last hours

i leave for the airport in 6 hours. time has flown. days fade into one another, yet are distinctive in the colors and faces and experiences that fill them. i was in such turmoil about coming on this trip and now today, my last here, i'm so glad i did and so thankful for the opportunity.

the sun rose on my back as i faced the andaman on the rocks for the last time. i love the sea here, but north carolina's shores and mountains will always be dearest to me. there's a deeper affection for them.

kate and zach have been taking pictures too, so here's some with me in them, to prove i was here.

the secret to happiness is to hold monkeys.


i'm so jane goodall. forget journalism... i think this career path looks good.



one of our sea kayaking guides, old as the sea.


these feet have seen quite a lot of miles on this trip. they look pretty beat up close.


i can't believe i'm here/i can't believe i'm leaving. this is pat's oldest daughter, mariko with me. she's cool. we were both homeschooled. yay homeschooling.

a note about homeschooling: why does everyone think homeschool kids turn out like freaks? there are so many normal ones. people [ahem, kate, zach, jessie, lindsay, etc etc haha] act surprised when they learn i was homeschooled and then immediately say, "but you're so... normal!"

surprise!