I composed these lyrics yesterday but don't have a melody yet. ***Sail on Sea Cloud by Craig Kincaid (c) 2012** - I ain't much for prayin' and I don't shed any tears - I've learned how little a man needs so I figure it's all in the years. * - Show me a stained glass window show me a fine walnut door - Let the light show me the temple as it stands o'er the Samos shore * - Lead me to the Church of the Virgin Lead me to the Grand Promenade - Let the wind brush over my shoulder As I rest in the oleander shade. * - Full sail, sail on Sea Cloud take me and my friends on the waves - Let's close our eyes and feel the sway of the ship ... read more

Hi everyone, Toni reporting in - - - The Hunters went off to visit the ancient city of Pergamon and we decided to go into the city of Dikili. As we walked down the gangway, after giving our Boarding Card to the gentleman overseeing departures and returns (this is required at every port), we noticed a large cargo vessel. Of course, Craig was interested to find out something about it – it's being loaded with cement bound for Belgium, the ship's name “Gulf Forest”. We walked along the embarcadero - shore and found people snorkeling in the sea which is as clear as can be and then we found a “playground” with many types of workout machines so we worked out a little, then I decided to dip my toes in the water and found it ... read more

We continue to enjoy every facet of Sea Cloud II from the morning excercises to the evening dinner and delight of sipping a glass of wine and talking with old and new friends on the open deck of the Lido Bar or standing on the bridge and discussing sails, port procedures, etc. with the captain or the chief mate. After the talk about Pergamon, we relaxed in deck chairs along the port side of the Lido Deck waiting for word that the zodiac was ready to take us out to sea for a photo op of the Sea Cloud with all sails unfurled. No question about it, viewing the Sea Cloud II from 300 yards away is an impressive view. There isn't much wind but even still the sails are full. We return to the genteel ... read more

Last night we enjoyed a BBQ in the open air of the lounge deck and marveled at the size of the island of Samos as we passed by it. Then we thought we'd watch a DVD in the Hunter's room which took some time to figure out how to work the system and so we started out watching “The Other” with German subtitles . . . I gave up and retired for the evening to my kindles, Steven King's “11-23-63” Craig just completed “One Way Out: An Oral History of the Allman Brother's Band”. We arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey (we are now in the Ionian region) at 7am Craig was up to be on deck and watch us be escorted by two other large sailing ships each with 4 masts (turns out that neither are sailing ... read more

Sea Cloud II is amazing. It's bigger than we thougtht it was going to be. Extremely well appointed with various hardwood cabinetry, moudlings, overhead paneling. The deck and side rails are teak and brass fittings are polished. The crew is amazingly attentive. Our rooms on the 3rd deck are spacious with our beds fitted with douvets. We have our own attendant who makes sure we have fresh fruit, ice, bottles of water, etc everyday and turns down our beds, etc. the bathroom is 1stclass. The ship so far hasn't done much rolling. There is an internet service but it costs 10 euros for a 24 hour period, Ken has tried it but it's slow. I finally paid up and it's OK but every now and then you get kicked off so if you haven't saved something ... read more