So I made it. Almost. I still have to catch the ferry to Hamnet, but the flights weren't so bad. A bit of turbulence on the last leg, but nothing life-threatening.
The woman I was sitting next to on the plane wouldn't stop talking, but at least it was informational. She told me that she and her husband travel to the Grand Paradise every year for their Festival of Life celebrations. She warned me that the hotel does not have regular wi-fi, so reaching people off the island can be pricey and not always guaranteed. This must be what living off-the-grid feels like.
All of that to say, this might be the last you hear from me until I reach civilization again. I've got the camera and I'll try to take as many photos as I can for you. They won't be near your skill level, but I like to think I've had a pretty good teacher.
While I'm gone, make sure to stop in and reassure Mom and Dad that I'm fine. I promise I won't run off with some 40 year old millionaire with a rented yacht and a mid-life crisis.