Sand Dog VIII on Bonaire - the details

[Scotttyd]

Couresy of Brian, I have my first double hose reg and am pumped up to use it at Sand Dog VII. It is a phoenix aqua master. I have only dove without a BC on two dives, but was amazed at how easy it was for me, other than a small adjustment in weighting, it went over without a hitch. Now I just need to get a BP of my own and I am ready to go.

[ScubaLady]

Any info is appreciated especially for non divers.

We were just in Bonaire in July and found soccer matches going on at the local stadium, flamingos on the south end of the island, and the national park on the north end of the island can be a full day's event. You just need to take a truck rather than car because of rough driving conditions. There were also fishing charters.

There is a collection of fun shops. Given how some were squirreled away in nooks and crannies, that can be a fun adventure as well. Found a great little shop with a sweet proprieter back off a little alley. Took my niece back to the shop the next day and she liked it, too. Got lots of cute souvenirs for just a few dollars.

There is a small casino at Divi. All that being said, it is not the typical island catering to the cruise ships. It is quaint and not very comercialized. But, that is what I found to be so appealing.

[Scotttyd]

6 months to go, I just had to put in my vacation requests for work today,

[bbain]

Seems like we should be doing something on this about now -- paying deposits, flights etc. It's been real quiet for a while.

[Herman]

It's been quiet but it's simmering on the back burner. We will have to start paying and the like shortly after Christmas. It is getting about time I worked on a Bonaire primer.

[1969ivan1]

Barb and I will not be able to make this SAND DOG. This really sucks since I personally have not missed one.

[Ron]

The good news is that I finally know when Anna is coming home. The bad news is that it is at some time period during which it makes it not feasible for me to attend. We will come to the next event in Florida, or anything that we can make it to that is close. I'm sorry that I cannot go, but I am really glad that I get to see her again. A year is a long time. I hope that you all have an amazing time.

[swimjim]

Anna is coming home. That is Enough! I am happy for you both!!!

Jim

[antique diver]

That's great news, Ron. Francie and I were just thinking of her and that it was about time for her return.

We look forward to hearing when she is home, and also to meeting you both!

Bill & Francie

[Herman]

That is good news Ron.
SD is going to be light this year but we will carry on. Hope to see you two soon.

[bbain]

Haven't seen much traffic on the latest Sand Dog in Bonaire. Maybe because Bonaire is old hat for so many, but for my wife and I, it was exciting. It would be tough to imagine an environment where the diving and the logistics are any easier! My wife got certified many years ago and then never dove again until this trip (except for the PADI refresher course right before we left), so I especially want to thank everyone for making her feel welcome and trying to "guide" her into being a better diver. While we were all newbies once, it can be aggravating, and I thank everyone for being so gracious.

This year's Sand Dog had six participants: Herman and his wife Cathy, Scott Christofferson, Rob Sewell and me and my wife Ginny. Herman and Cathy flew in early Saturday morning, while Scott, Ginny and I were on the later Delta flight. Herman met the Delta flight at the airport and arranged for the three of us to get the required orientation from the dive resort that afternoon. By 4:30, we were in the water, sorting out weighting and diving on the reef that's barely 25 yards from the resort dock. Scott and Herman both had cameras and, from what I saw, got some good photos during the week; however, I'll let them and their photos speak for themselves!

The accommodations were clean and the 3 bedroom "townhouse" worked out well: each bedroom had a separate bath, and the living/kitchen area was where we congregated. The Buddy Dive dive operation is first-class as well. The weather was excellent as well.

Rob and Scott tried out the Healthways Gold label that Herman reported on earlier. Rob also had a Voit 50 Fathom. Scott and I had Phoenixes. On one somewhat crowded site (the Helma Hooker), I really liked that it was easy to pick out the divers in our group -- just look for the double hoses!

For Ginny and I the ability to kick back and relax was just what we needed -- no boat schedule to deal with, just grab some tanks and jump in off the dock, or toss 'em in the truck and go. I made 12 dives, Ginny 10 and Rob, Scott and Herman had more than that.

Diving in Bonaire could be *real* addicting -- we're already talking about going back.

[Herman]

Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves. I am still catching up with work, tool orders and trying to get photos processed. Hope to get some shots soon but here are a few to get started.

Doing The Hooker Sand Doggie Style