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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...
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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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I'm riding tomorrow morning!

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I'm writing from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile after visiting Margo in Valparaiso/Viña del Mar.  Fortunately all our travels have gone smoothly, Noel made it home and my bike made here intact. With 6 hours in Santiago I went hiking and saw my first Giant Hummingbird!  Yes it's huge.   Valparaiso tourist pix... Margo left for Patagonia Thursday and we drove to Chimbarongo for a lovely visit with Nazaret and Atarnan.  Besides catching up after 5 years we were treated to excellent wine and food.  Muchas gracias amigos! Back to Santiago for our flights.  Mine was spectacular paralleling the Andes. San Pedro is very touristed, but has provided a good staging area.  I've seen several new birds and got out for a fun ride. Up, up and away tomorrow with 7500' to climb in 30 miles.  I'll ride over 15000' if the legs and lungs allow....
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