As you may know, I consider February to be “hump month” of the winter, similar to how many people consider Wednesday “hump day” getting through the work week. Therefore, it seems wisest to spend this time of short days and maximum darkness, in a place that’s warm and sunny. This year, I rented a beautiful house on the shores of Bonaire, one of the A (Aruba) B (Bonaire) C (Curacao) islands just of the northwest coast of Venezuela. As you may not know, Bonaire is considered to be the offshore diving capital of the world. That is, no need to show up at a pre-determined time and go experience the marvels of the sea with a crowd of other folks. Simply hop in your pick-up truck, go to the drive through for a few tanks, then off you go to whichever spot tickles your fancy (or is empty, more like). The reason for this choice, and not some place in the gold mines of Indonesia, is for people I love to come and enjoy with me. And on that point, I was eminently successful. Even two folks – Matt Stevens and Carolyn – took their open water test and became certified divers while visiting. Yay! 5 weeks on the island and I was taking backroads and hanging out with new friends; especially my divemaster fro my Advanced Diver course: Mariet. What a hoot!
First came my children: Taylor and Matt (Stevens, you’ll have to get used to this confusion, folks, and infer appropriately) and Michael. Diving in the morning and then a daily trip to the Cactus Truck for their ridiculously good burgers. The fav: a Kite Burger (huge area for kites-urfers nearby. Duh.)
Then Lee and Lil arrive, Michael departs. Snorkeling and diving. Will I ever get enough?
Mariet took me for local food and told me about another place to get the same. As it turned out, I end up visiting with each set of visitors. Stewed goat or tripe soup anyone?
One night on my own after the Winestones depart, then the family crew arrives. Lee and Stephen in honor of Stephen’s 30th, Stacey, Jeff and Jake just because we can dive together. I love using my newfound compass skills and try to be an adequate divemaster.
Getting ready… 
tricky entries, but teamwork prevails
enjoying a mint hookah 
show me how it’s done, Jake!
Family leaves, I have one night on my own and then Leonardo arrives; my adventurous, Italian friend. We dive all over and even check out the ostrocods 45 minutes after sunset, a week after the full moon. They’re shrimp the emit a flourescent goo and we kneel at a dive site, about 17 feet underwater, and watch little neon light shows. A rare occurence!
The Carolyn arrives and goes through the paces of certification. It’s a tiring business!
