And now for something completely different...

Tuesday, February 25. Rocking and rolling in the Philippine sea.

We have not seen the sun for several days now, it is still warm, [the air 84F the sea 82], but there has been a sea of white above, with some sky seen occasionally, and the horizon a bit of a misty blur the whole time since PNG, [Papua New Guinea]. It certainly is easier to type PNG than the full name of that country, I can see why it was abbreviated.

We are plugging along at around 18 knots with another 800 miles to go to Manila. The stabilizers are fully engaged, according to the captain, and I would fear to be aboard if they were not. There are no vomit bags in the stairwells yet but methinks there are many people staying in their cabins in the prone position.

The ship is rolling, [side to side] as well as pitching, [plunging up and down lengthwise], it is also having its bow pushed left to right so there is no one steady motion to contend with and walking in the stairwells is a bit of a challenge. However I see on the TV ship's navigation channel that it is classified as a 'slight sea', but that was at 1.30 and it is now 4.10. We have 11 to 13 foot waves now, so maybe I am not a good a sailor as I think I am! 

We are on deck seven which is quite high so it feels the rolling quite a bit more but right now the best place to be is on A deck, which is one below deck one, and oddly enough, that is where the ship's hospital and medical department happens to be. They are located there so for a variety of reasons but one is so that they can evacuate you off the ship easily without elevators or stairs to contend with as it is a loading level. To date, 12 people have been taken off and sent home for medical reasons, plus their spouses I can only assume but maybe it is only six. That is why people but trip interruption insurance.

I have taken the liberty of showing what Gail has accomplished and is learning to do in her spare time while aboard. She attends a watercolour class on sea days. Gail has done this before and I think that she is catching on and doing very nicely.

This evening after dinner we are attending a 50th Wedding Anniversary Reception for a couple that are a common friend of Jim and Gail and Fellette knew from the choir on the 2008 cruise.

Nothing else to report, just another restful day at sea.

Pics:

The view to the bow from our balcony. Looks are deceiving, it is rough out there.

The TV navigation channel. Note the sea depth, 19,000 feet, somewhat over my head. Also the wind, 38 knots, rather brisk.

Three of Gail's pastime achievements.