TRIP REPORT - JEAN and CHET WOOD
21 Feb – 10 Mar 2003
(added comments by Chet in blue)
GENERAL:
Sorry this took so long. Everyday life (and work) interferes with what we’d like to do all the time. I have spent a lot of time editing the video we brought home. Also takes up a lot of space; our computer desk now has the computer, monitor, key-board, scanner, mouse/pad, two VCR’s, the video camera, two video switch/interface boxes, three remotes (2 VCR’s & TV), a 1 ˝ inch video monitor, stack of VHS tapes, stack of mini-DV cassettes,… I edited 9 dives that we took video on, down to 25 minutes. We bought a nice video housing (Light & Motion, MAKO) and Sony Video (DCR-PC120BT) cam this year, a big splurge for us and are very happy & pleased with both of them. The last 2 years we actually used a huge housing comparison photo:
that we got at a garage sale! The huge thing actually worked but was a major hassle getting it there and it needed an additional 9 lbs. of weight tied on to keep it from floating. But now we are hooked on video, you don’t have to try for the perfect pose for a still shot. Fish do not take directions well. The new video housing is small enough to get in a carryon bag. It was a good thing we had it because our Sea and Sea got fatally flooded after a few dives. Luckily our insurance rider paid for a total rebuild. Thank you State Farm! Got a nice video shot of an octopus, the frogfish and all those ‘ordinary’ gorgeous fish. We have become so used to all this beauty. We ID’ed 4 new species this year. I think our lifetime count is 150. We were not trying real hard this year. The new species are the longlure frogfish, dusky squirrelfish, web burrfish and a spotted eagle ray. Checked with Jerry Ligon to be sure about the burrfish.
This was a more laid back trip and we did more socializing then usual. Each year we meet new people. This year we met so many wonderful people; BT’ers at Jake’s and the wedding, the staff at Bonaire Dive and Adventure (the new name of the Dive shop at Sand Dollar), some of the condo owners at the Sand Dollar, etc.
TRANSPORTATION: We went American/American Eagle thru Puerto Rico again. We arrived approximately on time and with ALL of our luggage ON THE SAME PLANE! Wow!
ACCOMMODATIONS:
At Sand Dollar, we rented the Zale’s condo (third consecutive year); their condo is so nice. It is right over the office and there is always a guard there. The patios are screened in and that adds a lot of living space. Only heard one mosquito. This year the Zales got a new glass top stove, (the old oven and stovetop had temperature control ‘issues’) The new one is great. Last year they got a new frig while we were there. So the kitchen is in really nice shape. We actually got to meet the Zale’s. Since we rent from them our trips didn’t overlap until now. Zale’s were on their winter break trip and left on Saturday. We were using air miles and wanted to arrive on Saturday but our choices were Friday or Monday and we didn’t want to miss a whole weekend. The Zale’s ended up inviting us to stay with them Friday night. We were really glad to be able to meet them. We spent Saturday morning comparing Cameras, diving experiences etc. and exchanging t-shirts. We went to lunch together, then they left for their flight. The Zale’s are very nice people; it was extremely nice to be able to meet them after a couple years of phone & E-mail contact only.
One sort-of funny (very strange)thing. One night it was very windy and I (we) could hear things blowing and banging in the wind. Then I (we) heard popping (and crackling) sounds and it seemed to come from under the patio. I got up but didn’t see anything. My eyes weren’t really awake. In the morning we looked at the patio and tiles had popped up in 2 rows of little pup-tent shapes. The Sand Dollar offered us a different room, but we were settled in. After we came back from an afternoon dive they had it totally fixed. Nice to know they are on top of things that fast.
CLEAN-UP DIVE: We met Josie and Benny (the owner of Bonaire Town Homes where she stays) (and a ‘mass’ of other people) at the Green Submarine dive shop for instructions and tanks; then drove to and out onto Town Pier. Chet and I decided to cut and collect old fishing line. The hard part is a lot of it has algae and some coral growing on it. So (as instructed) we cut the line next to the coral. Did you ever try to stuff fishing line into a bag under water. And then make sure it doesn’t float out! Overall a good experience. It was our first (and so far only) dive at Town Pier, unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to just explore. Also, it was our final dive of the trip.
DIVING: We did 8 dives at Bari Reef, it is so easy to just walk down and jump in and it’s always a good dive. That’s where the 2 Frogfish were. After some directions (and being pointed at by another diver), Chet was able to find them. Under water direction are hard: Turn left at the 2nd purple sponge on your left? The frogfish are really interesting, but it is a good thing they are camouflaged. A face only a mother could love.
The wind was strong and gusty the whole time we were there, 2+ weeks. And Bill, one of the condo owner who lives there 6 months a year, was complaining because the visibility was ‘only’ 50 feet or so. He said he wouldn’t bother to dive ‘till it improved. I had to tease him. Diving in Illinois we have to use a buddy line to be able to stay together because you’re lucky to get 5’ vis. Yes, with our 8 foot ‘buddy-line’, we’ve done several dives where you can’t see your buddy at the other end of the line.
We did one boat dive at Rappel, very nice coral. We did a shore dive at Oil Slick Leap. The new ladder works well, again beautiful coral and fish. There were some big (huge) Red Lip Blenny’s right by the ladder. I confirmed with Jerry Ligon that they were Red Lipped Blenny’s, they were up to 5” and coloring was different.
