2009-05-14 My job has kept my super-busy and very stressed, so I apologize for my lack of updates. Not that there was much to report. I don't really care for plush hotels. Or wearing ties. Last Sunday I went hiking behind the hotel. What kind of an idiot climbs up a mountain in California with shorts on? It was fun, though, even if my legs now look like scratching posts. I didn't get lost exactly, but I never did find a trail to follow. It was very foggy, so as I climbed up the small mountain, much of the time I could only see a few dozen yards. It has been over three months since I left home. But as much as I wish it were otherwise, my trip is over. My job simply can no longer be maintained on a part-time basis. And unfortunately I cannot quit. To punctuate this reality, I shipped my bike home today via UPS. It was sad. It was a closure that I didn't want. It was...really expensive. I will be following my bike tomorrow by bus and plane tomorrow.

it's a jungle out there above the clouds pack it up