Bill and Nell in and on Paradise

Just before Bill and Nell had arrived a wind reversal was predicted, which is not a good thing as the wind comes from the southwest and right into the mooring fields and depending on how strong the wind is the waves can break right under the boat, not a good place to be. Although they predicted a weak wind reversal we decided it was saver to take a slip in the marina, two reasons not having to worry about Paradise instead being able to have fun with Bill and Nell. They stayed at the Golden Reef Inn about one mile from the marina and had a wonderful surprise as their 1 bedroom apartment was upgraded to a 2 bedroom. The Inn was full and I think it helped a bit us knowing the owners Ed and Liz that they were the lucky winner of the upgrade. Ed even suggested that we could use the second room, so we did move into the apartment with Bill and Nell until the wind reversal was over and Paradise could be safely left on the mooring again. Two days later Paradise was gently bobbing again on the mooring. Every day we went diving, that day we went to the Wind Sock area just a bit south of the airport where there are seas horses. Didn’t see any but did see a turtle and the underwater scenery was absolutely the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.Since we were on the southern part of the island we decided to show Bill and Nell that part, drove along the salt water ponds with the huge salt mountains then ponds with flamingos, by the lighthouse and had lunch at Jibe City where a big lagoon invites all the wind surfers. Lunch was wonderful we sampled a platter with many local appetizers sipped on a pitcher of sweet sangria when thick clouds started rolling in due to a tropical wave. We didn’t think much of it but as we drove back to the marina and the clouds darkened and the wind started to pick up we had Bill drop us off at the marina so that we could tend to Paradise. As we left the marina in our dinghy 3 foot wind chops awaited us. The wind was blowing from the southwest and it was a challenge getting back to Paradise, her bow now bouncing 6 feet out of the water. The same time we noticed all the locals getting their little boats off the moorings and towing them towards the marina. It was a wind reversal caused by strong squalls. It only took us a split second to start the engine and get the heck off the mooring and headed across to Klein Bonaire where we took refuge in the lee of the island. The wind kept blowing around 25 knots but we were in calm water and truly enjoyed the new surrounding. We were just sorry that Bill and Nell couldn’t join us. Eventually we ventured ashore walked along the white sandy beach, swam in the crystal clear water, had a cocktail onboard while waiting for the wind to calm. A few hours later the wind gave up a bit and changed direction due east again. Still a huge squall was hanging on the horizon so we waited a bit longer but the squall never closed in so we headed back to the mooring field where our neighbor boats still hobby horsed around. Seeing them bouncing around uncomfortably we changed direction and headed once more into the marina and took our old slip and spent another fun night at Bill and Nell’s. The marina was so nice and never charged us for that night.

Bill is one of our biggest Blog fan and follows us often if not daily so it was even more fun having them both here and sharing our cruising live with them. We met Bill and Nell in New Bern NC having lunch at the restaurant I’ve worked and then Sid at West Marine where he worked. Later that day we had them over for cocktails in and on Paradise and stayed friends ever since. As we headed up into the Chesapeake Bay a few months later we rendezvoused in

Urbana for the Oyster Fest. Bill and Nell invited us then to visit them at their home, directions followed as: head up the Poquoson River until you get stuck in the mud, drop anchor, the house will be 2 miles from there, key is…., truck key is….., bring your shower stuff and laundry and make yourself at home. So here they were enjoying a little bit of Paradise with us.

It was really wonderful having them here and we went diving every day at a different location and also explored the rest of the island including the National Park which only has dirt roads to drive on. That was fun bouncing over the bumpy wash board roads and we stopped at every mentioned historical or some rather hysterical sites. The last 7 Kilometers were tough and we all agreed we would not drive this route a second time. We also wanted to go diving off the park but the water access was pretty tough so we decided the best diving area was right under Paradise.

Bill is the funniest email writer I know so I asked him if he would write an article for the Blog as well:

This past week Nell and I experienced the true meaning of life "in and on Paradise". What an unbelievable adventure we had in Bonaire with Sid and Manuela!!!!! On and off their boat, above and below the water. An absolutely amazingly good time. What great hosts.!!!! We were treated like royalty from the time our plane landed to the last minute it left for home by Manuela and Sid.

Manuela met us at the airport and helped us with every thing from our luggage to getting our rental truck to showing us the way to........ and checking in at the Golden Reef Inn.

Good thing Nell and I were rested because it was non stop adventure from then on!!! After we checked in we picked up Sid at the marina and we rolled, nonstop from then on the rest of the week.

LeRoy suggested we "Bring plenty of books to read" in one of his emails. I had about worn him out asking questions in preparation for visiting "Boatbumms" since they just got back from Bonaire and knowing they had been to Bonaire quite a few times. Soooo thanks much Leroy. All your tips came in handy for sure!!

