Austrailia and Cook Island Activities...

We kept pretty busy in Australia and the Cook Islands as well, sampling a variety of activities along the way. There were magical moments everywhere, and lots of new memories were created. Here's a glimpse at some of our adventures on the second half of our trip.

Appreciating the Aboriginal artwork...

Watching out for the infamously dangerous box jellyfish...
Perusing the local grocery stores...

Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef...
Cruising around on boats...

Sampling some local brew...
Riding the scenic railway...

Marveling at the views on the Cook Islands..
Hiking across Raratonga...
Crabwalking down the detour trail on our hike...
Striking on pose on some palm trees...


and lazing in the sunshine...

Creatures...

Our trip was filled with animal sightings and interactions. In each country we had unique experiences, though it was Australia that provided us the most extreme exposures. Here is a little sample of some of the creatures we spotted and/or befriended:

A friendly kangaroo...
A sleepy koala...
A hiking rooster...

Some brilliant glow worms...

A fearless flier...

A lazy crocodile...
and a graceful sea turtle!

Returned...

It is official: we have returned! The past few weeks were spent traveling around the southern hemisphere and visiting our good friend Annie. Wow! We had a wonderful time, and apparently our dog did as well because she has been virtually crashed out since we picked her up yesterday afternoon. Lindsey did a lot of running on the ranch and socializing with the other dogs. Hopefully she didn't pick up too many new bad habits there, though I guess we'll find out in the coming days. I'll try to post some photos later on after I finish all of my errands and laundry!

Springtime picnics and cornhole...

Our good friend Caitlin introduced us to cornhole. In brief, it is beanbag version of horseshoes, with a couple other twists and modifications. Last night a group of us gathered on the lawn near the Mission to play a few rounds of cornhole and picnic amongst the rose garden. A great way to celebrate Friday and community. Three cheers for Cato: Hip Hip Hurray!

My New Favorite Thing...

Normally I don't use this blog to advertise, though I just recently discovered a product at Trader Joe's that I think other people should check out. The image above depicts this delectable treat which is a Raspberry Vanilla Ice Cream Bar. They are so delicious. The flavor reminds me of my childhood, when I used to eat endless bowls of vanilla ice cream topped with freshly picked raspberries from my grandparent's garden. Yummy! They are fantastically refreshing and addictive. Enjoy!

Reflections on Displacement and Disaster...

For the first time in my life I was recently evacuated from my home because a wildfire was burning in the foothills above Santa Barbara. Actually, it still is technically burning, though the fire is not as threatening as it once was. As a result of the evacuation, Kyle, Lindsey, and I spent a few days as displaced creatures. Thankfully a friend offered to share her cozy home with us, so we were in some ways sheltered from the full impact of the situation. It was still strange, however, to be displaced during such a volatile time. With danger lurking around the corner, it was extremely difficult to rest and relax. During the emergency situation and today as I have begun to put my life back in order, I've found myself thinking a lot about survivors of natural disasters and refugees. Though my situation is a far cry from a battlefield or a tsunami, it has allowed me to gain some insights about the emotionally exhausting impact of having a heightened stress and fear of something that is totally beyond your control. I have also been able to practice non-attachment with many of my belongings, reinforcing to me that above all the possessions I have, it is life and my family that matters the most. Today I feel lucky. There are many others who won't be able to return to their homes for quite some time. If you believe in prayer, please pray for the fire victims in my community; for recovery may be a long journey for some. Thanks, and be well!

The Happy Prancer...

Lindsey can be quite the leaper when she gets excited. Every time she busts out in her crazy hops and dashes, we crack up. Her happiness is contagious.