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Diving Bonaire: Beware of carib inn ladder
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2008-2009: Archives - 2008-03-01 to 2008-07-31: Beware of carib inn ladder
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 2:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

just wanted to give a heads up if using the ladder to get out of water after snorkeling or diving carib inn's house reef there is fire coral all over the ladder. wow!!! ouch. my fingers got it bad, swelled and were on fire for 5 days even with vinegar soaks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob fraser (BonaireTalker - Post #30) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 2:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Theresa,
Does Bruce know about this? and if so what's his reaction to it?
Bob

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #38) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 3:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

bruce was off the island when i was there,but i did tell ralph his employee and he said they were aware of it. after talking to some of the people that were staying there, they also said they encountered the same problem.wish i would have known before. i guess i could e-mail bruce himself.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1647) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 4:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The ladder at the end of the pier is used as a last resort. That is an easy beach entry/exit, and if anything grows on the ladder is because it is not used much. Mother nature thinks it's OK, and so do I... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5725) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 4:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Theresa, is it OK now? My husband accidentally rubbed against some fire coral when we were in Jamacia, it was on a swimming line and bouys. Man did it swell and blister IMMEDIATELY! He was in a lot of pain the first day.

Question, if there is fire coral like this on the property ladder, do the owners (i.e. Bruce and Linda) have the right to remove it? I would think so. A lot of folks use the ladders for entry or exit, regardless of what the shore to enter or exit look like. I'd hate to see more folks come in contact with fire coral after seeing what happened to my husband.

I'd email Bruce directly and see what response he has. Please keep us posted.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #40) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 5:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

cynde, i am o.k. now. i had blisters immediately and it felt like i just stuck my hands in a firepit. i could not bend any of my fingers for 5 days because they were so swollen it happened our first dive day,but hey i kept on diving because it kept my mind off of the pain. my hubbey basically put all of my equipment on and off for me and rinsed it all too.(what a great guy.)about the 3rd day my fingers started itching like crazy.by the 5th day the swelling was gone and the itching. we saw several people divers and snorkelers using the ladder.my hubbey let me go up the ladder first being the nice guy he is, but needless to say he did not use the ladder after he saw what happened to me.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By RA. 40days but who's counting! (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2693) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 5:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

WOW Theresa, sorry you had to experience this! I'm glad to hear you didn't let it ruin your vacation and I know how much pain you were in having done a similar thing on my first trip to Bonaire on a different ladder.

Cynde, Poor Michael!

Ron, I disagree 100% with your statement. For the safety of the visitors it just makes sense to remove it. The ladder was put there for people to use and with fire coral growing on it, it is not user friendly.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ModCyn (Moderator - Post #711) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 9:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

here's what michael's side looked like after about four hours of hydrocortisone cream, zyertek, and ice. You can't really see the blisters but they are there. theresa, you know what i'm talking about. I can't imagine having this on your hands. the pain was excrutiating to say the least. he had to walk with his arm out by his side because anything touching it was painful. that lasted about four days.
coral sting...OUCH

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6897) on Monday, July 7, 2008 - 9:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OUCH!!!
Wow, that just looks like it hurts. Hope everyone's healing/healed up!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5732) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 10:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael is healed up Kobi, but he has the memory! He didn't want to go near the swimming lines and bouys again, but i did to take a look to see exactly what it was he rubbed against...yep...fire coral!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #607) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 10:51 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde
My experience with fire coral, nowhere near as bad as Michael's, was more remembered by the after effects. Not so terrible, but literally years afterward the area would get itchy. Strange.
Mick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DIVER DEBBI (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #584) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 12:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

vinegar is the first step....pour lots of vinegar on the area...fresh water( ice ) will only restart the stinging, so never wash the area with fresh water...repeated vinegar applications works and stops the stinging process..then hydrocortizone creams...we keep a small bottle of vinegar in the divemobile at all times...well...good to know for the next time..hope the burns heal quickly for you, but tdivers usually say it takes time

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5752) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 12:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Debbie, i had jellyfish sting stuff and michael put that on it at first, did nada. so the gal that saw him running out of the water screaming took us to the nurse. she put the hydro cream on it. i had a zyrtek, and then the nurse said "lots of alcohol will help" so we headed to the pool. he did put ice on it and he said it made it feel better and it did take the stinging away. i asked the nurse about the benadryl or zyertek and she said it wouldn't help, but he took it anyway. Then he used my benadryl hydro cream for the rest of the trip.

mickey, i won't tell him what you said...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Nic (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 2:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Is it difficult to remove fire coral from the railing of steps that go into the water? Is it commonly done at other resorts that have ladders with hand railings? Is there a policy on this? I'm just wondering...

