Cruising 26 April 2009

     I spoke too soon about that weather!  We woke to gray skies and more wind, 35 knots across the bridge this morning as compared to 10-15 other days.  Seas were stated as moderate when we got up but I suspect that must be the high end of moderate.  Since we have been sleeping with our balcony door open we noticed this first thing in the early morning hours, even before dawn.  No rain yet but with the wind our balcony is quite damp. 

   We passed customs today, which took all of five minutes.  A British customs officer came on  board in Bermuda to complete this so we will have an easy and fast departure.  He was funny saying that is was such painful duty with a big smile on his face.  Looks like he will do this for just three days for a total of 18 hours.  Meanwhile he can enjoy the ship and all the amenities. 

   I had a minor mishap today, John stepped on the back of my sandal and that broke the plastic clasp. Janice you like my newer style as compared to the lace up sandals, but this point is a definite draw back.  Laces would not have broken.  I did manage to sew the strap onto the other side and I hope they will hold up.  Maybe I can find a place in Europe with Keen sandals and get a new clasp I can simply put back on them.  If not, then I will just have the one pair of shoes that I must wear socks with and that will be more difficult if the weather turns hot. Such is life and the well made plans for footwear!  

   John's knee is sore, thankfully it is not worse.  It was a quiet day for us and we decided to lay low after the recent mishaps.  We are missing everyone today as well.  It took four tries and 20+ minutes just to read five emails and reply briefly to two of those.  Not sure when I can even post the blog.  Tomorrow will be a better day!   Perhaps prayer will hold the "Eash Factor" at bay for us! 

Temperature:  60.8* 

Sea:  Moderate 4-7.5 (more movement on the ship perhaps due to the increased speed and/or wind conditions, but still so little movement, I am surprised)

Nautical Miles to Ponta Delgada: 888, from Galveston: 2943, from Kings Wharf: 1057

Wind is 28 knots across the deck tonight.  The report states it is raining but we can't really see it.  Outside areas are damp but it is hard to know if this is from rain or simply mist from the sea blowing in the wind.  I guess we will sleep with the door closed tonight to be sure the carpet does not get damp.