Paradise

I made it. I'm here at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge.

I can't take my eyes from the windows. I catch myself just getting lost in the river. The river is wide and blue green in color with white rocks all along. The mountain rage that rises all around us is intimidating. When i thought that I would just climb a mountain on Christmas day to find some snow...I was very mistaken. These mountains are very different from home. They are steep, they rise fast and are very jagged because they are still young. They change all the time. They fall and rise. There are trails leading into the bush all around the lodge. Some follow the river, some wind up the mountains. One thing that you notice as you walk is how tropical the landscape is here. It's very different from home. Very green and tall but totally different plants. Lots of ferns but the trees i don't recognize at all. The other thing that I've noticed is that there are mainly only birds here. There are some rabbits, some rats and possums and that's about it. No other animals. There are seals on the coast and fish, eels, dolphins and such but no other land animals. It's been very cloudy here and rainy but finally today the sun came out.

Today was a wonderful day. I was up by 6:30 and working. Cleaning and helping with breakfast. Long long morning and the dishes were never done. Finally all rooms were clean and the bathrooms spotless. It had been raining all morning. After a final meeting and lunch it was still raining but i had free time on my hands for the first time and decided to get in a kayak for the first time and get on the river. AMAZING but my arms hurt. I took some left over pizza and tossed it out to see if i could see the eels that are as large as me or fish but no go....sadly. Then the rain stopped and the sun came out. FINALLY for the first time since I've been here and it made me really happy. The sand flies were eating me alive, I'd had enough on the river and it was getting hot so I came in. Being hot I decided I would brave the eels and dive in. AHHHH so cold. It's like at home. The water took my breath away and i was out just as fast as i had been in. After a hot shower I went to the kitchen to help Susan with dinner and I got to make truffles! mmmm and taste them too. sooo I'm worn out and it's been a full but great day. We only have three guest here tonight so tomorrow should be slower. I'm still trying to catch up on sleep but i'm so glad to be here.

I send my love.