Day two at sea was a pleasant one weatherwise. At 7am, the temperature was a warm 81 degrees F, the humidity 71% with winds of 13 mph. Overcast skies early on, with more sun later. The note "weather is subject to change" at any time. Common for this part of the world. We are heading southwest at a speed of 15 knots with little noticeable movement of the ship. Suits us just fine.
Gosh, we were almost late for breakfast while watching the sun rise. We did remember after a time change, breakfast would be at 7:30am, regardless of a port day or sea day. So we ended up going right before 8am to an almost full restaurant. Arsa must have known we would be there and "our table" was available. Some folks arrived at almost closing time of 9am but were not turned away. However, at 9 on the dot, the doors would close and that's the hint no more breakfast service.
One of us spent the morning with the pillow of ice to ease the backpain. It really does help a lot with the stabbing pain. So it was reading a book and doing some "jewelry" repair on the Fanning Island necklace and bracelet. These are strung together with a small gauge fishing line, so the first thing to break was the bracelet with the slightest touch. Lucky it happened at dinner in the dining room, and none of the shells were lost. I restrung them using waxed thread and the smallest needle I had in the kit. It looks pretty much the same as it did before the break, but who's looking? Today I used the same thread to re-enforce the necklace, although it was not broken. Years ago, when we purchased some small baskets with the same shells, the material they used to make the bowls rotted and we had nothing left but the pile of shells.
While I was sewing and icing, the birdwatcher among us walked his multi miles on the promenade deck. Out of the blue, he spotted what he believed to be tropicbirds. Of course, his camera was in the room, so he rushed up to the room to get the camera. Back on the lower deck, he got some nice pictures. Kind of made his day. Now that we know they are in this area of the South Pacific, we will keep a lookout for them.
Captain Willems came on with his daily update slightly after noontime. He said we were about halfway to American Samoa with 590 nautical miles to go to arrive there. The closest tiny island we sailed by was Tokelau, about 300 miles away. The current winds were 10 – 15 knots with 82-degree temps, and partly cloudy skies with a possibility of rain showers (never happened). Tonight's sunset would be at 5:56pm and tomorrow's sunrise will be 5:43 am.
On Deck for a Cause was held at 10am, the first of two such events. Proceeds will go to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization. They work globally to expand access to medicine and health care in places impacted by natural disasters, emergencies, and or poverty. Not everyone was required to do the 5k walk, especially in this heat. The t-shirt and wristband were yours to keep regardless. We own many of them already.
The usual sea day activities filled the Daily newsletter. A port talk on Suva and Lautoka was given in the World Stage, and a lecture was delivered on the Samosas. We will look for the port talk on TV and see if we missed anything while in those ports the last several years.
While one of us was working online, the other was busy straightening out the closets and setting up the daily meds for another three weeks. Then it was time for a date with the ice pack. We had Dive-In Cannonball burgers at 2pm (hold the fries.)
There was not much of a sunset tonight. Just some color spread in the sky that faded to nothingness. We must have following winds since it was not blowing us off of deck six forward.
Dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill at 8pm, after enjoying a drink in our room. Starters were the wedge salads with dressing filled to the top of the little boat. An added shared appetizer of the chicken tacos went well with the salad. Entrees were one pork belly with French fries and mushrooms – both shared. And the other main was the sirloin strip, tender and tasty although a bit too much as always. Dessert was one pinacolatos cake/pineapple/coconut delight and a tray of the strawberry macaroons. All good and the service was flawless, of course.
In the World Stage, the entertainers were Highly Strung Orchestra, a family of singers and musicians playing guitar, woodwind, strings and vocals. They are a rock orchestra playing our favorite hits. Or there was a movie, The Ballad of Wallis Island .
One more day at sea, and we should be in American Samoa.
Bill & Mary Ann
