Hi Lee - I am so sorry we missed seeing you in Melbourne. They were very good matches. Saw updates on the men's match last night on the sports station.

Groundhog Day

Woke up early and immediately thought of Bill Murray in the movie "Groundhog Day". Same weather, same location, rinse and repeat. Enjoyed the breakfast club gathering in the coffee connection as we awaited word on the weather.

Reef Grief

Our pilot gave a second lecture at 10 am on "Captain Bligh: Hero or Goat" and another passenger agreed to offer a digital photography lecture at 11 am. We got word we would be leaving around 1 pm from the shelter of the island outside the harbor. Brisbane harbor was still closed but we were given permission to depart.

But wait ... there is more

Along with the second lecture, we were advised there was an emergency medical evacuation required. Passengers were asked to stay off the outside deck space as the helicopter (Queensland Emergency Management, sponsored by Rio Tinto) hovered overhead and the ill passenger was airlifted to Brisbane for necessary medical treatment.

Headed up to the elevator lobby on 11 to observe the proceedings from inside the ship. Goodness .. the helicopter was very low, just above the port side of deck 12. Flight nurse already on the ground and arrangements were underway to load patient, nurse and be on their way

Once the helicopter departed for Brisbane, we got the sad news our next stop will be Cookstown sometime on the 30th of January. It's a real blow since many of the ship's company were along specifically to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

It's a Swell Time

Providentially, the mid-cruise comment cards were delivered this morning. Disappointment is running as high as the seas alongside the ship about now.

Heard from Ken and Sheila there's significant damage in their area of the Sunshine Coast. We are so sorry to learn of the damage and devastation. Weather should be improving as we head north - but we got the full "E" ticket Disney ride right in Compass Rose for Lunch. There were a couple of waves that completely washed over the deck 4 windows. Oh yea .. and a few trays of glassware hitting the floor.

rolling side to side right now. Art auction postponed until 2:30 pm. Can't imagine how that is going to go without at least a few paintings knocked off their easels.

Cheers, Anne