Today was my last hike before I fly out tomorrow morning. It was also the first hike I’ve been on alone this whole trip, which felt tranquil and nice. There have been so many instances lately where I’ve been in the right place at the right time, and it gives me a peaceful feeling. A couple days ago in Bourail a little girl was lost and she ran up to me crying. I don’t speak French and she didn’t speak English but we just talked to each other as if we did and smiled and laughed. I told her it was okay and I think she understood that. I understood one word: piscine, or pool. I brought her to the pool and her mother was there looking for her. Today a man slipped on the trail in front of me and sprained his wrist. He was doubled up in pain; if you’ve ever sprained/broken your wrist you know it hurts more than you’d expect. I had my first aid kit with me like always and wrapped it up for him (thank you @nolsedu training). I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t collecting Cladonia for my dissertation. I often feel like I’m too stupid or too lazy to be doing a PhD but weird happenings like this make me think whatever I’m doing is right. #phdlife #mycology #botany #koghis #newcaledonja #mycoblonde #botany #rightplacerighttime https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SoTbDA-7J/?igshid=eek8r47yp3lc