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Trip Reports: Sea Sleuths - 9 Newbies Invading Bonaire 5/23
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2000-07-13 to 2001-05-18: Sea Sleuths - 9 Newbies Invading Bonaire 5/23
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Saturday, April 28, 2001 - 7:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

This Board is the greatest idea since Jacques created SCUBA! I have been lurking here all day and have learned so much about island life - above and below water - it's almost info overload. I'm now really excited about leading our group of 7 divers and 2 non-divers (all first timers to Bonaire) for a 10-day trip, late May. We've rented 2 condos/vans at Buddy's, and plan to indulge in everything we can. Looking forward [Thanks to all your suggestions :)] to kayaking, sunset sushi dinner cruise on Oscarina, and visiting Klein, too.
Most of our group has been diving together for 10+ years - but we've been boat diving from land resorts (Roatan, Cozumel, Costa Rica, Cayman Brac). We are advanced divers (with several rescue divers in the group, some divers with 200+ dives), but this is our first "shore dive" trip. It's been a while since we've had to plan beach entries/exits and dives without a guide. From what I'm reading, that shouldn't be a problem, right? Thoughts or suggestions appreciated.
Two other questions:
One -- Status of mosquitos and no-see-ums this time of year? They absolutely love me - I'm bringing Deet, but how bad is it?
Two -- My hubby wants to go fishing - a friend suggested bonefishing, wading in the water somewhere near the salt flats. Any suggestions?
Again - GREAT idea about the board. Keep up the good work, Jake and Linda

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Niki Harris on Saturday, April 28, 2001 - 7:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hear, Hear, Kathleen.

You know what's funny? When I think of reading all this stuff we've discussed over the past year, I can't imagine absorbing it in one day. (Especially since I still use a dial-up modem, and Cecil has no mercy.) I've been checking in almost every day since the site began, and gabbing along when I have time. The information is indeed priceless. I've kept the spirit of my vacation alive while waiting all year to go back. I subscribe to the Bonaire Reporter, too.

Shore diving will be a piece of cake for you. The dive shop will give you the orientation.

Mosquitoes and no-see-ums were just discussed this week. Easy to search on that.

Bonefishing we've seen done in Lac Bay. The guys had a blast fishing there. Not sure where else.

Bob and I will be there May 19-June 9. Seriously doubt if we'll want to dive with 7 other people (grinning here), but I know you'll have a great time!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Saturday, April 28, 2001 - 8:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Zero - Get Jessie Armacost's book on shore diving on Bonaire (see http://www.BonaireReporter.com to order a copy), and you won't go wrong - it's brand new and runs you through the entries and details for each shore dive site.

One - Not bad, Off on the ankles and legs before dinner will take care of them (they love hiding under dark tables - see other recent thread on this topic).

Two - Linda and I did this with Multifish charters (http://www.multifish.com) some time ago, and it was probably the most peaceful soothing thing we've ever done in our lives. The tranquility is amazing, the fishing is fun, and the sound of flamingo's wings flapping quietly 40 feet above your head is incredibly serene.

Again - thanks :-)

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Sunday, April 29, 2001 - 12:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the prompt replies = somehow I knew I'd have answers already when I checked in this morning. Niki, I empathize with your ;) in thinking about diving with 7 - sounds frightening, but believe it or not, we've all travelled together many times and generally get along quite well. [Maybe 'cause we're a wee bit older and all work in "life safety" professions - hence our name, SeaSleuths.]
I'll check the links you suggested, Jake - 'specially about the bone fishing. And intend to keep reading daily so we're current on island life before we leave from Ft. Lauderdale.

