Not everything in sailing goes to plan. On our passage from Carriacou to Bonaire at 1 o’clock in the morning our autopilot failed, leaving us hand steering for 36 hours (imagine it’s a bit like playing a computer game where you have to stay on track). It also meant we had to extend our stay in Bonaire while we had a new part made and delivered. We know...not exactly a hardship.
Life in Bonaire was essentially a mix of diving, driving, drinking, dining....and for a bit of balance doing Debbie’s Fitness sessions. The diving is extraordinary. Pretty much the best island in the world for “walk-in” diving....you literally throw everything into the compulsory Hilux, drive to a site, put your kit on and walk into the sea (it’s a weird sight seeing people fully kitted up and walking across the road like very slow turtles). As well as Debbie and Janice completing their Padi, we did over 8 dives and even managed our first night dive (as you’ll see from the pictures we were a little nervous when they told us about the massive Tarpons who liked to swim VERY close using our lights to help them hunt little fish).
Bonaire also played host to 8 Oysters during our stay and once again the social scene ramped up a notch. Hugh’s birthday at La Cantina, a big night on Safiya and an even bigger one on Miss Tiggy with 21 of us gathered for an Aussie BBQ complete with Aussie Songs (look up the words to True Blue if you have a spare moment) and Aussie Burgers (beetroot, avodaco, cheese and egg). Finally after a wonderful 2 weeks in Bonaire our new part arrived and we set sail for the 600 mile trip to the San Blas islands but it probably won’t be our last trip to Bonaire.