Coral Reef Photos » Islands + Topside Attractions

Buildings in Curacao, Colorful Buildings

barry — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:46:47 +0000

Hi friends, another day without internet, again so sorry but it’s out of our control! Yesterday I had a fun morning with the dogs at Saint Joris, that was my last walk with them for 3 weeks, I haven’t even left yet and I miss them already! While there I did some needed trail work on my new single-track which seems to be getting used a lot now and is starting to look great! The shores at Saint Joris are once agin filled with drift wood and it’s obvious no one is collecting it anymore, not even me.

Curacao has really been heating up this week and with little to no wind due to hurricanes in the area, it’s down right HOT!

I spent yesterday building some driftwood items and packing and before I knew it the day was gone! I left the house at 4:50 (HOT) and left on a 2 hour bike ride. I stopped at a friends on the way and we both rode for an hour together out around the edges of Saint Joris and on my new trail, it was a real fun evening!

Here’s a photo by request today. People are always asking me for pictures of buildings in Curacao, so here you go. Like all buildings here, this one is old, big, colorful and just down right beautiful, one could shoot buildings here all day and never get tired of it.

That’s it guys, have a wonderful Monday, Barry

Things To Do and See in Curacao, Porto Mari/Marie

barry — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:37:06 +0000

Good evening friends, this will be a real short one tonight as I feel terrible again. I had a real hard day at work and came home and went to bed at 4:00. There are so many people sick right now including Aimee so at least I am not alone. Our guests entertained themselves today and we briefly saw them at 5:30 but had no energy to go out and do anything. We will take them to the airport in the morning at 6:00, I don’t need them paying crazy money for a taxi at that hour.

Here’s the beautiful old church at Porto Mari and it’s finally getting a complete restoration job. They have been working on this for a long time now, the front is finished as you see and now they are working on the back. When we were there I noticed they removed all the paint from the old doors as well and are going to leave it rustic looking and it looks great! From the looks of it the doors must be at least 200 years old.

Sorry so short all, I am worn out, see you tomorrow, Barry

Puerto Mari in Curacao, Caribbean Beaches

barry — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:51:58 +0000

Good morning friends, can you spot my two visitors from South Dakota?? Yesterday after taking the dogs for a long walk over by the salt flats and checking on a Geocache I picked up my two waiting beauties and off we went on an island drive. I wanted to take them to snorkel and Geocache at Puerto Mari, it’s one of those places here that has it all. We first stopped and tried to photograph the wild flamingos that we found walking in the shallow salt water along the road but the closer we got the further they walked. I really had to laugh because when we first got there I spotted this large group of flamingos pretty much hidden in the back but once we got out and started walking especially me with the tripod, three different cars stopped filled with people and all followed me, it was like shooting wildlife in Yellowstone all over again. The good news is, the girls got see the birds! After a 20 minute hike we were now all thirsty so once back at the car we drove directly to Puerto Mari and made a direct path to the restaurant. After a quick lunch we went on a Geocaching adventure and then my two South Dakota mermaids made their way into the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. They swam while I climbed the cliffs in search of a photo, I lost a little blood taking this shot as it’s all cacti and thorns. At one point while standing here watching I heard Karine yell out to Brianna that she had found a Frogfish?? Yeah say what?? I thought “you got to be kidding me”, how is that I had to do 500 plus dives to see a frogfish and she just found one snorkeling? If ever I wanted to throw my camera into the sea it was upon hearing those words yesterday! Karine had in fact found a Frogfish, it’s just laying inside one of the underwater man made reef balls they have here and yes you can see it by snorkeling, unbelievable! So after about an hour swim we again made our way to the refreshment stand and then took off home. Aimee and I met them later at the Avila for a really nice BBQ. For those of you locals who want to do something fun on a Saturday night check them out for dinner, it is the hands down most delicious BBQ buffet you will find on the island!