I understand the no gloves rule, and I understand our responsibility to avoid the fire coral, but it seems to me that a man made structure that is DESIGNED for people to enter and exit with, and is DESIGNED for people to grip, with hands that are BARE because of the prohibiltion of gloves should be kept clear of fire coral and be exempt from any regulations of that kind. Just my .02 psi...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #233) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 3:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course says the following. Note that vinegar is NOT recommended, based on some Australian studies that suggested the acetic acid could fire off any remaining nematocysts. The vinegar treatment is reserved by DAN for box jellyfish. Hot water seems to be the key, followed by hydrocortisone cream.
--------------------
FIRE CORAL, HYDROID, ANEMONE AND JELLYFISH STINGS
• Flush the injury with large amounts of sea water to remove
any remaining tentacles
• Immerse the affected area in hot water for 30 to 90 minutes
to neutralize the unfired nematocysts.
• Remove the tentacles with forceps (tweezers)
• Shave the area with shaving cream and safety razor
• Apply hydrocortisone lotion or cream
• Monitor for allergic reaction and/or infection

(Message edited by tursiops on July 8, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #42) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 6:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

that picture looks way to famaliar. just an update bruce did e-mail me and said he was aware of the fire coral and it was taken care of. i put benadryl cream on mine and actually took tylenol p.m which has benadryl in it, but i don't think it really helped.i think time is what helped the most. ice did not really help the swelling,but it was definetely a comfort tool. the vinegar soaks seemed to help the burn and itch, but maybe it was all in my head.wish i would have known about the hot water, at the time it happened i would have tried anything.kinda wished i would have taken pictures,but did not think of that at the time.i was very hesitant to use the ladder at oil slick and yes i made my hubbey go up it first and i think i spent like 10 ,minutes examining the ladder,i guess i will be a little "gun shy" of ladders from now on.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5810) on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 9:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

theresa, good idea on making hubby go up the ladder at oil slick first:-) that ladder gets used a lot, so not too much growth on it....i'd be gun shy as well.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Davison (BonaireTalker - Post #75) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 11:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Guess this is another reason why I always wear gloves .... not meaning to start a flame war ... I was on a boat a number of years back where a gentleman that was a neurosurgeon followed the "no glove" rule and was using the anchor/mooring line to stabilize his descent as he was having difficulty clearing his ears. Can you say covered with lots'O nasties ... we had to cut his wedding band off and the swelling in his hands kept him from practicing his trade for close to a year and required him to take high-doses of steriods which also created some additional complications. Its an extreme case but highlights our conservation efforts sometimes have unintended consequences.

Bob

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Nic (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 11:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK, also not trying to start a flame war... this makes me want to carry a pair of gloves in my bc pocket, and use them on exit only. I don't have occasion to hang on a line, and I would never touch the reef or objects underwater, but I also don't want to ruin an expensive vacation for what amounts to no reason.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5825) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 1:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bob, the marine park rules used to be you could wear one glove when descending the mooring line at the hilma hooker. sadly, they have changed the rule and you can no longer do that. our first trip to bon, we did the hooker as a boat dive...didn't wear gloves, and the hand i used to descend got those nasties as well...didn't cause problems for more than a few days, but it did hurt.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #18) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 6:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

They have a no-glove rule in Cozumel as well, and both there and on my recent first trip to Bonaire I have always adhered to the rule.

It hasn't been a problem in Cozumel because the diving is from a boat, but given what I just read here, and the number of times I climbed a ladder in Bonaire last week, I will probably buy gloves and wear them for my exits.

