fall arrives
yep, the sun moves further and further down the horizon with each passing day. from my living room window the sun sets between oakland city center’s twin towers around the equinox. and the closer it gets to the winter solstice the less it shines directly in my windows in the evening. it would be nicer the other way around, with the sun pouring in during the winter, but alas that is not how it works. instead i have some really, really warm summer evenings.
my apartment overlooks lake merritt and yesterday, in preparation for the winter migration, they enlarged the “bird only” zone by dragging the barrier floats across the lake and making room for our winter guests. only a few coots and grebes so far but soon the buffleheads, greater and lesser scaups, canvasbacks and goldeneye’s will arrive. and with each day that passes i am a day closer to my departure.
now that my travel plans have become more tangible, i look around and wonder if i will get homesick. i’ve been away for a month here and there, but what i have in mind is different. it’s longer and i’ll be on the move. i’m sure my previous solo travels have helped prepare me but i’m also sure there will be unanticipated challenges. and anticipated ones: alone and sick, noisy room, missed bus, stifling hot, smelly bed, caught in a downpour with my pack. some i can prepare for, some i can’t. stay positive, peg.
i’ve planned a trip back to texas to visit with family before i go: wurstfest in new braunfels with friends, time with the nieces and nephew in dallas, and with mom and dad in san antonio. my parents don’t know my plans yet. i’ve wanted to wait till my job departure is finalized before i told them. and i decided that it’s the better for them to have less time to worry every time they hear a bad story about central america. yeah, i’m 40, but some things never change :).
so if you read this blog at any point and have words of encouragement, bring them on! post a comment!
Tags: birds, preparation, Travel
Peggy Rehm
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Pegg i think what you are doing is great. There are so many wonders and interesting cultures to explore. I just pray that one day I can do the same. So you go traveler I will enjoy the experience through your eyes.
November 7th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I love the blog and will come and visit regularly. That way I can travel with you in my mind 🙂 When you become homesick always remember that things don’t change where we are. Things will be more or less the same when you get back. You on the other hand will live your dream! I hope I will get the chance to come and accompany you for a little part of your journey. Be sure you will be missed!