The next day most of us 
took a bus trip
to Panama City.

It was a rough trip.

The bus was small and crowded.

We went up and down hills,
around narrow roads.

The scenery was jungle-like.

We saw a few tropical birds 
flying around.

I think the orchids growing wild 
impressed us the most.

Once in Panama City we went
to the Army Px.

While we were there,
looking around trying
to decide what to do,
an American lady 
came up to us.

She asked if we would like
to see the city.

For well over an hour 
she drove us around 
showing and telling us 
about all the points of interest.

Later we took the bus back
to Cristobal and then back
to the ship.

The next day we went 
through the Panama Canal.

That was quite a thrill.

We watched by the railings 
how each lock was opened 
and the water level raised 
so the “Milne”
could go through.

Finally we were out 
in the Pacific Ocean.

Our next stop was Honolulu,
Oahu.

We were there about ten days.

As we had no patients aboard 
we were allowed shore leave 
each day.

We walked around the town,
enjoyed activities on the beach.

Some of us took sightseeing tours.

One day our chief nurse,
Mary Jo Miller,
got us a plane ride
to Hilo on the main island 
of HAWAII.

It was going over 
the pilot decided
to give us a thrill 
so did a loop maneuver.

When we landed Capt. Miller 
bawled him out and told him 
he had better be careful
with her nurses or he would 
find himself in a lot of trouble.

In Hilo we were taken
to a restaurant 
which was on a hill 
if I remember right.

There we enjoyed 
the most tender juicy steak.

After dinner we were driven 
around the island 
and saw the volcano.

Then it was back
to the plane and the ride back
to Honolulu and our ship.

One of the things we liked 
about the Hawaiian Islands 
was the fresh fruit,
such as pineapples and coconut.

We would take coconuts on board
to eat at a later date.

Lt. Sylvia Bromberg 
took quite a few.

She had them up in her top bunk.

Later when we were again sailing 
a storm came up 
causing the ship
to roll from side to side.

Down came the coconuts 
nearly hitting her roommate 
Lt. Crocker on the head.

Whereupon Sylvia was told 
either the coconuts would have
to go or she would.

She solved the problem 
by getting the ship’s steward
to make a coconut pie.

She ended up eating eight pieces 
and nearly getting sick.