Our last Blog 'Farewell to Grenada' was written sixteen days ago. Since then we have been very busy sailing to Bonaire via the Venezuelan Islands of Los Roques and Aves and settling into a hectic pace in Bonaire.
 |
| Beach at the Aves |
 |
| Woohoo Wahoo |
 |
| The Swim Party |
 |
| Champagne for everyone |
 |
| The diving is spectacular |
 |
| Our anchorage |
 |
| Martin and Andrew overlook the 1000 steps dive site |
 |
| Mainstreet Bonaire |
 |
| Clare and Ellen |
 |
| Andrew on SCUBA |
 |
| Thomas the turtle |
FEARS, FACTS AND FUN
In Grenada there is much talk within the cruising community as to whether it was safe to visitthe Venezuelan Island. The concern is thereported inconsistent treatment of cruisers entering the country by the Authorities and also the reports of piracy. Conversely there are also many trouble free reports from cruisers who have anchored in the islands.
So with this in mind we left Grenada Saturday morning 12th July. We considered stopping at the island of Blanquila but we continued on as we had 3.75 knots of current running with us and flat seas. Our speed over ground was just over 10 knots; we have never had such a terrific ride. The entire 360 mile trip to Bonaire was dream sailing. A wonderful trip made perfect by catching two succulent Wahoo along the way.
We anchored overnight at Los Roques Grand and then Sarqui and then at Isla Sur in the Aves. We felt 100 % safe and there were a surprising number of cruising yachts present. The Venezuelan Coast Guard flew over and circled Eye Candy on the first day of our passage but apart from that the local authorities, fishing vessels and general public disregarded us. The islands are pristine and very beautiful with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches; a little piece of heaven.
THIS IS IT
We arrived in Bonaire on Wednesday afternoon and since then it has been nonstop. We are on a mooring ball next to our Dutch friends Martin and Ellen on Acapella. They love visiting here and feel at home as Bonaire is part of the Netherlands. Dutch is one of the main languages spoken on the Island and the main supermarket Van Der Tweels has many Dutch culinary treats.Thanksto Ellen we have already discovered caramel flavored Stroopwafels, Muesli Buns and red cabbage with apple; all very delicious. Shopping is made easy as Van Der Tweels runs a free courtesy bus to and from the marina via the anchorage twice a week.
Also in Bonaire we caught up with English friends Mark and Sue on 'Macushla' and Richard and Rowena on 'Galene'. At present there are only sixteen yachts here and so after a little more than a week we know everyone by name. Since we arrived we have participated in dinners, happy hours and we have enjoyed five dives and snorkeling. We hired a car with Ellen and Martin and circumnavigated the island to see the sights and explore some of the history. On Friday we had a swim party organized by Martin and Ellenwhich involved swimming to the island of Klein Bonaire, 2.5k away and then a pot luck picnic on the beach. Last night we had farewell drinks on Eye Candy with Mark and Sue as they are flying out to England for three weeks.
We have many photos from around the island which I will publish with explanation over the coming weeks.
Love Candy xx
----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com
