WHat a wonderful tale, so vivid and nerve-wracking in plot, so dynamic in tension, so colorful in detail!

I am pleased, although also sorry, to report that I have found my way back to the balmy clear blue skies of San Diego, where the sunlight dapples the trees and the chill is always gone by breakfast. Dani was kind enough to drop my weeping corpse at the airport, and the security guys moved me through the line in spite of my wailing, because by that time she was gone and they didn't know what else to do with me, so they sent me along to the airplane. Eventually the sniffles died down to a muted whimper, and I passed into the sleep of the Post-Getaway Recovery Traveler.

The magic of these ten weeks is unspeakable and is still cascading through my old bones sparking memories for the polishing and sorting, and I have no idea how long it will take me to process it all. But I do know this much--it was a wonderful journey, from the Straits of Northumberland to the Lowlands of Wingate, North Carolina, and back. I feel swamped with gratitude and pleasure and affection for the many fine souls who made it possible. I should do it again, I think. Just rest up a little, and then let's see....


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