We arrived in Bonaire - having to tack into the harbor and tied to the mooring balls. It was great to be greeted by hearty waves from our friends Lucy and Jamie aboard Bamboozle a few boats away. It was about 1445 when we arrived and we decided to clear in immediately. We showered, put our "going to town" clothes on, launched the dinghy and outboard and headed to shore. We found customs open and the gents quite helpful and friendly. Because it was Saturday, immigration was closed so we had to go to the police station. That was also an easy process - forms to fill out and stamp-stamp in the passports and we're cleared in. We stopped for a few beers at the dock and headed back.
We had a wonderful invite from Bamboozle for dinner. This is a real treat after sailing all day - plus it was really wonderful to see Lucy and Jamie again. They are very experienced cruisers - having been through the Canal, into the South Pacific, ocean crossings under their belt. They are so fun and friendly, we really enjoy their company. They prepared a terrific dinner and ice cream for dessert!! But the company, conversation and laughs are always the best. They've been enjoying diving everyday in this "divers' paradise" (the motto on the Bonaire automobile license plates).
Sunday, we tried to pay for our balls (mooring balls that is), but the marina was closed. We'll do that today. Sunday was a slow day with a few projects completed. Michael took apart the outboard because it was squeaking. This was a scary prospect as he undid the giant spring on the recoil starter cord, and then had to get it back together. But he did it. Barbara defrosted the freezer. We paid for an internet connection for a few hours (couldn't find any free ones).
Bonaire is one of the "ABC" islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). They are part of the Netherlands Antilles. (This also includes Sint Maarten, Saba and Statia). There are some political changes happening as to where the islands will be run from. But it shouldn't impact us.
The headline of this post is the unique welcome as they say it in the local patois. The island is very attractive - with charming bright colored buildings along the waterfront. It is very clean. The main industries are ecotourism and salt. As we sailed by, there were giant white pyramids of salt along the salt pans waiting for shipment. They are obsessive on the island about the environment. Giant wind generators were spinning as we sailed by. No anchoring is allowed, you must take a mooring ball or stay in a marina. If you dive, you must get a pass and go through an orientation session before you are allowed to dive in the waters. No spear fishing allowed. There are 200 species of birds on the island so bird watching is also big here. A lagoon on the windward side is supposed to be a windsurfer's paradise.
FLASH: NEW PICS ON THE WEBPAGE (see link) (Sorry no captions yet)
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