Leaving on a jet plane …
Well, my bags are packed … two large cases of gear and a garment bag with clothing and snorkeling gear. And, my laptop and one other check on bag. this is traveling light for me! I'll stop by customs to have them check my gear list with serial numbers. This is so that when I return I won't (hopefully) be charged duty on my gear. My flight is about 10 hours and I will cross the international dateline. Thus, you likely won't hear from me again till later in the weekend. I'll stay in Tokyo for a few days before heading to Mikura. Miyake's eruption caused a change in travel routes to Mikura and thus, I will fly to Hachijo and then take a helicopter to Mikura. While in Tokyo I'll be giving a few talks to help the opening for the film DOLPHINS in Japan. I am a bit nervous about my Japanese, but all should go well. Cheers for now. Will write more from Japan. Kathleen