Dear Ned,

Here I am, on a ferry bound for Deception Island, one of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. George's friend, Katie Firestone, is expecting me. Katie's a marine biologist who's doing research into deep water parasitic growth. She also owns a whale watching boat, and take tours out practically every day.

I should be excited, but for some reason, I feel on edge, like something's out of whack. Maybe it's because George and Bess arranged this little vacation for me, and sometimes their plans don't work out so well. Or maybe it's because we're about to dock at a place called Snake Horse Harbor – kind of a creepy name for a town, don't you think? Or maybe it's because I haven't been on vacation for so long that I've forgotten how to relax.

Anyway, we're here. It's not raining, but it's not sunny, either. It's just kind of gray. Maybe that's why I feel so strange.

Ever yours, 
Nancy

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