With the ocean, you just never know what you’re going to find! We were at Tres Trapi by 8:30 to see the turtles, and while they were not in that very first spot of turtle grass just off the steps, we did eventually see 11 of them, including – yes, you guessed – Hungry Turtle. David even watched a turtle do a big poo. Which he documented, of course. We also saw an eel, a flying gurnard, and a magnificent Spotted Eagle Ray. We were reluctant to get out, but 2 hours later we hauled ourselves up the steps and chatted to a couple from England. And unbelievably, it’s a direct flight from Gatwick on Tui airlines!!! So, if the English family wants to meet us someday here in Aruba, let us know! We want to ... read more

Today was an “iffy” day weatherwise. We awoke early to the sound of rain on the tin roof, but got out the door by 7 am or so, packed with sandwiches and snorkeling equipment, but mainly to go birding in the Salinas (salty shallow waters) up near La Cabana. The rush hour at 7 was nothing like the other day at 8 am either. We got a few photos of the usual water birds, adding a ruddy turnstone and kildeer to the mix (not new birds). We drove up to Arashi beach and saw a lovely collection of Brown Boobies and Pelicans – how clumsy they are on the ground, how majestic in flight. We noticed that they always turned away from the sun as they hit the water. The visibility was poor on that side ... read more

Wednesday Sept 28: While we pray for the people in Florida that are going to be hit today by Hurricane Ian, the weather here is also changeable. We went to the Spanish Lagoon for birding again, around 8, and then came back for breakfast. Still no more humming birds. Then we packed up to drive to the right side of Baby Beach to check out the turtles. This is where we took Tom and Amy, and we have to say – with embarrassment – that after years of maligning Baby Beach for snorkeling, it was very good, especially for the variety of soft corals. I counted 33 different species of fish, including 2 different eels. It’s just that all this is in the very center of the bay, and most people don’t go out more than ... read more

Time to move out of La Cabana to our next Airbnb, but first…. Last snorkel – perhaps – at the n.e. end of the island, getting in at the Infinity pool as usual. It was nice and clear and we were the only people out there so early. Saw a big green moray eel, but he wouldn’t come out to be photographed. We did see (photo) a couple riding those powered fin boards, or whatever they are called. Amazing balance! We had to check out by 10 am, which was tight. So tight that we when we unpacked at Roxanne’s we realized I’d completely forgotten to empty one of the side drawers, so we had to go back and wait for housekeeping to retrieve the things, which thankfully they had. It included our 2 containers of ... read more

Sadly, today is the day to deliver Tom and Amy to Queen Beatrix airport for their long journey home. It is recommended that one arrives 3 hours in advance. We have usually not gone so early, but, then again, we have the special traveler id and can bypass the long immigration line. It is a long process, as one goes through security twice, then deliver checked bags to the conveyor belt, then clear US customs and immigration here, then wait in the departure lounges. There are restaurants at that end too, although we try to eat our last lunch in the waiting area before US C&I so we can eat our final cheese and tomato sandwiches and fruit, etc. So, now that I’m writing at 8 pm, I can say that THANK GOODNESS we dropped them ... read more