Yarn search advice?

Dear fibery pals,

We experienced an outdoor meet this weekend where we had 80+ degrees F and sunny one day and rainy in the 50s the next. On the rainy day, the kids' feet were cold because no matter how many pairs of regular socks you bring, once they're wet , forget it. One of D#1's teammates was particularly uncomfortable (one of those bony little boys with no body fat). He's a good friend, and his birthday's coming up, so I'd like to make him a pair of swim meet socks. Now the challenge: he likes violent and wacky color combos (bright orange striped with purple and sky blue wouldn't be out of line) ... they need to be wool, I think, to stay warm when sodden, and I think they'd probably be best made out of something a little heavier than traditional sock yarn. Any ideas?

Where Am I?

Need a hint (or two)? They weren't all taken on the same continent. :)

from Swine Flu Central

We had so many kids and faculty absent that we webcast graduation for the first time --my former colleague who is now in Beijing was able to watch, as were all the kids banned from campus as a result of their illness. One of our student speakers was absolutely terrific, and it wasn't hot out. I got to see 90% of the parents and students I wanted to see afterward.

And my separated-at-birth friend Jocelyn sent me a lovely care package today with yummy summerweight fiber (pictures soon, D#1 has the camera). THANK YOU!!

So we're done except for the comments and meetings, I have new yarn, and as of today (knock on wood) I haven't got the flu.

Pretty good for a Friday.