You're most welcome!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By herman mowery on Monday, April 30, 2001 - 8:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Kathleen,

I am sure you will enjoy Bonaire. A couple of hints for the shore diving. First, make sure every one has HARD soled dive boots. The soft sole ones can be very uncomfortable on the rocks and coral making entry less than plesant. Secondly, be very aware of the current. It's usally not to bad most places but even a slight current can be tiring to fight at the end of a dive. I think you will enjoy Buddy as well, we stayed there last July and are returning in July.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JoAnn Green on Monday, April 30, 2001 - 10:43 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Good Morning Kathleen, 2 of my dive buddies & I made our first trip to Bonaire in October 2000 & will most likely return this year. We made all shore dives and every dive was incredible. Of course, my idea of shore diving was a little different than what we found. Even with 600+ dives under my belt, I just figured we would walk right into the water from gentle, sloping, sandy beaches. I must admit, some of our entries & exits were pretty hilarious & I only wish we had it on video! Herman's suggestion about the hard sole booties is an excellent one and I too am ordering the book Jake suggested. I am not the most graceful person and do have a "balance" problem, but all in all, came out with only a few bruises from the entries & exits. Believe me, it was all worth it!!! I hope you have a great trip!
Jo

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 - 7:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK everyone - suggestions WELL TAKEN!
1. Deet/Off packed.
2. Bonefishing excursion info checked out online, printed out, and tackle acquired.
3. Jessie's book ordered and enroute.
4. Hard soled booties safely tucked away.
5. Thanks to Sherry, cell phone for Marion acquired and available so we can reserve horses.
6. Anxiously counting down the minutes 'til we depart (3 weeks from today, YEAH!), getting in the mood watching WebCams.
7. JAKE and LINDA: Forget anything while you were vacationing in Florida that we can bring down for you? Have printed out WebCam locations and will undoubtedly be seen waving at you at some point, so we can drop off things.
Thanks all for the helpful info!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sherry baker on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 - 10:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

kathleen, hope you have a fun trip. i get so excited when we go to bonaire i start packing 2 months in advance, i know it is crazy but since we go in the winter, the summer things i pack we are not using here in colorado anyway. barry just puts up with my over zealous packing tendencies. but i do not pack very much stuff. that is why i plan so carefully.

have a great trip, i am envey green!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 - 1:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kathleen,

I think there's another BBQ planned for BonaireTalkers at our place sometime around the end of May (maybe the 27th or 28th - can someone remind me? [grin]).

In terms of needing anything, we'll make note of it here if something comes up! Thanks for the offer!

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Virginia L. Stokes on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 - 11:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kathleen, on our recent trip to Bonaire (3/01), one of our couples did the afternoon of bonefishing in the salt flats with Robert. He provided all of the fishing tackle for a party of 2 (his limit for this type of trip). So if you are going to do the walking/fishing in the salt flats with the flamingoes, you don't really need to pack fishing gear. Robert recommends dive booties as footwear: You might want to pack a pair of old dive booties and/or sandals that you don't care about ruining. You are wading in muck that must be primarily composed of flamingo poop.

You will definitely want a shade-providing hat that ties on (always windy), and potent sun block. And finally a sense of humor! Have fun - you will love Bonaire!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Wednesday, May 2, 2001 - 9:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bring a long sleeve shirt for the bonefishing. Sunscreen is just not going to last long enough. They all laughed at me but I wore a large brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and a bathing suit plus lots of 45 sunscreen. Only the backs of my hands got sunburned.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Wednesday, May 2, 2001 - 10:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You guys are incredible - inviting total strangers to a BBQ! For a jaded old cop, it tickles the jollies in my heart to know that there are still good people out there -- but I should have known this, divers being what they are. Are you really sure you want 9 more bodies, Jake and Linda - even if we do bring k00l trinkets and food? We arrive Wed., 5/23 and leave Sat. 6/2 - so it sounds like we'll be there when you're contemplating the extravaganza.

