Where are Paul and Donna

So, SEVEN DAYS at sea — at first glance it just seemed like that was going to be too long. We have been so busy with ‘stuff’ once again I have fallen behind on my penguins posts.

April 14 - 20, 2024 at first looked like seven long sea days, nothing could be further from the truth.

Russell and Gail Lee had masterminded a plan that made the time fly like an instant - The now “Infamous Viking Neptune Photo Scavenger Hunt.”

Congratulations to Susan’s team of two for winning the grand-prize in the final eliminations.

What was interesting to watch over the past five days (15th-19th) was human behavior - Margaret Mead would have tons to report had she been bushes watching us. Those not in the actual competition enjoyed the people watching as well.

At first it was every person (or team) for themselves. You would see small coveys of people nestled together around their cell phones. Sharing their secrets unto just themselves.

You would walk down a hallway and people would turn their backs and whisper softer. Nobody could be trusted. The competition was so fierce if the Neptune had sunk people would still be on board search from the Holy Grail - You know what I am talking about - “the checker board.”

About halfway through this multi-day event things started to loosen up. The key question to determine your status up against your competitors was; “How many do you need?” We were sizing up the other teams, still with a hint of mistrust.

In the dark hours of the night “deals” would be made. Example: Person “A” needs 16 more. But Person “B” only needs 6 more. What is the value of a trade? So, I heard (cough-cough) that Person “A” got 5 in exchange for giving 2 to Person “B.”

By the last day there was a major shift with all the teams. While, there are some VERY competitive people on this ship - the sharing and giving to others just opened up. One person knew I needed just the Holy Grail - Once I found it (by way of a deal I made with another player) he gave me a big thumbs up.

The game turned into having fun - and wanting to show Russell we could find all 59 items. It was a great finale in the Star Theatre. Congratulations to Susan & Team your win is well deserved.

Check out the Facebook site for many pictures others have posted.

I need to give a BIG thanks to Bob & Patty the two other team members on Merle’s Marauders. They were just happy to help me out - they found a ton of them for Merle.

Of course a huge thank you to Russell & Gail for all the work they did pulling. As well as, all the crew members who helped us all out and organized the logistics of this event.

I am pretty sure we could go up against the Viking Sky and win with no problem. Just pick a port, and port and we are there!Læs mere