January 10

We are a day away from Hawaii. Ship life has been pleasantly predictable. Every day begins with a healthy green drink and latte….along with computer “work.” Then exercise. After that, Karla looks for activities like beginners bridge, line dancing, choir, hula, etc. I focus on reading and educational sessions in the theater. So far, I have resisted the pressure to improve my hula. An added feature is the “alphabet drink group.” It started when the ship left Ft. Lauderdale. A bartender prepares a drink starting from one beginning with A on day 1. Then, B on day 2, etc. About 20 of us are now on R.

The Pacific Ocean is complicated. It occupies 1/3 of the earth’s surface. We have taken 5 days to get to Hawaii. After stops at Kauai and Maui, it will take another 5 days to get to Bora Bora. Following steps at several South Sea islands, we have 5 more days to get to New Zealand ports. We have seen lots of water, but no animals.

I am relatively certain that the sea is flat. Every day it looks that way, I know that the same people who say that there is a problem with climate change argue against a flat earth, but I know what I see. Google says that a person can see about 3 miles before the earth’s curvature obscures the view.  Before I’m convinced, I’d like to hear from an eminent scientist….like RFK Jr.

I used to assume that the ocean was like a lake….a body of water over a relatively flat basin. In fact, lots of people thought that way before the 30’s and 40’s. Once submarines entered the war arsenal, it was necessary to chart the underwater features. It turns out that the ocean covers lots of hills, valleys and mountains that are remarkably similar to the geography above water. An interesting example is the answer to, “What is the world’s tallest mountain?” Most people respond Mt. Everest at a little over 29,000 feet. That is the highest above sea level. But Mauna Loa, in Hawaii, is the tallest (not highest) at 55,700 feet. Obviously, lots of it is underwater. Only 13,100 feet are above the sea.

There is so much going on in the ocean that we don’t see from our deck. The ocean is the number one storage unit for the sun’s energy. Currents are created as warmer surface water and colder deeper water interact. Sometimes the currents can be stronger than the winds. Then there are gyres…..circular currents in each of major oceans. These each “capture” a huge amount of waste plastic and orphaned fishing nets. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, as it is called, is twice the size of Texas.

The water movement is a critical part of the food chain as it encourages plankton and other small creatures to move in the water. Whales and other fish like that. Adding to the movement of tides that are produced by both moon and sun gravitational pulls. This is all very confusing, but seemingly true. It still looks flat and uncomplicated to me.

While other passengers are listening to ship lectures to prepare for our arrival, I decided to go to the experience of Captain Cook, the European who “discovered” the 10’s of thousands people living on the islands. His entourage was described as “boats of wood; men of steel.” Cook was at sea almost 4 years with 2 ships in his “fleet.” A few observations:

   -First of all, these men of steel may have been sissies. They complained about the food. I know from our experience that ship food is very good. If they didn’t like what they were served, they could have had the sushi, have chosen from the duck, steak or pork offerings, hit the salad bar or gorged on the desserts. Plus all of the wine or beer they desired.

   -Cook was sometimes greeted by hostile natives surrounding the ships in their canoes. It’s wise to see if the natives are hostile before departing the ship.

   -In some areas, scantily clad and anxious young women would row out in their canoes and hope to be invited aboard. These liaisons were satisfying for the participants, but frequently resulted in spreading venereal disorders. Captain Cook discouraged this custom and instituted VD checks. There was flogging for the violators.

   -Sometimes, the natives would bring animals for gifts or for trade. I think the captain will discourage pets so anything we trade for will be donated to the kitchen. While Cook had beads and other trinkets, the natives preferred something of iron. Crew members were known to remove nails from the ship for trade to the young women or for goods from the shore. (I have located several iron items on our ship, but they all look pretty heavy.)

   -When natives came aboard, they were sometimes “light fingered’” walking off with items they liked. Private property wasn’t a custom. In our case, outsiders can’t board the ship without ID cards.

   -Finally, there was cannibalism in some areas. In fact Cook discontinued the cruise after being stoned and slashed and partially eaten.

Karla and I will plan our strategy. She plans to do a couple hikes. It will be warm and hilly. I may stay closer to the ship to sort through the aggressive visitors, young woman, cannibals, and, of course, threats of venereal disorders.