Day 16, At sea off the Californian coast

We woke up this morning having left California and we are in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean.  Nothing but blue water and blue skies for as far as you can see.  We won't see land for four days.

 

Last night as we left California, we went in between some of the Channel Islands.  One of the islands is called San Nicolas Island.  It is part of the Navy's Sea Range, a sister Range of the Atlantic Test Range at Pax River where Rob and Toni worked. Toni and Rob took a boat out to Channel Islands National Park once and Rob spent a night out at San Nicolas Island for work.  There is a story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, Juana María ((https://www.nps.gov/subjects/islandofthebluedolphins/lone-woman-of-san-nicolas-island.htm). The book and movie, Island of the Blue Dolphins, was based on her (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_of_the_Blue_Dolphins). 

Today's craft was a flower. Toni made it bloom just like a real flower!!

We have two new crew members for the next month. They are our Island Ambassadors and will be teaching about the cultures, customs, music and activities of all of the islands we will be visiting.  The first Islands are Hawaii so today they taught Lei making, Hula dancing and Ukulele playing.  We went to the Lei making and watched the Hula dancing.

Rob made a lei with nuts and shells and Toni's was fluffy.

  

When we returned to our room, we found gifts from Princess.

Ready for dinner

Seared Garlic Prawns for appetizers

Mahi Mahi for Rob and Yankee Pot Roast for Toni

For dessert, Toni got the Vanilla Mascarpone & Blueberry Cremeux and Rob got the Vanilla Creme Brulee

After dinner we went to the show.  The show was Lou Gazzara, Finalist in American Idol season 2.

Tonight another time zone change and tomorrow another at sea day.