Bonaire is experiencing crazy good winds. I was at Kite Beach for Easter Monday and it was packed with about 30 kiters. What a fun site to behold. Windsurfers are easily overpowered on 4.2 meter sails at Lac Bay. We need rain.

Pasa bon dushi dia

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The winds ramped up this week and looking ahead, it looks cranking. Perfect for our Easter visitors who kite and windsurf. We do need rain.

Last week, no wind made for perfect snorkel sessions. Take a peak at my blog for my island updates.

Reading Jackie’s post on Dominica, I cannot help but wonder what lies ahead. Bonaire has been very hot compared to two weeks ago. Hurricane season is right around the corner.

Enjoy the full moon! Whoooooooooooooooooooooooo

http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/blog_bonaire.html

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greetings from Bonaire

Winds continue to be light, temperatures rising a bit in the absence of the freeze and we have a very parched landscape. I am going to manifest a nice rain storm soon.

I hear Cape Cod had 6 inches of white puffy snow…..not missing that at all.

Cheers / pasa bon dushi dia tur hende

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greetings from Bonaire

Take a look at the windsurf version of the Harlem Shake in Bonaire. Please “like” and share the video…it will help get more views which is good for our team riders.

http://youtu.be/qtKmop31p9Q

Featuring Maxime Van Gent, Cheppi Gustowski and Caesar Finies!

Special thanks to Hang Out Bar and Jibe City for supporting the dance party.  Video production by J-son R. Carter and Darwin Luna Colorado. Music mix by DJ Pimpy and Adriaan Weert.

Annie and Chris

Chris Bliss Productions

The wind is very north creating voodoo chop in Lac Bay. It’s been blowing around 18-22 knots daily. The ABK Boardsports Clinic last week was full. Two sailors from Turkey just left expressing great contentment visiting Bonaire. They will be back.

There will be a Harlem Shake today at Jibe City, windsurf version. Will post a video later.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Dutch Caribbean

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

I thought I’d let my New England accent come out with my subject, “wicked windy”..we have had weeks of solid 4.7 windsurfing weather…meaning a 4.7 meter sail has been PERFECT for me. The winds are due north and there is voodoo chop in the bay but I had a blissful session having just returned after a COLD month of Feb. on Cape Cod.

Hoping all is well in the islands..

Peace

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bonaire experienced very strong winds and so much rain today. Not a good day for much of anything aside from reading in bed and napping.  www.meteo.an predicted strong winds and rain. Batten down the hatches Bonaire

http://www.meteo.an/Forecast_ABC_Gen_Eng.asp

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype and Kik: Caribchakita

As usual, the post Xmas blow has arrived. The trades are strong. Windsurfers are sailing small rigs much to their heart’s content. Waves will ramp up so watch up at Lac Cai where the locals will head to throw some aerials in the surf.

Have a happy new year

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The days are passing so quickly here in Bonaire. A few observations; the restaurants and beaches are not so crowded. The wind is typical Xmas style…lots of it and perfect windsurfing…the rainy period has passed and it’s gorgeous out.  I am taking the weekend off to chill with my daughter. So much gratitude for an amazing year….I wish you all a happy new year, Felis ana nobo

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon Pasku from Bonaire

The trade winds are strong and the sun is shining brightly. I wish all of my Storm Carib friends a healthy happy Christmas. May your day be merry and bright.

Annie and Maggie

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The rains came last night in torrents…I took the dogs out for their walk and had to go barefoot on the street due to the muck. The entire island landscape got a healthy dose of rain.

Today, there are light winds and it looks very dark and eery out. I expect some more precipitation. Behind this front I suspect some healthy winds will return.

Enjoy your day

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greetings from the Dutch Caribbean

The Christmas trades are kicking in just in time for the masses of windsurfers about to descend on Bonaire.

