It sure is nice to have one day at sea before our final call in Hakodate, Japan. It is hardly enough time to relax, but it is better than one port after another, without a break.
We sure felt the motion of the ocean last night with 36 mph winds (gale force), 48 degrees, 85% humidity and the ship’s speed of 12 knots. We had expected as much as Captain Frank had indicated this weather yesterday. The outside decks were closed off due to the deep swells and spray coming from the tops of the waves.
Keeping busy in our room worked out since when you are sitting, you do not feel the motion as much as trying to walk anywhere. Captain Frank came on with his daily report admitting that the winds had increased to 50 to 60 knots at one point even though we were not in a storm, the seas were rough and choppy with overcast skies. We still had a distance of 260 nautical miles to reach Hakodate located in the northern region of Hokkaido. At noontime, the temperature was 46 degrees and with the wind chill factor, it was much lower than that. It was “a shocker” moment going outside on the veranda where we have spent so many warm days. Tomorrow temps will be even cooler with dry air, but only 5 knot winds. No rain was predicted. Sunset was 6:08pm and sunrise was 5:55am.
Captain Frank also commented on the crossing from Hakedate to Kodiak, Alaska for a total of seven sea days. He said a strong system was after us, but he hoped to outrun the worst of it by doing 16.5 knots and heading in a northerly direction. Once he follows the designated defined straits out of Japanese waters, he will head northeast.
Erin came on after the Captain and reminded everyone of the welcome block party at 4pm. We were so deep in computer work and research that we sort of forgot to go outside in the hallway. We ordered a room service lunch with salads and a shared sandwich. Honestly, the salads are much better from room service than even at dinner in the dining room.
Before dinner, we happened to look outside and saw what appeared to be a rather neat sunset. It has been many days since we have had a sunset, so we went out on the veranda to get some pictures. It only took moments before we were chilled to the bone.
Still chilled from being outside, one of us had the hot chicken noodle soup and the other had a potted beef starter. Still not sure what potted meant but it was good. The global comfort dinner was our entrée with meatballs and spaghetti with coffee fudge and mint chip ice cream for dessert. One scoop each.
The show was vocalist Christine Allado with Broadway and opera showstoppers. The Wajang movie was Sarah’s Oil. We watched Josh’s talk on Hakodate mostly because it is a new port for us.
Bill & Mary Ann
