Another great dinner last night served with premium wines. During the course of the evening we were educated on the constellations by the resident astronomer, entertained by the Viking band, introduced to the ship crew, and plied with alcohol. Today is an hour longer thanks to a time change, putting four hours difference between here and home. However, all my devices now show a different time, so I’m confused – but who cares? There will be one more hour gained when we get to Hawaii, then the dreaded payback on the long flight home. Our ride has gotten a little bumpier in these Pacific waters as we head for tomorrow’s arrival in Ketchikan and the achievement of my 49th of the 50 U.S. states visited. 

It will be good to be back on U.S. soil since I am probably a wanted man in Canada. (See Post #2147). The treadmill was once again my only choice in maintaining The Streak, although it was a little more rocky in these rougher waters. There was far too much wind on the outdoor deck track that will probably only be usable when we’re not moving. The temperature is 53 degrees with a touch of fog and rain. This will probably be the norm during our time in Alaska, using Hawaii to eventually dry out and warm up. I can see the Coastal Mountains in the distance through the clouds. Outside the sliding glass doors it is cool and quite windy. It will not be like yesterday when we lunched outdoors with a whale and swam in the heated pool with blue skies overhead. 

My wife could not get into the yoga class this afternoon, so we’re limited to a wine tasting event, her bridge lesson, afternoon tea, and an astronomy lecture, “Under the Arctic Sky,” in the Explorers’ Dome, with its unique overhead presentation capabilities. We might enjoy another happy hour with the pianist accompanying the artwork of Edvard Munch on the Atrium screen. Dinner is at the Chef’s Table, followed by “Legends Of Guitar – A Tribute to the Greatest Guitarists of All Time” in the Star Theater. I’m skeptical as to how they can do all these legends justice? Regardless, drinks will be served!