It’s time to pick them up and go swim with the dolphins, see you tonight, Barry

Sun Halo, Icebow, Gloriole, Nimbus, Rainbow Colors

barry — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:53:12 +0000

Hi friends and readers of the Curacao blog, how is everyone this fine evening?? I always try hard to write these little stories between 7-9 pm, I hate doing them in the morning as it takes way too much time! Today I had the day off with Aimee and we started things out by taking the three dogs out for a hot morning walk. We got out there at around 7:00 and it was already hot and by 9:00 we could hardly breath and both of us were completely soaked from the 100% humidity! Even though there was no wind at all this morning we still tried to do some much needed trail maintenance on the Calabash because it’s gets so much traffic! Once back home we hid inside for most of the day and get this, I even laid down and took a two hour nap!! Yes, you read that right, I took a nap. I know, what’s happening to me?? I even had a dream that the mini-sub was at the surface floating like a boat and we were pulling Aimee at top speed on skis, she did great! At 5;30 I met a friend for a fast and hot one hour ride on all the single-track trails we could find, it was great fun but man we were soaked to the bone upon our return.

Here’s another fun shot of the beautiful Sun Halo’s we have down here once or twice a year. I think this is our friend Loet’s arm and hand that was used for this shot but I can’t be sure. As some of you already know a Sun Halo (also known as a nimbus, icebow or Gloriole) is an optical phenomenon produced by ice crystals creating colored or white arcs and spots in the sky. Many are near the sun or moon but others are elsewhere and even in the opposite part of the sky. They can also form around artificial lights in very cold weather when ice crystals called diamond dust are floating in the nearby air. There are many types of ice halos. They are produced by the ice crystals in cirrus clouds high (5–10 km, or 3–6 miles) in the upper trosphere. The particular shape and orientation of the crystals is responsible for the type of halo observed. Light is reflected and refracted by the ice crystals and may split up into rainbow colors because of dispersion. The crystals behave like prisms and mirrors, refracting and reflecting sunlight between their faces, sending shafts of light in particular directions.

Iguanas in Curacao, Caribbean Reptiles

barry — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:58:36 +0000

Do you have the feeling that “someone or something is watching you”??? Living here in Curacao and walking in the desert or the bush you get that feeling a lot! I once asked a local guy why I don’t see more Iguanas, I know they are here but I just never really see them. He told me that Iguanas spend most of their day high in the tree tops where they can bask in the sun or they find a nice big rock somewhere to crash on. So I recently started looking harder and sure enough if you walk under most big deciduous trees and look up you can see a tail or the underside of a belly just laying there completely motionless. When we went to Christoffel Park with our friend Junior (who is from Roatan) he would constantly spot poop on the trail and look up and point to an iguana way up high hanging out in a tree! I think we ended up calling him “Iguana Man” or something like that but he said where he comes from in Roatan they are everywhere and as a child they learn how to spot them because most locals eat them. I found this one the other day right in our own backyard high up in a tree just bathing in the warm morning sun. He was just watching me do my thing from high above and seemed very content laying there but moments later when I went to check on him again he was gone or I was looking right at him and never saw him as the blend in so well with their natural surroundings.

Yesterday was day four with the sub and all went well! We had our first actual paying customers and they had a GREAT time to say the least! On the first sub ride at 9:30 we took the passengers to two sunken tugboats at 200 feet and then down deeper to explore the reef at 350 feet. Later on, the second run they took the group to a massive sunken ship that lays in about 450 feet of water out in front of Mambo Beach, everyone had a great time! For all of you asking about prices and the website be patient and keep checking back, they are working on it and it should be done soon, I will also get some of my sub photos on there for you to see as well.

