Okay. I recently figured out how to upload pictures I've been taking into this blog, so now I'm going a little overboard on the picture link thing. It makes me feel smart 'n stuff.

I've been packed for days. I found a bunch of people to meet with in Mexico City over the hospitality networks that I am a member of - globalfreeloaders.com and hospitalityclub.org - both good sources for free, local lodging. My host Sandra will pick me up from the airport, and I will stay at her family's house in Cuajimalpa for a few nights. On the weekend, another fellow travellers host will hopefully show me around the nearby countryside. Then it's off to the beach for me.

Since I won't see the Pacific Northwest for a while, I felt compelled to go for a little trip out of town. We stayed at the Seaside International hostel (I recommend!), and hiked the Neahkanie mountain trail. The trail starts at Oswald West State park, a cool little surfing beach with some cool tidepool action. Whenever I find tidepools I get totally immersed in checking out all the little stuff that lives in this little mini-ecosystem. I could just stare forever:o) No matter where I go, or have gone in the past, Oregon will always stand out as breathtakingly gorgeous. I have been happily sitting between the Columbia river gorge in the east and the Pacific coast in the west for years, and will always come back here if given the choice. But hey, for now, I'll be thrilled to leave the rain behind (though it's been exceptionally nice lately) Here I go!