Friday 4/3/09 3:00pm (1 hour earlier than PDT)

Speed: 19.9 kts , Temp: 69.1 degrees, Humidity: 69.4%

27 degrees 59’ N  133 degrees 28’ W

Sailed 861.4 nautical miles from LA

1280.1 nautical miles to Hilo

Seas: 4 – 7.5ft

Sea temp 64.4 degrees

Happy Birthday Greg!!!!!

Yet another leisurely sea day yesterday…up late and lounged around.  In the afternoon, it was dicey wooden horse racing for M, B & K.  Each won a race and we were quite pleased.  Anna, one of the cruise directors, called the race and she is so fast we can get in three races.  We enjoyed high tea in the dining room, but the people we sat with were kind of stuck on themselves…oh well, we enjoyed it despite their sourness.    Went to Sabatini’s, one of the premium restaurants on board, and had a great Italian dinner.  K remembered not to eat too much of the antipasto and the others followed her lead.  A saw a man in a ship’s uniform and hollered out, “Hey Captain!”  She was not intending him to hear her, but he laughed—especially since he was the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.  Expedia sent us a voucher for a free bottle of wine, so that was enjoyed, as well.  A bit of shopping on board and some casino gaming was enjoyed and then we retired early.  A decided to try the top bunk for the night with K sleeping on the bed below.  It worked out well for everyone, it seems.

The ocean is relatively flat today and the sun is peeking out now that we are clear of that coastal stretch.  We had a cargo ship sighting this morning in the distance, but it soon disappeared over the curvature of the earth.

The ocean temp has cooled as we are in the deepest part of the ocean with a depth of about 16,400ft.  We are currently passing over what are called ‘fracture zones’ which are characterized by rugged escarpments, great seamounts and very deep trenches which are created by friction when the tectonic plates move against each other.  When these plates move apart, molten rock is forced upward creating submarine volcanos.  Hopefully one doesn’t blow today!

One of the three formal nights is tonight, along with the Captain’s Gala Cocktail Party—Think free drinks!  Yahoo!  We also tip the clocks back an hour again so we will officially be on Hawaii time well in advance of our arrival in Hilo.

They offered a Pub lunch in the steakhouse today and we were given a choice of Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, Ploughman’s Lunch or traditional Cottage Pie. All seem to be fairly happy with their selections, although A had to pass on eating something that resembled a mix of spam and head cheese.

Mom-you will be happy as we put the water bottle to good use at lunch!

A is up by the pool soaking up some rays of sunshine.  M had to get out of the sun as she felt as if she was burning.  K is waiting for the sun to swing over to our side of the ship.  Everybody is good and no seasickness or anything else.

Had a bunny rabbit towel animal last night which I think A slept with—it reminded her of Bob her cat.

Heard about the shootings in New York this morning…very tragic.  It is amazing that we all just can’t get along.

Forgot to mention that B, along with her horse racing win on pony #5, also won an official Princess beach bag…it was her lucky day.

We hope everyone enjoys their weekend!