Have a great Christmas

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bonaire is experiencing some strange weather. We have no wind and when it puffs a bit, it’s a wind reversal. On top of this, the wind turbines cannot generate power and our already stressed infrastructure leads to island wide power outages. It’s a mess. We have 3-4 month waits for cooking gas as well AND we have problems rising with our postal service. Honestly, it’s beyond belief that we are actually a municipality of Holland now since 10-10-10.

Bon Siman

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The day was super wet, super squally and of course no power on top of it all….We needed a good dose of rain.

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Sint Nicolaas and Zwarte Piet (that guy still freaks me out a bit after man years here..) have arrived on Bonaire. My neighbors went in the heat and waited for his arrival in Kralendijk. I decided to forgo his arrival and headed to Te Amo Beach for a blissful snorkel session. Visability was great and the reef was teeming with fish. It’s really nice today, but hot. It does not feel like Nov. but more like August. Finally, the wind has returned.

Pasa bon wikent tur hende/have a great weekend everyone

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bonaire has been experiencing light trades, sunny skies. Our island infrastructure has been experiencing great problems with our electricity. It’s a long complicated scenario but outages are widespread and despite schedules of when “shedding” is supposed to occur, we are never sure when power is shutting off. Monday there was a 5 hour period and then 2 more hours totally 7 hours. This stresses our appliances and disables folks from working. Food spoils and tempers rise. It reminds me of the days living in Antigua in the 80’s. VERY third world. Coupled with this, lines to get tanks of cooking gas are long and waits for the large bottles are 2-3 months. Who can live like this I ask? Bonaire is now Holland but our island at times seems more like a Banana Republic. Food prices are astronomical. I hope our tourist season is prosperous so we can all pay our bills.

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

It’s Stand up Paddle (SUP) weather these days. I am waiting for my 10 foot Starboard inflatable to arrive so meanwhile, need to take my massive 12’6” out. The island seems rather quiet for Thanksgiving week. Lots of new businesses opening up. I hope the tourist season is prosperous for all. Positive focus, always.

Not much weather news. It’s warm and sunny with a light wind. This morning the humidity was brutal after pretty heavy nighttime rain.

Cheers from Bonaire

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greetings

Bonaire’s wind is gone making for great diving and SUP and snorkeling. It’s about 28 c each day. I am hoping the Christmas trades kick in a bit early. Cruise ship season is upon us. It’s a great money making for a few, the rest of us disdain the mega lines that really don’t belong on Bonaire. Some folks are reporting reef damage by poorly educated tourists who stand on the coral. VERY sad. What good comes out of the cruise ship tourism is the daily art and craft market held in Wilhelmina Park. There are some lovely artisans selling cool stuff. Check out my recent blog post:

http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/blog_bonaire.html

The entire country is up in ARMS about a water and electric bill increase from WEB (Water Electricity Bonaire). Power outages are island wide due to the inability to service the island. It’s third world BS, IMHO.

Enjoy the day

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Rainy season is here. I am fighting a battle with my roof but will prevail. Living close to the airport causes all kinds of vibrations resulting in cracks. I suppose settling occurs. Wish me luck as this rain is a doozy.  

Take a peek at the donkey cam to see the rain. This is 1 mile from my home.

http://www.donkeysanctuary.org/donkey_webcams.html

Cruise ship season opens back up. Some on island really welcome and embrace the industry. I recognize the value it adds to the economy in some regards but wish smaller boutique lines called on island.

Winter bookings for windsurf vacations is building. I appreciate new and repeat clients. Bonaire news and updates are posted often on

http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/blog_bonaire.html

pasa bon dia i bon siman

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

There has not been a lot of weather news in Bonaire until early this morning when the rains returned. We desperately needed this precipitation. There was quite a lightning show as well.  Only a few more weeks of hurricane season.

It’s quiet on Bonaire. The coral spawns are attracting divers. Some restaurant owners are out of town for their annual vacations.  Take a peak at my blog for island updates

http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/blog_bonaire.html

This is my hang out spot at Jibe City when the wind is blowing. I call it first class seating.

