Willing to bribe for ReefCam access! What do you want from Texas? ...

I'll be in Bonaire next week for spring break. To save some moola, I plan on doing as much shore diving (and as little boat diving) as possible. But I want to visit the ReefCam! I read something about bribery in the form of Krispy Kreme. I'm interested! Is the offer still good? Want something else? Wine? BBQ sauce? Salsa? Any other ideas? Let me know!

Ashley-

I don't beleive there is any shore access to the reef cam. Where are you staying?

I will be staying at WannadiveHut. That property is not beach-front, but that's okay. I read on the WebCam website that a platinum membership guarantees shore access to the reefcam but that bribes are occasionally welcomed, too! Isn't the reefcam just down from the house where the streetcam is? And so that would be the way to access it via shore?

Ashley, the reefcam is located at the same property as the street cam, not down the street. There is no shore access to the reefcam however; It is possible to do as a boat dive. You should definitely visit the street cam and hold up a sign so we know who you are! And I would love a report on the WannadiveHut, too.

Enjoy your trip and safe diving.

Kelly

Here's the paragraph I'm referring to. This does not make it sound as if there is NO shore access...

<<<
Q: How do I get to the Small Wall dive site?

A: The Small Wall dive site is marked as dive site #22 on the InfoBonaire Dive Map, and is a "boat-only" dive, since there is no real public shore access to this dive site (at least not without an awful lot of swimming), as the only truly public entrance is from the north end of Hato (where the buildings along the shore stop). Patrons of the Black Durgon Inn, however, will find it an easy swim. In any event, we encourage people to work with their dive operator to go on scheduled Small Wall and/or ReefCam boat dives. It may also be possible to bribe the occupants of the house where the StreetCam is located for ReefCam access with exotic treats which are not easily located on Bonaire - visit BonaireTalk and search for "Krispy Kremes". Finally, as a more reliable alternative consider a Platinum or Titanium Bonaire WebCams Membership, which guarantees ReefCam access from shore via private property.
<<<

http://www.bonairewebcams.com/FAQ.php

Also, yes, I am very interested to see how WannadiveHut works out for us. I'll be sure to add my input to the "Trip Reports" and "Accommodations" threads.

To get to the site, you literally have to get inside the Richter's fence, which obviously isn't a good idea without permission!

Ya, I know... thus the bribe in the first post on this thread!

Ashley- I would recommend waiting to hear from Jake, as it's his house. The surrounding property owners do not let shore divers use their property to access the shore dives (we stay at the Black Durgon so this comes from experience!). I'm pretty sure he still checks the site at least once a week, so it comes down to a matter of waiting! I know he loves sauces too (if you look at previous threads you will find him thanking people!).

Ashley was nice enough to send me a note about this thread (I've been so swamped I've not been on BT lately :-( so I didn't catch it earlier).

Ironically, I happen to be in Dallas myself right now, but stuck in a blend of hotel rooms and conference rooms, so no shopping chances for me (or time to socialize with other Dallas-area BTer's unfortunately :-( )

Ashley - as a "bribe", can you manage a bag of (uncrushed) blue corn tortilla chips and a jar of your favorite salsa? ;-)

That would certainly work! [grin]

Jake

Yay Ashley! It looks like you're in!

Ashley, it can't hurt to bring treats for the dogs, and treats for the kids!

It's a deal. And the dog and kid treats are a good idea, too! Awesome. Masha danki ;-)

Hey Jake,
Can we offer anything from CA?
Figure it's worth a try to get some good shore access...

Hey Joe, can you bring Cynde? She's from California.

Sure, if she doesn't mind risking getting lost in transit. (She'd have to go in a checked bag, you know.)

Joe, I don't mind going in a checked bag at all, just make sure you poke holes in it so I can breathe!

Cynde, How about Sint Maarten?? You cann't go to Bonaire on short notice...

Enjoy your trip!!!