Another shore dive to Weber’s Joy, saw a nice big Rainbow Parrotfish in the shallows, tons of elkhorn and staghorn coral and spotted an (a Spotted) Eagle Ray.
The day of the BBQ at Jake and Linda’s, they invited people to shore dive from their beach at Small Wall. So we got there mid-afternoon and Jake decided to take a leisure dive with us. Jake made a stop at the web cam to replace a sign and clean the lens, then we headed North along the wall and Jake posed at the big anchor. Coming back we ran into Susan and Mark Taft posing for the ReefCam.
BBQ: Thank you to Jake and Linda for letting us BT’ers get together at their house. Jake grilled chickens and his dad (no, Jake didn’t grill his dad, but he did grill the bratwursts we brought from our local German sausage factory) , Ola made a big roast. Such a view! And everyone brought lots of wonderful food. We had a really good time. I got to see Linda’s studio and her paintings. The painting of the flamingos just blows me away. Later I went to Michael’s store ‘Chat ’N Browse’ and bought a print of it and a small oil painting of 2 turtle hatchlings (also Linda’s). Also met Dara who is also an artist.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS: Besides flooding our camera, Chet’s computer transmitter stopped working. We went to Carib Inn; Bruce Bowker has helped us before with equipment. Chet ended up buying a tank pressure gauge and hose. And then complained about having that extra hose in his way when he was diving. We haven’t tried to get the transmitter repaired yet. It seems to work with new batteries, but only for one dive. Didn’t have that insured. Get to that soon.
THE WEDDING: A beautiful couple (and ‘couple’ of days) and a beautiful setting. See other posts for wedding details.
So many photographers! Jake’s father Ola took some great shots and of course the famous Bride’s Magazine cover. Great! Thank you to Melissa and Hillary for inviting us to share this great experience.
WINDSURFING: I haven’t windsurfed much the last couple of years because of some health issues. I have fibromyalgia. But I decided to go for it even though it was so windy. REAL windsurfers loved it. I got a small sail and spend a half hour getting my sea legs again. One of my favorite times on the sailboard is when I drop the sail and use the board to lay in the sun for a while and in Bonaire I can watch the REAL windsurfers. There was a boy about 9 or so that was free styling and sailing better then most of the adults, especially us tourists. Usually there is a steady wind but is was gusty which is harder for me. I talked Josie into giving it a try. She was such a good sport. I had not warned her that learning consisted of falling in many times till you learn how not to fall in. We shared an hour rental; she did well for the short lesson time. It was nice to have some one to sail with. Also met Corney Ann and her group. Hope to run into them again.
HOUSE FOR RENT: Had a visit with Kate Hickson at her house. The house is called Nos Cas and rents through Coco Palms Garden. It is in a nice neighborhood south of the airport. Modern kitchen opens onto large airy living room with big windows that look out into nice size fenced yard. It is nicely decorated with a comfortable sofa. For info: http://www.Coco PalmGarden.org
MICHAEL’s STORE: Michael Gainer’s new Internet store “Chat ‘n Browse” is located right next to Sand Dollar. . $8/Hour is a good price Internet time for on Bonaire. I got an hour and spread it out over the trip. Nice way to keep in touch without expensive phone calls. He also carries artwork and crafts. He has Linda Richter’s artwork and several others. & it was nice to chat with Michael who was always there. Ditto
CARNIVAL PARADE: Josie invited us to a private party at the Lost Penguin, a nice sidewalk café. We could sit inside in the shade and talk and watch the parade right there.
BT TUESDAY DINNER AT GIBI’S TERRACE: We made it to 2 this year. Big table of people, tried to match names with faces. Hope to see you all next year. Because of my food allergies we ate most of our meals at the condo, Chet is the chef, so I ate well in Bonaire. Only went to one restaurant besides Gibi’s. We ate twice at the new restaurant at Sand Dollar (Mango’s) next to the pool. The fish was good.
We also got to meet Ruth, another very nice “Bonaire person. And, the “Keshi Yena A traditional Dish, made with shredded & seasoned chicken, olives, raisins, capers, mushrooms & onions, baked in Gouda cheese. Fls 21; $12” was wonderful.
MOOGIE: Twice we walked up to Buddy’s to listen to Moogie play and bought his CD. Very nice. I’ve been listening to the music since the trip to help dampen PBD.
TRUCK RENTAL: Netty’s was very good as usual. I really like the diesel pick-up, fuel is soooooo much cheaper than gasoline. Also, we rented in a couple segments and Netty had that annoying alarm system shut-off after the first period.
PARROTS: There was a big flock of very noisy parrots in the area. Very cool! We saw them from our patio and Jake said they came past their house daily.
CONCLUSION:
Another wonderful trip. I got a massage at the airport in Puerto Rico during the long layover. I got a lot of math/logic/crossword puzzles done.
We have already started planning next year’s trip (countdown: approx. 308 days). How about YOU? Hope to see all our new and renewed friends, Josie, Susan and Mark, Bill and Prowphan, Bas, the Richters, Kate, Tom and Darlene, Corney Ann, Alan and Joan.etc. etc.
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By Chet Wood (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #366) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 8:57 am: 
