Mark is optimistic and naïve to think an 11 year-old kid would miss dad for a few days. But as I feared, Jules Rivera is using the entire week to get Mark out of the house and on the road; apparently, to work on her comic strip humor chops.

And what’s with all of (at least 5) the bags (panel 1)!? I thought Mark was the only one making the trip. It’s only going to be a few days; a week at most. Hell, a few years ago I spent an entire month in England with the contents of one backpack, so I can’t figure out what he’s bringing along.  Surely it can’t be clothes, since he always wears the same outfit. Well, he might have a closet full of red plaid board shirts, for all we know.

Perhaps, as a professional wildlife and nature photojournalist, Mark tries to be prepared for the chance to ply his trade as the opportunity presents itself, so he’s bring along some equipment. Or, this is a clever ruse to sneak out of the house with all of the junk food in the kitchen cabinet.