Well, guys, just finishing the packing. Got to be up for a 6:10 am flight tomorrow (blessed be, we're only 25 minutes from the airport), and will be on Beautiful Bonaire (the ALM gods willing) by 5 pm tomorrow.

I will keep you all posted on my Diving Adventures AS IT HAPPENS... Ellen Muller has agreed to take photos (and maybe even underwater!), and I'm hoping to get to the reefcam -- Jake has offered a hand-held dive when I (finally) get my certification!

Watch for my sign at the streetcam: Josie's Here!!

Bonaire watch out -- I'm on my way!!

Josie, have a great time! :-) I agree with everyone that the beauty and warmth of Bonaire underwater will transform the learning curve in the fun direction, and you'll know just how to pace yourself. You're in the best of hands!

OK, guys, I'm ON-ISLAND!!!!

The plane arrived on time (to the minute), but, unfortunately, my checked in bag didnot. Not to worry, it came around 11 pm and Benny picked it up and delivered it to me. Had a scare in Miami. I checked in with ALM, then went to get something to eat. When I double-checked the boarding time, I realized my passport wasn't there. I DASHED back to ALM, heart pounding, to blank stares from the people at the desk... Then, the lady who checked me in came from the back, saw me and said, "the passport"!! Talk about big sign of relief.

So, today, I toodled off to BonBini, met Francy, who I liked immediately, and am signed up to do my check-out dives with her starting Sunday afternoon. I'm starting to lose the tight sinking feeling in my stomach when I thought about it. I'm very confident I'll be comfortable with her, and she promises to be very gentle with me and hold my hand when necessary!! Tomorrow, Saturday, I'm signed up to go out with the dive boat to Captain Don's Reef on Klein, so I can snorkel and get more comfortable.

Had a lovely afternoon: first visited to Michael Gaynor (delivered the NY Times), then went to Windsock for snorkeling, lounging. Bumped into Alan and Joan Zale. (It's sort of weird having a stranger come up to you, ask how the diving's going.) Then he said, "you're Josie, aren't you" They'd also just visited with Michael, who told them I was going to Windsock, so when Alan saw a woman alone, he guessed it was me!!

Lovely dinner at Donna & Giorgio's: great food, extremely good and pleasant service --- even when I discovered at bill-paying time that I'd left my wallet behind. Had to run off, pick it up then come back to pay: I hope they believed I would come back! I'll go there again (after I finish the left-overs...)

Ellen Muller stopped by tonight, and we've arranged for her to take some underwater shots of me, possibly Thursday. We'll post them here for you all to see me in my certified glory!!!

Keep watching, friends, the saga continues...

Great report in progress. Wow, you've nearly met everyone on Bonairetalk and you've been there for one day!

Nice going, Josie. Agree with Fiona. Fiona, we've got to stop meeting like this. I swear, most days we oughta hear each other yelling.....

You GO, girl! Go get 'em, Josie! We have faith in you...you WILL do it and love it! Have a wonderful time and give my love to Michael and Ellen when you see them again. Can't wait to see your "update" in a few days time. Carole

Josie, all the best to you for Sunday.. I bet you'll do just fine..

Josie,
I agree with Sarah, and everyone else. Just think of your open water as diving in that pool up north, but with a nicer view and lots of beautiful fish sharing the water with you. Lots less boring!! Relax and enjoy!

Good luck, from another member of your virtual diving support group!

Josie...keep the attitude positive and just relax and enjoy yourself. Remember, this is for fun and pleasure, so go for it!!!! I'm with you in spirit...

Josie, you'll love Bonbini. I did my checkout dives with Mananita; she was terrific! And I'm sure Francey is as well; tell her Hi from
Craig and me!

Snorkeling at Klein Bonaire:

What a wonderful day. Spent the morning delivery items to Ditta Morrison and Marion/Brigette at Coco Palm Gardens, then picked up fruit at the waterfront.

Leisurely lunch of leftovers and fruit, then off to BonBini to take their dive boat over to Klein (were supposed to go to Captain Don's Reef, but someone else beat us to it, so we went to Rappel, I think it's called --- at first I thought Manunita said "Rock-Pile", but don't think that was really it!). Everyone else was diving, so I was alone snorkeling, and I haven't been in deep water for a LONG time. So, I thought, I'll just stay real close to the boat -- maybe just hold on to the rope...not move too far. However, I got comfortable quickly and had a lovely snorkel. It was great visibility, lots of nice coral/fishes -- could have stayed there all day. Saw a free swimming flounder go up to the mooring block and become one with the block, just about disappeared. I've seen them on the bottom before, but never just swimming along, then landing and camouflaging so well.

Well, all those divers used up their air, so we had to come back. That, of course, is a distinct disadvantage of diving over snorkeling.

Headed down to the beach to watch a most magnificent sunset, then back to my little hideaway at Bonaire Town Homes to finish off last night's dinner from Donna and Giorgio's. The Tiramisu was great the second time around too!!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY. 1:30 will see me "diving in" as it were, with Francie at BonBini. Will report in. Thanks again for all your support.
Josie

Josie, glad to hear you are having a good time, and Rappel is on Bonaire proper, "Rock Pile" is indeed a very nice dive site on Klein. We are all in there with you !!

Josie, if you are peeking for a sec, just before heading off to see Francie, just feel all the positive energy coming your way when you make your call......

Josie, hope you're having a great time, relaxing into the blue...

KERRI MANGO....KERRI MANGO....KERRI MANGO..... check the thread "everything else" you have TWO message threads to you from your loving fans!

HiCynde Just answered 1 to you and 1 to Fiona.....Just power problem.....