Where In The World Are David & Leslie?

Date: July 23, 2020
Location: Manchebo Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba Sunset From Manchebo Beach

After passing our Covid-19 test upon arrival to Aruba, we have settled in. Luggage is unpacked, fridge is stocked, first dive scheduled and local mobile service has been set up. After a sushi dinner at Omakase, we walked the magnificent beach at sunset. We are home…for the next three months at least.

Earlier Posts…

Sponge Reef 1 and 2

Sponge Reef 1 and 2

Jul 26, 2020

We are enjoying the 2nd dive excursion of our stay in Aruba. We visited two great reefs, which are just off of the Renaissance Hotel's private island. They are relatively shallow dives, but very colorful and full of fish. In addition, the fish were pretty friendly overall. In addition to this...

Leslie Descending To Vandenberg

Leslie Descending To Vandenberg

Jul 14, 2020

The weather was terrific on the surface but, unfortunately, the visibility was only about 30 - 35 feet. There have been a few storms coming through Key West in the last few weeks. Luckily, no hurricanes, but the runoff and general churn requires a bit closer dive buddy contact under the...

Leslie Shooting Cat (Photo)

Leslie Shooting Cat (Photo)

Jul 10, 2020

This morning we walked over the the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. We found that hitting just about anyplace first thing in the morning gives us the best experience in terms of crowds and social distancing. Not sure if it is the overall laid back nature of the island or vacationers preferring...

First 2020 Dive

First 2020 Dive

Jul 1, 2020

After settling in for a week, checking out local dive shops and navigating boat loads for social distancing, we booked a two reef dive from Lost Reef Adventures. The 9am departure from its mooring behind the Perry Hotel on Stock Island was picturesque. Thirty-five minutes later we arrived at "Nine...

Sunset at Mallory Square

Sunset at Mallory Square

Jun 28, 2020

Tonight we took a trip downtown to participate in a long standing Key West tradition - enjoying the sunset at Mallory Square. David wanted to try out a new GoPro toy and I wanted to try out my new camera lens, so it was the perfect opportunity for both of us. I opted for driving because, even in...

The New Normal?

The New Normal?

Jun 26, 2020

We took some time out yesterday to drive up to Looe Key to check out a dive shop off the beaten path. Since we arrived a week ago, we've observed that many people are not observing the recommendation to wear a mask in public. As a result, the Covid cases have been spiking throughout Florida,...

Key West Cemetery

Key West Cemetery

Jun 25, 2020

This is a beautiful cemetery that has seen its share of storms. Weathered stone, cement monuments and makeshift metal structures stand (sometimes precariously) decorated with a variety of floral arrangements, personal mementos and dedications celebrating life going back 170+ years.

DJ’s Clam Shack in Key West

DJ’s Clam Shack in Key West

Jun 21, 2020

WE MADE IT!!!  The drive from Miami yesterday took a bit longer than anticipated as a result of both construction and a large gapers delay that lasted for miles, but we arrived before dark and were able to settle into our new home (which is deliciously cozy!!).  Sunday morning, we...

Key West Bound

Key West Bound

Jun 20, 2020

After 4 weeks of staying in a 2 room Marriott Residence Inn, David and I decided to wait out the opening of Bonaire in Key West Florida.  We thought a change of scenery would do us some good.  The Residence Inn was very clean and quiet, but the room seemed to get smaller every day.  It was...

A New Toy

A New Toy

Jun 12, 2020

[Chicago, IL | USA] Four weeks living out of a hotel room with few distractions and a series of Bonaire flight restrictions gave us an opportunity to go through our gear. Leslie found a gap and we drove to Dodd Camera in Chicago to pick up a 24mm - 300mm lens flexible enough to handle moderate...