I hate to break a marine park rule, but it seems silly to risk injury in this manner, especially since, as I understand it and just by way of example, the property owner there knew of the problem and didn't fix it or block the ladder or put up a sign, and I gather that sentiment may not be uncommon and would guess the same situation may occur elsewhere. I guess some folks even object to removing such a hazard from a ladder?

I have no interest in flaming or blaming, but I don't need to have a trip ruined or messed up due to fire coral or a similar hazard on a ladder or a line. I would not wear gloves during the dive and won't touch the coral in any case, but I think I may start wearing gloves if descending a line and on exits where I will need to use a line or ladder from now on. I suppose even for some shore entries gloves could be valuable. I saw at least a few people stumble and fall on exits last week and I have seen a fair amount of glass and other hazards along the shore.

Maybe I will look for flesh-colored gloves.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 7:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

JD,you probably saw my husband and i get "rolled" at the hilma hooker exit. when we looked down we saw black sea urchins which luckily we managed to dodge/miss. so yeah when you find those "flesh" colored gloves let me know.after the experience i had on the carib inn ladder and that rough exit at the hooker i agree with what you posted.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5851) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 7:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Keep in mind, that if the Marine Park catches you breaking MPRules, i.e. wearing gloves, they will confiscate your gear, and your diving is over for the rest of your trip. Unless you can get a medical waiver, I'd think twice.

I do look carefully on ladders when I'm entering and exiting to avoid any stings. Going down mooring lines, never use them (obviously unless there is a rippin' current) which I've only experienced at Eden.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #234) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 7:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am amazed that the BMP can get away with a rule that is in complete contradiction to the recommendations of training agencies and DAN. How do we get that rule changed?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5852) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 8:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Maybe a conversation with Ramon the next time you are on island? I would imagine it would have to include information from Dan and training agencies in regard to the issue. Also, examples of injuries, like the neurosurgeon and Theresa? Just thinking out loud.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #19) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 8:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It would seem that an exception during shore entries and exits or when using a line or ladder would be logical. Even a fall onto ironstone while wearing heavy scuba gear offers the potential for a nasty laceration. I have several times read suggestions that one should wear a wetsuit when diving on Bonaire at least partly for protection in the event of a mishap during a shore entry/exit. I don't know about the rest of you, but if I were to stumble and fall, I am likely to use my hand when falling and when trying to get up.

Those who would wear gloves as a means to grab or touch things will probably do so anyway.

I assume that as in Cozumel, those who enforce the rule rarely go below the surface to see what goes on there. I have heard of (and seen) many divers in Cozumel who simply leave gloves in their BC until they are below the surface, and stash them back in the BC before surfacing. It is up to the divemasters to enforce the rule below the surface.





 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #235) on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I understand some Bonairian divemasters are being deputized to enforce the BMP rules.

I guess I would choose to dive with someone not deputized...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1653) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 9:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The ladder at oil slick has no problem with crusting or fire coral, the reason being, that is the only exit for that site. The use of that ladder keeps it clear of all other LIVING things. The ladder at carib Inn is NOT the intended exit from the water. The few people that use it should do so at their own risk. If I were the owner, I would remove the ladder and install a retractable one, in it's place, so we wouldn't have to KILL any of the wildlife to please the lazy divers. If I see anyone wearing gloves, I will be the first to turn you in! No matter what color they are...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 11:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Gould. Removing fire coral or other hazards from a ladder or other man-made structure for the safety of those using that man-made item is not an environmental threat nor is it unreasonable. No one is advocating the removal of fire coral from non man-made places. I assume the boats in Bonaire, like anywhere I am familiar with, periodically have their hulls cleaned and repainted, don't they? Same concept.

To paraphrase Mr. Gould, the fire coral that grows on a man-made structure I may choose to use does so at its own risk.

Using a ladder to exit the water does not make one a "lazy diver." I have never personally seen this ladder but can it truly be the case that a ladder at a dive hotel, and which extends from a pier into the sea, it is not intended for exiting the water? By the way, I just watched the Carib Inn video and if I am not mistaken it shows children playing on the pier and using that ladder. I assume it is not merely a decorative ladder.

