Ok fine--stories :)

OK, so the ropes course yesterday: we got up and went behind the school and did a few rope things--walking on ropes while not touching the ground--getting from one spot to the next, depending much on the people to help you across. After each event, our instructor, "Mr. T.", would ask us questions or comments. of COURSE we didn't say much at first, but after a couple of "challenges", we started opening up. It really hit me when he looked at us and said "look around you--this will be your support group for the next four months." It's SO true. As much of a support as family and friends are, these 9 people (including Professor S and his wife) will be the ones to be here. After more little rope events, we went to the "Pentagon" where there were so many things you had to get across by only being there in a harness. it was pretty terrifying. BUT the zip line down to the ground again was a lot of fun :) Someone took a pict of me going down it...I should find it.

This afternoon was the hike to "Pyramid Rock"--We hiked about 1,000 feet--3 miles round trip. The highest point of Pyramid Rock is just under 7500' and we went to the top. (Gallup, NM is about 6500' above sea level) (Also--random note--we passed a hotel this morning : El Rancho Hotel! Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, and Katherine Hepburn have stayed there) ANYWAYS, the weather was perfect for hiking these 1,000'. About 78 degrees, partly cloudy, slight breeze. Stunning views as you will see here :)





This is Andrea [roomie] and me:





Random ones of me being weird:





Here is our group and Professor S [who we sometimes affectionately call "Uncle Ron"]