We knew when we left we'd be coming back, but on the day we were supposed to, we kept finding things to do, places to explore, seemingly, reasons not to leave. Among the most interesting and lovely was a little chalk cave in the back of a white cliff walled cove we took the dinghy over to. But eventually, we had to go, and headed out before sunset.

Back in Cabrillo Marina we put put presents around a palm frond we found on Catalina that was decorated with some lights and one ornament in the shape of a sea star we had baked the night before. It felt like quite a perfect setting to exchange gifts and thanks for so much we'd experienced and found together, including the Christmas present from Miranda two years ago telling me that "Home is wherever the wind takes you."

I'm going to miss Michelle more than other times we've said "until next time," but am thankful for a few quiet days to replay, absorb, consider, and be thankful for her and this experience. I'm feeling extraordinarily humble and thankful.