August 7, 2017 - November 7, 2017
Part 2
Over the course of our travels, one of the things Jordan has always been wanting to do is go to a dance class. On one of our many walks to Budget Marine, Shaun found a small dance school that allowed drop in students. We were thrilled to find a place that allowed kids to drop in whenever was convenient. At one point we had 5 cruising kids at the school. The teacher was so gracious.
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| Jordan at dance class |
Also, while in Bonaire we did two land tours. We rented our truck from Budget Car Rental. Dora is the lady to speak to, she is located at the airport and will arrange a pick up from Karel's Bar. The contact number is 717-5588. Budget was the most reasonable rental that we located.
Our first tour was with the crew of s/v Blue Zulu (Anna, Patrick, Stella and Finn). We rented only one truck for a single day that seats 4-5 and rotated people in to the cargo area. It got pretty hot and dusty during the day and wouldn't recommend this unless it is a cooler day. We toured the north and south of the island as well as fit in a grocery shop. It was too much for one day. I would recommend two days minimum to get a good feel for the island.
Our second trip was with Maple and Itchy foot. We rented two vehicles for two days for 11 people. It worked out wonderfully as it gave us more time to explore the island and experience its contrasts. We were able to fit in a daytime dive at the Salt Pier as well. The Salt Pier is one of my favourite dive sites so far. The structures are so neat and the creatures are amazing.
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| I'm being eaten |
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| from left to right: Iris, Jordan, Teo, and Ella |
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| Paige + Teo = wonderful friends |
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| from back to front of the truck: me, Janet John and Darryl |
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| circle of friends: Maple, Itchy Foot and Element |
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| geckos crossing |
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| flamingo skeleton |
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| blue whiptail lizard visiting Paige |
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| coastal road in the park |
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| very much like a moonscape |
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| tiny molluscs |
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| trapped water |
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| the windward side of the island |
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| fossilised coral |
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| looking behind |
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| a big blow hole |
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| another blue whiptail |
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| a beautiful swimming hole (photo credit John, s/v Itchy Foot) |
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| lighthouse and research centre ruins |
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| a Toyota commercial waiting to happen |
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| signs along the way |
On our way back from the National Park we realised it was a day that the Cadushy Bar was open. Cadushy (
http://www.cadushy.com) is a cactus liquor distillery. We arrived 10 minutes before closing and they stayed open for us.
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| Eric Gietman one of the founders of the distillery |
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| the distillery itself |
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| a great group of people = friends for life |
The following day we decided to head south to the windward "garbage beach", the lighthouse, the slave huts and the Salt Pier.
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| a collection of garbage on the beach |
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| we collected some white and pink beach shells and rocks |
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| Dad and daughter |
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| the lighthouse |
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| the orange obelisk at the slave huts, each obelisk is a different colour to tell the ships what grade of salt is available |
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| looking through the hut windows |
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| 6 adults would sleep in this hut |
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| more flamingos |
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| the salt piles |
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| Janet and I almost match the drying pools |
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| the pier itself with its conveyor belt (photo credit John, s/v Itchy Foot) |
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| (photo credit John, s/v Itchy Foot) |
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| Bonaire donkeys |
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| Paige the donkey whisperer |
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| flying flamingos |
We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving over on s/v Maple with our lovely friends Mia, John and Teo on s/v Itchy Foot.
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| fun Thanksgiving shot |
One of our last celebrations in Bonaire was Halloween. I am glad to say, it was a huge success! We were able to carve a real pumpkin and trick or treat to 16 boats plus one fishing dock. The girls costumes worked out wonderfully as well. Paige made here ebi nigiri sushi costume using my yoga mat and lots of paint and Jordan had help from Paige for her scuba diver costume. There were 9 kids involved from 4 different boats. So much fun! I love the cruising community for their support.
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| the homemade BCD |
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| making the scuba air tank |
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| the beginnings of the ebi |
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| carving of the pumpkins |
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| the carved masterpieces |
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| the finished costumes |
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| s/v Calbodine |
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| s/v Maple |
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| cheshire cat carving |
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| one of two faces |
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| the second face |
Bonaire captured our hearts and will forever be remembered.
Follow our video adventures on our YouTube channel: Video adventures of s/v Element
Follow us on Instagram: Element Instagram photos
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