Jan. 12, 2000
In the sky over Ontario, Canada

2:38pm. Shortly I will land in Toronto. During The National in-flight televison news broadcast, I caught a glimpse of my father in a story regarding Preston Manning and his decision to resign as leader of the Reform Party if the party does not become part of the "United Alternative " - a collaboration of Reformers and Progressive Conservatives. Dad appeared in quick a shot taken on at a Reform convention, standing on stage with other regional directors. Dad was interviewed on CBC radio this morning about the same issue.

I went to bed at 3am this morning, was up at 4:40am, and in the CBC radio studio being interviewed by Paul Castle at 6:05am. My first interview on his show was four years ago, when I was selling Christmas tree to raise funds for the journey. I think this is my sixth interview with him. I give a progress report and an up-date on what’s new --continuing to Nicaragua and plans for SAMAX.

I scored the monthly column in the Reader. They were all for it and are writing a cover-story to start it off. At 9:30am, Peter Walsh, a photographer for the paper, picked me up and we dropped down to McClairen’s beach for a quick shoot. He heard the interview on CBC and said he liked the idea of the scholarship. The slide show at RCS had a sorry turn-out: only a dozen butts in an a theater for two hundred. Oh well.

Last night, I had a good chat on the phone with my brother, Adam. He did most of the talking-- advising the practice cost-benefit analyst, and suggesting I choose my battles wisely. Today at noon, he was on a televised debate speaking about solutions for poverty opposite two members of Parliament.

Ma, Pa and I had a good talk on the way to the airport. Coming home was a good thing. We’ve talked about everything. They’re cool. Dad was even talking about how it would be more effective for a person who doesn’t use Cannabis for it’s psychoactive properties to promote it’s decriminalization - referring to his position on the Reform Party platform steering committee.

I have approximately $3000Cdn ($1700US) between my bank account and mutual funds. After purchasing a new SLR camera, getting a gold tooth in Mazatlan and a month of living expenses, I’ll surely be broke by the time I’m ready to start traveling again by kayak ...if I don’t find another way to make some cash.

I’m being told to store the laptop under the seat to prepare for landing.

11:44pm. "It was coming out both ends. " Richard shares of his recent experience suffering the effects of cholera-- received by drinking contaminated water in Mexico after torrential rains and overflowing sewers. "Then I remembered the old cowboy saying: ’When yer ridin’ through hell... KEEP on riding!’ That’s what got me through. That was my New Years. "

"I’ve got a surprise for you outside, " said Samantha, as we headed out of the Austin Airport, hand in hand. I thought maybe she had her car back. I never would guessed-- Richard and Anne. Anne flew in from Norway last night. I am shocked to see them. Lots of hugs and kisses.

At this time, we are all chill’n out front at Ruta Maya-- our favorite coffee house hangout. Jay, Sean and David (an ol’ scooter pal of Richard’s) are also here. A bunch of the gang: Jay, Chris, Coyote, David, Richard and Anne are heading out to the desert tomorrow. "One thing we all need to remember... " Richard advises us, "is to take it easy on ourselves. " He’s the coolest teacher I’ve ever known.

I’m lov’n on Samantha. I forgot how beautiful she is. This is a sweet welcome back.