Big News in the South Pacific...

The big excitement today was that we were buzzed by an RNZAF [?] New Zealand Air Force patrol plane about 3 PM. He was about 200 meters off the ocean and ran along our starboard bow in the same direction as we were sailing. [To NZ.] In reality he was saying hello and having a bit of fun. They knew this was not a boatload of refugees. Far from it, it is a boatload of the over-fed and the nearly-dead.

Both Australia and New Zealand monitor the approaches to their shores very closely. It is not uncommon for them to be less than generous to people trying to sneak into their back door illegally.

Other than that it was a very relaxing day at sea.

We joined Moe at her table tonight, [a formal night]. The family of four at her table had gone to the alternate dining room tonight and the other single lady opted out rather than get dressed up. As Moe would be alone she invited us to join her. Moe was a bit late in arriving and Fellette and I sat there rather alone with waiters and stewards wondering who in the heck we were. We also got the odd blank stare from some adjoining folks who looked like the end of the world was happening with a change in routine. I love it, because it breaks the routine that many people get set into, like cement! Finally Moe arrived. We apologized to the steward and waiter and asked if we could have our dinner in a bit of a hurry so we could go to Doug and Fellette's table for dessert.

This we did. It was great fun and after much small talk and many laughs we went our separate ways. Moe and Fellette to a Chick Flick movie, some to the Violinist, and me and others to the cabin to back up my pictures and do a blog etc.

Moe is seated at what I consider about the best table on the ship. It is right at the back centre of the dining room, the view is the wake of the ship and the horizon, I can actually see the curvature of the earth as we look out on the 180 degree panorama. We now have daylight right through dinnertime and it is glorious. The ceiling is low there and at a table for six, so you can actually hear your table companions. Fellette and I are at a table for eight with a 20 foot ceiling that looks like a scene from the Poseidon Adventure. No complaints, just an observation.

I understand that there is some snow at home. It is so easy to lose touch with reality when traveling like this.

I have asked Moe and Fellette to give some thought to writing a blog one day. Nothing in particular but putting down what they feel and would like to express to any readers. Do not hold your breath, but I will persist.

Auckland tomorrow. Cutlers doing walkabout, Moe on tour, D & F meeting with a church friend who now lives near Auckland.