Bags - have you always been an early riser, or does pain keep you awake? It always seem worse at night, like anxiety.
I find I wake at about 6 a.m. no matter what time I go to sleep, but then I nod off during the day - one of the benefits of retirement and living alone.
I like to go out on my balcony on clear nights and just look up at the sky - like those of you in other remote areas, we have no light pollution and the stars are wonderful.
When I woke this morning, it took me a moment to realise why I felt so happy - then I remembered that my grandson was finally starting on a career. For many months, I woke with a feeling of doom and started to think about my daughter - that doesn't happen so often now. I guess you can get used to anything - it doesn't hurt less, but you put it to the back of your mind and get on with your life.
jeni and maniac - I wish we could get an unbiased report of your antics from some other traveller - or even better, a member of the crew!
Ariadne - how lovely to have your gc dropping in on you. I don't know about other people, but when I move I can't rest until I have unpacked everything and found a place for it all. I know people, however, who still had tea chests unemptied after two years!