Day 06 Morning Solitude on the River

Before sunrise aboard the Viking Rinda, I discovered a rare pocket of stillness — soft mist, the sound of the sea, and a quiet corner perfect for reflection and sketching. A peaceful moment between ports that reminded me how good solitude feels.

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This morning I woke up around 5:30 AM. Not wanting to disturb Donna’s sleep, I quietly got dressed and slipped out to the lounge. The Viking staff were already at work — busy as church mice — making sure everything was in perfect order before the travelers stirred for the day.

A few early birds were scattered around the lounge, some lost in a book, others tapping on their laptops. I grabbed a couple of cappuccinos from the coffee station and set them down at my favorite corner table. From there, I could see the faint glow of dawn stretching across the horizon.

I took out my phone and recorded a short video — the dark sky, the faint mist, the rhythmic sound of the water softly crashing against the bow of the Rinda as she glided toward our next port.

For the first time in days, I found myself alone with my thoughts. I opened my small sketchbook and began a quick pen and ink drawing of what I was seeing, what I was feeling. The quiet, the movement of the ship, the subtle hum of the engines — it all felt like meditation.

It’s peaceful this morning. No chatter, no clinking glasses, no voices competing for space. Just the sea, the ship, and me.

And for a moment, I realized how much I need this — these quiet pauses, this happy place where I can simply draw and be.

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