It’s pretty much that time already!
The last few days were spent at the final expedition wash up, and a closing ceremony with the Minister if Youth and Sport, and his Permanent Secretary (and others) in attendance. My slideshow of the three months went down a storm, and it had a (if I may say so) cracking soundtrack from Greenday to Hieroglyphics.
We all went to a small basic resort by the beach and had a good party, with a cracking sunset, then were in the sea in the dark watching a distant thunderstorm, stuffed full of BBQ food and non alcoholic cocktails.
All the participants went home today, or we dumped them in KK to go on their merry ways. Quite a sad day, but the end of a good time, and there’s definitely folk out of the group I’ll miss (but hey, not a lot of you ;-> ). A few tears were shed at the airport (not mine, thank god!), a few bits of gear were left behind.
We then returned to fieldbase, then a slab of beer was cracked open and we went out for a meal.
I’m sure there are loads more I could write about the last few days but I need my bed. It’s the staff party tomorrow and I’m determined to make it snorkelling before the madness kicks in. If you are checking this out after having got back to the UK, I hope you settle back in ok, and don’t get too down. Just think of all the good times, and the things you’ve done that none of your mates will ever do.
I’ve confirmed my Emergency First Response and Rescue Diver courses before I leave Sabah, I only need to book return flights from the Sipadan trip. I think I’m binning the idea of heading up to Sandakan for the orangutans and turtle island due to the cost, but hey ho, plenty more adventures to come…