Docdayne
Thanks for the update......I wished I ran into my fine art colleague before you went.....he said the same thing.....PACK A COOLER AND TAKE IT WITH YOU......Unknowingly, he and his wife have been traveling there over 15 years.....great insight but he is not a diver....However,he gave wonderful information about the workings of the island and where to go for the best food, groceries and supplies....also the best snorkeling and from the shore fishing....... I have heard that Valentine's is not ALL THAT. But from my experience in remote islands, you really have to do the research for yourself---the standards for quality on islands is SO different than our standards...Getting in the basic thread of the island is the key so that you know who is reputable and who is not....who has the best prices and who is high....and usually all of this is found with one of the locals that is not in a full fledged business from my experience with remote islands...the same standard can not be applied to more frequented places.......not that anyone is asking, but over a fifteen year period, I did alot of bare boat sailing,(lesser antilles, honduran bay islands, tahiti, etc...) and that really taught me to really be responsible for myself and question the 'qualified' ones in charge .......I personally had to learn about diesel engines after losing the sailboat engine into day two of the 3 week cruise because the local guys that were in charge were unable to help ...in fact, it took a call to the US to have a part finally flown in which took over a week and I had to put it in........this created a very challenging situation....not only did we then have a mechanic on board (me), but we became very proficient getting into bights that had a very very long and narrow channel (12 foot width ) totally under sail with 40 knot winds....wow, that was a wake up call. Guess one is not always totally prepared for what will uncover on the islands....everything is so expensive for the natives to obtain....our daily expenses amplified many times over.....I am sure the stress they feel iwith that is unbearable......
However, I am very happy that you found a jewel in snorkeling Eleuthera.....that is what I hear also...and that if one can manage to stay away from the north end which is spoiled by the wealthy and tourism to Harbour Island.....that going south is better and more rewarding.........
Thanks for your enlightening report...
And Docdayne, if you REALLY want some spectacular diving deep and shallow, try Roatan in the Honduran Bay Islands......I went many years back when it was just receiving divers......it was spectacular and breath taking..........
WOW...Co Co ViewResort was where I got my certification way back in 84......I am sure that it has all changed and is built up and unfortunately, Americanized. It was an adventure to remember way back when .....the phosphorent waters at night....the incredible stars and the spectacular diving..
Wishing you clear waters and bright skies.
AJ
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'He whose gaze is on a distant star shall not falter.' da Vinci