The Amsterdam has two days or 1,289 miles to reach the equally remote island of Pitcairn. This will not be a port for us, but a stop for a short time with the hopes that some of the inhabitants of the island will be able to board our vessel. Some of the natives are actually descendants from Fletcher Christian and his crew who mutinied on the Bounty hundreds of years ago. A unique experience for everyone onboard, we hope all goes as planned on Wednesday. One good thing is that no one has to worry about tendering procedures with this upcoming stop. By the way, we received certificates from our visit yesterday in Easter Island. We highly doubt that the folks who were denied that trip to shore were not in such a receiving mood.
The day was just about as perfect as the weather. Gentle breezes and mostly sunny skies stayed with us the entire day. While we were enjoying the outdoors and visiting with friends Leta and Bill, others were busy with the needlework corner. Project Linus has begun, which we believe is creating quilts, blankets, clothing, and the like to be donated at the end of the cruise. Kind of reminds us of the days of old when ladies belonged to a quilting bee. Usually on a long voyage, the items created are displayed for all to see. There are many talented knitters and crochet artists onboard for sure.
Barbie reports that her team has been winning at trivia. She credits their success to the fact that each member of the team knows something the others might not. The biggest plus is that they have trust in that knowledge and they seldom question an answer. There is no reward for the winning group, only respect or jealousy from the opposing teams. Oh yes, and everyone still gets the 10 cent voucher simply for showing up.
Ukulele lessons are happening in the Crow’s Nest, but with it out of sight, it’s almost like it’s not happening. On the Hawaii cruises, these lessons are given in the pool area, where all can observe. It is surprising how many folks really like this activity, but why not? Some repeat passengers even bring their own instruments and learn more every chance they get.
The Hal Chorale group has begun practicing. We recall the days years ago when the cruise director, Bruce, conducted this group of guests. In time after he moved on to another ship, there was no one to take on this activity. So the passengers joined forces and got together anyway. By the end of the first half of the cruise, they should have a concert. Then they will do it again until the end of the voyage with a finale performance. We always go to cheer them on, since several of our buddies are part of the group.
At dinner time, we heard many more stories about yesterday’s port of call. One of the most unusual tale was about one of our tender boats that accidently tangled up with a local boat at anchor, causing them to stop outside of the harbor. Someone had to send a diver equipped with snorkel gear to dive down and untangle the rope that wrapped around the propeller. Funny coincidence, we had another good night card with a suitable saying. TRAVEL. It leaves you SPEECHLESS, then turns you into a STORYTELLER. – IBN Battuta. This is turning out to be so true…..
Another hour back on the clock made us all happy campers. And thanks for the several responses why Easter Island has a time zone that makes little sense, logically-speaking.
Bill & Mary Ann
