Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Amazing Caribbean

I just wanted to post a few photos from this last trip to Bonaire.
 I have been there nine times in the last 11 years and have not gotten tired of this wonderful island yet.
It's warm, above and below the water; the people are friendly and wonderful; there are great restaurants and shops; and the reef is one of the healthiest in the Caribbean!
What more can you ask for?
A warning: there is little to do there if you don't dive or snorkel.
Well, I shouldn't say that since you can drive into the National Park, bird watch and/or sit by a pool or sea and read.
The island has Dutch influence and will become part of Holland as of January 2009.
Because of this, the construction is sky-rocketing! There is new construction everywhere as people realize the benefits of buying something now...getting a small piece of paradise!
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Shopping in the Caribbean
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Caribbean Nights
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Yes, it's really a fish....a Frog Fish!
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Monday, February 25, 2008

Scuba Diving, new camera

It will take a few weeks to process all my photos from the Bonaire trip.
This vacation, I took underwater photos too, using our new Canon PowerShot G9.
I wanted this camera because it shoots "raw" files, which contain more detail than jpg.
It does come with it's problems though, since it is a fairly new camera, all the other software is not up to the latest versions to process this Canon 'raw' files.
I can still use Photoshop but that's because I have the newest version of CS3.
Anyone who has an older version, or Windows Vista, will have to use the Canon Raw edit which came with the camera, and is not as good, in my opinion.
Feel free to email me for clarification or questions!
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I love scuba diving, but when you take underwater photos, the diving has a different 'focus.'
I have to see things differently and dive differently: more concentrated on the details.
I take photos while diving, but I don't dive to take photos, if you know what I mean.
My underwater photos will never make the magazines or be praised for their quality.
But that's okay. I love to dive and love to take photos, and now I can combine the two.
It does help with fish identification and I can also take short videos.
Check out my You Tube site for the short video of a swimming octopus!
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caribbean sunlight


caribbean sunlight, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This photo was taken in Bonaire, where all we needed to sleep was a sheet for cover and curtains to block the light. Wake to the sound of birds and a vision of palm trees and sunlight.

I love being on vacation but there is something so comforting to the return home. It feels good to sleep in your own bed. I may need two blankets and a comforter to keep warm, but it's home!
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Saturday, February 23, 2008

watching the night dive


watching the night dive, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Last chance for a night dive. We return home tomorrow to cold and snowy weather....well, it is winter!
The New York area got 10 inches of snow while we were swimming with the fish in Bonaire.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Bon Bini


Bon Bini, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This means welcome in "Papiamentu," the native language of the people of Bonaire.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Back in Bonaire


fishing boat, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

We've returned to the island we love, the Caribbean island, Bonaire.
The temperatures are about 80 degrees F. above and below the water. The sun is shinning and the fish are waiting.......

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Adam


Adam, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

I saw Adam this past weekend....He seems to be happy, but then, does your child ever tell you everything?
As a parent, you want the best for them, always...and you want them to be safe, healthy and happy.
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Sunday, February 03, 2008

Greenport, Long Island



Marine Supplies at Prestons
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Greenport,  is an historical, seaside town on the North Fork, at the east end of Long Island, in Suffolk County.  It is in the town of Southold  and located just north of Shelter Island

The Greenport harbor area recently went through major renovations complete with an addition of the antique Greenport Carousel and the addition of a park with views of Shelter Island. The village is abundant with eateries, dockside restaurants, unique antique shops, and the historical area. Historically, Greenport was famous as a whaling center and for its fishing and ship building industries.

Greenport is popular with boaters, from Connecticut, and Block Island as well as Montauk. The art deco movie theater is very popular with the locals as well as tourists. The Claudio’s dockside restaurant and marina is popular with boaters where they can dock their boats and stop in for a meal. There is the famous Preston’s, an older building where you can purchase nautical items and clothing.

Is also the northern terminal for the Shelter Island Ferry. Day trippers line up for the short ride to Shelter Island. Both cars and foot passengers are allowed on the ferry. Once you arrive on Shelter Island, you can take the south ferry to the Hamptons and the South Fork of Long Island.
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Please check out the lodgings in Greeport,  and spend a weekend to see what the town has to offer.
There are a variety of restaurants to satisfy every appetite. 
Some of the activities
are the antique carousel and the railroad museum of Long Island.
The Greenport Union Free School District is considered one of the best on Long Island too.
For more information about the school district, click here… 
For the location of Greenport and a map of the area, check out the maps. Maps of Greenport
Long Island Rail Road Greenport Station: End of Third Street Suffolk: 631-231-5477
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S. T. Preston & Son, Greenport
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