Sunday, July 2, 1995

We ate a leisurely lunch then spent some time sitting on deck playing cards and watching the scenery. The Crown Dynasty was sailing through Alaska's Inside Passage. This main ferry route is a sheltered passage with smooth water and beautiful scenery. Much of Southeast Alaska's variety can be observed along the inside passage. Small towns devoted to fishing or logging; ferry traffic; tourist retreats; Native American, Dutch, Russian and French settlements; Orca (killer whales) and the giant 50 foot Humpback whales can often be seen. Rob and Donna were lucky enough to spot some Orca. I spent plenty of time on deck looking but didn't see any oversize aquatic life.

We saw two early evening shows then went off to dinner. I had to finish dessert quickly because they wanted participants in the night's passenger talent show to arrive early. I was the second of four passengers to perform and the experience was one of the highlights of my vacation. My act was a short 10 minutes of comedy. Some prepared jokes and a bit of improvisational humor. The audience loved it, and they weren't just being polite. All I can say is don't put a microphone in my hand, because I am now a showbiz addict. After the show I could not step out of my cabin without someone stopping me and telling me how funny I was. They suggested I quit my job at IBM and take up professional comedy (I guess some of them have seen the computer code I've written). Even Frank Berry, the ship's comic, complemented me on my show. We finished off the evening with one last trip to the midnight buffet.

Rob:

• Spilled a full glass of juice during breakfast