One ocean, two countries, three states, and four days- I’m back in Missoula tonight, and grateful to be here.  Despite a few detours, the trip home has felt short- perhaps as it should.  I had a fantastic few days in Sydney – visiting old friends, ping pong, cricket, and lots of brilliant food.

Morgan, for the 6!

Brotherly death match (photo: Morgan Wagner).

Old friends and new friends (photo: Jill Brigden)

Thursday was a doozy- 7am run. 12pm rock gym session.  5pm “Sunday dinner”. 9pm flight to Honolulu (landed at 10am on Thursday morning, again). 4 hour layover. 6 hour flight to Seattle.  I was very thankful for a few extra seats on the long flight, so I had relatively little jetlag to fight.

In the sunlight.

Goodbye.

I spent Friday in Tacoma with Pat, who graciously stored my car while I was traveling.  I enjoyed seeing his life there, and a fantastic concert by a cellist I didn’t know.  Saturday I split for Bellingham to catch up with Ky and Amanda in their new digs and check out a city I’ve always wanted to see (worth the trip).

Tropics + 36 hours.

Bellingham winter.

I left early this morning to catch breakfast with my friends Bob and Nancy in Stanwood, WA- they’ve been a huge support to me over the years, and I’ve been overdue to check in with them.  Sometimes the smallest visits can be the most supportive.  I got in the car and fired the last 540 miles home this afternoon- Montana welcomed me appropriately.

Winter welcome.

I need to express thanks to a tremendous number of people for making this trip possible.  In no particular order: Bob (+family), Alan, Amy, Pat, Andy L, Jane, Marten, Andy G, Dustin, Justin, Micah, Ky, Amanda, Jill&John (+family), and probably at least a few more.  Thank you. I am deeply grateful to the universe for many miles of safe travel and indelible experience.  Cheers.