The 10th of October began with a lovely sunrise over the Pacific, viewed from the couple’s balcony aboard Celebrity Summit.
Soft pink clouds floated above a golden horizon as the ocean welcomed another day.
Jeannie, an enthusiastic early riser, was once again awake to appreciate the morning’s arrival.
Your reporter suspects God has been providing these spectacular sunrises all along. Jeannie simply has a habit of showing up early enough to notice.
Alone at Sea?
A subsequent survey of the horizon revealed an astonishing amount of ocean.
Water to the left. Water to the right. Water straight ahead.
Not another ship in sight. In fact not another person in sight either.
Had Celebrity Summit somehow misplaced the rest of civilization?
Fortunately, the navigation officers appeared completely unconcerned, so your reporter elected not to investigate further.
Instead, the endless horizon offered a humbling reminder of the enormity of God’s creation.
One enormous ocean. One comparatively small cruise ship. And two grateful travelers enjoying the privilege of seeing another part of His remarkable world.
Breakfast with a View
Following the morning’s ocean surveillance, attention turned to breakfast.
The photographic evidence reveals one of Bharat’s freshly prepared omelets, bacon, an English muffin, and orange juice, accompanied by an impressive waterfront view.
Your reporter has reviewed numerous breakfast locations over the years, but this arrangement deserves special recognition.
The scenery changes continuously, and the dining room travels along with its guests.
Try finding that combination at your neighborhood breakfast establishment.
Breaking Weather News!
At one point, dark clouds appeared on the horizon, prompting your reporter to consider a dramatic headline.
STORM THREATENS PEACEFUL DAY AT SEA!
So much for the sensational news department, the storm passed almost as quickly as it appeared, giving only the starboard side of the ship a fresh water rinse.
Many passengers probably never knew it happened. In fact this report may take longer to read than the weather event lasted.
Blue skies returned, accompanied by magnificent white clouds rising above the Pacific.
The Lord had provided another remarkable display of His creation.
The weather department, meanwhile, was advised to stop exaggerating.
Balcony Bliss
Elsewhere aboard Celebrity Summit, your roving reporter located Skip conducting what appeared to be an extensive study of relaxation techniques.
Research facility: Private balcony.
Equipment: One comfortable chair, a refreshing ocean breeze, and a spectacular view.
Preliminary findings suggested the experiment was a complete success.
Skip appeared to have mastered the complicated procedure of sitting still and enjoying himself.
Jeannie, meanwhile, continued documenting the changing scenery, ensuring that future generations would have photographic evidence that the two of them were capable of spending an entire day at sea without getting into mischief.
At least none reported to this correspondent.
And Now, for Something Completely Different
As evening arrived, the pace changed considerably.
Jeannie and Skip attended Soundtrack, a production show in the Celebrity Summit theater.
And judging from the photographic evidence, the performers had not received the day’s memo about relaxation.
Colorful costumes, energetic dancing, dramatic lighting, and a stage filled with talented entertainers brought the theater to life.
It was a lively contrast to the peaceful Pacific Ocean outside.
Then came an act that left your reporter reconsidering the conventional understanding of gravity.
One performer lifted another high above his head in a breathtaking display of strength, balance, and trust.
Your reporter recommends that Jeannie and Skip continue appreciating such achievements strictly from their theater seats.
Their balcony relaxation skills are already well developed. No need to branch into acrobatics.
What a delightful way to conclude a leisurely day at sea!
Tomorrow: The Main Event
As October 10 drew to a close, anticipation was building aboard Celebrity Summit.
Tomorrow the ship would transit the Panama Canal!
After days of traveling along the Pacific coast, Jeannie and Skip were approaching the experience that inspired this grand adventure.
An extraordinary engineering achievement connecting two great oceans, surrounded by the magnificent world God created.
Your reporter expects a busy assignment.
There will be locks to observe, ships to photograph, engineering marvels and undoubtedly a few stories worth telling.
But for today, the assignment was pleasantly uncomplicated.
A sunrise. A beautiful ocean. A disappearing storm. A little balcony research. And a spectacular evening performance.
Not bad for a day spent going nowhere in particular while actually traveling toward somewhere extraordinary.
This is Lumen Aid, roving reporter for Island Time Travels, signing off aboard Celebrity Summit.
Tomorrow, we’re going places. Very slowly, through a rather impressive ditch.