It rained again yesterday and last night so it’s still green around here. Off to the sub, Barry

Saint Joris Bay in Curacao, Curacao Recreation

barry — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:19:38 +0000

Good evening from rainy Curacao. Here’s a photo that’s long overdo, this is a small area of Saint Joris Bay that as you know I spend so much time at either walking the dogs, biking, trail building, collecting wood, taking photos and on and on!! This morning in-between rain showers I picked our good friend Zenzi up from her house and off we went for a fun morning hike with the dogs. It’s rare I ever have company on these hikes so today’s walk was extra special as it’s so much fun to show a new area to a friend, and she loved it! This is hands down one of our favorite spots to play and take the dogs but most folks never go here as it’s way off the beaten path. I climbed a very dangerous and tall rock out in the water to get this shot, Zenzi was very helpful in helping me with the camera and tripod, that’s her and Indi standing on the rock in the water along the shore near the middle of the photo. If you look above Zenzi and to the right a little you will see the only natural Pyramid in Curacao, it’s so cool! This morning we had a super low tide making the walk around the shoreline much easier than normal. I found some great wood this morning that I stashed in hiding and will take it home at another time, it will make a great table. Because of the humidity from the rain it was super hot by 9:30 so we both decided to get moving and call it a morning and plus the dogs were showing signs of starting to wear out. This bay is fed by the ocean and is filled with turtles, rays, nurse sharks and hundreds of other creatures but the visibility usually is pretty bad making taking photos here impossible.

The good news for the day is, The Puppies are Gone, at least for a little while!! For those of you on the island in need of puppy or dog care, training or just a one day dog-sitter, I have the girl for you. Her name is Eveline Reints and she runs a new company called YUKA’S Honden “uitlaat” Service, I think that means Dog Watching Service. You can e-mail her at yukasuitlaatservice@gmail.com or check out her web site at www.uitlaatservice-curacao.nl I loaded them up in the car at around 11:00 and off we went for a new adventure (which they didn’t enjoy). When we got there it was a non-stop bark-a-thon and I wished I had brought my ear plugs but within minutes and after meeting her other dogs all was good in the World again. I have called throughout the day to check on them and apparently all is well. It’s a good thing for them to start meeting other dogs and be in new places at least that’s what I am telling myself to help me sleep tonight! I will keep you all posted so stay tuned for more.

I got so much done today for once! I went shopping and spent a large amount of time on the computer burning DVD’s backing up photos from the past few weeks, you would be shocked at how many photos I take.

Aimee is well and having a blast, feel free to drop her a line at aimeedolphins@yahoo.com Be back again

Caribbean Bromeliads, Teku Bromeliads, Curacao

barry — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:31:51 +0000

Hi gang, here’s another shot from our trip to Christoffel yesterday, these are called Teku Bromeliads. Normally during the rainy season these Bromeliads are a rich green color but in dry months they turn a glowing yellow and when the sun hits them as you see here it’s absolutely beautiful! I found a great site that literally walks you from the visitors center to the top of the mountain and explains everything you will see and find along the way with photos and text, check it out at www.naturalbornhikers.com/trails/christoffel.html These Bromeliads are razor sharp and completely cover the ground on your way up the trail. Some of you may remember me sending photos of this plant during the rainy season when it’s blood red and has a cluster of beautiful purple flowers in the middle, it’s pretty amazing how much they can change throughout the year.

I only worked a half day today as Aimee is leaving tomorrow morning at 6:00am and there is still so much to do. We took the dogs and the bikes to the new trail for a fun-run at 4:30 but other than that we have been doing lots of last minute things.