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon Dia

My apologies for the typos last night. I was mailing in the dark from my iPhone. All is well on Bonaire. A very strange weather day, some remnants of the storm last night..puddles for the donkeys…lots of leaves down in the yard…muggy but a nice cooling breeze.

Tracking Isaac- positive hopes for the islands in his track…

TGIF

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greatings

Not much to say here in Bonaire..dark sky, no precipitation and not a breathe of wind. The HR. Ms. Tromp is in port. She is an advanced naval ship serving the Dutch Navy and Coastguard. I hope she’s not here for the donkeys….they have an open house this week.

Be safe everyone in the path of Isaac

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

As usual, the ABC islands are left out when there is weather news. Not that I want mayhem and disaster, GOSH NO..I am thankful we are outside the hurricane belt but, a little weather is nice for this New England gal. Here, there are light winds, moderate humidity, scorching sun but still the coolest summer I can recall since 01.  It’s 87 out and the heat index is high 90’s, totally tolerable.

My windsurf group is learning light wind freestyle. My dive clients are very happy although some report less than amazing visibility. I went to the Wounded Warrior Happy Hour last night at Captain  Don’s Habitat. What an amazing project. 9 wounded vets from the US are hosted for this event and are all now certified and diving. Manager, Jack Chalk announced he intends on inviting coalition folks next year to attend. It was a poignant yet FUN and silly event..some of the guys were very funny …

I wish everyone well as a few interesting and potentially concerning storms pass to my north..be well..

Annie

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon Tarde

The weather is a bit off. Light winds, occasional wind reversals and thunder boomers with some light rain. It’s the kind of weather you feel pure lazy. I have a windsurf group arriving today to attend the ABK Boardsports Clinic. It’s a light wind time of year so I suspect the focus of the clinic will be freestyle and fun. Still, I’d feel happier with 15+ knots of wind.

It’s time to think about heading up to Cape Cod for the hot months. I recall previous summers experiencing heat indexes of 125!! In all regards, this was the most pleasant, windiest summer in 11 years on Bonaire.

Pasa bon wikent

Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Crawford

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

After a day in the doldrums, we had a wicked (ya, I am from New England) windy night. I would guess the gusts were upwards of 30 knots as a few chairs blew over. I headed to Lac Bay at 8:30 and found 4 young guns in the water throwing all kinds of sick freestyle moves. I sailed on a Jibe City 4.5 Neil Pryde and my 85 liter Chango board. The chop was nice and the wind, amazing. It was a steady 20-22 knots for the hour I sailed.

At 4:30 the wind is cranking. Looking at Windfinder and Wind Guru, we will see these amazing conditions all week. I am totally thrilled. August typically has little wind. We have an ABK Boardsports clinic next week so I want my clients happy.

Bon Siman

http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/windsurfing.html

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

We had a rainy morning with claps of thunder, no lightening. The temps hovered around 77. I took an early nap and woke to a fresh wind reversal. The sun is out here in Belbem but to the north, it’s dark and grey. 

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

http://www.windfinder.com/report/bonaire

Bon Dia from Bonaire

I woke late (7:30) much to the dismay of the furkids. They like their morning routine. The dogs and I went out around 11:30-12:30 hunting for meteor showers. We saw a few but around 1, a cloud bank moved in..I will try again tonight. They were very confused by our nighttime foray.

The day is very still, not a breathe of wind. We had a light rain shower that rinsed off the dust, not much more. There is thunder in the distance.

Tomorrow promises to be a superb dawn patrol windsurf session when the trades return with anticipated 25 knot winds early in the day. I am ready. In the meanwhile today is a great stand up paddle day so off to Lac Bay I go to commune with nature…..

Pasa bon dushi dia / have a lovely day

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

It’s another rainy cool day in Bonaire. I am guessing it’s about 75 degrees outside in the drizzle. That seems warm to most but here, it’s sweatshirt weather. There is a big blog over Venezuela influencing our weather. I don’t mind..I love the rain..off to garden in the drizzle.

