Mistress on the mooring, just off shore)
Getting ready to leave an island entails numerous chores before the boat is ready for the upcoming passage. Our next stop, Curacao, the “C” of the ABC islands, is situated only 32 nm away, but it still took us all day. Remember, we’re on island time. Afterwards, we walked to our favourite bar, The Diver’s Diner, owned by 2 brothers from Dominican Republic, who serve up great meals for only $10. The large portions can fill both of us, along with Happy Hour 2 for 1 beers made us a regular. On our walk over, just behind the sailing club, we would stop to talk to a senior, Ismael Soliano, who was working on his 90 year old boat, Eihiene, sitting in his front yard. I don’t know how much work gets done but he was a very interesting man to talk to.
The main activity on Bonaire, is scuba diving but this island has many things to see and do. During the high season, at least 2 cruise ships visit every week, sometime 2 in the harbour together. From our anchorage we were either watching ships, or listening to the bubbles of divers under our boat, sometimes late in to the evening.
Starting out from the motorcycle club on our island Harley (150cc Moped) we headed to the southern tip. We had completed the northern portion previously, with the shoe tree at our back off we went.
When we arrived at the eastern and windward side we stopped for lunch at Jibe City, known for it’s superb windsurfing. Many people come to take lessons or if experienced to sail across the clear shallow bay.
If you ever visit Bonaire, you will see donkeys wandering around the streets. Donkeys have been living on this tropical island for hundreds of years. The animals were originally brought over in the 17th century by the Spaniards to use for hard labour. In modern times they were left to their own devices. Unfortunately, the donkeys did not fare well with their “new found” freedom.
Many donkeys die from starvation, dehydration, or as a result of illness. More over the donkeys on Bonaire regularly fall victim to human abuse. An even greater danger is the traffic
In 1933, two Dutch nationals established a sanctuary here. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire does not only give help to donkeys in distress, but strives to offer a protected life to all the donkeys on Bonaire.
Sick and wounded animals are nursed in the sanctuary with love, care, and great knowledge. Orphaned foals are raised with a baby bottle, fed every 4 hours. Bags of carrots can be bought at the gate before entering the park by car, but was not recommended since were on a moped, cause you could be overwhelmed very quickly.I kind of thought it would be fun being chased by the 650 resident animals.
Bonaire has been a dry dessert like oasis, we have really enjoyed our stay here. The underwater scenery has been fantastic.
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