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Travel, reentry and reflections

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  Getting home went smoothly, but it sure took a while!  I definitely enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger, salad and double IPA at my brother's (thanks Derek and Matthew!) in Oakland for my first meal back in the US.  We had a basement flood right before I left the Philippines, so it's been less relaxing to be home than usual.  Things are under control and we're on track to get repairs started soon.  Extra thanks to Noel for dealing with everything plus an emergency while I was away.   Highlights:  Friendly and helpful Filipinos!  I really enjoyed seeing all that goes into growing rice, which is the primary food for so many people worldwide.  Tropical birds, beaches, snorkeling, fruit, weather, etc. in January and February.  Touring Takeaways:  I prefer camping some/most of the time as it gives some independence (not tied to finding lodging) and much more time in nature.  Time to buy easier gears for climbing!  Not sure I'll tour in the tropics again as the humidity and warmth
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Bohol

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Wrapping up the trip on Bohol showed off another part of the Philippines.  We headed inland and started by visiting a Tarsier Sanctuary to see some of the world's smallest primates. On the way we ran into 2 other cyclists from Salt Lake City traveling with folding bikes. We all connected and exchanged contacts in case our paths cross again.  Next up was a visit to a national park for some birding and a night safari. I'm up to 107 new species of bird here, which is nice.  We took a relaxing rest day at a place run as an inn and butterfly sanctuary by the founder, Christie from New Zealand. Today, after a short walk to see the famous Chocolate Hills (they turn brown when the grass dries up), we went our separate ways. Rice harvest (1 of 3 each year on Bohol) was under way, so we've seen the full cycle. Rice pro
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3 of us...

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Photos copied from ebird, but I saw both the Magnificent Sunbird and the Visayan Hornbill along with 18 other new species on my birding day. Ferda joined us on Siquijor for snorkeling and poking around. Enjoying star apples right off the tree! Snorkeling was quite nice! Unfortunately Ferda ruptured an eardrum (painful at first and inconvenient, but not serious) diving down to see a huge sea cucumber, so we're switching to a more land-based itinerary while it heals.  Today we visited an Instagramable waterfall... which showed up in many tourists' posts today.  Definitely on a circuit here, unlike most of Luzon.  Now we're waiting for the ferry to Bohol.  Interesting snacking options!
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