Hilo, Hawaii

We finally arrive after 5 days at sea, a somewhat rough sea I might add. We had some mechanical problems that slowed us somewhat but we finally arrive at Hilo on the east coast of the big island. After the required Lei's we return to out room to frolic with on of the towel animals created by our very dedicated steward Satiev.

The journey begins

We toured the ship today, 10 decks, 780' long, 60,000 tons 1500 passengers and 700 crew. The food is wonderful and the entertainment is first rate. Our first meal occurs just as we get underway. This moving floor is gowing to take some getting used to:)

Naval Warfare

On Saturday we were entertained by Naval maneuvers and a cannon duel between the two vessels on the left and the pier on the right (see cannon smoke). It went on for several hours activating the car alarms on the street with each blast:) Today we woke to the first view of the Zaandam, the ship that will be supplying our Hawaiian adventure. Five days out, four different islands on four different days, and five days back. We can't wait!!! I'm thinking maybe a good diet will be order whence we return:) This photo shows the refueling barge at the rear of the boat. It takes many hours to refuel so they will be there until about lunchtime.

We Made It!!!!!

We have a beautiful hotel room in San Diego overlooking the harbor. Views of a Carnival Cruise ship (ours, the Zaandam, will be in that same spot on Sunday) an aircraft carrier in the distance and a couple of restored sailing ships right in front of our hotel. We are stoked!!

Green Heron

We spotted this Green Heron on the irrigation canal that drains the Romain fields and returns precious water to the Colorado River on its way to Baja.

Yuma

Busy agricultural community, lots or Romaine lettuce, not much else. A nice decompression before we leave for San Diego. We store the rig at Pio Pico state park and contintue on to the hotel next to the pier tomorrow. We are excited! First cruise for both of us. Two weeks, 4 islands, lots of blog photos once we return. Shipboard E-Mail is prohibitively expensive so posts to the blog will have to wait.

Tucson AZ

Tucson must the home of the Saguaro. What a beautiful landscape accented by a few big horn sheep. The entire hillside in the background is covered with Sagauro.