4/16/9 To Colombia

Woody tried surfing (again). My recollection is that the last time he was going to do this in San Diego he was terrified of sharks and wouldn't get off the dry sand. But then, I like remembering my little brother when he isn't so brave, helps me stay in charge I guess. And so, that is it and Colombia it is:

"bocas del toro is a new and interesting place. i met a guy from northern california my first night here and spent yesterday traveling around some of the islands with him. i went snorkeling for the first time and i loved it. saw tons of fish and beautiful, amazing, crazy coral reef. i also tried surfing a bit, with little success. i paddled out, with some difficulty, then i looked up and realized that i had paddled further out than any of the other surfers in the sea. so i figured i should try to catch a wave to close some ground, but before i could even put my mind to it, one caught me and i flew into the beach, however, i never stood up, just surfed on my belly. it was good fun just being out there in the water, riding over and under the waves. until the board wax rubbed my nipples raw. they are very sore today.

i ran into the two bikers from oregon yesterday and i am going to ride with them from here to the boat. there is some confusion as well, as the boat is going to colombia. it is, in fact, difficult if not impossible to boat around colombia. i understand how you feel about colombia, but you have to understand that everything that you have heard, read, and seen, is not all that there is to the story of this country. i will not be traveling alone, either, but rather with 3 other bikers. milan is from panama and his parents live in colombia now, if that makes you feel any better. have some faith, and realize that adventure is moving through the unknown and being uncertain of the outcome. do not be afraid and do not freak out, as those things can only affect me negatively, and mindset is key to adventure--being clear headed and positive. i am headed tomorrow, with milan and andrew, towards panama city. unfortunately i do not think that i will have a chance to meet up with anders or the couple from minnesota. i spent too much time in monteverde getting ready for the plunge into south america, and now i have a boat to catch."

There really is no alternative, and whomever told me I could still be bossy from a distance was wrong. My influence is not as great from thousands of miles away, nor are my empty threats to make him sorry for disobedience. Oh, wait, I guess the efficacy of that threat was lost when he turned twelve and could beat me arm wrestling...how soon I forget.

-- luludilly