If one wants to go so far as to say that removing hazards from a ladder or rope is wrong, then I assume we should stop swatting mosquitoes and killing cockroaches. Perhaps cars should be banned so no more wildlife gets run over. There should be no building because in the course of building something, it is inevitable that some shrubs, grasses, trees, weeds, insects, etc. are killed.

More to the point, living organisms are no better off if I touch them with my bare hand than my gloved hand. I have no desire to start fondling the coral. The funny thing is that I don't own gloves and really would prefer not to wear them. I have never understood why people do so in Cozumel, but I can see a legitimate safety reason to wear gloves in Bonaire and I think that the restriction should be reconsidered.

Perhaps the authorities can revisit the ban and modify it a bit so none of us have to become outlaws on the run from Deputy Gould. (Just a little humor there, please no one get their knickers in a twist.) Mr. Gould I appreciate and share your concern for the environment, I just disagree on this issue.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #236) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 11:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mr. Gould, best not to get into a turn-each-other in contest, or folks will be watching YOU at all times to make sure you don't do anything untoward. Or, maybe you are perfect! :-)

I can't believe divers are harassed about gloves on entries/exits while a dock is being built to bring in more cruise ships and all that effluent from the resorts is going to make algae and all the groupers are being caught to eat. Misplaced priorities. I know Ramon is caught in a difficult political situation, but if the divers stay away the politics will *really* get tough!

What can WE do to help him address the critical priorities? Somehow, I don't think saving the fire coral on ladders and mooring lines is all that high on the list.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1654) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 12:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Shape the rules for your own needs! Just remember this: If your not part of the solution, then your part of the problem!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #237) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 12:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

"Just remember this: If your [sic] not part of the solution, then your [sic] part of the problem!"

That's a fine quote from Eldridge Cleaver in the 60's. Did you really mean that? I thought only George Bush said stuff like that.

I prefer the Sidney J. Harris version:
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem, but the perpetual human predicament is that the answer soon poses its own problems."

Or the Stephen Wright version:
“If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the precipitate.”

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By RA. 40days but who's counting! (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2718) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 1:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, I respect you concern for the environment but I also think respect for one another takes precedence. Calling people lazy because they use a ladder to exit (which it is intended for) and simply disregarding all common courtesies makes me think you are either:

A) not a people person
or
B) Enjoy inciting controversy

Coming in contact with fire coral is painful and to some, dangerous. It is on a device used by divers that is not a protected piece of nature, so common sense tells me the right thing to do is to remove it.

p.s. You might want to re-check you profile, you mis-spelled veteran.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7531) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 1:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, I agree with RA on this one and I will also add that your comments are totally un-BT-like. There is no reason to be such a nasty person. Oh and I agree that the fire coral should be removed or the ladder taken out. I have had fire coral burns, not on Bonaire, but they sure are not fun and I don't believe any resort should have a ladder with it on it. Not everyone who goes to CI will know that ladder has it on it or that it is not used that much. Ladders are not for "lazy" people either, I know folks who use them and I also know folks who do not. The folks I know who use ladders are FAR from lazy.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #21) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 1:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'll be part of the solution. I hereby volunteer to assist in scraping/chiseling the fire coral off of the Carib Inn ladder next time I am down there. Mr. Bowker, if you read this, please send me a PM and we will work out the details.

Oh, and I'll be wearing gloves, so lets keep the date and time kind of quiet.....

Actually, I have often thought that banning someTHING because someONE might abuse that thing is a largely intrusive and ineffective way of controlling human behavior. A glove won't cause me to grab coral anymore than having a knife would cause me to start slashing gorgonians.

By the way, I thought it was sad that grouper was the fresh catch on the menu in so many restaurants on Bonaire. Banning gloves but continuing to take and eat grouper? I won't even go into sewage disposal, cruise ships and so on.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By RA. 40days but who's counting! (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2719) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 2:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Please excuse my use of the word "you" instead of "your". My r button sticks and you really have to slam it hard.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1655) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 2:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Calgirl, I do enjoy people, and I don't like to start trouble. I have a great respect for nature, and BTW, have expeienced fire coral's rath!

