We’re out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so I’m grateful to have consistent internet service. This is more than we have in our Florida home thanks to Ian. However, for the first time in over a week, I was able to see activity on our Ring cameras. The tile backsplash is being installed around the outdoor kitchen and neighbors have put back in place our urns and fountain. I will owe the folks back home a debt of gratitude for all their attention to our property when we return in a few weeks.

Yesterday, we booked another Viking ocean cruise, looking ahead to 2024. We were able to schedule a 22-day, three-continent excursion from Buenos Aires to Barcelona from the makegood credits that we earned by sticking with them on this cruise. This boat is less than a third full due to cancellations from itinerary changes. At the time of booking, Russia and Japan were the destinations that most passengers were looking forward to seeing. Instead, we made more stops in Alaska and are now headed directly for Hawaii. As it turns out, we’ll be getting nearly a two for one deal on travel, that will not only take me to one of my two missing states (Maine now left to visit on next year’s road trip), but also South America, the Atlantic Ocean crossing, Senegal, Casa Blanca, and Spain. It will be our first opportunity to explore the Southern Hemisphere and will take my continent count to six of seven. However, Antarctica, the missing piece, will probably never be of interest.

We’ve been at sea for the last three days, half-way to Kauai, so there’s little to report in term of sights. Dinners, movies, and shows occupy us during this rocky ocean route. Last night, a champagne reception was held for frequent Viking travelers, like us. We met and had dinner (the soup bar) with some friendly folks from South Carolina. My wife knew the women from bridge, while the men were part of the informal  morning treadmill club. It’s so uncomfortable trying to get my daily mile in with the rocking of the ship. Decks are closed so holding on to the treadmill for dear life is the only option. I’ve had to walk the remainder of the 5k to battle the extensive calories I consume each day. Weight gain is inevitable.