Mike, I generally enjoy Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") trips, but Christmas Island
is probably one that I wouldn't. It would be extremely challenging and
difficult to arrange things (guides, travel, transfers, etc.) ahead of time.
For example, the Captain Cook (when I was there 2 1/2 years ago) had only
telephone. Without ever having been there, how would you know who to
contact, who are or aren't good guides (there are many guides there who
sometimes just don't show up in the morning, particularly after the local
dance/party on Friday night, which is why the other facilities have
'back-up' guides). Christmas Island doesn't even have an all day radio
station. There aren't the normal gas stations, restaurants, etc.
I plan to do a DIY to Mexico within the next year or two. I also plan to go
to Christmas Island in the next couple of years, but I will use a
pre-packaged deal for that trip.
Richard Embry
----- Original Message -----
From: "rdembry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Washington Flyfishers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2001 10:41 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Island DIY
> Mike, I've been to Xmas Island twice, and I believe I can provide
> significant feedback respective to your questions. I, too, wish to return
> there, maybe next year. Contact me at my work email address,
> [EMAIL PROTECTED], or by telephone, 206-362-1342 home, or 425-712-0140
> work.
>
> Richard Embry
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael Santangelo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "Waflyfishers (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2001 4:16 PM
> Subject: Christmas Island DIY
>
>
> > I am planning a trip to Christmas Island early next year. However,
maybe
> > because I'm cheap or just for the thrill of it, I like doing these trips
> on
> > my own. This formula has worked for me on trips to Alaska, the Bahamas
> and
> > Mexico.
> >
> > Please let me start with a caveat. I don't know why but requests for
> > information about DIY trips don't really cause anyone any concern.
Except
> > it seems, trips to Xmas Island. I've seen previous information requests
> > about Xmas Island stir up controversies in other forums. I don't want
to
> > create the same issue here. If you have concerns about my trip planning
> > ethics or about DIY "cheapskates" please contact me personally.
> >
> > Here is what I know so far. My research has determined the Aloha flies
a
> > Sunday charter HNL to Xmas and back. Flights can be booked direct.
From
> > what I understand, there are 2 hotels on the Island that will take folks
> not
> > associated with a package or agent. They are the Capt. Cook and Mini
> Hotel
> > Kirimati. Again, I understand that both can be booked direct.
> >
> > Not having been to Xmas and only having looked at photos available in
fly
> > fishing magazines, internet pages and satellite shots, some of my
> questions
> > may seem a bit na�ve to those that have been there. Please bear with
me.
> >
> > My major concerns are about getting around.
> >
> > An article I read in Islands Magazine discussed the ability to renting a
> > pick up truck to get around. A name was given, but I've yet to follow
op
> on
> > it.
> >
> > That being, I am curious if those that have been there would have felt
> > comfortable fishing on their own. If yes why and if no, why again.
> >
> > Had your fished for bonefish or trevally (jacks) somewhere else before
> going
> > to Xmas? If so, did you feel that a guide for the entire week at Xmas
was
> > necessary?
> >
> > How were you transported to your fishing area? Truck, boat, both?
> >
> > If you did this on you, how did you transport yourself around the
island?
> > Where were you able to rent a vehicle or moped? How much was it?
> >
> > Where did you stay? Capt. Cooks, Mini Hotel Kiribati, Big Eddie and
> Joe's,
> > or somewhere else. What were the accommodations like?
> >
> > How far away was your hotel from the various fishing areas?
> >
> > Did you center your meals around the hotel's meal times or were you able
> to
> > locate meals on your own in the community?
> >
> > If this is something that someone would rather discuss in person, please
> let
> > me know, I'd be happy to buy the beer as long as you keep talking.
> >
> > Kind regards
> >
> > Mike Santangelo
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
