Today was a day of events, beginning with a welcoming sunrise. Out of the blue, a cruise ship appeared on the horizon. It was the Carnival Spirit on her way south towards Mexico we assume.
A Mariner Recognition Event held in the Explorer's Lounge at 11am. It was a smaller than usual group with the highest-end Mariners in attendance. We happened to be the only President's Club members for this 11-day stretch, so they had seats for us in the very front of the lounge. There was a problem, because the chairs were so far forward, we could not see the HAL backdrop and we would have been seated directly under the cruise director Dario. We were more than happy to go sit on a windowsill in the back of the room, but that was not an option with the powers to be. Mel from guests services along with Margaret and Leonie pulled those heavy chairs to the front of the screen and there we sat. Once settled in those deep narrow chairs, we were served mimosas and the show began.
Leonie, the GH Manager and Captain Thomas were introduced first, followed by seven silver medallions awarded to folks who just recently went over the 300-day mark. Seeing Captain Thomas up close, we did indeed remember him as Staff Captain on most every Amsterdam sailing we have done. In turn, he remembered us, admitting that when we went up for a photo. I, for one, was happy to be able to get out of that low-to-the floor chair. When the crowd dispersed, Captain Thomas joined us for a half hour chat discussing everything under the sun including his little girl who was 18 months old the last time we saw her. She is turning 10 years old soon. Time sure flies......
We made it back to our room just in time for the Captain's noon update. We have gone 542 nautical miles from Pichilingue and have an addition 452 nautical miles to reach San Diego. We were currently sailing the coast of Baja California known for surfing, abalone fishing, cactus, villages, and deep-seaa fishing. There was a good chance we may see migrating whales such as the humpbacks and grays. And by the way....we did.
The current temperature was 77 degrees, 67% humidty, and 10.1 mph winds. The sea swells remain at 7 feet. Sunset tonight was at 6:03pm with sunrise at 6:38am. We thanked the Captain for including this info in his daily talks. One of us did a little more shopping before making a run to the Dive In Grill for a Cannonball burger and a hot dog. Unknown to me, the Lido Fair was in progress, and it was like entering a zoo. Games were in motion with food, prices, and obviously fun gauging at the sound of the yelling and screaming. Going to the Lido pool at this time of day is always easy since most everyone has already eaten lunch. There was a plus factor with servings of chicken tenders, French fries, and even small, decorated donuts. With a short wait, I was back home with the hot food. I had also remembered to use those beverage vouchers before they expired, bringing back two cans of Corona beers.
We had another surprise sighting of a whale spouting in the distance. It could have been either a humpback or even a gray whale migrating south. It never surfaced enough to be able to identify it. Shortly after that, we were treated to yet another sunset, turning the sky and waters orange. That always is a reminder that it was time for dinner.
Dinner was dressy this evening. They had some good appetizers such as shrimp and avocados, and Caesar salads. The surf and turf option was a crab cake and tenderloin with fingerling potatoes. Not too hungry, one of us ordered the Rotella pasta with some oxtail meat. It was just right. One scoop of lemon sorbet, and a tiny serving of volcano cake sweetened the meal.
Showtime featured the Vivace Strings with a concert - The Soul of the Earth. They promised and delivered timeless classics, soulful melodies, and irresistible rhythms.
We got two more tiles compliments of the Mariner's Society. So much for day two at sea.
Bill & Mary Ann
