Hi Everyone,

I know I keep making excuses,but this time it is unavoidable.

I did finally decide to get a flight into Salawesi--then on to Bunaken,about 3/4 hour boat ride away.No Internet,no public phone,and electricity only in the evening !! That said,it's a beautiful Island,and lots of unspoilt coral reefs to dive.

I'm with a very small dive resort(OceanStar)--in fact I'm their only customer!

Unfortunately,dives are a tad expensive---although accommodation is very cheap(three meals included!),so may have to go land based for a little while.Have to conserve cash for some Dives at Lembeh--the most famous "Muck" diving place in the World(probably).

The day dives have been very beautiful,but quite tricky--very strong currents,which sometimes push you up,the next second push you down--have to keep your wits about you.Not too much in the way of spectacular beasties during the daytime,but fabulous reefs,with pristine corals,fans and such like.

The Night dives have been something else,though--I've done three and each one has been filled with all sorts of unusual stuff---including the legendary Mandarin Fish---another one knocked off the "must see" list.

I've put a whole lot of piccies on the "Photo" page--I apologise for so many crabs,but just as you've seen the weirdest ever--so another one comes up!!

For me,a high spot was an encounter with a Banded Sea Snake--all of 2 metres plus--very beatiful,very poisonous(but not likely to bite)and extremely curious--swam over my arms and right up to the camera lens!!

Might have to go land based until I can get to Lembeh,though--running out of cash very fast (expensive game,this diving!).Still,it's been brilliant,but I still have Lembeh to do--and later,I've promised myself a liveaboard trip to the Similan Islands,just before I head home---so can't do my usual throwing money away trick.

Anyway,hope you enjoy the photos,

See You,

Alec.