We awaken naturally at 8am and I witness the latest sea conditions from our cabin window. The waves rise to horrific heights, reaching far up into the sky, tormenting the dark clouds overhead, then, with a ferocity never seen by my eyes, return to the ocean, forcing spray and sea foam to pummel our boat and testing the best engineering offered by man against Mother Nature's strength, already well proven over time.

That's the story I gave Karen while trying to wake her. Actually, the large waves and wind has subsided and leaves the ship with only a slight rolling, much less than before. Mom is actually feeling fine today, although I detect a few bags still in her purse for emergencies. Apparently, we moved through a time zone overnight and find it's only 7am. Another free hour! This will happen several more times as we make our way to Hilo, Hawaii. Now today, in possession of a bit more appetite, Mom heads to the buffet for breakfast. Today everything is open but, as usual, it's cereal, fruit and coffee for me. Karen's always more adventurous and tries a variety of things but remains cautious, with yesterday's experience still fresh in her mind.

We go to a presentation by Hawaiian travel expert Kainoa on the creation of the Hawaiian Archipelago. First of all he tells us, the Hawaiian Islands are not in the South Pacific and they are the most remote island group in the world, that is, they are farthest from any other land mass. Easter Island is the most remote island. He is quite interesting and an entertainer too. After Kainoa, it's a light lunch. Then off to the library where I work on my blog and try to send out several days worth of blogs. Only our first day succeeds. The ship internet is down. I can write and load pictures, just no synching or sending. We fill our wine glasses in the room and head up to the Crow's Nest to enjoy the view and listen to the guitar player Mom likes. Unfortunately, the Hulu class is still on which delays the music but we meet some nice people and visit with them for a couple of hours.

We return to our room and decide to finally go to the fancy restaurant. We change into more appropriate attire and head to the dining room. We've chosen "open seating" which means we go to dinner anytime we want, not just at 5 pm or 8pm. We don't get an assigned table or eat with the same people or wait staff but sit wherever space is available. We like it because we meet new people every night. Tonight we meet a couple from Orange County. He's in the Marines. We find out that while we were riding around in San Diego with Queenie yesterday, the boarding process between the Holland America ship and Norwegian Cruise Lines ship got mixed up and there were huge delays for guest boarding in San Diego. To make up, the captain offered free wine and champagne at the sail away last night. Some of the guests overindulged and one old man fell on a lady in a walker who crashed into someone else, injuring all three. The boat had to return to San Diego to drop them off. After leaving the port again at 1am, they were 6 hours late so the captain retracts the stabilizers and increases speed to maintain our schedule. Hence, part of the reason our ship was rocking and rolling so much on Saturday. Who knows if it's all true, but we like the story.

The show tonight was dancing and singing. Later we went back up to the Crow's Nest for Happy Hour and dancing to the Halcats band until 11pm. Mom yelled "Stones!" until they played "I Can't Get No Satisfaction".

We get to set the clock back another hour tonight. Another extra hour of sleep. Who could complain?