New Year's Day 2023 +++

01/01/2023: Today we slept in. Then worked out and walked before tucking into the amazing brunch. Yes, we did each have 2 drinks because we could. Then on to a little bird watching (Mike) and laundry (Mary) and napping (both of us, after all the dancing last night). And, oh my gosh, the Brunch was something else. Tonight we did some star gazing. Found Orion’s Belt, but the beautiful moon made it hard to pick out much else.

01/02/2023: Very clear and calm seas, temperature at a steady 81 degrees, and virtually no wind on the Pacific as we make our way towards western Mexico. Another good work out plus a two mile walk around the deck (one time around = ¼ mile) before breakfast. Then on to swim in the infinity pool. Back in our room, we sat on our verandah and watched for wildlife. Today’s best sightings - which happened so quickly we had no time to shoot photos - was a bird standing on a turtle’s back (Mary) and 3 Orcas (Mike). Wow!

01/03/2023: Today we attend a French Wine Tasting. Our wine steward from The Restaurant, who is from Ukraine, did an outstanding job of presenting an array of French wines -- sharing everything he knows about each region, including its terroir & history, as well as the details of making each wine. We learned how to uncork a bottle of Champagne without making any noise. We also

learned why bottles are tilted a certain way for pouring. And we learned how Champagne corks get their shape. And much much more. These were not tiny little pours, either. A short catnap was required post-tasting. All but one were blends and we would be willing to drink any of them again.

1-Remy Martin Carte Blanche (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier) Champagne, France
2-Domaine Loberger Vieilles Vignes (Riesling) Alsace, France (not a German Riesling!!)
3-Gerard Bertrand, Cigalus (Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc) Languedoc-Roussillon, France
4-Michel Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pie VI (Grenache, Syrah) Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley
5-Gerard Bertrand L'Hospitalitas (Syrah, Mourvedre) Languedoc-Roussillon, France