Looking to the east, we are going to see some more weather..stock up, batten down and prepare..

Be well and pasa bon tarde

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The temps plummeted over 15 degrees..it’s reading 76 at our airport but with the wind, it’s darn right cool (which I love and welcome)..the rain has been intermittent and right now winds are gusting a bit over 15 knots at Lac Bay but I suspect those gusts might be higher.  The big blob on the radar is for sure accurate..Bonaire is in for a stormy day.. time to hunker down with a book or clean my closet…

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon Dia from cloudy and rainy Bonaire,

We had a bit of rain last night and again off and on all morning. My rain barrel is full and in the midst of the rain, I was out watering from the barrel to allow more to fill it up…our landscape is parched so this rain is much needed. Mind you, It’s not a lot, not even big puddles for the donkeys but it’s something…

The winds are about 4-6 knots but thankfully I have no windsurfers on island this week, just dive clients.

Quick question, island friends. Does anyone have a problem with tiny rusty spots on white or light colored clothing? It’s not from the washing machine but happens with clothes in my closet. I leave them white white and a few weeks later tiny rust spots…Curious.

Enjoy a few recent thumbnail photos of my recent weeks in Bonaire. The vis for diving and snorkeling has been tremendous and the wind until this week, phew….

Pasa un dushi dia

Annie

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Well, we have the tail end of TS Ernesto in way of wind. Right now it’s about 20 knots with slightly higher gusts. Nothing intense but quite refreshing. It’s early but I am contemplating an early morning windsurf session at Lac Bay. I had a group plan to go to Dos Pos to hike but my friends understand my passion. We are not likely to have this sort of wind later in August.

Summary of TS Ernesto in Boniare:

No Rain

Moderate Winds Post Ernesto

Appreciate your weather updates

Pasa bon wikent

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

No wind, no rain, VERY humid, very still….the birds are singing and I am a madwoman in the garden. If I didn’t have to meet a client on Delta today, I’d get on my SUP and paddle ….it’s that kind of day.

Some weather models predict Aruba will get mad wind tomorrow, not us. How frustrating for us windsurfers..BUT more so, we desperately want and need rain.

A plan just took off in the wrong direction…wind reversal still…

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The dogs and I drove south at 7 AM. The water is flat and levels are slighter higher with the tide. Not much going on at all. United bound for Newark flew in the opposite direction with our wind reversal even though there is not a breathe of wind. Heading up to Sera Largu to sprint/walk then the Kriabon Farmer’s Market.

Tracking Map Courtesy of Weather Underground

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon tarde!

Today the winds are pretty much non- existent. I went out on a boat and the water is flat, visibility for snorkeling, great. We saw amazing sea life including a turtle.

I have been scouring the weather forecasts and it appears we will get minimal rain, some decent wind Sunday and tomorrow a dead wind scenario with a reversal. The waves, not too big according to www.windguru.cz. I ran into my friend who oversees the marina and Plaza Resort and many boats are moving in for shelter. No one here can soon forget Lenny and his wrath that wreaked havoc on Bonaire, all on a sunny cloudless day. The wind reversal tore up docks and waterfront properties.

Tomorrow we will see.

Be well, all!

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Well, we need rain, that’s for sure. The weather is lovely really, nice winds around 20 knots, puffy clouds but dry. The island has droves of divers at most of our sites. I drive by about 20 sites for my doggie rides and am happy to say the island has a lot of dive tourists. Windsurfers have been really enjoying the lovely strong trades. There were 14 + kids at the Jibe City Kids Windsurf Clinic this week. I love seeing kids on the water. The Heineken Jazz Festival begins tonight. So much going on for a little island. The GOOD news is, we have a reliable source who reports Commissioner Kroons plan to ship 200 feral donkeys to Haiti (we hear now for meat in exchange for fruit trees but the original “story” was to send them there to help the people of Haiti as work animals) has come to halt. Discussions are ongoing for more humane alternatives.

