February 9, 2025

CAPE HORN, CHILE

February 1st 2025 we sailed by Cape Horn. The Cape is the along the bottom edge of the South American continent and marks the start of the Drake Passage. Infamous for churning seas and wicked winds, it's believed that more than 10,000 seamen have perished "rounding the horn". Our Captain, sounded our horn in honor of all the fallen seamen as we passed! It was rainy and super windy, but not to big of swells as we sailed by. On the island there is a lighthouse maned by a family, a husband wife and 2 teenagers a boy and girl. The posting is usually for just one year but this family has lived here for 3 years. Below are photo'd from internet showing their lighthouse home and small chapel. They get provisions shipped in every couple of months. Some boats stop here on the island - there is a memorial statue for all the fallen seamen, but nothing else on the island. Very remote!

By Patricia Patrick October 13, 2025
Ternate, Indonesia, which is both the name of the city and island, and is part of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is a port that sees maybe 3 Cruise ships a year. However, they really made an effort to show us the best of what they can offer. It's mainly a Muslim country, and we knew we had to dress discretely, but we knew little else. We didn't have our typical port talk prior, due to a technical issue with the AV equipment. Ben a fellow resident, organized an island tour, with about 8 stops, for 90 of us residents.
By Patricia Patrick October 10, 2025
Cebu greeted our Ship with a big warm welcome, despite having just been rocked by a major Earthquake, days before our arrival. The Minister of Tourism arrived with a motorcade and she proceeded to chat with the residents and thank us, for all our support.
By Patricia Patrick October 2, 2025
Today we were Cave explorers! We went to the one of UNESCO newly classified 7 NEW WONDERS OF NATURE - The Puerto Princesa Underground River.