So by now I bet some of you thought I DID stow away on KoK - if only that had been the case. Sigh.

What a great time, though, made possible by Ric's generosity and the friendliness of everyone aboard that I met. I was able to spend Monday afternoon on the boat, even rode down to the refueling dock and back (fun but in truth not all that exciting. Smooth ride)
Ric loved the gift - in case these pictures don't make it up on the Forum, I'll tell you all what it was: Bruce Thomas had the idea to get Ric and the team a bottle of Benedictine as sort of a gag gift (thanks again Bruce for the idea!! Can't believe I pulled it off!). They'll have to "sneak" it on the boat though since the cap'n runs a "dry" boat...
I cannot express enough how nice it was that Ric took the time from his busy schedule to show me around and introduce me to everyone - and if I try to name everyone, I know I will forget someone...but what a class act. I can't wait to hear what happens at Niku! I've invitied everyone from the team to come to the Battleship Missouri for tours, time permitting, when they return - that is if there aren't any big earthshaking press conferences to announce...well, you know.