Every long voyage has its moments, and today brought one we’d hoped to avoid. Our stop in Vanuatu was officially aborted early this morning. The surf at the port was too rough for the ramp to be safely set, and no amount of careful maneuvering could convince the sea otherwise.

What makes it all the more ironic is that, as we sail away, the water around us looks calm—almost serene. You’d never guess that just a short distance away the swells were strong enough to cancel an entire port call. The sea has her own logic, and today she reminded us that she’s the one writing the script.

It’s a genuine disappointment. No new flag will be added to the map at home, and Vanuatu will remain an empty space in this voyage’s constellation of stops. But at least we can say this: thank goodness we booked our shore excursion through the ship. One less headache to cancel, and one small mercy on a day that didn’t go as planned.

So we settle into an unexpected sea day, watching the horizon smooth itself out as if nothing ever happened. Not the day we imagined, but still part of the story.

Next stop: New Caledonia. Here’s hoping tomorrow brings clear skies, cooperative seas, and a proper welcome ashore. And with friends waiting for us in Tauranga and New Plymouth, we’re crossing our fingers for no further changes—those reunions are too precious to miss.