September 18, 2005 - Returning from a round trip doesn't always place you where you started

Eight thousand five hundred and thirty-four miles is a long way. And, to do it in four weeks is a bit fast. But, chances are, if I had 8 weeks, I would probably end up covering sixteen thousand miles.

I returned home last night. I managed to not make any wrong turns and did not fall prey to that statistic that most accidents happen within 20 minutes of one’s home. Everything was very much as I left it. The mess in the living room was still there and the saw dust from the construction of the platform for my truck still lingered all over the floor of the garage. And, what was wonderful was that good friends were just where they had been when I left for the roadtrip.
Evelyne and Alan were home, working on the details of their upcoming wedding. But, they were kind enough to welcome me home. We met at the local TGIF’s for a snack (okay, full meal for me) and shared some laughs for a few hours. And then, it was time to go home.

The truck has been my home, capsule, cell, shield for the past 3 days. I very much like my “Stay-Focused” shirt but it was time to clean up. I normally don’t take baths but I figured a soaking will help to dislodge some ground-in dirt. I noticed the patterns on my feet. I first thought it was dirt but discovered that soap did no good. I had, rather, the famous “Chaco-Tan” (some people develop a similar condition called a “Teva-Tan” but I am rather partial to my Chacos). My normal, day-to-day life involves wearing uncomfortable “dress” shoes which are quite far from functional. Considering that I spend most of my days on the ground or on mats with kids, Chaco’s would be better in this arena as well. But, anyway…I looked at these marks on my feet and they began to bring me such joy. They were the result of running free, day after day, in a setting that I love so much. They were the results of hard work...carrying heavy packs up and down strenuous trails. They were, in a definite way, a “badge of honor” that I will wear with pride until life takes another turn and causes them to fade.

I still haven’t managed to sleep in my own bed yet. The couch is very comfortable but shouldn’t be a permanent thing. Perhaps it’s that I still feel transient. I had been for such a long period of time in recent history. When I finally sleep in a bed, then that would be home. I hoped that I would be able to do that when I returned home from this trip. But, perhaps, for the sake of the adventure, it’s not time to have a home yet.

Tomorrow, I will visit Peak Potential having been absent for so long. Alan and Paul as well as the other volunteers have done an incredible job keeping everything on track and I thank them for it.

Thursday, it will be time to catch a plane to Costa Rica and then a boat to Cocos Island, in search of hammerheads. Perhaps that will help me to find a place closer to a bed and away from a couch.