I made it out alive!!! There are many stories to tell and not that much time to tell them. Kelly- At one point I had to do pants optional geology- hipwaders and underware to cross a river. i was laughing so hard i almost fell in. Also, I had a crazy bear encounter. i will have to explain it later as it is a long story. The bugs were aweful, I was banned from wearing a bra for three weeks because I had gotten too many bites on my back. The moshka bite at pressure points. We took a dog -riki - with us and I spent the entire time with "hey Mickey" in my head and no one else knew the song. The people were great and all of them spoke some english. There were only six of us but no real clashes though I did occasionally make an idiot of my self. I really held back though. probably better. I got to ride in a helocopter, a tank, learn how to open cans with a knife and do some other crazy stuff. Russia breeds tough women. I read everyones blogs. Yeah for tracy and kelly and their jobs. WOOOOOOOT! super smart friends. Tom - I glad everything is going well. Lots and love and kisses top everyone. I though about all of you heaps. Love to all