Departures.

Things are getting a bit sad around the chalet. Bowie & Sloan left on May 30th, and Brazil left on the first. I was supposed to leave on June first as well, but I didn't. I'm due to leave in the morning, though I haven't gotten my act together. I have yet to finish packing, and it's taking forever to gather up the photos we've collected over the past three months. I know what I want to take and what I want to leave, however, so it won't take me long once I start packing. I haven't done this sort of backpacking trip before, just forest/mountain/river wilderness backpacking, so I will let myself bring too many things. It's uncouth to stink in public, so I will bring extra clothing. I hope my bag doesn't weigh too much. [Edited to add: it weighed sixteen kilos, which is quite a bit considering my weight of fifty-one, but I stocked up on snacks at the grocer right before packing and it should drop down once I eat some food and jettison one of my travel books. I secretly also have two books of poetry and a novel. Don't tell.]

Irish is back, at least, with her husband, and the new team is cohesive and happy. They will do well. I will see everyone in about four weeks, when I pass through again to grab my bag. I left a suitcase in the attic. Finn might bring it to me later, but I will probably just pop in to grab it. I will feel comfortable being in Switzerland right before I fly out of Zurich, since I know the train schedule and all that.

So. I leave tomorrow, heading for Italy. I'm tired, excited, and a little nervous. Heading to the beach should clear up any misgivings.