Thank you for telling me about miss spelling Veteran, after heart surgery, I have lost short term memory, and have a hard time concentrating on the simplest task.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7533) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 3:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am sure once Bruce is back on island, he will take care of the ladder situation. He is a wonderful man and cares deeply about Bonaire, the reef's, and wouldn't want guests getting hurt by fire coral on his ladder. I will send him an email letting him know about it. I am sure he was unaware that fire coral started to grow on it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By RA. 40days but who's counting! (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2720) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 3:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, so you should understand many of us have personal issues that prevent us from being perfect.

At the risk of sounding like a total "B", this is not the first time you have created a situation that put people on the defense. Having been through your surgery I would hope it makes you appreciate life and not sweat the small stuff. Peace to you, we are all entitled to our opinions, just wish you would lighten up and be a bit more courteous to others.

Back on Topic: Bruce is a great guy and will take the necessary steps to rectify this.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7534) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 3:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Email sent.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7535) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 4:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

FYI: I just received a lovely email from Bruce. The ladder has been cleaned and is fine. Thanks, Bruce!
:-) :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5865) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 4:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Whew, glad that's over:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1656) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 4:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It seems like if your opinion doesn't go with the flow, a person is on the defense. I have been taught by some of the best, and over the years have developed a way of doing things, not saying my way is the right way, but I try to not harm anything, and respect the environment. Diving is nothing more then a bunch of skills that you try to improve on eveytime you get wet. I Plan my dive, and dive my plan on every dive for the past 44 years. That plan also includes Entry/ Exit... You don't become a Divemaster by looking cute, because I'm not... :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7538) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 5:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I know I am going to regret this, but a little honey goes further than a lot of vinegar, which Ron, you are a little heavy on the vinegar with your posts sometimes. No here has accused you of harming anything or not having respect for the environment. Just need to brush up your skills on agreeing to disagree without all the nasties. I don't agree with lots of things said on this website, but I don't have to be nasty to get my point across either. Enough from me, I am not here to start a fight with you Ron, but don't want you to think cause you think different or not with the flow, you are attacked. I, myself, am not always good at relaying what I want to say as nice as others do, but I do try to do so the majority of the time.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5866) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 7:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, I have to ask, how do you know that


quote:

The ladder at carib Inn is NOT the intended exit from the water.




I am serious, at orientation at Carib Inn is this what is told to divers? I'm not trying to be picky here by any means, but at a some sites (Sand$ being one), I use the ladder to get out of the water, cause I don't get all sandy. I'm trying to preserve the sand on Bonaire (tongue in cheek here).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By theresa vogel (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 8:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

just wanted to say that yes we were told at orientation the ladder at carib inn could be used for exit.

i never considered myself as being lazy and o.k just for fun i have to post this and it is just a giggle but... i thought my cuteness is how i became a divemaster.LOL!!!

i had also e-mailed bruce and he said the fire coral on the ladder had been taken care of.

i never intended this thread would cause so much conflict and turmoil. i just wanted to forewarn other divers of the situation so they weren't injured like myself.

we also saw a handicapped young man(he had bilateral leg and arm amputations)he was a diver and he used the ladder to enter and exit.as we saw several other divers using the ladder. so i think the ladder is used for entries and exits and not used for a last resort or for lazy divers.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5867) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Theresa...thank you for the orientation information, it's exactly what I thought would be said.

You have to understand, that most BTers are avid Bonaire, Diving, and Marine Life freaks, and we all have an opinion on EVERYTHING here...sometimes it's UGH...lol! Frankly, I'm with everyone else, clean the ** fire coral off the ladder already, as someone else stated, more impact is being done by the ** Cruise Ships than scraping fire coral off the ladder at Carib Inn.

And I am not a lazy diver either...although, if I have the chance to have my gear sherpa (sp), I do it now...and the sherpa gets a BIG NICE TIP!