TGIF from Bonaire

Pasa bon wikent!!

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

It’s nuking out..the winds are about 22 knots on Lac Bay…anyone on holiday for windsurfing is pure happy. I don’t recall ever seeing so much wind for so long..it’s been non stop since May. We do need a bit of rain.

Take a peak at windguru’s forecast..they got it right..hope to do dawn patrol tomorrow

http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=209059

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Bon Tarde from the Dutch Caribbean

We had a dose of rain last week but this week, conditions remain dry and dusty.  On the plus side, we have lovely wind. I decided to forgo everything that was waiting to be done (laundry, paw prints on floor, patio full of leaves and doggie hair) and took of to windy Lac Bay. I used my good ole reliable 87 liter Angulo Chango and a borrowed 4.7 meter Neil Pryde from www.jibecity.com. The chop was heavy but what fun…and of course waist deep gin clear water with those onshore trades gusty past 23 knots made me smile..I love windy summer in Bonaire. It’s been one of our windiest springs and now summer seasons.

Our island Commission James Kroon and others has devised a plan to reduce the numbers of our wild donkey population.  They propose shipping 200 wild untrained males to Haiti to become beasts of burden. Whilst we have the Sanctuary, about 200 mostly males are in the wild. They suffer from dehydration and starvation and fighting males sometimes run into traffic causing accidents. Three petitions were created to send the message to our local Dutch government to seek alternatives to their plan to send 200 wild untrained males via Dutch Coast Guard to Haiti. Most feel this is a horrendous inhumane plan. If you agree, kindly consider supporting the effort to stop the planned shipment and seek more humane alternatives.

http://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-bonaire-donkeys-stop-the-shipment-of-200-wild-male-donkeys-to-haiti

Peace and have a great day…

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

It’s a super rainy morning in Bonaire. We have not had a decent rain in weeks so this is most welcome.  My entire rain barrel is full to the bring. I went dancing in the rain!!

The island is very quiet but I suspect in weeks to come the numbers to increase. My summer windsurf clientele is back up due to low winds in the East Coast. I was on Cape Cod for 6 weeks and there was maybe 2 sailable days.

I want to share some information about the plight of our island donkeys. Anyone who has been to Bonaire or is compassionate to Caribbean animal welfare might be interested please

PRESS RELEASE

10th of July 2012

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire fights government plan to send donkeys to Haiti

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is extremely concerned about the government’s plan to catch the wild donkeys on Bonaire and send them to Haiti to become working donkeys.

The government of Bonaire wants to capture all these donkeys at very short notice, claiming that its aim is to prevent damage to vegetation and improve road safety. Deputy James Kroon told the media that the donkeys will then be transported to Haiti to be used as working animals over there.

Although Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has been calling upon the government for many years to rescue the stray donkeys from the streets, its chairwoman Marina Melis does not agree with the government’s plans.

“It seems that the donkeys will be captured without proper welfare precautions, which will cause them distress and suffering,” she said.

“Besides, the donkeys will probably face a miserable future on Haiti. There are no guarantees at all that they will be well cared for there. Anyway we are dealing with feral donkeys here, which cannot be simply put to work like trained, domestic animals.”

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has already had several consultations with the government to try to find a more animal friendly solution.

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire offered to coordinate the rounding-up and capture of the wild donkeys. This way the donkeys would be removed from the streets in an animal friendly manner, by people with the right training and equipment. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has all the necessary knowledge and experience at its disposal, but a project like this needs thorough preparation and therefore could not be executed until the beginning of 2013 at the earliest.

All the captured mares (including those which are pregnant) and foals can then be accommodated in the donkey sanctuary, where they will be safe and have a good life, on condition that the government contributes to the cost of taking care for these animals. Until now Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has not received any financial support from the government.

