bears pennant for the antenna. lol

This could be a prime opportunity for some shrewd merchant. Visitor name flags for car antennae! Spot your pals!

Just sitting here on a very sunny but cool day. It seems Fall is in the air. That and counting the days till I arrive in paradise.

DSAO
Randy

Enjoy Bonaire! May I suggest taking a tour of the Washington-Slagbaai National Park on your off-gas day? Start early, take plenty of water, and lots of photos.

Karl,
I'm from Edmonton as well, and just got back from Bonaire on the 29th. Where did you get such a cheap flight from?

Darryl

Karl, I'm from Calgary. My question is the same as Darryl's. Where did you book to get it so cheap?
Colleen

Hello, Fellow Albertans.

Sorry, for the delay but had not checked the thread for a couple of days.

Booked the flight online with www.destina.ca.

Routing mid-week Air Canada/Air Jamaica(Tuesday/Wednesday) from Edmonton - Toronto - Miami - Montego Bay - Bonaire (return). Two over nights in Miami (hotel rate US$ 60, Holiday Inn on www.hotel.com).

Karl