Dispatches - 18 May 2025 - Returning Home and Planning Ahead

I'm back in East Texas for a bit. Between the book launch, prepping for the Wayfarer expedition, and ticket prices, it was time to head back. Honestly, I was ready to leave Tulum. As much as I love the place, and I do love it, I finished the first book faster than I thought I would, and I was beginning to get bored. Last time I was there, I went diving every day, twice a day, but this time around, I needed to save money. I spent a lot of time watching Law and Order in the common area of the hostel between siestas.

I got quad-S'ed at the airport on the flight from Tulum to Dallas. I would like to think that it was a true random screening, but with my travel history, I doubted it. It wasn't a huge ordeal; the plane was only half full or so, so overhead bin space wasn't an issue. My fins, though, were. The Guardia Nacional wouldn't let me carry them on the plane unless I wrapped them in bubble wrap. That was 26 USD down the drain...

Frustrations continue on the book front. The main printer royally jacked up the back cover, so I'm working to get that fixed. I was hoping to start filling orders by now, but, alas, I must wait a bit longer. Hopefully I can starting Tuesday or Wednesday. Hopefully. I did manage to send out the eight advance copies, though, so at least I'll have some happy customers.

Looking ahead, I've really started finalising the Wayfarer expedition this week. My trek through Morocco is shaping up nicely. I'm using a guide there (that was always the plan), and he's putting together a 17-ish day trek through the Sahara and the Atlas in December. The Morocco leg was the last major hurdle to hop over with planning, so I'm glad it's sorted now. I still have to organise the Zagros Mountain Trail, but that will be easy, I think. Not too many tourists trekking through Iraq. At least, not yet. Hopefully in the future, though.

Andy, an American Jo and I met in Pamplona last year, confirmed he will be at San Fermin for a week. He's going to buy Jo's tickets to the bullfights for him and his girlfriend. Jo can't go, sadly. She started a new job that she enjoys, so she needs to build up her reputation and time off before she takes off on a two-week trip to Spain to run with the bulls. That real world life strikes with a vengeance!

As for me, well, I'm not quite ready to be on the road again, but I'm getting closer to wanting to leave. Only about six more weeks!