Unfortunately, the captured adult stallions cannot be placed in the Donkey Sanctuary. Even if they are neutered, they will still have aggressive territorial tendencies and will attack other males confined with them, so it is not possible to have them in the sanctuary. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire proposes to neuter these stallions and then set them free again on the island, or have them euthanized by the vet. Even this last resort would be more humane than sending the donkeys to Haiti.

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to offer safety and protection for all donkeys on Bonaire. Marina also works to raise awareness and overcome negative perceptions of donkeys among the local community, schools and tourists.

At the moment over 400 donkeys are already cared for in the donkey sanctuary. They are provided with food, drinking water and medical care and have plenty of space and freedom. All male donkeys in the sanctuary are neutered to control the number of donkeys in care.

The number of wild donkeys on Bonaire is estimated at approximately 200. These stray donkeys are in constant danger. Every year lots of donkeys die from starvation, dehydration, illness and (road) accidents.

___________________________________________________________________________

More information:

Marina Melis, chairwoman Stichting Donkeyshelp

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire

PO Box 331

Bonaire

info at donkeysanctuary.com

www.donkeysanctuary.com

phone + 599 95 607 607

To make your opinion know kindly review the petition to stop this and seek out humane alternatives.

http://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-bonaire-donkeys-stop-the-shipment-of-200-wild-male-donkeys-to-haiti

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss and anguillabliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Greetings from the Dutch Caribbean

GO HOLLAND – WORLD CUP

Bonaire continues to experience some of the best windsurf conditions of the year. I am told high pressure from the Azores is creating these amazing conditions. Since early May, the onshore steady trades have been cranking.

Families seeking an affordable safe destination for a family summer holiday need look no more. Take a peak at my Kids Camps

http://bonairebliss.com/2012/06/08/sumnmer-bonaire-windsurf-kids-camps/

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss and anguillabliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The wicked welcomed winds heralded into Bonaire early May and continue to blow. Wind Guru and Magic Seaweed have called it right consistently.

The island has seen little rain and the heat index each day ramps up to the mid 90’s.

Bonaire lost a good friend to a 11 month fight with melanoma. The discovery of an innocent looking spot near his groin turned into a deadly deceased. He succumbed June 1. RIP Jake Richter, a friend, a father and an amazing brilliant man.

http://www.jakestake.tv/

http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=209059

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss

Skype: Caribchakita

Holy smoke, seriously, Mother Nature, masha danki/many thanks for the week’s dose of heavy wonderful wind. The entire windsurf community is completely thrilled. On top of this, the water levels in Lac Bay are very high. Winds are slightly north as well. I had a girl’s night dinner with 9 windsurf chicks 60-40 something. Everyone was comparing notes on duck jibes and various injuries. Ann Johnson from the Massage has seen an increase in client activity to ease the windsurf woes and quickly get folks back on the water.

I am loving this weather…

Cheers from Bonaire

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss and anguillabliss

Skype: Caribchakita

The winds are howling still and it’s pure windsurf heaven. My friend reported the sighting of a juvenile flamingo near Salt Pier. Sadly the high winds carry these little creatures in the offshore winds. They need to be rescued and returned to the flock up in Pekelmeer. There are many good Samaritans out there to help these lovely birds.

If you have ANY time off and want to sail come on down. Also keep the kids summer camps in mind if you fancy a vacation on Bonaire

Cheers

http://bonairebliss.com/2012/05/07/sumnmer-bonaire-windsurf-kids-camps/

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss and anguillabliss

Skype: Caribchakita

I had a lovely Mother’s Day windsurf session blasting around on a Neil Pryde 4.5 sail and my 87 liter Angulo Chango board. I was way overpower but enjoyed the session.  The bay was full of sailors enjoy the May trades. I took a respite from the day to have lunch with my friend Anneke and her kids. Her husband is away so we had a mother’s lunch. The wind was so strong it was a slightly chilly. I came home and napped and now am heading out to clean the garden.  Happy Mothers Day….

Ann Phelan "Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.bonairebliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss and anguillabliss

Skype: Caribchakita