We hardly had time for a "nap" at night much less read any books. Heck, we never did get around to reading the material about the island that was given to us when we checked in. Most days we went way past........as Sid says, "cruisers midnight (9pm). It was most often near landlubbers midnight (12:00) before we crashed. Then up early the next morning (hey, it was early for us vacationing folks) for diving and or exploring the island. I don't think we missed any parts of the island. We would have never got to see and experience all the wonders this place has to offer if it wasn't for Sid and Manuela!!!!! What a beautiful, amazing, interesting place. A lot more history there than we imagined. I think the only thing we didn't get to do was land sailing. The days we could fit into our busy schedule, the wind just wouldn't cooperate. Soooo, I guess that means we will just have to go back............

Two nights for dinner we ate to die for meals on Paradise. Prepared by a world renowned chef, Manuela. Assisted by Captain Sid who also made us great cocktails. Fresh Mangrove Snapper and all the fixings one night. Lobster, yea, Lobster and Chateau Briand with all the fixings (all fresh home made at that, just a note here, you don't get nut'n on Paradise unless it is made from scratch!!!!!) another night. Complete with Caribbean sunset, and of course candle light.

We washed it all down with Captain Morgans and wine........what a life. Somebody has to do it.

Other nights, Chef Manuela prepared luscious meals where we were staying. Absolutely delicious!!!!!!!!!! We ate like we were at a ten star resort every single night !!!!!!!! Unbelievable.

We all got in quite a few dives all over the island including one night dive off of Paradise. Absolutely amazing down under..........

We also headed to Klein Bonaire on Paradise which was absolutely the best. I know we started out to go diving on Klein Bonaire island, but ended up taking a cruise around part of the island since the wind turned on us and it was too rough to dive over there. We ultimately got to see the island from a whole different vantage point. And it was absolutely beautiful. How lucky can we get. Cruising on Paradise, in Paradise, in the Caribbean Sea with a refreshing drink taking in the sea breeze. It's all to die for............Nell and I had to pinch ourselves to see if all this was really real!!!

We capped off our last evening on Bonaire with a wonderful dinner at Randy and Lourae’s house. Absolutely gorgeous place. Thanks sooooo much for inviting us up to your "Paradise". Nell and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. What great hosts.

Our last day we spent on Paradise enjoying the best home made, from scratch, of course, it's the only way one is going to get ANYTHING ON PARADISE!!! (ain't no pre made, bought stuff on this floating resort !!!!!) ..........Bloody Marys. And of course we were taking in all the Caribbean breeze and sight and sounds we could before we had to be on our plane for home.

Nell received a HOMEMADE gift of necklace and ear rings. Custom made by Manuela. Absolutely gorgeous. They looked stunning on Nell. Everything Manuela does is from scratch, homemade, and absolutely perfect. What a great gift. Nell absolutely loves them. Made from jewels Manuela found in the Caribbean Sea.

A short dinghy ride back to the marina, Sid took us to the airport in our poor ole boo booed truck...........well, that is another story we will have tell at the next happy hour.........one that Sid would just like to dump at sea.

Sid and Manuela, thanks sooooo much for such a wonderful time. There is just no way to describe the amount of fun we had this past week. We did soooo much in this short week I can't hardly remember it all!!!!!!!!!! It went by sooooo darn fast. This was truly one of those vacations one just cannot put into words how great it was. Pictures won't even do it justice. But they would help.....a little............You guys are just absolutely the best hosts and the best couple there is. Thank you for such a great wonderful time.

As you say "hugs and kisses"

Bill and Nell

OK gang grab a cocktail and we will start the next happy hour Bill mentioned to tell the story Sid would just like to dump at sea.

Ready?!

The last evening Bill and Nell were here we were invited at Randy and Lourae’s Villa Blue. As Sid drove out of the parking lot to pick up Bill and Nell, two big trucks were blocking the few and as the road looked clear and Sid headed out a car speeding now slamming the breaks and leaving a 70 foot tire skid marks crashed into the side of the truck. Luckily nobody was seriously hurt the girl hit her head in the wind shield and had a bad headache. I was tossed from the right pack passenger seat across to the backrest of the driver’s seat and hit that pretty hard. My ear and shoulder was burning. Sid said he was fine but did also hit his shoulder. Two hours later the scene was cleared, paperwork was signed, Randy drove us to pick up Bill and Nell and later at Villa Blue the BBQ was sizzling with different assortments of meat Sid barbequed, the drinks were flowing and we put the accident behind us. I have to mention though how impressed we were with the accident procedure. The insurance companies in Bonaire were tired of getting ripped off by the cops so they have their own investigator for accidents, a mini van with built in office, computer and all. The trained inspector takes photos, notes, files paper work and the next day all Sid needed to do was to present the paper work to the police at the station. The whole ordeal was painless (expect for the bumps and bruises) even at the car rental place bringing the damaged car back all Sid had to do was to pay the deductible from the insurance. I have to add though if you don’t speak the local language you automatically at fault.

Even with this ending we had a wonderful time with Bill and Nell and on their last morning enjoying Bloody Maries on Paradise we recapturing the whole week. Bill and Nell thanks for visiting we had a wonderful time and sorry we couldn’t make it more exciting! Oh and by the way Bill and Nell for sure never thought in their whole entire life they would ever have to deliver Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, Scott sponges and some Trader Joe’s stuff to Bonaire. Thanks again for all the goodies you brought us.

Popcorn at the movies thanks to Bill and Nell: