DAY 7: Ferry to Newcastle

Well, it is not the finish line yet, but this leg is a slight downhill slope, anyway. First, though, we get a refresher course on the power and sovereignty of God.

We started out from the Intermission Hostel with vague directions by bus to the ferry terminal and because it is Sunday, all the schedules are screwy anyway. By the time we finally did find the bus stop, the bus was gone and the next one wouldn’t be along until after our ship had sailed. We try to stop a taxi, but he won’t give us a ride because he doesn’t have car seats for children. So, here we stand, on a lonely street, early on a Sunday morning and our boat leaves in about an hour. We need help! We gather the kids and pray specifically for a taxi that will stop and take us, even without car seats. Then we pack up our bags and start moving to a busier street. We don’t make it to the corner before another taxi. He pulls up and yes! Of course! He has built in, pop-down children’s’ car seats! He is on his way home after working all night and decided to stop anyway for us. We cram ourselves in – I end up sitting on Katie’s lap, rather than the other way around, and in a few minutes we are at the car ferry terminal and ready to board the King of Scandinavia!

As we walk towards the gangplank the kids are greeted by a young woman in a pirate outfit. Yes! There is shipboard entertainment for kids! We have a full day to play and rest aboard ship. The kids take off on a treasure hunt. There are stories and crafts about Orcas, though no actual orcas are spotted on this trip.

There is also a pool and a playground, so Todd and I tag team. That way the kids get to play and we both get a chance to relax and even nap a little. At the meals the boys especially get their money’s worth from the buffet and Andrew has repeatedly sighed “This is the life!” And it is!