Since I have been back in Bend I have seen two GREAT bluegrass shows. This is a photo of the Moon Mountain Ramblers a local band from Bend. Well actualy it's more of a photo of the back of Marvin but you can see what is going on. This show was great because it was mostly an older crowd so everyone was sitting down. Of course all of us dirty hippies cannot sit still while there is dancing music playing. So we did some moving of tables and got the dance floor started. The band was into it. Then after the show we went to a friend of Steve's and jammed with the band for a long while. The members are wonderful people and about sharing their music.

Then last night I saw a band called the Avett Brothers. That was even better, everyone was dancing. Hats off to free local music. It just makes sense.


I still have Central America pictures seeping out. Here is Brent diving off a thing in the middle of the water. This photo is the begginning of a very sketchy kayaking adventure.

Since becoming a happy (and nappy) owner of a digimon I have become snap happy and carry it all over with me. It looks like I have found myself a new hobby. I figure this is a good way for me to keep a journal with pictures. So if you are interested I am happy to share my life with my friends and family who I don't see very often.

I wish to live each day in a way that is worthy of photos. At least be able to enough beauty in one day to feel the need to capture it in stillness. We will see what happens. Time can do strange things.

My bus is in the shop getting a new engine. It sounds like it is going to be another two weeks before she gets back to Bend. I am really excited to get my baby back. She is going to be fresh and ready to be lived in. I am excited. Winter is on the downhill side then I will be able to set up my hammock down at the park and have my own little campsite.

Peace and love.

"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances."

------Gandhi------

I have returned to Bend safe and sound. What an adventure. Many positive memories, interesting people, and many many smiles and laughs. It is refreshing to be in the cold high mountain air and a little strange to go from no worries to two weeks into class behind. I am excited to be back in Bend and very happy for things happening here.

As of right now I am homeless. What a delight. I feel like my travels are still going.

As always returning from a distant place I have a new perspective on life and I can see things through a different light. Man if you ever ever have the change to go abroad DO IT. If you don't think you have the change do everything you can to get the change you will never regret it. Speaking from my experience. Love to all. Here are some closing photos of the trip. Blaine this is mostly for your viewing pleasure. I would like a lesson on using the digimon and taking photos. I am excited to have a digimon of my own. I think I may even be growing up. It's a little scary. I may even be getting a credit card today.


We live in a beautiful world, filled with beautiful people. I hope no one misses a change to hug a friend, kiss a husband, smell a flower, drink some fresh coffee, talk to God, go barefoot, or cook a good meal.

We have made our way back to Costa Rica for the ending week of our trip. Today we had a peaceful day riding on buses, waiting for buses, playing cribbage waiting for buses, sleeping on buses, and thinking on buses. Now we are in San Jose, where highspeed internet exists, that means I am able to put photos up. Peppermint tea runs strong through my blood and I am ready to sleep. My thoughts are with everyone who has started school over the past few days. I am there very soon.

These are some random photos from the past couple weeks.

Stop to enjoy the beauty of life, love one another, and give thanks.

Finally we are in a place where the internet is free and are able to upload some photos. I havenät taken a ton of photos, but the memories are in my head for a lifetime. Here are some of recent people we have been traveling with, maybe some sunset shots depending if the computer is doing well.

Brent and I are on an island called Bastimentos in Panama. There are no cars on the island, it is quite small and beautiful. It is interesting because we have moved away from Latin culture into Carribean. We are with the rastas. Everyone greets us with Whats up rasta, or hola dreadlock, or you need some herb?. It has been raining for the last couple days which makes it fairly hard to do much. Yesterday we went for a muddy muddy hike.

The picture thing has stopped working so I guess two is enough.

Learning life lessons,

Colin

Bocas Del Toro. After many many miles and days seeking Carribean islands we are finally here. With clear waters and lots of rain. Photos soon.

Steve where is the place to be. I know you loved these islands. Is there a special beach to visit? Any information? We were not able to stay at Mondo Taitu because it was full. We stayed about four houses down at "the spot" for three bucks. Keep us updated... Are you done in the field. How was your New Years. We have been thinking about you. Peace.

Brent says "Colin is the most amazing traveling companion, um, I think I found a new...aww... attraction to him because of the wonderful experiences we have had together." and Donde es Jon Begin?

For those of you who do not know Jon Begin he is a crazy dude. Just when we think we finally have ditched he shows up after riding 250 kilometers on his scrappy bike (by american standards, it turns heads down here). Jon decided to stop consuming oil for "quite a while", because he would like to see what it is like and not depend upon a system that is causing much harm to this beautiful sweet we live upon. From an outsiders perspective the realization and experience are on a spiritual level. Jon if you are reading this. You are a stud. I respect your firm stand upon your convictions. Peace to the earth. I hope you make it to Bocas.

Brent and I consuming some of our free time doing everything we can to recycle our broken clothes including my Chaco's, his shorts, my shirt, etc. Ask questions in person.

Keepin it scrappy and speading the love from above,

Colin and Brent