Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 15:48:20 -0700
Subject: Camping under the stars, I mean clouds
We're back in business as far as these some what daily updates, but probably not for long.
I'd like to welcome Laurie Howell and the Montana Space Grant Consortium over at the "other school" to the list. Pleasure e-mailing to her as well as the rest of you. As always, if you want off the list or know somebody who wants on the list, don't hesitate to ask. Ask and it shall be done.
Yesterday we left for a camping trip. Before leaving, we went to Walmart and picked up some pictures as well as some breakfast at McDonalds, which happened to not be serving breakfast at the time so we ended up with lunch for breakfast. I got four rolls back and got some really good ones. Should make for a great slide show that I still plan on doing at UM.
Around 12:30 or so, we left for Doug's (director) to meet up with them. The Dryden people were mixed with us. Some were in their van and some rode with Doug. Four of the six stayed at the French house Thursday and Friday nights.
After catching up with Doug, we had lunch at McDonalds, again. Then we waited in the parking lot while Kim, one of van drivers/Resident Asssitants took a Dryden girl back to the French House for some thing she had forgotten. Then it was off to the beach. We got to Sunset State Beach around 3:30 or so. We checked into the campground and were on the beach shortly thereafter.
The campground was over the hill from the beach and near Santa Cruz. We were disappointed in the lack of the sun. The clouds were present the whole time and it rained during the night. We had a campfire that night, but not without making a run to KOA for some hot dogs. After dinner, a few others ran to KOA for some, I dare not say it, alcoh**. KOA: The liquor store out in the middle of no where!!!! All of them made fun of KOA mostly because they have never been to one. I must say, as a frequent "Kamper", they are missing out on a lot.
Later that night, a few of us, including me, went down to the beach and had a fire down there. It was so nice to have some piece and quiet. Estimated bed time: 2:00 AM. We slept in rented sleeping bags under the stars. Very nice!!!
It rained this morning, but I did not notice it - I was too zonked. We were all in a big hurry to get back home to experience the finer things in life such as running water. After parting ways with the Dryden Academy, we left and got back around 1 or 2.
It was nice getting to know the Dryden Academy. By this morining, we knew each other so well that it seemed as if we were one academy rather than two. I talked to the Kalispell, MT guy a lot. We get along real well.
This after noon, only five minutes after walking through the door, we had a meeting to discuss our group project. Very productive meeting. We've made a decision, but I'll announce that in another e-mail message.
Thus ends another fun weekend at the 1997 Ames Astrobiology Academy. Keep e-mailing me when ever you want. I enjoy reading them. Nice day in Palo Alto. I think I'll enjoy it. Hopefully e-mail you tomorrow, Lord willing.
Don Olinger