Karen: Thanks for reminding me! I must look up my 'what to do' brochure - I think the German lunch is today! It's extremely foggy at present so it might be guesswork as to what we're eating!

You will all be no doubt pleased to learn that Michael arrived safely back on board yesterday after the risky Russian helicopter flight. He had a wonderful time and took some great photos of the volcanoes which he will no doubt at some time, post for y'all to see.

The Captain has told us he will sail outside the Japanese 12 mile limit wherever possible, so with a bit of luck, we'll be able to get the internet at some time, except of course when in port. I imagine there will be a queue for it when it's available!

Sitting here in the internet room, it's hard to imagine what everyone did on sea days before they introduced the internet!!

Lee