The pre-hike newsletter is always written last last last minute. As soon as it is sent I'm off south for a week of hiking and hanging with friends. I may be one of the world's worst packers and always forget something. I'm racking my brain to try to figure it out, the only thing that keeps coming to mind is how tight these pants are, but I can't change out of them because they make my butt look good and for some reason this is important to me today (there is a week for them to loosen up on the hike - oh god what if they don't? Why do I punish myself so? I am a slave to fashion).

Anyway.

This last month has been splendid - albeit tiring - I've had Gaël more often than not (commentary unnecessary - unless of course you want). It has led to some wonderful memories. Early days back from school for splash fights in the lake (transformer themed, he tends to recharge his "super splash" move faster than what canon would deem possible) followed by pizza on the grass. We've hit that high point in Seattle where it is one of the very best places to live (this lasts for 1.5 months and we spend the rest of the year wandering listlessly in grey drizzle angrily looking at instagram posts of our friends in San Diego and Phoenix). 

I'm deadset to teach him how to read. I'm following the guidance of several sketchy youtube tutorials, if you have tips they are very welcome.

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And me? Well I've decided to make some post-hike goals.

Needs to happen/Important:

* Yoga every day
* Sort out finances, plan the next few years

Might happen/Kinda important:

* Start putting some effort when dressing around friends
* Send a couple overdue letters
* Be mindful with how I invest my energy when it comes to relationships

Won't happen/Not important:

* Read more
* Start practicing my French again
* Get back in shape

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A thorough trip report coming when on the other side. Drop me a line and make my day when I emerge. Cowabunga dude,

DJ 

Written listening to this

PS: The summer dinner party group has emerged to leaving each other voicemails (through an app called "Cappuccino") on the daily, it is just the best (shoutout Chris/Hans/Andrew/Forge)
PPS: Ryan thanks for the paddleboarding, the story is equally deserving to be told, oh gosh I'm going to be late for my flight if I don't hurry
PPPS: We'll miss ya Ari, the best coast is just a little less that