Hi everyone!

We are having so much fun here in Vancouver! It's great to see everyone and be in the states. It's a good thing we like Okinawa so much because it's going to be a long two years before we get back here for good! You are probably all ahead of the game and done packing but if not here is a thought I just wanted to throw out. We were strategizing our packing this morning and Tom reminded me of a good idea from last year. I think this is what Adina did last year so she can help us out with the details. Anyway, the idea that you pack clothing that can be left in the car so the houseboat is not as crowded. You can leave half your clothing in the car and switch mid week or some other system you think may work. I think that I will plan to leave our "hotel" clothing and travel days clothing in the car along with an extra outfit or two just in case I need more than think and I will. I plan to take very little clothing on to the boat. As you pack just keep reminding yourselves that all you really need are swimsuits, cover-ups and p.j.'s and undies. It's too hot to wear clothing and you'll just be getting wet again soon. Even when we went for our hike we had to wear swimsuits because we had to get in the water to get off the boat and swim/walk over to shore. And the last thing to remember is that space is crucial! We will need every little nook and cranny we can find on the boat so the less extra we bring the better off we are. It won't be that hard to get back to the car midweek. We will probably go back to the dock for gas, ice cream, to drop off runners or to send someone for more sunscreen in town!

Well anyway, that's the idea! We can't wait to see everyone!

Tracey