From Tyumen, Russia. I dedicated today's run to Max and Olga who were born here, adopted son and daughter of Vermont friends Laura Medalie and Dave Kissner. We've been running in the green countryside and will stay in Tyumen tonight so that I can report more on it tomorrow. It is lush like Vermont with surrounding hills that hug you like the Green Mountains do. We've had all sorts of weather today, monsoon-like rains, thunder and lightning and sun. Unfortunately no people encounters except for the network media who showed up as we left our hotel this morning to interview all of us.

Last night's accommodations were basic. How has it been sleeping in a different bed every night? Like musical chairs says Shiri. It's been fine for most of us and kind of fun. I find the beds are usually firm and the linens clean. The showers have been fine too with plenty of hot water, although the local places give you teensy towels. Only once were we sans shower. All in all, this Russian experience has been pleasantly comfortable so far compared to my prior experiences here. We are, however, being ferociously attacked by the mosquitoes. Last night's room had bug and blood splats all over the walls.

Silver Team has tomorrow off. We've been having good times in the van. Shiri, David, Emmanuel and our guide Arina are in their 20's. I'm thoroughly enjoying everyone and appreciate their acceptance of matriarchal me. We are compiling "Shiriism's" and having philosophical discussions about cultural differences. Emmanuel loves to lecture us in his delightful way and push our buttons. We banter around our perspectives and all the possibilities.

One of the guides saved a young Russian girl's life last night. We were driving in tandem to our hotel when the vans stopped suddenly. John ran out and scooped the little girl out of the middle of the street just as two trucks were barreling down on her. Turns out her parents were on the side of the road doing who knows what and the little girl had wandered into the road. She looked to be about 4 or 5 years old. When John took her to her mother, the mother was in an altered state and seemingly unconcerned. John commented that the real way to save her life would have been to take her away and find her a good home. I feel about many of the kids I've seen around here as I do about the wild dogs. They need attention and love. But I did meet a well fed and healthy cat at our hotel this morning who reminded me of my Gwinny. She was content and funny, doing multiple belly rolls to entertain us. Her owner was probably the friendly woman proprietor, a speck of a thing who insisted on hauling my duffle up to the third floor for me last night.

How has the food been? Overall, just like the accommodations, surprisingly good despite cucumbers three times a day. It would be difficult if I were still a total vegetarian, but I've managed to eat some good fish and chicken, and they have good cheeses. Most salads are cucumbers and tomatoes with dill but they also surprise us with carrots, cabbage, corn and peas. Sometimes I have no idea what the ingredients are but , if it tastes good, just go ahead and eat it. The egg dishes have been good, often freshly hatched. Many of the runners are served and eat mystery meats. Emmanuel had a piece of chicken with unidentifiable stuffing which he ate because it was good and he's not been sick. As for coffee and tea, it's tough to get them without sugar. Tea known as "chai" is an every meal beverage. I drink them as served and get the caffeine needed. After dinner, the sugary tea is my dessert. I'm enjoying a Russian beer nightly and plan on some vodka shots tonight given tomorrow's day off.

Soon we will be half way.....................................