Disclaimer, I am a Southern California Cold Water Diver (OK, not cold water like Martini in Holland, but heck, 50F is cold, and we never have sherpas in cold water, so if someone wants to sherpa my warm water gear, bless them, pamper me please:-)

Bruce, we LOVE you and Linda here at BT:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5868) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 10:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK, I have to add this for Ron, who knows I like him:-)

Ron said:


quote:

The ladder at oil slick has no problem with crusting or fire coral, the reason being, that is the only exit for that site. The use of that ladder keeps it clear of all other LIVING things.




The ladder at Sand$ has a ladder exit...with no fire coral or anything else on it...and it is not the only exit there...as I previously stated, you can exit via the beach here:
sand dollar beach entry and exit via the nice sandy beach with no coral rubble whatsoever

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #426) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 11:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You guys crack me up -- on July 8th (6:54pm), Theresa reported that the fire coral had been taken care of. And yet the debate rages on...

PS: I hear a new ladder with a better climbing angle also is in the future of the CI dock

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5873) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 11:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

David, we LOVE to debate:-)


quote:

PS: I hear a new ladder with a better climbing angle also is in the future of the CI dock




Well, I certainly hope it has a hydrolic lift! LOL!

(Message edited by cyndelee on July 10, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6615) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 7:21 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just how long do you think it is going to take for this conversation to pull a Goodwin or someone mentions trebuchets?

Carry on.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7539) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 8:09 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

David~~Thanks for pointing that out, seems it got lost with all the other "debating" going on. :-) (must be time to get some new eye glasses) ~~~

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1657) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 9:13 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The ladder at Sand$ is like a staircase type structure. The ladder at C/I is at the end of the dock and is a hand over hand type ladder, not a easy exit for a diver with gear on. That is the reason it is not used often.
We have never stayed at C/I, but have visited friends many times that have. I talk to other divers when we meet, that is the only way one learns. Have been face to face with the carib inn ladder many times, and have witnessed the growth on it. Mostly barnicals(coral)witch proves that the ladder is a safty feature, and not a heavy exit point. The beach is 40ft to the east, and a easy stand up exit.
Theresa, you are cute. I'm sorry you got hurt. Injury is not fun, but I bet the next time you use the beach...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Boat Chick*** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5875) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 9:18 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Ron...

David, your comment now makes sense about the angel:-)

boy, if we didn't know about the ladder at Carib Inn before, we sure do now...lol...

Poor Bruce, if you're reading this, it's good advertising for you, cause we now have all gone to your website and watched the video and clicked on links. I even found that cute nitrox snorkel:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #22) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 11:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well, I think the topic of cute DMs has a much brighter future than the topic of fire coral. Perhaps that is worthy of further discussion.....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Bridenbaugh, wife Kathy (BonaireTalker - Post #48) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 8:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow, if Bruce had the ladder clean, it must of been a problem. There is not anyone I Know more more caring about marine conservation than Bruce. I have mixed emotions also about removing ANY marine life and understand where Ron is coming from.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #427) on Friday, July 11, 2008 - 10:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Personally, I am hoping for a dive valet.

S/he would haul your gear from the car into chest deep water. You would kit up and do your dive and meet them there. S/he would take your gear, break it down, rinse it and then store it.

And hand you a cold beverage and some fresh fruit as you exit the water...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian* (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3943) on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 5:31 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

A few years we were invited by the hotel manager to do a shore dive at Harbour Village. We were a group of three Sue, Max Margarita and myself. The bellboy met us in the car park and took our gear down to the dock and an hour later he was waiting for us to take the dive gear back to the car. Now that's shore diving!!

bell hop

(Message edited by brianl on July 12, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian* (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3944) on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 5:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

That was too dark
bell hop

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MzFish is back in the Real World... sigh (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #159) on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 3:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think Murph over at Buddy Dive is a cute DM... for the guys, his boat partner looks rather spectacular in her bikini.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Yo MO - Meet me at the 3Day in Atlanta (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3734) on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 11:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Murph is my idol!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Becky H - majorly into PBD (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1779) on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 8:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Murph ROCKS!!! and if you want him to LOVE you... bring him some beef jerky:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD (BonaireTalker - Post #24) on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 12:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well, being a guy, this isn't going in the direction I was hoping for.

 


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