(5/7/08) 1:39 pm Palau | 9:39 pm LA
Last day in Palau

I didn't go for a walk with the girls this morning - partly because I was still trying to get online to upload yesterday's journal and check my e-mail (never could get connected), plus I got a pretty good sized blister on one of my toes during yesterdays walk (so much for telling the truth on packaging - blisterfree socks my ass). I laid back down and put some apple cider vinegar soaked napkins on my burn(s)...not looking forward to all the sitting I have coming up later tonight. It's not as bad as yesterday but trying to peel the clothes away from the skin after sitting for a while is painful - maybe the cool/cold plane won't be as bad as being in the heat and humidity.

After we all got showered and dressed (and fed), we went out for a drive so that I could take pictures. First we drove the route that Shauna had run earlier to check distance, then we checked Rachel's route. Since I couldn't check-in online, we then went over to the Continental Airlines office. She wasn't able to print my boarding passes, but said that I could get them at the airport between 10 pm and the flight which leaves at 1:10 am. She also said that's it's showing on the computer for me to receive vegetarian meals - I told her what happened with the food on my way to Palau - we'll see what happens; I'm thinking of bringing some sandwiches with me.

From there we headed to this area where the local growers were selling their produce and such (kind of like a mini farmer's market). Shauna got a cute, small pineapple for 75 cents. I think I even saw some fresh caught fish on ice in one of the areas.

They took me to landing "T" (I think that's what it's called) and I got some pictures of the water and clouds and reflections and lots of crabs - at least 5 pictures of different crabs. I tried to get a picture of a starfish but the camera kept focusing on the water - very frustrating. I did get one shot but didn't get
to see how it came out.

When we got back, Rachel and I heated our leftovers from last night while Shauna made herself a veggie burrito. They finally have an internet connection again, so Shauna's been communicating with her family - most are being evacuated due to a large fire in Santa Barbara. The last I heard, Shauna
was told the winds were gusting up to 50 mph...not too good with a fire blazing.

I'm pretty much packed and ready to go. I want to take a shower later on then I can pack all the last minute stuff.

10:47 pm Palau | 6:47 am LA

After the soccer game finished on TV, the girls and I headed to Ngarchelong to see the Stone Faces of Badrulchau. The area is on the island of Babeldaob. Some of those basalt monoliths were quite large - over 6'. As for the stone faces, it would have been cool to see them after they were done...time, and the elements, have made it difficult to see the faces; you almost have to use your imagination to make out a face.

The best part is the view...especially from the top of the trail. Once at the faces, you see jungle with just a little bit of the ocean showing.

On our way back home we stopped at a small store so that Shauna and I could get something to drink - we went off without any water. As we came out, Rachel pointed out the "gas station" - a penned in area full of red plastic gas cans! You'll have to see the picture to believe it.

As we continued our trip home we ran into a downpour and we noticed a rainbow...a little later on Shauna and I saw the rainbow's end in the ocean - a very cool sight, but didn't get a picture (no place to stop or pullover).

We stopped by Fuanes and Lani's house and said our goodbyes - I'm going to miss those two, I had a lot of fun snorkeling with them (and of course Rachel and Shauna). I gave Fuanes one of the digital cameras I brought with me as a thank you.

We finally got home sometime after 6 pm and Rachel made us some rotini pasta with veggies and homemade tomato pesto - very tasty. For desert we each had a cookie that she had made.

After they went to bed, I took my shower and then packed the last minute items before sitting down on 2 napkins soaked in apple cider vinegar on top of a plastic bag. I just hope I make it home with little to no pain from the sunburn.

Next time I write, I'll be on a plane...somewhere heading home to Los Angeles Airport.