Aruba’s Windmills

Several years ago, a series of ten large windmills were set up in Aruba. Each one has the capability to generate about 3 megawatts. Given the steady tradewinds that blow in from the east, these turbines run near full power for about 9 months of the year. Here’s a view of several taken from a helicopter.

They stand about 300′ above the ground, facing east into the breeze. You can see the rugged shore at the edge of the frame. Here’s a look at a single unit.

In earlier posts, I showed how the bases were constructed. They’re rather stout, and they better be, because sometimes that easterly blows in excess of forty knots, generating a tremendous amount of pressure against the tower. There is talk of more turbines coming to the island. In the mean time, large reciprocating power plants (think big diesel engines) have been installed at the WEB plant in Balashi. Either way, Aruba enjoys one of the most reliable power grids in the Caribbean.

Bon dia.

Published in: on September 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Threshold at 11, Aruba

When landing at Aruba, most flights use Runway 11 due to the prevailing winds from the east, south east. Lately the wind has been variable with some planes landing from the other direction. Either way, Queen Beatrix Airport has plenty of room to accommodate the largest aircraft, including the Boeing 747 which arrives from Amsterdam a couple of times a week. Here’s a look at the threshold of Runway 11 for my flying pals who can never get enough of this kind of thing.

It has to be a beautiful sight from the left seat of jetliner, coming in over the scattered reefs and shoals dotting the blue Caribbean. I’ve heard stories from the old days of my pals riding the jump seat. That was back when things like that were permitted. These days, we’re stuck in the back, catching a glimpse here and there. Unless… well… unless the flying club gets their Cessna going again. Then I’d be quite happy to take a trip around the pattern and see it first hand.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 26, 2011 at 12:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Zeerovers from the Air

During my latest helicopter flight over Aruba, I managed to grab some still photos of some favorite locations. This one is of Zeerovers, the fisherman’s wharf in Savaneta.

Zeerovers is located to the left of the frame where you see the boats docked. This place is great for a cold drink, watching the fisherman land their catch, and the men with knives filet it with amazing skill. They’ll also fry up some of that fish for you, too. There’s an exciting scene in my next novel, Hacha’s Gold, here as well. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting more of these photos from the air so stay tuned to The Bent Page.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 23, 2011 at 10:14 am  Leave a Comment  
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14 Bis, Aruba Airport

14 Bis (don’t ask me how this name came to be) is a new restaurant located at the Queen Beatrix Airport in Aruba. As you can see from the sign below, they’re open all day, serving all three meals.

It is situated between the American departure hall and the arrivals hall. Therefore, if you wanted to check in for your flight and then have a snack, it’s on your way. Let’s take a look inside.

There’s plenty of seating, which will come in handy given the surge of people that arrive for each flight. Let’s take a look at the food.

You have a lineup of sandwiches and wraps. Take your pick. Then there’s panini and the like made to order, plus fresh fruit and baked goods, giving you the opportunity to refuel on something better than your average airport chow.

Looks like quality preparation and presentation here. Given that the food on airlines is quite skimpy these days, it’s a relief to have an alternative like this to enjoy prior to entering the sequestered area of the airport. You can finish your meal in comfortable surroundings and make better use of your time on the plane. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the flight.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 19, 2011 at 12:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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