Sale at the local dive shop!

http://www.scubagoo.com/

Our local dive shop was having a 1-day sale to clear out some inventory.  We found wetsuits for Austin & Bridget for $99 each!

Merry Christmas from American Airlines

We received our first schedule change notice from American Airlines this morning.  We now depart DFW almost one hour later, now arriving in Miami at 12:25 AM.

The flight to Marsh Harbor was only pushed back by about 20 minutes, but the arrival time is almost unchanged as the schedule now reflects the use of the Embraer regional jet.

Airline Tickets Purchased

After evaluating all of the options, the airline tickets were purchased this weekend.  The prices for the return ticket were holding steady, but we finally saw a little drop in the outbound flight by departing for Miami on Thursday night instead of Friday morning, saving $600. (less the hotel expense.)

We decided not to purchase slightly less expensive tickets via an on-line travel service as they were routing us on multiple airlines wich could create complications if the airlines change flight schedules and the potential for additional baggage fees.

At the time the tickets were purchased, my remaining "gold" status said that we would be allowed 2 free bags per person.  We will need to wait & see if that holds true for the trip.

It seems that American Airlines no longer offers flights into TCB, so we will get to see the new & improved airport & runway at Marsh Harbor.

2013 Plans

Labor Day Weekend kicked-off our discussion of a return trip in 2013.  This first big challenge was comparing everyones event calendars and we found that with all the kids summer activities our window was very limited.

After weeks of discussion and comparing the different rentals available during our window of opportunity we finally decided to return to Peaceful Times, the same cottage that we stayed during our 2010 trip.  It is a nice little 2 bedroom cottage with a distant view of Coco Bay.

The deposit check was mailed out to secure the rental for June 7-16, 2013.

We always find the people at Island Property Management responsive to our inquiries during this process.  You can check out rentals at their web site http://www.abacoislandrentals.com/

Departure Day

Departure Bolo

First Class?

Bigger than some

After flying to within sight of Florida, we were diverted back to Freeport due to a thunderstorm at the Miami airport.

American Eagle made up for the extra stop with free food and drinks!

Freeport Approach

Last Dive Day

Diving with Chris and BJ on the Pontoon boat.  Sea was as calm as a lake! 

Pontoon Boat

Life on the Reef

Our Dive Buddy

Arrow Crabs

Girl Photo-Bombs Shark

Fish-Eye Girl

Very relaxing dive on the coral caverns and the mini-wall with each dive passing the 70-minute mark.

Short video of the clear water on the ocean side, headed back to GTC!

Enjoying & Exploring

Panoramic Beach

2 Shorty's Cracked Conch

Three Little Pigs?