Linda and Virginia -- will take your suggestion on the sunblock and hat (already packed Sherry!) - but it's a Florida Panthers (hockey) cap 'cause ice hockey (even in Florida) is another of my passions when I'm not diving. Sherry, I sure wish my hubby, the non-diving Italian, shared email postings with me like you and Barry. Maybe I'll just let my horse lead his horse astray somewhere - thanks again for the info about riding.
Hmmmmm, let's see .... The Italian snorkeler does make for a good beach bunny and watchs gear for us while we dive. He also cooks a mean BBQ. We'll have to think about something appropriate to contribute to the event, if you're serious, Jake. Offer stands - let us know whatcha need.
Three weeks still seems so far away ... heavy sigh (with a BIG grin).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Thursday, May 3, 2001 - 2:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We figure it's a nice way to meet new folks :-)

Our patio can easily hold 20-30 people sitting and well over 100 standing, so no problem on adding 9 more.

If you have any specialities that you guys make, that would be a good potluck item :-)

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tori Williams on Thursday, May 3, 2001 - 5:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kathleen, I see I am not the only one. Since we are in Louisiana, it is hockey for 6 months and scuba diving the other six. A perfect world for me would be both all of the time!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julie Wilcox on Sunday, May 6, 2001 - 11:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for all the valuable information! I am also one of the Sea Sleuths gang and I have a really horrible question:

Is Diet Coke available on Bonaire?

Thank you for answering this burning question and allowing me to continue feeding my addiction!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, May 7, 2001 - 8:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes it is. It is usually available at at least:

- Warehouse Bonaire (Kaya Industria)
- Bon Awa (Kaya Nikiboko Zuid & also Kaya Industria)
- Montecatini Market (I think) (Kaya Grandi)

However, most restaurants do not offer any diet sodas (we get by on unsweetened ice tea when we don't want to have sweet drinks).

Jake
(Not a Diet Coke drinker)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julie Wilcox on Monday, May 7, 2001 - 9:46 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks, Jake. I only need one a day.....

I was not able to find it in Europe when I went a few years ago, and I remember drinking their version of it which was not all that pleasant.

Couldn't sleep last night - I was imagining the great warm weather and water temps. I live in the Lake Tahoe area of California and I work in the snowiest populated place in the US. Will be quite a change to get to the beach!

Thanks again for the info!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Virginia L. Stokes on Monday, May 7, 2001 - 9:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Julie, when you are grocery shopping, if you see Diet Coke be sure to buy it right then, even if you still have some on hand "at home." We frequently had to "settle" for Diet Pepsi on our 2 week trip in March. The Bonaire warehouse usually has it, Cultimara downtown hardly ever.

Have a great trip!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Leigh Ann on Tuesday, May 8, 2001 - 8:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What about Diet Dr. Pepper? If not, I'll settle for Diet Pepsi I guess!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, May 8, 2001 - 8:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

No Dr. Pepper at all.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Fox on Tuesday, May 8, 2001 - 2:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Julie,
Do you by any chance know Ray Lacey up there at Tahoe? He is a friend of mine that works for the Conservancy.

David

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julie Wilcox on Friday, May 11, 2001 - 12:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

David -

The name sounds really familiar, but I don't know him personally. Sorry!
Julie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Friday, May 11, 2001 - 8:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Getting closer now ... and I haven't been breathing all week 'cause I'm so excited.
Then again, maybe it's my cold. :(
Not to worry .... I'll be well and will remember to breathe while I'm diving Small Wall and smiling into the Reef Cam, huh? :) :)
Congrats, Jules, on finding the links.
Ben - jump in and play!
Cliff is gonna love snorkeling at CLIFF!

Jake and Linda: Have a little something really unique packed for you and the BBQ. btw - your kids - ages and sexes? Anything you need?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Saturday, May 12, 2001 - 2:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kids:

Bas (Sebastian) - Age 4.2 - Boy
Yana (Krystyana) - Age 5.9 - Girl

I'll be in Miami from 5/17 - 5/24, so will be shopping there - I think we're all set at this point, but thanks for the offer! (and looking forward to the surprise!!!)

Jake

PS Actually, if you live in an area with a large Mexican population, some Herdez Salsa Verda would be very nice!