Sorry so short, that’s it for tonight, Barry

Highest Point on Curacao, Mount Christoffel, Islands

barry — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:38:09 +0000

Hello friends, guess what we did today?? For those of you who said we climbed the highest peak in Curacao today, you would be correct! I left the house at 7:30 and stopped by to pick up our friends Loet and Maikel and then we drove to another meeting spot and picked up another friend we work with named Chen or “Elvis as we call him”. Since Loet and Maikel are heading back to Holland soon we figured it was now or never and it’s something they wanted to do but never found the time. The drive there was frustrating because of crazy drivers and construction but beautiful at the same time and finally after an hour and fifteen minutes we finally arrived. Most normal people would never start a climb to Mount Christoffel at 9:30 because of the heat but obviously we are not normal people!! I brought all my camera gear because I figured since it has been raining so much around here that the mountain must be even greener and lush but that was not the case! It was so dry!! Usually the West end gets all the rain and we get nothing but it seems that is no longer the case! As we started our hike up and for the next hour we ran into person after person heading back down who had already summited, that was not a good sign for us. I guess the good part of hiking so late in the morning was that once at the top you have it all to yourself! The hike up is difficult and is not for the weak at heart, if anyone tells you it’s an easy climb they are just kidding or have never been there. After only 10 minutes of walking we were already completely soaked to the bone, it so humid! My friend Chen and I stopped often to take photos while Loet and Maikel continued their climb stopping often to catch their breath and wait for us. The mountain is filled with beautiful things the whole way up like the millions of bromeliads, iguanas, parakeets, butterflies, Cara, Cara’s and lizards, it’s such a great place. Once at the top I did something I had never done before and went off-trail to a few nearby peaks in search of new photo opportunities. What I found was this beautiful setting far away from what 99% of most tourists see, it was hard to get to but so worth the walk. I was there shooting a big spider and a cactus flower when Maikel found his way to me as well and while I shot some macro he went exploring and climbing as you see here. All three of the ABC Islands have large peaks, the highest pointon Bonaire is Brandaris Hill at 787 feet [240 meters]. The highest point on Curaçao is Christoffelberg [Mount Christoffel] at 1,230 feet [375 meters]. The highest point on Aruba is Mount Jamanota 1,620 feet [188 miles]. We finally left the summit at 12:30 and all of us had ran out of water making the walk back down not so fun! As many of you know walking down something loose and steep can be way more difficult than going up as it’s really hard on your knees. We were all so glad to get back to the car where I had hid a big jug of water in the shade and within 15 minutes we had made our way back out of the park and headed back home, it was hot but it sure was a fun morning!

Needless to say I am worn out as I sit here. Aimee took the dogs for a quick walk and is off tomorrow and leaves for States Thursday morning, she will be gone for 3 long weeks!! See ya, Barry

Coconut Fish, Coconut Art, Local Curacao Arts & Crafts

barry — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:12:25 +0000

Hello friends, months ago someone asked me if there was anything you could make with a coconut and at the time I couldn’t think of anything! Well the other day as I walked by our Sea Aquarium gift shop I noticed all these brightly colored coconut fish hanging in the window and had to check it out. Turns out some local artist is making these and doing quite well selling them for around $45 each. They have around 15 different colors to choose from and no two are alike as you can well imagine, some kind of look like a real fish and others are just crazy and colorful. Anyways I thought it was different enough to send out for your viewing pleasure!

I won’t put you asleep with the story of my day but it was again like trying to set a Worlds record in doing as much as a human can do in a day, I am wiped out! The puppies are getting bigger and look great, so far so good we just need to adopt out the two black ones and then we are home free!

Off to bed, talk to you tomorrow, Barry

Punda Mosaic, Curacao Mosaic Scene from Early 1800′s

barry — Thu, 06 May 2010 01:19:45 +0000

Good evening readers, this is going to be super short because I am so tired after one of the busiest days ever!!

On Queens Day when I took Bernard and Rosa for a walk-about around the crowded city of Punda we found this big beautiful Punda Mosaic leaning up against the wall on the Outrabanda side of the harbor. It was made in 1988 but depicts a common everyday scene from the early 1800′s, it was really beautiful and looked super heavy!! You have to look carefully but each piece was made by hand, painted and fired then set in this monster frame for all to see, I was kind of shocked that it was just sitting out in the street as it looks like it should be in a museum!

Sorry so short my little brain is fried, talk to you tomorrow, Barry