Sun., Day 5

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We are only a couple hundred miles from the big island. Closing the last sea day before reaching Hilo tomorrow, passengers find plenty to keep them busy, but not so busy as to dull their enthusiasm for going ashore in the morning. We have already rehearsed our paces for town, decided upon the shops to visit and a favorite spot to stop for lunch, so finishing out this evening is all we need to hurtle. What to do?

There is, of course, the football game that many are enjoying on the outdoor, giant screen. Nah -- not for us. Too much testosterone.

We could stop and enjoy pianist/vocalist Kathy Phippard, on deck 7 midships. Not really our style, although she does well.

We both enjoy dancing before our Late Seating dinner, and the band, Nexus, is working right now in the Wheelhouse. Tonight, though, we are skipping the dining room, opting to eat earlier. The music of Nexus tried to lure us into the Explorer's Lounge. It didn't work, because we had other ideas.

Husband and wife team Ilua and Dave Soreff, a favorite from previous cruises, caught our ears. Especially glad of that because Dave performed a great cover of Iz's Over The Rainbow-Wonderful World. I was nearly in tears and rushed to buy his CD.

Finally, DINNER: one of us enjoys the buffet offered at Horizon Court more than the multi-course meals served in the formal Dining Room. Now fed and fat, we're ready to set our clocks back one hour and turn in early.

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The meds I've been taking are nearly run out and it appears they've done the trick. Feeling normal now. Not that there's anything wrong with that.