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steven Springer on Sunday, May 13, 2001 - 1:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Jake,

Is there a source for chips on Bonaire? Tried to bring down a large bag last year in my dive bag and as you can guess, most of the chips were less than bite size. I'll add your Herdez Salsa verda (the green stuff right?) to my munchie list - but you'll have to wait until July when I'll be down.

Steven

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor on Sunday, May 13, 2001 - 2:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Plenty of places to buy chips...also salsa, but not the kind jake wants. I have a friend coming from texas..he may be able to help jake out.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Virginia L. Stokes on Monday, May 14, 2001 - 3:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We have found that Pringles survive reasonably well when going to places that are grocery-store-challenged. (Packed in a hard-sided suitcase, tho.) We don't bother taking much in the way of snacks to Bonaire since shopping is really quite good there.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, May 14, 2001 - 4:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We cheat in terms of tortilla chips - we order from NetGrocer.com - 8-12 bags of Restaurant Style Tostito tortilla chips at a time (about a 2 month supply for us) and have them shipped to Bonaire :-)

Pringles, Ruffles, and Dutch potato chips and the such are pretty much always available here though.

Jake

PS Looking forward to the Herdez salsa!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julie Wilcox on Friday, May 18, 2001 - 9:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As the time draws near for our trip (4 days til the start of my travels!), I was wondering if there is anything like a "web cafe" on Bonaire, or any type of business/place/library where I can access the internet for e-mail purposes.

Can anyone help me out with this?
Thanks!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie on Friday, May 18, 2001 - 9:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes, the deTuin et-cafe, and also BonaireLive.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julie Wilcox on Saturday, May 19, 2001 - 9:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks so much to everyone for answering all of our questions! We hope to meet a lot of you soon.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Sunday, May 20, 2001 - 11:42 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

3 Days ...
And counting... slowly but quickly J
FISH ID books packed, along with REEF Fish Survey forms, slate and pencil. I'm not into cameras 'cause I'm always too busy counting/playing with Angelfish, among others. Anyone else out there ever participate and count fish for REEF? See for further info: REEF Fish Survey Project. It's a great site.
Bought new sandals, cheapo snorkel underwater camera, and dive toys yesterday. I had to get bright new hose wrappers to show up on camera while I'm posing!
Which reminds me -- we're seriously planning our debut poses a la WebCam so that the fire/police folks back home aren't worried about us and we can say hello to all - probably sometime next weekend - EXCEPT ...
We have to arrange our whole trip now around this BIG BBQ we're attending.
HEY JAKE: What day/time exactly do you want us drifting over to your Villa for the soiree?
Can't wait to dive, relax, and see y'all.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Sunday, May 20, 2001 - 4:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kathleen - look over in http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/626/5171.html for details.

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 9:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bonaire has a lot of REEF Fish Survey fans.
Our geographic zone is 8503 if anybody wants to find out about the fish species. Four of our dive shops are Reef Care Field Station, so if you run low on forms they have extras.

You might want to brush up on your turtle species too. The STCB asks everyone to fill out a survey if they see a turtle. The tricky ones are Greens versus Hawksbill versus Loggerheads.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathleen Antona on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 7:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

DUH ..... found it, Jake. Sorry - Haven't had much time to read elsewhere on this site - too busy packing!
Will search tomorrow to pick up some kind of non-perishable dessert that will fit inside the backpack for the BBQ on 5/27. At least some of us hope to dive/party around the Reef Cam with you.
Heavy Sigh .... almost there.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 8:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Best way to brush up on turtle identification is to catch the STCB slide presentation. Last I heard, Saskia was still presenting at Capt Don's, but don't know what night.

ID isn't difficult, once you see what to look for. A quick lesson - very few Loggerheads are sighted, and the one difference between Greens and Hawksbills are the end of the shell near the tail...Hawksbills have a serrated edge, Greens are smooth.

Most sightings on the West coast will be the Hawksbills. The Greens are predominately on the East coast where all the good yummy sea grasses are.

But, Saskia can tell you where and when and how. Don't miss the show. It's great and so is Saskia.

 


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