I've divided our 5-week trip into three phases: Part 1:  Iceland and the Azamara Journey cruise to watch the Total Solar Eclipse. Part 2:  Our stops in Montreal and Vancouver. Part 3:  Silverseas Silver Whisper cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu. But before I finish with Part 3, some news of the day. The war between the U.S. and Iran: The estimate, which covers the war’s direct costs through Aug. 1, is in line with the Pentagon’s most recent public accounting from July, when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that the war had cost $37.5 billion. A later report from the Defense Department's inspector general determined that the conflict cost an estimated $33.4 billion between February 28 and June 30.   But the new CBO analysis finds that the price of the war is continuing to rise, estimating that the government will spend another $2 billion to $3 billion each month the conflict continues. It also notes that the war has significantly depleted U.S. munition...

Our experience on Day 1 of our cruise on the Silver Whisper was greater than fine.  Possibly, this was the best beginning of a sea journey ever.  Before sharing why, a few news of the day items. The first story is also related to our cruise, because we are headed towards three hurricanes.  The first few hours were calm and safe.  As we entered the Pacific Ocean, we already were experiencing the effect of those storms, for through the night, I had difficulty walking from my bed to the bathroom and back. I yesterday provided details on those three hurricanes, About Karina . Attained hurricane strength on August 30. Got up to 145 MPH on August 31, but also weakened down to 125 MPH, Up to 140 MPH on September 1. Up to 145 MPH on September 2. Down to 105 MPH on September 3, yesterday, Now at 90 MPH. Will further weaken and become a tropical storm either tomorrow or the next, September 6, my birthday,  Good gift if so, The Silver Whisper will not get to the Big Island...