Well Ladies and Gentlemen; I will be leaving Friday morning for my annual trip to Ecuador to work with rural fire departments, Red Cross and Civil Defense units <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Hopefully, the trip will remain relatively uneventful (at least in the negative sense) and I will have a few good stories to relate when I get back <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

I am still frantically packing <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />as last minute requests for various equipment and supplies are still being sent and I try and track down the items. I started to assemble some personal emergency items/supplies (flashlight, multi-tools, etc.) but as soon as I start to put a kit or two together, something interrupts the process <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. I am sure I will still be packing late Thursday night and I am sure I will forget something <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. Lists are going by the wayside <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />; as I have to set something aside to make room for some needed equipment/supplies.

If you would, what ever your religious persuasion, say a few prayers, I need them <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. Pete

Lights joss stick before my Buddha, candle by Saint Elmo medallion, sage in abalone shell by Kachina, another candle in collapsable ghetto menorah( is that kosher <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />) slips in a Andean panflute CD. I raise my PSK tin not unlike a priest offering up the sacrament. "Hear me Oh Lord, watch over Pete in his travels and goodly work. Oh, P.S. if he has more fun than me slip some harmless, but really scary beastie into his hammock." <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Chris <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . Pete <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You got it, Pete. Have a great trip.

Be careful when crossing the ecuador... Don't trip... The line is thing and barely visible. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> God speed my friend.

Take care of yourself Pete. Good luck.

Burak

Watch for those jibaros, lest they shrink your head.
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'll touch base with you all in about 11 days. See ya- stay safe. Pete <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Chris, sounds like you have all the bases covered.
And the harmless beastie sounds like a trip I had with the Boy Scouts in the piedmont of NC.

Just a quick note to say we are back safe and sound. I will try and put together some of the highlights of the trip. We had a great time and a nice little adventure in a 1963 Land Rover driven by a 82 year old gentleman, that I would not have given up for the world <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Pete