"Mar Pacifico"

We are speeding along through the Pacific Ocean, currently traveling at 24 miles per hour and headed to the Hawaiian Islands.

Here are some interesting facts about the Pacific Ocean:

• The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering approximately 60 million square miles, which is more than 30% of the Earth's surface. It is so vast that all of the world's continents could fit into it. No wonder it takes so many sea days to reach our destination.

• The name "Pacific" was given by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, who called it "Mar Pacífico," meaning "peaceful sea," due to the calmness of the water at the time. Admitedly the seas are relatively calm with just a slight rocking motion today (likely due to our speed and the breeze).

• The Pacific Ocean is home to the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans, and the Great Barrier Reef, the world's most extensive coral reef system - which we will be visiting in March as one of the Wonders of the World.

• The Pacific Ocean is rich in natural resources, with abundant reserves of petroleum, natural gas, and minerals. It is also a major source of seafood, including tuna, salmon, shellfish, swordfish, and more. (I;ve been ordering lots of salmon and tuna since I don't have that very often in Wyoming).

• The ocean is shrinking by about an inch annually due to the movement of tectonic plates, and it is home to two major gyres, the North Pacific and the South Pacific Gyre.Three forces cause the circulation of a gyre: global wind patterns, Earth's rotation, and Earth's landmasses.The direction of movement of a gyre has a significant impact on continental climate.

For example, a current moving from south to north in the Northern Hemisphere, or north to south in the Southern Hemisphere, will generally deliver warmer water to the coastal region, affecting air temperature and rainfall. This can lead to a larger moderating influence on coastal climate than the flow of cold water.

• The Pacific Ocean is known for birthing some of the strongest hurricanes and typhoons. (Last January we were forced to change course in the Pacific Islands due to a cyclone... we're hoping all stays calm for this voyage. We have enough to be concerned about with the activity in the Red Sea - which we will learn more about at a "town meeting" tomorrow).

These facts showcase the immense size, geological features, and environmental significance of the Pacific Ocean. During this 87-day voyage, we have many days at sea, which is reasonable considering the extensive distance we must travel. [I am utilizing this time to maintain productivity through exercise and by immersing myself in the captivating book on Audible, The Covenant of Water, while also balancing relaxation and focusing on my studies to become an accredited genealogist. Jeff, on the other hand, has likely explored every part of the ship, tried to enhance his skills in spider solitaire, and continues to work through every "thriller" I load onto his Kindle.) Only one more day and we'll see Dry Land. Reminds me a little of the movie Waterworld.