Yes, Yes, Yes, I DID ITTTT...... Boy do I feel better now. Thanks to Manunita's patience and kindness, I managed the Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent on my third try.

I want to REALLY acknowledge both Francie and Manunita at BonBini for their patience, encouragement and understanding with my need to go slowwwwwly. They have been wonderful, and I throughly recommend them, to "timid" students particularly.

AND, to all the Bonaire Talkers who have walked through this challenge with me. It has REALLY made a difference having your encouragement, advice and concern both back at home and down here. And, as others told me "If I can do it, ANYONE can do it"!!!

I'm planning a dive with Ellen Muller, hopefully tomorrow, and she will take some underwater pictures. We'll post them for you all (that's my southern England "you all").

Watch this space for more exciting adventures in "Josie does Bonaire!"

WAY TO GO JOSIE!! we are all happy for you

Congratulations Josie!

Three cheers! Or maybe 3000 cheers!!

WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!

Hey Josie,
It took me 2 tries on the emergency ascent. Did she teach you the "Singing in the Rain" technique? That's what worked for me. Congrats!!

CONGRATULATIONS JOSIE!! Enjoy the rest of your dives this week.

We will expect to see you at Small Wall - you must have your mug captured...it will make your trip complete.

I'll be connecting with Jake to see when I can schedule the Small Wall dive with him. If I can, I'll give you advance notice!!.

Thanks, again, everyone for all your support. Chilled out this afternoon at Lac Bay. Great day!!!

I would like to add my 2 cents, if I could. Congratulations to you Josie...we all knew you could do it. It is simply amazing how folks can help a person pass their certification test via the Internet (and, of course by way of the "live" instructor on Bonaire)with tips, love and support. What a show of support and encouragement. It truly DOES bring tears to one's eyes. Have a ball with the sea creatures now, Josie. You have conquered all. Carole

Josie, from a girl scared of water to a merbabe. As they'd say over 'ome. That's a bit of allright, Crumpet! There's a lot of tough in that tiny package! Congratulations!

Woo hoo! Excellent! Congratulations, Josie -- we knew you could do it...

Faith

Josie, you are an inspiration! Wonderful news! Now all that's left for you to do is update your BonaireTalk profile!

Hazel, thanks for the profile update reminder. Just did it!!

Off now to dive with Ellen Muller and Erwin. Will post pictures later, I hope. You know what a great photographer Ellen is: maybe she can make me look like an old hand underwater!

Josie, you need to update the profile picture also, a smile at 40' is what you need. Have fun with Ellen and Erwin, I'm still in lust for Ellen's camera.

Congratulations Josie !!!! Can't wait to see you on the underwater web cam..the rite of passage for all of us on Bonairetalk....may you have many safe dives...It's the start of Josie's Excellent Adventure

As promised, here are some pictures from Josie's first dive as a certified diver. Congratulations, Josie!

Congratulations Josie! I've been reading your story and could relate because when I got certified in 1973 I was also apprehensive and back then we didn't even have to do a free ascent as part of certification. Take heart though, it gets easier,& the more you are in the water, the more comfortable you become. Since certification I've been in all sorts of diving conditions in many different places and each new experience negotiated successfully builds confidence .Have fun and be in the water as much as possible even if it's only skindiving! 1Nancy (other half of 2Nancys).

Josie, I want to add my congrats also. I have been following your great adventure with interest. I have always wanted to dive, but never followed through (my exhusband said it was unnatural to breathe under water)! Now I am on the bummer side of 55 and think I've waited too long. It is so wonderful to see someone follow their dreams despite fear and trepidation. Good for you, Josie. Will be in Bonaire to snorkel in less than a month. Can't wait.
Regards, Nan

Josie, I think we found your new profile picture. The bottom right one would be perfect, it's a snorkle picture but the background is to good to pass up.

Great pictures Ellen, I really don't want to see anymore of the P1 pictures, envy is the worst of the seven deadly sins.

I agree with you Cecil, that water clarity is making me wiggle in my seat...I can't wait!!!

Josie, you are the best photo ever posted on this board! No one can beat that great smile.....I feel so happy for you....relax and enjoy yourself, now. I agree, the bottom right shot would be great for your Profile. Carole

See the new profile picture. Went with the snorkel shot, perfect tropical island feel.

Nan of 2Nancy: I'm 55 now, so it's not too late. I only learned to swim at 44, so I could snorkel. I'm amazed that once I'm under the water, I'm more comfortable than I am snorkeling. I must admit it was a real challenge to get certified, but I really do believe that if I can, anyone can do it. My husband hasn't tried to discourage me in any way, but he's not interested in diving, so I decided to go ahead anyway because I wanted to so much. It's a great feeling now, and I'm really loving being underwater.

Josie, It's been so exciting following your adventure. Again congratulations. I don't think you could have chosen a better place than Bonaire to be comfortable underwater!! Love your profile photo.