Ixnay New Zealand

It is 1,857 to 1.

                             I am the 1.

                             We unfortunately need to change our itinerary because of Typhoon Gabrielle down here in the Southern Hemisphere, so you all will be getting another refund because we are missing the next three ports in New Zealand. They are Wellington, Picton, and New Plymouth. We will be booking it through the Cook Strait which separates the North Island of New Zealand from the South Island. We then make a bee line to an added port in Australia, that of Melbourne.

                             The Captain summoned everyone to the theatre and explained our situation. He then asked for a vote to change course and avoid the Storm.

                             His voice rang out loud and clear, “All in favor?”

                             A thunderous reply was heard from the passengers as they all raised their hands in agreement,

                                      “Yea!”

He then asked in a much lower, quizzical-type voice, “Anyone opposed?”

“Nay,” was my rather lonely reply as I meekly raised my hand.

          Glaring at me while delivering the Verdict, “The Yea’s have it! We are changing course; we will throw all the coal into the burners, and it’ll be Full Steam Ahead for the next 36 hours!

          Still glaring down at me he said, “Mr. Hall, you may report to the Chief Engineer for your new duty as a Coal Stoker in the engine room.”                             I came this close to having some adventure on the High Seas, but nooo, we have to go and change course! We may get a little bit of excitement when we exit the Cook Strait into the Tasman Sea.

                             I will keep you informed in between my shifts down in the Engine Room.