Finally able to make a trip to Bonaire after 2 years of lock downs and cancellations. May 21 brought 17 of us together for a trip to Bonaire and the Divi Dive Resort. The travelers included the Elkins, Donegans, Peers, Kaders and Pam’s Mom Arlene, Sofrankos Sandy & Elida, Millers and the Earls.
8 members stayed 7 days, 5 for 10 days, and 4 for 14 days. There were 3 non divers. A van picked us up at the Bonaire airport and brought us to the Divi. Check in started with a Rum punch, we were in the suite's closest to the dive boats. We got our dive numbers and dive lockers. Sunday, we had our dive orientation a did our check out dive. We got our weighting right and Bob & Kevin had trouble with their high-pressure hoses. It was great to be back in the water on that 1-hour house reef dive.
Breakfast opened at 6:30 our boat dives were an 8:30 go. Our first week of diving was on the pressure drop boat, an extra wide 42' newton, a two tank dive lasting about 1 hour each. Everyone was on their own for lunch and the rest of the day. There were 2 pools to hang out in or lounge on their small beach. Some of us jumped off the pier and did another house reef dive. (Calabas)
The next days were filled with great dives. Photographers were busy finding parrot fish for the photo contest the fish of the year. Jim lost a fin and Janet's inflator hose ripped off her BCD. Rental gear was available, and we all continued and had some great dives.
During the week Some of us went to the Chinese restaurant, Karols on the pier, or dined at the resorts restaurant's. Jim Elkins set up a bus ride to a local Restaurant, Mi Banana's. where 15 of us had a great dinner. We also celebrated Sandy's 75th birthday with a song and birthday cake. The second week we were on another boat with another great crew.
When departing the island, you needed a covid test which everyone passed. But when members got home 1/2 of the members had come down with covid.
Our trip was great. When we go again you need to book early or you will be upstairs and must lower your bags via safety lines, like Kevin did.
Keep an eye out for our future plans for next year.
Bob & Janet Miller
